Central Union Church has a long tradition of hosting the Royal Court, representatives of Hawai‘i’s past, at the 9 AM Sunday service, during Aloha Week in Hawai‘i. For the community at large (and the Hawaiian community in particular), it is a statement that Central Union is highly supportive of the people and culture of Hawai‘i and is a reminder and acknowledgement of the important role of the culture in shaping the heritage of these islands.

The theme for this year’s Aloha Festivals is ʻAʻa I Ka Hula, which can be interpreted as “Dare to Dance.” The theme is a phrase taken from the saying, “ʻAʻa i ka hula, waiho ka hilahila ma ka hale” – “When one wants to dance the hula, bashfulness should be left at home.” ʻAʻa also means to be brave, to dare, and to challenge. Hula was viewed as a pagan ritual by missionaries, driven underground due to prohibition, and nearly lost as a vital cultural artform, these meanings are a striking reminder. They remind us of the fragility of our artforms, and that vigilance and care are required to ensure their inheritance throughout the generations.

This year, we celebrate the brave, the daring, the challenge seekers. In 2024, let us celebrate our kumu hula, our hula teachers and hula masters. By their tutelage our hands and feet tell the beautiful stories of this land and its people.

We will celebrate Aloha Sunday in all of our worship services this day (7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, online) but the Royal Court will only be present at the 9 AM service.