Celebrating its 34th year in 2013, the Pan-Pacific Festival from June 7 to 9 – one of Hawai‘i’s largest festivals – brings together and bridges various Pacific-Rim cultures and people through the sharing of music, arts, dance, performances, food and more.
The three-day festival showcases nearly 100 different performance groups and organizations from around the world and Hawai‘i, and attracts an audience of approximately 100,000 annually, 50 percent of whom are visitors from abroad.
Kicking off the weekend of events with a festive block party in Waikīkī, the Pan-Pacific Ho‘olaule‘a features multiple stages along Kalākaua Avenue filled with cultural performances; live entertainment by local and international bands; a wide range of Island crafters and vendors selling unique items; and dozens of food booths offering delicious culinary creations.
The 13th annual Pan-Pacific Hula Festival is held every evening throughout the festival weekend at the revered Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, featuring hula hālau (troupes) from Japan as well as exhibitions by a local hula hālau.
Held daily throughout the festival weekend, the Performing Arts Showcase features traditional Japanese songs and dances, hula performances and other cultural presentations from more than 25 groups from Japan and Hawai‘i.
The weekend-long festivities culminate with the grand finale, the Pan-Pacific Parade on Kalākaua Avenue, which starts from Fort DeRussy and ends at Kapi‘olani Park. The parade features a mix of cultural performers, colorful entertainers, and music and dance groups from around the world, marching through Waikīkī at sunset.
Matsuri in Hawai‘i was established in 1980 after a group of people envisioned an event that would continue to increase interaction between Japan and Hawaii. The festival’s mission was to enrich the lives of both participating artists and audiences with exposure to traditional Japanese culture – music, dance, food, crafts and more. In its first year, Matsuri (Japanese for “festival”) in Hawai‘i attracted about 25,000 attendees. In 1998, Matsuri in Hawai‘i became the Pan-Pacific Festival to broaden its scope and appeal
Visit www.pan-pacific-festival.com for schedule and other details.
For more information about top events in Hawaii take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Hawaii.