The 18th Annual Honolulu Festival will be held March 3-4, 2012 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 18th 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 3-4.
2012 Sub-Theme:
The Honolulu Festival's sub-theme for 2012 is "Bonding together, hand in hand." The 2012 Honolulu Festival's goal is to help perpetuate the strong cultural and ethnic ties of people in the Asia-Pacific region.
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 3-4, 2012
Saturday March 3, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Cultural and Arts Performances at five locations: Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Shopping Plaza, and DFS Galleria. Craft Fair at the Hawaii Convention Center.
Saturday March 3, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m - Friendship Gala at the Hawaii Convention Center.
Sunday March 4, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Cultural and Arts Performances at five locations: Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Shopping Plaza, and DFS Galleria. Craft Fair at the Hawaii Convention Center.
Sunday March 4, 4:30 p.m. - Waikiki Grand Parade along Kalakaua Avenue
Sunday March 4, 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 Saturday March 3, 2012 a Friendship Gala will be held from 7:00-9:00 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: $85 ($35 of the donation is tax deductible)
Waikiki Grand Parade:
The Waikiki Grand Parade featuring performers and floats will take place on Sunday, March 14 at 4:30 p.m.
Nagaoka Fireworks Show:
New this year will be the spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Show following the Waikiki Grand Parade on Sunday March 4. Originating from Nagaoka City, Japan, this fireworks extravaganza will light up the skies over Waikiki. The fireworks were originally scheduled for 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
