It was a sunny afternoon, with temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit—warmer than in Hawaii, where it typically hovers in the 80s. I imagine it’s breezier on the islands than in Arlington, where the 2025 Ho’olaule’a (celebration) was held.
I purchased my $14.64 entrance ticket online and handed the printout to the receptionist upon arrival. As you entered the venue, lively music greeted you from the live musicians on the right, while a silent auction was underway on a row of tables to the left.
I placed bids on two items: a hand-painted vase for $25 and a book titled Discovering Aloha for $8. Proceeds benefited Halau O ‘Aulani, a Hawaiian cultural school.
If you’re wondering why I chose a vase and a book: the vase was stunning—originally priced at $250, and with a starting bid of just $25. I was the only bidder, so it was a great value. I chose the book because it offers a meaningful glimpse into Hawaiian culture in a single sitting.
Discovering Aloha
Discovering Aloha, written by Ann Hettinger and illustrated by Michelle Marsh, explores the deep cultural meaning of the word “Aloha.” The author presents this concept in a fun and engaging way, describing “Aloha” as “the gift of the Hawaiian people to the world.”
Ann Hettinger shares her personal and generational understanding of Aloha, as passed down through her ‘ohana (family). She encourages readers to embrace and spread this message of peace.
Here’s what I learned from the book:
• Aloha is Akua – Spirituality: Saying a prayer for a safe voyage.
• Aloha is Love – Freely and unconditionally given; the greatest makana (gift).
• Aloha is Greeting – More than just “hello” or “goodbye”; it comes from the pu‘uwai (heart).
• Aloha is Kuleana – Responsibility: Accepting responsibility as a form of honor and gratitude.
• Aloha is Mana – Positive energy: Radiating goodness like the sun, making others feel maika‘i (good).
• Aloha is Mālama – Caring for ourselves, our families, and the world around us.
• Aloha is Respect – Recognizing the worth and dignity of others.
• Aloha is Hope – Finding the maika‘i in everything around you.
• Aloha is Light – Living life (ola) with goodness.
• Aloha is Kōkua – Service to others.
• Aloha is Kindness – Showing compassion.
• Aloha is Pono – Integrity: Upholding moral values.
• Aloha is Openness – Accepting others as they are.
• Aloha is Sharing – Avoiding greed and sharing our blessings.
The book also includes:
• A list of must-try experiences in Hawaii
• Bright and colorful illustrations
• Instructions for making a flower lei
• Activity pages such as coloring, crossword puzzles, and word searches
• Information about the Hawaiian language: its history, vowels, consonants, and translated words
• The story of Hōkūle‘a (Star of Gladness), a voyaging canoe modeled after those used by Polynesians to reach Hawaii
I highly recommend this book for all ages. It’s a wonderful introduction to Hawaiian culture.
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The Show
After visiting the auction tables, we went to the theater, where the show began promptly at 1:00 PM. It was a five-hour presentation of singing and dancing, with an intermission lasting about an hour and a half.
The performance was spectacular, showcasing various Samoan dances. Performers of all ages participated. My children and I thoroughly enjoyed both the dancing and the music, which was performed by a talented live band.
At the end of the show, the audience was invited to join in. Many people went on stage to dance, and the performers came down to encourage more participation. We joined in for the final number and danced together—an unforgettable moment.
After the show, we returned to the auction area to collect the items we had won.
My children and I had a wonderful time.
Special thanks to Tiki and his mom for inviting us to this beautiful celebration of Polynesian culture.
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