29th annual Honolulu Festival offers weekend of cultural performances, activities

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The 29th annual Honolulu Festival takes place March 8-9 with a cultural celebration of music, dance and arts featuring 91 groups from Japan, the Pacific Rim and Hawaii.

Cultural performances will take place at the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach Walk, and festivities include the Waikiki Grand Parade and Nagaoka Fireworks Show.

This year’s theme is “Bringing cultures together for a peaceful tomorrow.”

Honolulu Festival Foundation president Ted Kubo said, “Sharing culture, promoting education and environmental conservation are the core values of our Foundation and the inspiration that helps drive our corps of volunteers, our corporate donors and our government partners to make the Honolulu Festival a memorable experience for everyone to enjoy.”

For the first time, the Honolulu Festival Foundation is requiring a nominal admission fee for adults to enter the Kamehameha Exhibit Hall on the ground floor of the Hawaii Convention Center, where most cultural and music performances, arts, activities, exhibits, and the trade show takes place.

Attendees can save money and time by paying the admission fee in advance online or pay upon arrival at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Click here for full event information and check out a few highlights below.

Friendship Gala

Friday, March 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m., ticket purchase required.

Attendees are treated to a variety of delicious entrées and desserts prepared by popular Hawaii restaurants while enjoying live cultural music and dance performances. Proceeds support the Honolulu Festival Foundation’s educational and cultural programs.

Cultural Performances and Exhibits

Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Artisans from Japan, the Pacific Rim, and Hawaii will perform traditional music, dance and exhibitions of their native culture at three locations, the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center, and Waikiki Beach Walk.

The Hawaii Convention Center Exhibit Hall will feature more than 200 trade show booths offering an array of multicultural exhibits for attendees to enjoy and experience, including crafts by local vendors and works of art by local artists. Unique snacks and food delicacies from Japan will be available. Cultural displays include the Ennichi Corner with fun games and activities for children.

Sake and Food Fest

Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This highly popular exhibit has been expanded this year with more shops and foods from Japan to learn about and enjoy. A special highlight for attendees is the free samplings of select Japanese alcohol, such as sake, shochu, and awamori. Sake samplings are for adults ages 21 and older. Attendees must show identification.

Sushi to Me

Saturday, March 8, 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Sunday, March 9, at 11 a.m.

FREE NEW EVENT: This free and fun special workshop will present a rare opportunity for attendees to participate in a hands-on, real-time learning experience about the art of preparing sushi, as taught by a renowned sushi chef from Sushi Ginza Onodera Hawaii. Participation in one of the three sushi-making workshops will be limited to the first 100 attendees who sign up at the Sushi To Me exhibit area after entering the Hawaii Convention Center Exhibit Hall.

Bon Dance

Saturday, March 8, 12 to 12:15 p.m.; 2:20 to 2:35 p.m., and Sunday, March 9, 12:20 to 12:35 p.m.

Everyone is invited to join Hawaii’s first bon dance of 2025 near the front entrance of the Hawaii Convention Center Exhibit Hall.

Japanese Film Festival

Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Internationally acclaimed films are presented on the third floor of the Hawaii Convention Center. Admission is free, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. View film listings and times here.

Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden

Sunday, March 9, at 8 a.m.

A sister event of the Honolulu Festival, the 5K Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden is a relay race for teams of 3-5 runners starting at Kapiolani Park. Also offered is a 5K Fun Run & Walk for individuals and 1.6K ‘Oli ‘Oli Kid’s Challenge for children, ages 6-12. For information, please visit rainbowekiden.com.

Waikiki Grand Parade

Sunday, March 9, at 4:30 p.m.

This showcase of culture features dozens of performing groups, marching bands, parade floats, and demonstrations of cultural traditions that move through Waikiki along Kalakaua Avenue.

At 4 p.m., there will be 30 minutes of special performances in front of the four main stage areas on the route, after which the parade will get underway, leaving Saratoga Road near Fort DeRussy Park and continuing along Kalakaua Avenue before ending at Kapahulu Avenue at the entrance to Kapiolani Park.

Nagaoka Fireworks Show

Sunday, March 9, at 8:30 p.m.

Following the Grand Parade, the Nagaoka Fireworks Show concludes the Honolulu Festival celebration in spectacular fashion by illuminating the sky above Waikiki Beach with a sparkling orchestrated display of colorful and fascinating pyrotechnics. Three barges from where the fireworks are shot high into the sky will be safely positioned far away from the shoreline and centered between the approximate midpoint area facing Waikiki Beach. Spectators are encouraged to arrive at the beach early to secure their preferred viewing spots.

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