HONOLULU — For the first time in its 52-year history, the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture is coming to Hawaii to celebrate the rich, diverse cultures of the Pacific region with the participation of indigenous Pacific Islanders coming from 27 Pacific nations, territories and states, June 6 to 16.
“I am incredibly proud that the City and County of Honolulu is hosting the 13th annual Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC)”, Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a news release. “This event is a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Pacific Islands. It is an honor to welcome artists, performers, and visitors from across the region to share their traditions and stories with us. Together, we will create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that unite our Pacific community.”
With the theme, “Hoʻoulu Lāhui, Regenerating Oceania,” events will primarily take place at the Hawaii Convention Center, University of Hawaii Manoa, Bishop Museum, Capitol Modern and throughout Waikiki.
City officials expect hundreds of VIPs and dignitaries visiting these sites, so the public should anticipate traffic and congestion.
There will be parking restrictions at Kualoa Regional Park on Wednesday to support FestPAC operations and camping will also be suspended with Campground A closed until Sept. 2 and Campground B closed through June 18. Parking at Kualoa Regional Park will return to normal on June 6.
On June 7, the Hawaii Convention Center will be the site of the Village Opening Ceremony during which a Sister City signing ceremony will take place between the City and County of Honolulu and Rarotonga, Cook Islands. More than a formal agreement, the signing is a commitment to fostering international relationships and cultural exchanges.
The Hawaii Convention Center has been transformed into a Festival Village made up of 28 separate villages with structures made using over 1,000 invasive trees harvested from Puʻuhonua O Waimanalo. Over two days, the city’s Department of Facility Management trucked the materials to the convention center assisted by the Honolulu Police Department and Department of Transportation Services.
The Hawaii State Capitol is also ready to welcome and honor festival participants with the unveiling of He Lei Hoʻokipa, a 2,000-foot mural of a plumeria lei encircling the capitol.
“The State of Hawaii is honored to welcome the 2,200 delegates from throughout the Pacific through this artistic lei representing aloha and unity,” said Gov. Josh Green at Tuesday’s unveiling. “We hope everyone will participate in the many free cultural and heritage events during FestPAC. Please come out and learn, share and experience all the Pacific has to offer.”
Renowned Native Hawaiian artists Meleanna Aluli Meyer and Solomon Enos led the project, bringing together teams of muralists from diverse communities to transform the 10-foot-high wall surrounding the capitol into a symbol of welcome. The plumeria was specifically selected as the central element of the mural as it is found throughout the Pacific and represents the interconnectedness and beauty of Pacific cultures.
“This project is what community is all about,” Meyer said in a news release. “It is the work of many coming together as more than 100 individuals and families helped to bring our vision to life. We thank HTA and everyone for their support and look forward to welcoming our brothers and sisters from Oceania.”
Hawaii Tourism Authority Board Chair and Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association President and CEO Mufi Hanneman stated, “This impactful mural sends a powerful message of aloha to our extended ʻohana from throughout the Pacific. We are honored to be a part of such a meaningful project that aligns with our mission to support the community, uplift our local artists, and share what is special about Hawaii with the world.”
The inaugural Festival of Pacific Art and Culture was held in 1972 in Suva, Fiji, as a way to stop the loss of traditional practices through cultural exchange and was driven by the desire to strengthen the bond among Pacific Island communities and foster understanding between them.
Since its start, different Pacific Island nations have hosted FestPAC on a rotational basis. This is the first time Hawaii is hosting the event.
The public is invited to participate in the 10 days of cultural exchange and celebration of FestPAC at multiple venues across Oahu. Visit the official website of FestPAC for detailed schedule and tickets.
Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.