Aloha from Tempe Town Lake

Frank Berta

This year’s Arizona Aloha Festival, held March 14 and 15 at Tempe Town Lake, was a huge success.The 15 annual event, billed as “A New Beginning”, moved from its usual venue at Heritage Square in Phoenix to Tempe Town Lake and attracted the third largest crowd for an event at the location, surpassed only by the New Years Eve party, and July 4 festivities.

With three stages, festival goers were entertained by nearly 40 acts, as well as many educational programs, including learning to play the ukulele, taught by several experienced players, an assorted Lei making demonstration, using various materials and techniques, as well as many activities just for the “keiki”.

There was even a sit on the grass circle which held a discussion on melding cultural barriers.

There were several Hawaiian clubs, including the Arizona Dragon Boat Association and Outrigger Canoe Clubs, and canoe rides were offered on the lake by Arizona Dry Heat Paddlers.

There was also more than 100 food and craft vendors, two days of beautiful spring weather, and a great location.

Tempe police commented that this was the most incident free event held at the park.

The festival is a volunteer run event, with even the performers donating their time and paying their own expenses to attend the event.

Ron Kuala’au, who came all the way from Maui to attend the festival and perform with his group Tunana, was enjoying the beautiful weather, the huge crowds, and the location.

“It’s beautiful here. You’ve got the water and the sunshine,” Kuala’au said.

Kuala’au and bass player Tarvin Makia performed together and also backed up the closing act, Faith Ako, an award winning performer of traditional Hawaiian music from the San Francisco Bay area.

Ako played ukulele and sang, while her daughter, Felila Ako, danced hula for the crowd.

At the close of the festival, many of the weekend performers gathered for large jam session, ending the festival with the spirit of aloha in the air.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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