We've had the great opportunity to photograph Hawaiian cultural practices for the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The 62nd annual Aloha Festival included an investiture ceremony, where a symbolic royal court is given their ceremonial position at 'Iolani Palace, followed by a parade through Ala Moana and Waikiki. The investiture is a solemn affair, and people take it fairly seriously, with traditional chanting and hula. It's a way to keep up traditions that are unique to Hawaii, and the costumes, settings, and people are a real feast for the lens.
The Aloha Festival Parade, in its 62nd year, is a real showcase for Hawaii's culture as well, with bands, dancers, floats, and my favorite, the traditional pa'u riders, with their horses decked out in gorgeous leis. This year's theme was "Hula." You'd almost have to be comatose not to be impressed.
We've also been fortunate to shoot ukulele, hula lessons, lei making, and kapa making, mostly in low key, realistic settings. HTA has been great in supporting us in shooting genuine, un-posed and informal situations. In the process we've become good friends with ukulele masters, hula families, and lei makers, all thanks to this assignment.
- Tor (December 2008)
Below: Ceremonial king of the royal court (left); Chant and dance at the opening ceremony of Aloha Festivals (right)
Below: The Royal Court at 'Iolani Palace
Below: Paniolos and Lanai pa'u riders at the Aloha Festival parade
Below: Tutu Janet from Haleiwa Hula Studio teaching ukulele to keiki
Below: Sunset hula with Haleiwa Hula Studio and kumu Toni
Below: Legendary lei-making master Amelia Bailey
All photos © Tor Johnson