Waikiki will be busy this weekend as festivities kick off Friday for the 29th Annual Honolulu Festival, March 7 through 9, under the theme, “Bridging Cultures, Together for a Peaceful Tomorrow.” Banners proclaiming “Pacific Harmony” along Kalakaua Avenue greet residents and visitors.
“The Honolulu Festival is a treasured celebration of cultural exchange that reflects a shared commitment to be responsible global citizens and work together to strengthen the values and quality of life for future generations,” said Honolulu Festival Foundation President Ted Kubo.
Throughout the weekend, the public can enjoy a full roster of cultural performances at three sites — Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach Walk.
The central location of festival events is the Hawaii Convention Center. The festival kicks off with the Friendship Gala fundraiser on Friday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. With the goal to promote friendship and international goodwill, the event provides insight into the cultures of Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region through dance, song and regional cuisine by Hawaii chefs and restaurants. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased online.
Events on Saturday and Sunday include a craft fair, Ennichi Corner and Food Corner; performances; Japanese Film Festival; Sake & Food Fest; Japan product bazaar; Honolulu Art Market; sushi making and tasting; bond dance; genki ball tossing event; and more. Fun begins 10 a.m. both days. Full schedule here.
For the first time, the Honolulu Festival Foundation will charge an admission fee for adults to enter the exhibition hall on the ground floor of the convention center where the majority of activities will take place.
Kubo noted, “Our foundation’s goal is for the Honolulu Festival to be a sustainable celebration and continue presenting popular events every year that the public enjoys so much, like the Grand Parade and Nagaoka Fireworks Show. This admission fee for adults will help make that possible.”
Attendees can pay in advance online or upon arrival at the event site.
Online:
- One Day - Adults: $8 / Seniors (65+): $6 / 18 and under are free
- Two Days - Adults: $12 / Seniors (65+): $9 / 18 and under are free
At the door:
- Adults: $10 / Seniors (65+): $8 / 18 and under are free (per day)
Ala Moana Center’s Centerstage will host two days of dance performances and traditional art demonstrations from Hawaii, Japan, Australia and the U.S. beginning at 10 a.m.
At Waikiki Beach Walk, enjoy more live performances at the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza Stage, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The 29th Annual Honolulu Festival culminates with its two signature events on Sunday — the lively and colorful Grand Parade along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki starting at 4:30 p.m. and spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Show over Waikiki Beach at 8:30 p.m.
Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.
