Honolulu, HI—The Pan-Pacific Festival Foundation and the Matsuri in Hawai‘i Committee are eager to announce the 42nd Annual Pan-Pacific Festival. Following a successful return in 2024 after a five-year hiatus, the upcoming festival is scheduled for June 13-15, 2025, at various locations from Ala Moana to Waikīkī. The event is supported by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority through the Signature Events Program.
The Pan-Pacific Festival celebrates Hawai‘i’s rich cultural diversity by featuring performers from Japan—including hula halau, musicians, and artists—alongside a variety of local groups and artists. The festival showcases music, traditions, and foods, fostering a celebration of diverse cultures.
“We are thrilled to continue the tradition of bringing together cultures from around the Pan-Pacific to celebrate our global community,” said Yusuke Komoriya, President of the Pan-Pacific Festival Foundation. “The festival symbolizes unity and cultural exchange, with performances ranging from taiko to hula by both local and international artists.”
The festivities will kick off on Friday, June 13, with an exciting lineup of performances and cultural activities at various locations. Activities and performances will continue throughout the weekend, offering a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and cultural traditions.
The Pan-Pacific Ho‘olaule‘a will feature performances by a mix of local and international groups, showcasing the diversity of talent from across the Pacific region. Attendees can also look forward to an array of culinary delights, from popular Japanese festival dishes to local favorites, providing a taste of the diverse cultures celebrated at the festival. Additional highlights include stages dedicated to local artists and cultural showcases, with more details to be announced as the event approaches.
The Pan-Pacific Parade will be the finale of the weekend of events on Sunday, June 15 along Kalakaua Ave. Lively performances will fill the thoroughfare of Waikīkī to celebrate the unique bond in Hawai‘i across the Pan-Pacific region.
Volunteers are welcome to help with various events throughout the weekend. Email volunteer@panpacificfestival.org to inquire. The full schedule of events will be updated on the website at www.panpacificfestival.org
About the Pan-Pacific Festival
Formerly the Matsuri in Hawaii, this three-day event first took place in 1980 as a way to share the traditional Japanese culture with the residents of and visitors to Hawaii. Taking place in Waikīkī, participants were able to experience Japanese music, crafts, food, and performances as a way to interact with and build a strong international community.
As the scope of the event grew and its capacity widened to include other cultures found in Hawai’i, the Matsuri in Hawaii came to be known as the Pan-Pacific Festival. Today, the Pan-Pacific Festival serves as a symbol of Hawaii’s strong international community and attracts hundreds of participants each year.
Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Pan-Pacific Festival Foundation will continue to carry on the 40+ years of the festival’s history to encourage inter-cultural friendship and understanding in Hawaii and to foster a strong global community. The Foundation looks forward to welcoming back the community, guests, and participants in 2025. Your support and continued assistance are greatly appreciated.
For more information about the Pan-Pacific Festival, visit https://www.panpacificfestival.org/
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