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.
Honolulu Festival cultural performances take place in several locations over the 3-day festival. Honolulu Festival photo.
2023 Honolulu Festival
When: March 10-12, 2023
Where: Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikīkī Beach
- Craft & Food Fair, Film Festival, Entertainment (10AM-6PM): Hawaii Convention Center (1801 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815).
- Additional Entertainment (10AM-6PM): Ala Moana Center (1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814) and Waikīkī Beach Walk (227 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815).
- Sunday Grand Parade (4-6PM): Waikīkī along Kalakaua Avenue from Saratoga Road to Kapiʻolani Park.
- Sunday Nagaoka fireworks show (8:30PM): Waikīkī Beach
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 2023 | Honolulu Festival and Volunteer Information | Honolulu Festival
Website: Honolulu Festival
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.
Honolulu Festival Nagaoka Fireworks show over Waikīkī Beach. Honolulu Festival photo.
Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Waikīkī Beach
