No, neither Sasha nor Malia Obama, nor even First Lady Michelle Obama, are going to be dancing in Honolulu. We’re talking the girls from Obama in Japan, who’re going to be doing a Hula dance for the Honolulu Festival in Waikiki from March 13-15 2009.

The 15th Annual Honolulu Festival (www.honolulufestival.com/) is held every year to foster ‘Pacific Harmony’, understanding and a cultural exchange between the people of Hawaii and the the Asia-Pacific region. This includes Tahiti, Australia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, China and Taiwan. 

This year, the festival is expected to attract some 4,700 people who are expected to spend in the vicinity of $10 million, which will be a major boost to the recession-hit Honolulu motels and hotels.

The parade through the streets of Waikiki on the final day (March 15th, 2009 4:30pm - 8:00pm) is likely to be the biggest draw. In addition to the hula group from Obama, Japan, the parade will also feature appearances by Miss Hawaii, the Cherry Blossom and Narcissus Queens, a fire-breathing dragon float, a native Alaskan dance group and performers from Australia. The parade starts at Saratoga Road and continues along Kalakaua Avenue.

There’s also craft fairs, educational tours, ennichi and also a ‘Friendship Gala’ at the Hawaii Convention Center on March 14 from 7-9 pm, where you can taste delicious dishes of Hawaii’s famous restaurants and regional cuisine prepared by some of Hawaii’s most famous chefs. The rest of the Festival is free, but the Friendship Gala has a ticket price of $85.

You can see the full schedule and all events lined up at the Honolulu Festival Foundation website. This is the only time of the year that you get an Asia-Pacific cultural tour free along with the attractions in Honolulu.

15th Annual Honolulu Festival Date: March 13-15, 2009; Venue: Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, etc.

Posted on February 28th, 2009 by Thomas
Filed under: Festivals, Hawaii