The 43rd Pan-Pacific Festival Returns to Oʻahu This Weekend

Celebrate Japanese and local culture with hula, live music, bon dance, food and family-friendly events across Waikīkī and Ala Moana.

The Pan-Pacific Festival returns to Oʻahu for another year of cultural celebrations. From June 12 to 14, events will take place at various locations from Ala Moana to Waikīkī.

More than 1,000 visitors from Japan are expected to participate in the festival, along with more than 2,500 local performers and participants.

The free event attracted more than 57,000 attendees to Waikīkī and Ala Moana in 2025.

“We’re excited to once again host the Pan-Pacific Festival and welcome visitors and residents to Waikiki to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures in Hawai‘i,” said Yusuke Komoriya, Pan-Pacific Foundation president, in a press release. “It’s the perfect way to kick off summer with performances, food, festivities, a bon dance and so much more over the weekend.”

The first Pan-Pacific Festival was held in 1980 and was known as “The Matsuri in Hawai‘i.” The three-day event shared Japanese culture with the local community through music, peformances, crafts and food. Over the years, the festival has continued to draw crowds eager to celebrate Japanese culture and strengthen ties between Hawaiʻi and Japan.

The 43rd festival kicks off on June 12 with the Pan-Pacific Hoʻolauleʻa. The celebration, featuring live music, hula, bon dance and more, will take place along Kalākaua Avenue between Seaside to Uluniu avenues. Performers include Nā Hōkū Award nominees Kaʻimi Kanaoʻeau, Tiara Gomes and Ei Nei. More than 50 vendors will also offer delicious food, gifts and locally made crafts.

Hula performances also begin on June 12. The Performing Arts Showcase at Ala Moana Center Stage and International Market Place, along with the 22nd Annual Pan-Pacific Hula Festival at the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, will be held throughout the weekend.

The festival concludes with the Pan-Pacific Parade on June 14 along Kalākaua Avenue. Nearly 1,000 participants are expected to take part, including taiko drummers, the Royal Hawaiian Band, members of the Cherry Blossom Festival Court and other cultural groups.

The full schedule of events can be found at panpacificfestival.org.