HONOLULU — One of Oahu’s favorite cultural events returns this weekend after a three-year absence. The 27th Annual Honolulu Festival lights up Waikiki with a full lineup of activities, cultural performances and exhibits, culminating in the Grand Parade on Kalakaua Ave. and the Nagaoka Fireworks Show over Waikiki, March 10 to 12.

What You Need To Know

  • March 11 and 12 offer a myriad of free cultural activities, exhibits, arts and entertainment for the public at three venues: the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach Walk

  • The Hawaii Convention Center will also host a craft fair and exhibits, a bon dance, Japanese film festival, performances and the Ennichi Corner with hands-on cultural activities and games for keiki, plus the Sake and Food Fest for adults

  • On the final day, the Grand Parade makes its way down Kalakaua Ave. starting at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Nagaoka Fireworks Show above Waikiki at 8:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Connect with Aloha, Forward to the New Future,” which points to the long-term significance of this celebration of culture and the arts, according to Honolulu Festival Foundation President Ted Kubo.

“The Honolulu Festival was sorely missed the three years it didn’t take place, so we are very pleased to be bringing back the cultural events and fun activities that residents, families and visitors enjoy so much,” said Kubo. “We appreciate the support of our partners, sponsors and volunteers for their continued belief in the magnitude of the Honolulu Festival in strengthening the diversity of Hawaii’s people, place and culture.”

The first day of the event focuses on helping students learn about and experience Pacific Rim cultures on educational school tours. They’ll also take part in an activity with the message to keep the environment clean by placing genki balls — made from mud, rice bran and molasses — into the Ala Wai Canal to help remove sludge and harmful bacteria.

In the evening, partners, sponsors and supporters will take part in the Friendship Gala.

The public is invited to enjoy cultural performances and more at three venues, March 11 to 12. (Photo courtesy of Honolulu Festival Foundation)

“The Honolulu Festival provides groups from around the Pacific Rim with a wonderful opportunity to showcase their culture, traditions, arts, and people through free public performances, which is important,” said Kubo. “But even more importantly, Hawaii community groups and residents interact and connect with people from around the Pacific Rim to build a greater respect and understanding for each other as global citizens.”

March 11 and 12 offer a myriad of free cultural activities, exhibits, arts and entertainment for the public at three venues: the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach Walk. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 11 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 12.

In addition, the Hawaii Convention Center will also host a craft fair and exhibits, a bon dance, Japanese film festival, performances and the Ennichi Corner with hands-on cultural activities and games for keiki. Adults will enjoy an added attraction, the Sake and Food Fest.

The event’s last day, March 12, features the always popular Grand Parade beginning 4:30 p.m. on Kalakaua Ave. with performers, music, marching bands, parade floats and cultural demonstrations. The spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Show above Waikiki follows at 8:30 p.m. as the final cap marking the end of this year’s Honolulu Festival.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.