Home : What's New on Oahu

16th Annual Honolulu Festival

Hawaii Convention Center

The Honolulu Festival is one of Hawai‘i's premier cultural events, promoting understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the Festival draws thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience beyond Hawaii. Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, a non profit organization, the Festival continues to successfully share the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures with the rest of the world.

The Honolulu Festival is a wonderful addition to your Hawaiian vacation. The three day extravaganza occurs every year in March on a weekend from Friday through Sunday. Dance performances and traditional art demonstrations are displayed by artisans from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, Republic of China (Taiwan), Korea, Hawaii and the rest of the United States. The Festival culminates with a spectacular parade down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, on the island of Oahu.

The 16th Annual Honolulu Festival theme is “Discovery Through Traditions.”

Honolulu Festival activities are held at various locations in the heart of the city, making them easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. Moreover, admission to all Festival events is free, ensuring that everyone can take part in the festivities. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Pacific Harmony.

Event Highlights

Official Name	16th Annual Honolulu Festival
Location	Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center, Waikiki Shopping Plaza and Waikiki Beach Walk. Parade down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.
Date(s)/Time(s)	Friday, March 12, 2010 to Sunday, March 14, 2010
Highlight of Activity	The participating performers represent diverse cultures. You will see the Fire Spitting Dragon from Japan’s Omuta, Daijayama, at the Honolulu Festival Grand Parade. Folklore has it that the dragon is a water god, blessing the farmlands with water and children with good health. This towering float measuring 20 feet in height and 33 feet in length will be manned by over 100 people. Fireworks will light up the skies of Waikiki as the performers dance to the drums and flutes of traditional Japan. Then there are the aboriginal dance troupes from the Philippines and Australia. Each group, dressed in their traditional costumes, tell their stories through dance and music. A traditional Japanese “Ennichi” will be recreated at the Hawaii Convention Center for the second year. This exciting fair atmosphere will introduce children to traditional Japanese games, crafts, traditions and food. There will be lucky drawings. The Honolulu Festival is a kaleidoscope of Pacific Rim cultures and people. It is an event that you will find entertaining and educational. March 12 (Fri) Student educational tours by invitation only March 13 (Sat) 10:00 am-5:00 pm Performances, Ennichi and Crafts: Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Shopping Plaza 7:00-9:00 pm Benefit Friendship Gala: Hawaii Convention Center March 14 (Sun) 10:00 am-3:00 pm Performances, Ennichi and Crafts: Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center, Waikiki Shopping Plaza and Waikiki Beach Walk. 4:30-8:00 pm Grand Parade: Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki
Cost (if any)	All events are complimentary except the Friendship Gala. Admission to the Friendship Gala is $85 ($35 of your donation is tax deductible). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Parking Info	Hawaii Convention Center event parking is $5.00 per day or $5.00 per exit.
Contact Info	http://www.honolulufestival.com or (808) 596-3327