Ho’olaule’a Tiki Beach Festival at Belmont Shore

As you head to the beach to escape the heat this weekend, be sure to bring your family and friends to the Ho’olaule’a 11^th Annual Tiki Beach Festival.

The event is set for Saturday and Sunday near the Granada Avenue  and Ocean Boulevard intersection.

The theme of is “A Journey Back to our Roots,” a message many participants seem to take to heart as they strive to showcase the Polynesian culture to locals.

For Hawaiian-born Sonny Brown and Keoki Morre of Hawaiian Exotic Products, this theme is nothing new, as they attempt to share the ubiquitous Hawaiian phrase and lifestyle of “aloha” to Long Beach residents.

“It’s not just a cliché, it’s a phrase of universal love, respect for your life, other people, the ocean, everything,” Brown explained.

“Life in Hawaii is very different from life on the mainland; it’s more relaxed, and when you do things like drive in traffic here you can really see the difference.”

Now in his third year of participation, Brown believes the focus of the festival became cultural after more Hawaiian vendors and performers became involved, incorporating more elements of Polynesian culture. “When we spread aloha to other people we’re a magnet,” Morre said, “because our culture makes people happy.”

Beachgoer Angelica Tizon fell in love with the Hawaiian lifestyle after visiting the islands six years ago. Practicing her luau moves, she prepares for this year’s festival, which she plans to attend on Sunday. “The beach itself is just good for the soul, and I love to see the Polynesian men and women dance.”

While the will undoubtedly add a hint of flavor to the Belmont Shore beach front, festival visitors have another thing to look forward to - the food. With everything from jerk chicken to teriyaki to exotic cookies being offered, in addition to the various performances, vendors, and famous Hawaiian hospitality, beach-goers can expect to experience a little taste of “aloha” right here on the mainland.