Since its inception in 2000, the Honolulu Festival has become one of Oʻahu’s premier cultural events. Each spring, the festival attracts thousands of spectators over a 3-day weekend. By showcasing the many vibrant of cultures in Hawaiʻi to the world, the event seeks to promote understanding and peace among all peoples.
Performers from around the Pacific Rim come together for music & dance performances, traditional arts demonstrations, food & beverage tastings, film festivals, educational tours, and contests. You can enjoy cultural traditions from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Hawaiʻi, the continental United States, and other peoples of the Pacific region.
Admission to all events is free, making the Honolulu Festival a favorite of residents and tourists.
About the Honolulu Festival
- Waikīkī Parade along Kalakaua Avenue
- Multiple performance stages (Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center, and Waikiki Beach Walk)
- Craft Fair featuring over 100 vendors
- Nagaoka Fireworks show over Waikīkī Beach
Honolulu Festival cultural performances take place in several locations over the 3-day festival. Honolulu Festival photo.
Significance of the Nagaoka Fireworks show
It is no small coincidence for Honolulu and Nagaoka to come together in friendship. While we usually light fireworks for celebration and entertainment, the Nagaoka Fireworks of the Honolulu Festival convey a strong message for the peace.
The Nagaoka Fireworks have marked the finale of the Honolulu Festival since 2012 thanks to support by the people of the city of Nagaoka, Japan. There is no denying that Honolulu and Nagaoka were once enemies. Honolulu suffered the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Navy and Nagaoka is the hometown of Isoroku Yamamoto, who directed the attack as commander of the Japanese Fleet.
In 2012, Honolulu and Nagaoka became sister cities and Nagaoka Fireworks were launched on the last day of the Honolulu Festival for the first time. In 2015, a memorial ceremony was held at Pearl Harbor to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Three white Nagaoka Fireworks shot up into the sky representing hope for the peace. These were followed by 2,000 fireworks that lit up the night over Pearl Harbor.
Honolulu Festival Nagaoka Fireworks show over Waikīkī Beach. Honolulu Festival photo.
Honolulu Festival 2023
Note: the 2020 and 2022 festivals were cancelled. The 2021 festival was virtual.
- When: March 10-12, 2023
- Where: multiple locations
- Admission: FREE
- Volunteer: opportunities are available, such as assisting the cultural events at the Hawaii Convention Center and the Grand Parade in Waikiki. More info: Volunteer with Honolulu Festival
- Website: Honolulu Festival
multiple locations
