HONOLULU — Oahu will host the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders, from June 6 to 16 at various venues across Oahu.

What You Need To Know

  • The free festival brings together 27 Pacific nations, territories and states for more than 50 events in various venues across Oahu

  • FestPAC started in 1972 and takes place every four years in a different Pacific Island location

  • The full schedule of FestPAC events can be found at festpachawaii.org/festival-schedule

  • Tickets for the festival are available on a first-come, first-served basis at festpachawaii.org

The free festival brings together 27 Pacific nations, territories and states for more than 50 events, including opening and closing ceremonies, a festival village, traditional dances, contemporary music performances, arts demonstrations, visual arts exhibits, and more. 

On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Green, First Lady Jaime Kanani Green and festival organizers held a news conference at Washington Place to discuss Hawaii’s preparations for the festival. 

“Serving as host of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture is an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Hawaii, in partnership with the U.S.,” said Gov. Josh Green. “We’re pleased to announce we are ready to welcome guests and festival participants from across the Pacific to our beautiful state for this important cultural event.”

Aaron J. Salā, festival director, said FestPAC honors and preserves Pacific arts and culture.

"It presents a rare and unparalleled chance for Hawaii to exhibit our cultural legacy alongside our broader Pacific ohana, nurturing a greater comprehension and respect for the collective identity of the Pacific," said Aaron J. Salā, festival director of the 13th FestPAC. “By offering free access to most events, we hope to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for residents and visitors to celebrate and immerse themselves in this important celebration of culture and arts.”

FestPAC started in 1972 and takes place every four years in a different Pacific Island location. Originally, Hawaii was scheduled to host FestPAC in 2020, but it was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The opening ceremony will include a parade of nations and will be livestreamed and televised on Hawaii News Now. The Festival Village at the Hawaii Convention Center will present art demonstrations, such as kapa making, weaving, jewelry crafting, chanting and dancing. An Ecumencial Service will unite attendees in reflection and prayer. Capitol Modern will feature art exhibits. Bishop Museum will host a carving and tattoo showcase. A ceremony at the Stan Sheriff Center will bring the celebrations to a close. 

All festival events, except for the canoe arrival ceremony, some bilateral government meetings, and select discussions among delegations, are free and open to the public. 

The full schedule of FestPAC events can be found at festpachawaii.org/festival-schedule.

Tickets for the festival are available on a first-come, first-served basis at festpachawaii.org.