The annual Honolulu Festival is upon us and the 2013 version of this highly anticipated event should be bigger than ever. The festival, which has been going since 1995, was created to “bridge cultural bonds and share our people”, place and culture” according to Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
The 2013 Honolulu Festival takes place from March 1st – March 3rd and is expected to bring in over 4,500 participating visitors that will contribute an estimated $11 million into the Hawaii economy. On top of the 4,500 participants, the Honolulu Festival is also expected to get 10,000 – 15,000 visitors each day, which includes tourist and residents.
What is the Honolulu Festival?
According to the Honolulu Festival website, the Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s premier cultural event, promoting understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Honolulu Festival activities are held at various locations in the heart of the city, making them easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. Moreover, admission to all Festival events is free, ensuring that everyone can take part in the festivities.
The Festival’s theme, “Pacific Harmony,” reflects the Foundation’s vision to share the many cultures of the Pacific region with the people of Hawaii and those visiting from all over the world. We hope to deepen the friendship with them and contribute to world peace.
2013 Honolulu Festival Event Schedule
- What: 19th annual Honolulu Festival
- When: March 1st – 3rd
- Where: Hawaii Convention Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, DFS Galleria Waikiki
- Price: All of the events are free admission except the Friendship Gala, which you will need tickets to.
*Please note that a couple of the opening day events are by invitation only.
Friday, March 1st, 2013
Educational School Tour
- (by invitation only)
- 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
Governor’s Luncheon Reception
- (by invitation only)
- 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- Venue: Washington Place
Friendship Gala
- 6:30pm – 8:30pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
- Tickets: $90 / $70 for under 21 years old (includes food and one beverage)
*FREE admission for under 6 years old（NOT include food and beverages)
Saturday, March 2nd, 2013
Panel Discussion: “3/11 Tsunami Debris: Japan-U.S. Collaborative Effort”
- 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center, 3rd flr, #323
- Language: English & Japanese with interpreter
After two years passed from 3/11 Tsunami at East Japan, debris have reached even to Hawaii. Both governments and NPO of the United States of America and Japan will talk about how they cooperate and solve the debris problem and influence to the environment of all over the Pacific.
Door Prizes
- 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
- Enter for a chance to win great prizes!
Performances
- 10:00am – 6:00pm
- *Time may be changed according to the venues.
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center, Waikiki Beach Walk
Ennichi Corner
- 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
Anime Corner
- 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
Hawaii Music Festivals
- Hawaii Band & Orchestra Festival
- 10:00am – 2:30pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center, 3rd flr, #311
Maui Mikoshi Unveiling Ceremony
- 11:00am – 11:15am
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
The Maui mikoshi contest was developed exclusively for high school students in Maui. Each year there is a competition among high schools to design a mikoshi for the Honolulu Festival. The winning Maui mikoshi is unveiled and displayed at the Hawaii Convention Center over the Festival weekend. Students selected as the overall winner visit Honolulu during the weekend of the festival and march in the Grand Parade showcasing their award winning mikoshi.
Honolulu Festival Yagura Unveiling Ceremony
- 11:30am – 11:45am
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
The Honolulu Festival’s Bon Dance Yagura (tower) will be unveiled!
Bon Dance Workshop
- 11:45am – 12:30pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
Film Festival (Free Admission)
- 1:00pm – LIGHT UP NIPPON
- 3:00pm – Quartet
- Venue:Hawaii Convention Center, 3rd flr, #316A-B-C
Rebuilding begins on the road -Story Behind the Camera
- 1:30pm – 4:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center, 3rd flr, #301
- Guest Speaker: Mamiko Akutagawa
- Host: Reiko T. Rogers
Sunday, March 3rd, 2013
Door Prizes
- 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
Enter for a chance to win great prizes!
Performances
- 10:00am – 3:00pm
- *Time may be changed according to the venues.
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, DFS Galleria Waikiki
Craft Fair
- 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
Ennichi Corner
- 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
Anime Corner
- 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Venue: Hawaii Convention Center
Film Festival (Free Admission)
- 11:00am – Haru’s Journey
- Venue:Hawaii Convention Center, 3rd flr, #316A-B-C
Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden
- START 12:00pm – around 3:00pm
- Venue: Waikiki (Fort DeRussy — Kalakaua Ave — Sans Souci Beach — Fort DeRussy — Moana Surfrider A Westin Resort & Spa)
The first ever, “Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden” will be held for runners in Hawaii! Our goal is to join all participants in the Spirt of Aloha, by the use of ribbon leis as race sashes. We also strive to widen a circle of friendship beyond ethnic background or generation, to spread a ripple of goodwill to all participants of the Ekiden.
Grand Parade
Opening Performance
- 4:00pm –
- Venue: Kalakaua Avenue/Waikiki
(Starting Point, Waikiki Shopping Plaza, Moana Surfrider A Westin Resort & Spa, Pacific Beach Hotel)
Parade
- 4:30pm – 8:00pm
- Venue: Kalakaua Avenue/Waikiki
(START: Saratoga Road and Kalakaua Ave.)
Nagaoka Fireworks Show
- 8:30pm –
- Venue: the Skies over Waikiki Beach
The Nagaoka Fireworks is well known for their large fireworks display originating from Niigata Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast.
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