Everything You Need To Know About the 2024 Pan-Pacific Festival
The Pan-Pacific Festival returns after a five-year break with performances by international and local artists, a ho‘olaule‘a and a bon dance.
After a five-year the Pan-Pacific Festival returns today through Sunday, June 9 at various spots on O‘ahu, including Ala Moana and Waikīkī.
The free event, which will feature performers from Japan and local musicians and arts, showcases everything from taiko to hula to food.
And yes, there’s a parade, too.
The Pan-Pacific Festival features live entertainment and cultural performances.
Photo: Courtesy of the Pan-Pacific Festival
“We are thrilled to be back after a five-year hiatus to kick off summer with one of Hawai‘i’s first matsuri of the Obon season,” said Yusuke Komoriya, president of the Pan-Pacific Festival Foundation in a press release. “The festival has evolved over the years and is meant to symbolize bringing cultures from around the Pan-Pacific together to celebrate our global community with performances from both local and Japanese artists, ranging from taiko to hula.”
The Pan-Pacific Festival’s hoʻolauleʻa be held in Waikīkī.
Photo: Courtesy of the Pan-Pacific Festival
The first Pan-Pacific Festival—known as “The Matsuri in Hawai‘i” then—was held in 1980 in Waikīkī to share traditional Japanese culture with the local community.
The festival kicks off on Friday with performances at Ala Moana Centerstage, hula performances at the Kūhiō Beach hula mound and the Pan-Pacific Ho‘olaule‘a and Bon Dance.
Here’s what you need to know:
The 20th Annual Pan-Pacific Hula Festival will be held on Saturday.
Photo: Courtesy of the Pan-Pacific Festival
Schedule
*This schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Friday, June 7
- Performing Arts Showcase: Ala Moana Centerstage, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- 20th Annual Pan-Pacific Hula Festival: Kūhiō Beach, Hula Mound, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
- Pan-Pacific Ho‘olaule‘a: On Kalākaua Ave. from Seaside Avenue to Uluniu Ave., 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, June 8
- Performing Arts Showcase: Ala Moana Centerstage, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and International Marketplace, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- 20th annual Pan-Pacific Hula Festival: Kūhiō Beach, Hula Mound, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, June 9
- Performing Arts Showcase: Ala Moana Centerstage, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Pan-Pacific Parade: From Fort DeRussy Park to Kapi‘olani Park, 5 to 7 p.m.
- 20th annual Pan-Pacific Hula Festival: Kūhiō Beach, Hula Mound, 7 to 9 p.m.
A detailed performance schedule and the Ho‘olaule‘a schedule and map will be posted in early June, so check panpacificfestival.org for updates.
The Pan-Pacific Festival Parade will be held on Sunday.
Photo: Courtesy of the Pan-Pacific Festival
Tips
- Go early so you have enough time to find parking. Or take a rideshare like Uber or Lyft if you don’t want to worry about parking.
- For the parade on Kalākaua Aveenue, bring something to sit on—mats, beach towels or fold-up chairs.
- There won’t be any porta-potties at the parade or ho‘olaule‘a, but there are public restrooms at shopping malls throughout Waikīkī and at Ala Moana Center.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat as it can get hot.
Pan-Pacific Festival, Friday, June 7, to Sunday, June 9, panpacificfestival.org, @panpacificfestival
