Pan-Pacific Festival Returns June 12-14 With Kalakaua Block Party and Pacific Rim Performers
Waikiki is about to transform into a vibrant celebration of Pacific Rim culture as the 43rd Pan-Pacific Festival returns June 12-14, bringing three days of traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, and one of Hawaii’s most anticipated street parties.
The festival, which draws performers and visitors from across the Pacific including Japan, Korea, Tahiti, and the Philippines, will culminate in the iconic Kalakaua Avenue Block Party on Saturday night. The street closure between Lewers Street and Seaside Avenue will create space for thousands to enjoy live music, dance performances, and local food vendors under the stars.
“This festival represents the true spirit of Hawaii as the crossroads of the Pacific,” said Keoni Nakamura, festival coordinator for the Hawaii Tourism Authority. “It’s where our local community comes together with visitors to celebrate the cultural connections that make our islands so special.”
Free Performances Throughout Waikiki
The festival kicks off Friday morning with traditional ceremonies at the Royal Hawaiian Center, followed by continuous performances at four main stages throughout Waikiki. The Kalakaua Avenue stage will feature hula halau from across the islands, while the International Marketplace stage showcases visiting Pacific Rim performers.
Saturday’s programming includes taiko drumming workshops at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki and hands-on cultural demonstrations at the Waikiki Beach Walk. Visitors can learn traditional lei making, try their hand at Japanese calligraphy, or watch master craftspeople demonstrate Polynesian wood carving techniques.
New this year is an expanded keiki program at Kuhio Beach Park, featuring interactive cultural activities designed for families. Children can participate in mini hula lessons, learn basic Japanese phrases, or join in traditional Pacific Islander games.
Saturday Night Block Party Highlights
The festival’s centerpiece event transforms Kalakaua Avenue into an open-air concert venue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. This year’s headliners include Grammy-nominated Hawaiian music group Na Leo and renowned Japanese taiko ensemble Kodo.
Local food vendors will line the closed street, offering everything from traditional Hawaiian plate lunches to Korean BBQ and Filipino desserts. Several Waikiki restaurants are also creating special Pan-Pacific fusion menus for the weekend.
The block party features three performance areas, allowing for continuous entertainment while managing crowd flow. The main stage near the Royal Hawaiian Center will host major acts, while smaller stages at either end of the closure showcase emerging artists and youth groups.
Cultural Exhibitions and Shopping
Beyond the performances, the festival includes extensive cultural exhibitions at participating hotels and shopping centers. The Royal Hawaiian Center’s cultural courtyard will display traditional Pacific Islander artifacts and artwork, while local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts throughout the weekend.
The International Marketplace is hosting a special Pacific Rim marketplace featuring authentic goods from festival participant countries. Shoppers can find everything from handwoven textiles to traditional musical instruments and specialty foods not typically available in Hawaii.
Getting There and Parking
Festival organizers strongly encourage using public transportation or rideshare services, as parking in Waikiki will be extremely limited during the block party. TheBus will run additional service on Routes 19, 20, and 42, with special stops near festival venues.
For those driving, the closest parking will be at the Ala Moana Center, with shuttle service running every 15 minutes to Waikiki during peak festival hours. Some hotels are offering discounted parking rates for festival attendees who dine at their restaurants.
Looking Ahead
This year’s Pan-Pacific Festival serves as a preview of expanded cultural programming planned for 2025, as Hawaii Tourism Authority works to position the islands as the premier destination for Pacific Rim cultural exchange. The success of events like this one helps demonstrate local support for tourism that celebrates and preserves Hawaiian culture while fostering international connections.
For Honolulu residents, the festival offers a rare chance to experience authentic Pacific Islander traditions without leaving the island, while the economic impact benefits local performers, vendors, and hospitality workers throughout Waikiki.
Most festival events are free and open to the public, with complete schedules available at participating venues and online at the Hawaii Tourism Authority website.
