This annual festival, which heralds the arrival of summer, is a cross-cultural exchange between the people of Hawaii, Japan, Mainland USA and other Pan-Pacific regions. It is an event geared for every member of the family. Several events comprise this popular festival –

Participants from Japan and Hawaii come together in grand style and enjoy a night of beautiful music and elegant ballroom dancing. Held at the Ala Wai Palladium in Honolulu, this event is enjoyed by all.

The Ho'olaule'a features entertainers from Japan, Hawaii, the Mainland U.S. and other pan-pacific regions performing on six stages, as well as street performers, ethnic food booths and much more. Many enjoy this event under the stars on Waikiki's famous Kalakaua Avenue.

Traditional cultural performing arts such as taiko drummers, Minyo (Japanese folk dance) and Hula performances are held at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Fountain Courtyard and the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Colorful hula dancers from Japan and some local halaus (schools) perform at the Ala Moana Shopping Center's Center Stage.

Enjoy demonstrations and exhibitions of Japanese and Hawaiian culture at Kapiolani Park. Mask-making, mochi and poi pounding, shamisen and ukulele instrumental corner, traditional Japanese dance, hula, costumes, and Mikoshi are among the attractions.

This is a friendly competition of Ground Golf, a simplified version of golf. Top three players of each team from Japan and Hawaii battle for the championship of this leisure sport at the Ala Moana Park.

This scenic and challenging 13-mile run starts at Magic Island, goes through Waikiki, and finishes at Kapiolani Park.

This Grand Finale wraps up the Annual Pan-Pacific Festival – Matsuri in Hawaii. The parade starts from Ft. DeRussy, goes along Kalakaua Ave, and ends at Kapiolani Park.

For further information on the Pan-Pacific Festival events, visit www.pan-pacific-festival.com, or Contact: Eric Ishizuka or Joe Sonoda (808) 926-8177 ext 260.

One of Hawaii’s celebrated heritage, this parade of colorful floral floats, glamorous Pa`u riders, and outstanding marching bands traverse the streets of Honolulu. This popular Hawaiian event is held annually during the second week of June.
Contact: King Kamehameha Celebration Commission (808) 586-0333.

In this international cultural event, dance schools from the continental U.S., Hawaii and Japan, compete in both traditional and contemporary hula styles. Categories include male groups, female groups, combined groups, kupuna wahine (senior women) and individual chanters. This must see colorful event features as many as 500 dancers accompanied by live music by the best of island musicians.
Contact: R-M. Keahi Allen (808) 536-6540.

Held towards the end of the month at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki, this event highlights the Native American Culture. Food booths, arts and crafts, entertainment, and displays are among its many activities.
Contact: Bill Tiger (808) 545-2119.