Pan Pacific Festival in Oahu: A Local’s Guide
Planning a getaway to Oahu? Here’s what you need to know about the island’s events!
After living on Oahu for 9 years, I got to know the best festivals and celebrations around Oahu. There’s never a shortage of festivities, but they’re not all worth your time. I’m going to let you know which ones you should take in.
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The Pan Pacific Festival is one you shouldn’t miss. It’s a great way to experience the multicultural spirit of Oahu. From traditional Japanese performances to Hawaiian hula dancing, this festival has a little bit of everything.
Below you’ll find the facts about the festival itself including when it happens, where to go, and what you’ll find there. There are also tips for parking and what else is around the area.
When Does the Pan Pacific Festival Happen?
The festival usually takes place in June, and the dates shift a bit each year. It’s a weekend event, stretching over three days, packed with things to see and do.
The event is outdoors, of course, between Lewers St and Uluniu Ave.
What’s to Love About the Festival
1. Multicultural Celebration
The festival showcases the variety of cultures of the Pacific Rim, including Hawaii, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and more. From traditional dances to modern performances, it’s a fantastic way to learn about Oahu’s rich cultural traditions
2. Colourful Parades
The streets come alive with parades featuring traditional costumes, colourful floats, hula dancers, and drummers. The grand finale, the Pan Pacific Parade, is a highlight. It brings everyone together for an unforgettable display.
3. Live Performances
The festival is full of performances that range from hula and Polynesian dances to Japanese taiko drumming and modern music. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the energy and artistry of Pacific cultures.
4. Delicious Food
If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy sampling dishes from Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. You’ll find local favourites like shave ice, spam musubi, saimin, and treats from international cuisines. The street vendors and food booths are a festival favourite.
5. Interactive Activities
Hands-on workshops allow you to try your hand at traditional crafts. Take on lei-making or participate in cultural games. You’ll feel a deeper connection to the festivities and the island.
6. Community Spirit
The festival is a family-friendly event that brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and aloha. It’s an excellent way to connect with locals and visitors alike in a joyous atmosphere.
7. Unique Shopping
Vendors have a wide variety of handmade goods, traditional items, and souvenirs. It’s perfect for picking up something special to remember your experience.
8. Free Entry
Many of the festival’s main attractions are free. This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly way to enjoy the best of Oahu’s cultural scene.
9. Perfect for All Ages
Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple looking on a romantic vacation, or are visiting the island solo, the Pan Pacific Festival has something for you.
10. Beautiful Waikiki Backdrop
Set in the heart of Waikiki, the festival provides that stunning tropical setting that Oahu is famous for. The combination of culture, cuisine, and island beauty is hard to beat.
A Parade Wraps Up the Festival 🌺
If it’s at all possible, try to catch the parade. It’s huge and filled with colourful floats, music, and performances from groups that come from around the world.
The parade winds its way through Waikiki, and the streets line with people. Everybody’s in the festival spirit, and it’s a perfect spot to get a feel for Oahu’s community and culture.
There are lots of opportunities for photos and you’ll have great views of the performances. Just be sure to arrive early to grab a good spot!
What I Love About It
The Pan Pacific Festival is such an amazing way to experience Oahu’s unique mix of cultures. I loved how family-friendly the festival is, especially the parade. It’s fantastic for kids!
They love the dancers, the drummers, and the elaborate costumes. And there are a lot of treats around!
And the Japanese performances are spectacular. I learned a lot about the many other different cultural groups represented, as well.
But the food stalls were my favourite! I couldn’t get enough of the spam musubi. There were a lot of other local snacks there too – shave ice and malasadas Be sure to go to the festival hungry!
The Pan Pacific Hula Festival
Running at the same time as the main festival is the Pan Pacific Hula Festival, at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound. Find it near the iconic Duke Kahanamoku Statue on Kalakaua Ave.
Do what you have to do to catch at least a bit of this! You’ll see the best of the best hula, with performances from hālau (hula schools) from Japan and across Hawaii.
These groups perform both traditional hula kahiko and the more contemporary hula ʻauana. It will give you a look inside “real” Hawaii, with a glimpse of the dance’s legendary history and its modern interpretations.
How the Festival Began
In the late 1970s, Hawaii began to attract more and more visitors from Japan. A small Hawaiian group wanted to make sure these cultural exchanges were fun and meaningful.
They created what was originally known as the “Matsuri in Hawai‘i”. This festival began in 1980 to share traditional Japanese culture with the local community.
In 1996, the festival changed its name to the Pan Pacific Festival to include other cultures from around the Pacific. Today it’s an international festival that celebrates the many cultures of Japan, Hawaiʻi, and beyond.
Local Tips: Best Time & Parking Advice
There are festival events from morning through to night. You can find a schedule of events on the Pan Pacific website. It starts in the morning and usually wraps up in the afternoon.
Keep in mind – Waikiki gets even busier than normal during the festival. It’s a good idea to get there a little early for the parade to get a good spot.
And as always, parking in Waikiki will be tricky. If you can, try using public transportation or a ride-sharing service to skip the hassle.
If you’re driving, you can park at a variety of structures around Waikiki. Find the list and other FAQs on the festival website.
What to Do Around the Festival
After catching the performances and parade, take some time to explore what’s around you. Ala Moana Beach Park is right across from the shopping center. It’s a great spot to relax by the ocean.
You can also head down to Waikiki Beach, which is just a short walk away. Take a swim, stroll along the shore, or poke around the shops on Kalakaua Ave.
The festival food stalls are always a hit, serving up some local favourites. But if you’re looking for more variety, Waikiki has everything from poke bowls to fresh seafood. The choices are endless. I love Cheeseburgers in Paradise.
if you’re going to be on the island in mid-June, I hope you’ll attend the Pan Pacific. Do as the locals do. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours, enjoy the beautiful island weather, and see what makes Oahu such a special place.
Just be sure to plan ahead for parking, get there early to enjoy the best spots, and come hungry to try the local food!
And if you’ll be back at another time, have a look at our Oahu events calendar. There’s always something happening!
Happy travels!
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