All About the Honolulu Festival and Grande Parade

Each March, a festival is held in Honolulu celebrating cultural diversity, harmony, international cooperation, and also understanding between Hawaii and the nations of the Pacific Rim. The term “Pacific Rim” refers to the geographic region of nations that border the Pacific Ocean, like the US, Australia, Tonga, and Samoa Additionally, this festival has dance performances, film showings, food, fireworks, and a parade! This year, the festival takes place from March 10th, 2023 through March 12th, 2023. Also, the theme of the festival this year is “Pacific Harmony”.

Come experience the cultures of the Pacific in Honolulu this March!

One of the most exciting parts of this festival is the Grande Parade. The Honolulu Festival Grande Parade features floats and performances, including school marching band performances from schools in Hawaii and from the US mainland, hula performances, and a variety of other styles of dance from the nations around the Pacific Rim. There may also be special appearances from Miss Hawaii, the Cherry Blossom Queen, and the Narcissus Queen during the parade! The parade is free to watch. Most spectators will stand or sit on the sidewalk along the parade route.

The schedule says that the parade will go from 4:30PM-8:00PM on Sunday, March 12th. Additionally, post-parade, you will be able to view a spectacular fireworks show at Waikiki Beach!

Parade Route

The parade route starts at Saratoga Road, which is right by Fort Derussy Park. Next, the parade will pass through the heart of Waikiki, right down Kalakaua Avenue, against the backdrop of the famous Waikiki beach. Additionally, the end of the parade route is at the beautiful Kapiolani Park, right under the peak of Diamond Head. Similarly to other parades and festivals, traffic and parking throughout Waikiki may be affected by the parade and the festival during this time.