The 19th Annual Honolulu Festival will be held March 1-3, 2013 at various locations in Honolulu and Waikiki. The Festival's long standing theme, "Pacific Harmony," reflects the Honolulu Festival 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.
Hawaii's premier cultural festival, the 19th Annual Honolulu Festival, will highlight the people and diversity of Asia-Pacific through an impressive showcase of arts, culture, and entertainment – all of which is free to the public the weekend of March 1-3.
2013 Sub-Theme:
The Honolulu Festival's sub-theme for 2013 is "Transforming the world; Connect! Discover! Let each experience fascinate you!." The 2013 Honolulu Festival's goal is to help perpetuate the strong cultural and ethnic ties between the people of Asia-Pacific and Hawaii.
Developement of the Festival:
The Honolulu Festival has gone through a gradual process of development in recent years. What was once an event featuring Japan and Hawaii's culture has expanded to include representatives from Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, Republic of China (Taiwan), China, Korea and the U.S. Mainland. Participation by a variety of local ethnic groups has also increased each year.
Tourism Boost:
More than 5,000 participants and visitors from Japan and other Pacific Rim countries will come to Honolulu specifically to take part in the Festival, giving a boost to Hawaii's tourism economy by generating more than $10 million in visitor spending and nearly $1 million in tax revenues.
Let's take a look at some specifics of the Festival.
When and Where:
March 1-3, 2013
Friday March 1, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Friendship Gala at the Hawaii Convention Center.
Saturday March 2, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Cultural and Arts Performances at three locations: Hawaii Convention Center, DFS Galleria, and Waikiki Beach Walk.
Sunday March 3, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Cultural and Arts Performances at three locations: Hawaii Convention Center, DFS Galleria, and Waikiki Beach Walk.
Sunday, March 3, 12:00 p.m. - Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden where runners are invited to race through Waikiki in Hawaii's very first "Ekiden" (long distance relay) race. A tradition of Japan for over 90 years, Ekiden features teams of 3-5 runners competing in this scenic six-kilometer race down Waikiki's famous Kalakaua Avenue.
Sunday March 3, 4:30 p.m. - Waikiki Grand Parade along Kalakaua Avenue
Sunday March 3, 8:30 p.m. - Nagaoka Fireworks Show over Waikiki Beach
Performances:
For a complete list of performers visit the Honolulu Festival website.
Friendship Gala:
On Friday March 1, 2013 a Friendship Gala will be held from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center featuring Oahu's top restaurants and exciting cultural performances by Honolulu Festival artists.
- A benefit for the Honolulu Festival Foundation's educational programs
- Admission: $90 per person over age 21; $70 for under 21; (children under age 6 are free)
Waikiki Grand Parade:
The Waikiki Grand Parade featuring performers and floats will take place on Sunday, March 3 at 4:30 p.m.
Nagaoka Fireworks Show:
Back again for the second year will be the spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Show following the Waikiki Grand Parade on Sunday March 3. Originating from Nagaoka City, Japan, this fireworks extravaganza will light up the skies over Waikiki. The fireworks were originally scheduled to premier in 2011, but canceled out of respect for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
For More Information
For more information visit the festivals website at www.honolulufestival.com
