“Cultural Harmony, Journey to Peace” : Honolulu Festival

Hawaii’s premier cultural event, the annual Honolulu Festival, celebrates ethnic harmony and economic cooperation between the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Rim region. Established in 1994, the prestigious event draws thousands of new and returning spectators seeking an enjoyable experience beyond Hawaii. Happening every year in March, the three-day extravaganza, sponsored by the non-profit Honolulu Festival Foundation, showcases traditional art demonstrations, dance performances, and the foods of Hawaii, the rest of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In a spirit of aloha, admission to all festival events is free so that everyone can attend. The celebration recognizes the same creativity and culture that inspires OluKai's HNL (Honolulu) Collection. As you're exploring this year's festival in your favorite pair of OluKai footwear, here are pieces of it you can't miss.  Friendship Party Hawaiians love to party, and the Honolulu Festival is the biggest party of the year. Celebrating cultural diversity through educational experiences to encourage global understanding and awareness, the Friendship Party enhances friendship and international goodwill. Visitors enjoy a diverse array of impressive culinary offerings from many of Hawaii’s most famous signature restaurants. With fireworks and family-fun, the festival dazzles throughout the day and night. Craft Fair Featuring more than 100 unique artists and vendors exhibiting from Hawaii, the mainland and throughout Asia, the Honolulu Festival Craft Fair presents enticements, educational opportunities and activities for both young and old. Stage Performances Paying homage to their country of origin, artists, singers, dancers, and athletes entertain and enlighten from brilliantly decorated stages along Waikiki Beach Walk, at Ala Moana Center and the Hawaii Convention Center. Parade Of Bands Make plans to attend the 22nd Annual Honolulu Festival Parade of Bands to be held on Sunday, March 13. Starting in Fort DeRussy at Saratoga Road, Honolulu Festival 2016 culminates with a spectacular parade down Kalakaua Avenue ending at Kapiolalni Park in Waikiki, Hawaii. More than 40,000 spectators line the route of the colorful parade, the crown jewel of the three-day festival. Considered the best parade in the islands, the Parade of Bands incorporates a choral festival, cheer and dance festival, a band festival, and a wide range of exhibits and events located at various venues including the Hawaii Convention Center. Held on the last day of the gala weekend, the Parade of Bands features drum and bugle corps, color guards, dance and cheer teams, marching bands, thousands of performers and brilliantly decorated world-class floral floats. Participants from around the world compete for trophies for best-performing groups. Other Memorable Moments For both visitors and participants, there are a few "must attend" events. The Honolulu Hula Formal held at the Hawaii Prince Hotel in Waikiki, the Governor’s Luncheon Reception, the Maui Mikoshi Unveiling Ceremony and the 2016 Ohana Award Ceremony are among them. It is also worth while to catch a performance of the musical “Peace On Your Wings,” the Bon Dance, and the Nagaoka Fireworks Show.