7 reasons this festival is what you want to do this weekend
It kicks off on today, March 8 and runs through Sunday, March 9; and it's offering a day full of exciting cultural performances, workshops and food experiences.
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Throughout the day, you and your friends and family can enjoy a wide range of activities, from performances by over 90 cultural groups to interactive workshops.
Whether you're interested in traditional music, hands-on experiences or simply enjoying Japanese delicacies, the Honolulu Festival has something for everyone.
1. There are cultural performances across three locations: The festival features 91 cultural groups, a significant increase from last year, performing traditional music and dance from Japan, the Pacific Rim and Hawaiʻi. Performances will take place at the Hawai'i Convention Center, Waikīkī Beach Walk's Plaza Lawn on Lewers Street and Ala Moana Center's Center Stage to offer a variety of shows for all ages.
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2. There are sushi-making workshops: A new addition this year is the Sushi to Me workshop that is offering participants the chance to learn the art of sushi-making from a renowned chef at Sushi Ginza Onodera Hawaiʻi. These hands-on workshops will take place at the Hawai'i Convention Center Exhibit Hall at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Participation is free but limited to the first 100 attendees.3. Sake and Food Fest: For food and drink lovers, the Sake and Food Fest is a must-experience event. This expanded exhibit in the Hawai'i Convention Center Exhibit Hall offers samplings of Japanese alcohol, including sake, shochu and awamori (for adults 21 and older). Explore more shops and foods from Japan and enjoy the flavors of the Pacific Rim.
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4. Ennichi Corner: Families with keiki can visit Ennichi Corner. It's a special exhibit designed for keiki to enjoy cultural games, crafts and activities. It's a fun way for children to engage with Japanese traditions while learning about the culture.
5. Trade show and art market: Explore more than 200 booths at the Hawai'i Convention Center Exhibit Hall, where you'll find multicultural exhibits, local crafts, artwork and unique snacks from Japan. It's a great chance to shop for one-of-a-kind items and learn about different cultures.
6. Bon Dance: Experience the tradition of the Bon Dance, Hawaiʻi's first of 2025, with two performances in the Hawai'i Convention Center Exhibit Hall: 12–12:15 p.m. and 2:20–2:35 p.m. The Bon Dance is a popular event that invites everyone to join in and celebrate the cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi. Admission is free; click to reserve your spot(s).
7. Japanese Film Festival: For film enthusiasts, the Japanese Film Festival will showcase internationally acclaimed films on the third floor of the Hawai'i Convention Center. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free, and you can find the full schedule of films online.
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The Waikīkī Grand Parade will be on Kalākaua Avenue at 4:30 p.m., and the Nagaoka Fireworks Show begins at 8:30 p.m.
Following a second day of cultural performances, exhibits and activities, the 29th Annual Honolulu Festival comes to an exciting conclusion on Sunday, March 9, with the magnificent Waikīkī Grand Parade that runs along Kalākaua Avenue.
The parade begins at 4:30 p.m., and the spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Show above Waikīkī Beach begins at 8:30 p.m.
The festival begins at 10 a.m. and goes through to 6 p.m. It is taking place across three locations in Honolulu: the Hawai'i Convention Center, Waikīkī Beach Walk's Plaza Lawn on Lewers Street and Ala Moana Center's Center Stage.
This year's theme, 'Bridging Cultures, Together for a Peaceful Tomorrow,' highlights the festival's mission to promote cultural exchange and understanding through art, food and community engagement.
The 29th Annual Honolulu Festival is supported by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, the City and County of Honolulu and generous corporate sponsors.
You can click for more information on the festival. You can follow up to minute updates via their pages on and .
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8
It's an event that brings the community together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Rim.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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