Oʻahu: free Honolulu Festival showcases Hawaii’s Pacific Rim cultures

Since its inception in 2000, the Honolulu Festival has become one of Oahu’s premier cultural events. Each spring, the festival attracts thousands of spectators over a 3-day weekend to showcase the many vibrant of cultures in Hawaiʻi and promote peace among all peoples. The Honolulu Festival is composed of several events, including a craft fair, film festival, live entertainment, Bon dances, and a Grand Parade.

Performers from around the Pacific Rim come together for music & dance performances, traditional arts demonstrations, food & beverage tastings, contests, and more. You can enjoy cultural traditions from around the Pacific region, including Japan, Australia, Tahiti, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Hawaiʻi, and the continental United States. Admission to all events is free, making the Honolulu Festival a favorite of residents and tourists.

2025 Honolulu Festival

When: March 7-9, 2025 (see daily events below)

Where: Fair at Hawaii Convention Center. Parade and fireworks in Waikīkī.

Admission: FREE

Website: Honolulu Festival

Schedule of public events:

• Saturday-Sunday, 10AM-6PM at Hawaii Convention Center (1801 Kalākaua Ave): Craft, Food & Sake Fair, Japanese Film Festival, Live Entertainment. Bon Dances. Genki Ball Toss.
• Sunday Grand Parade (4PM): Waikīkī along Kalakaua Avenue from Saratoga Road to Kapiʻolani Park.
• Sunday Nagaoka fireworks show (8:30PM): Waikīkī Beach

Significance of the Nagaoka Fireworks show

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. It is no small coincidence for Honolulu and Nagaoka to come together in friendship. 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. While fireworks usually signify celebration and entertainment, the Nagaoka Fireworks of the Honolulu Festival convey a strong message for the peace.

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.

Event calendar of free and affordable things to do

Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina.

Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.

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