A beach near Waikiki that only allows walking and surfing with the family living in it, except for essential shopping
Three years ago, on March 26, 2020, Hawaii issued a curfew to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. In the so-called lockdown, travelers were essentially asked to wait in hotels.
Since then, flights between Japan and Hawaii have been cancelled, Waikiki has fallen into silence, and the complete absence of people and cars seems unreal.
The Hawaiian slogan “Let’s protect the elderly” is written all over the road
The “Honolulu Festival”, which was forced to be cancelled, was held again after four years. The Honolulu Festival is held every March with the theme of cultural exchange between Japan and Hawaii and the Pacific Rim countries. Traditional culture and music groups, dance groups, universities and high schools from all over Japan participate as graduation trips, where they perform dance performances and participate in grand parades. In addition, participants from all over the island of Hawaii gather together, and it is a great event that can be enjoyed from various aspects such as education, cultural experience, and exchange.
You can see how the festival is progressing at the convention center entrance at the venue
The first session was held in 1995, and this year is the 27th session. The number of people from Japan to Hawaii has increased significantly. Think back to the three lively days.
The “Honolulu Big Tea Mountain” displayed in the venue.Final day of flame-breathing parade on Kalakaua Boulevard
“Maui Mikoshi” won the “Maui Mikoshi Contest” designed by Maui high school students
The highlight of the first day was the “Friendship Party”. While enjoying the entertainment performances on the stage, taste the delicious food of the local popular restaurants.
Japanese Drum Troupe “Dragon Beat Hawaii” performance from Hawaii
The indispensable “Polynesian dance” in Hawaiian festivals made the scene lively.
In addition to “Aloha Steak”, “Aloha Table”, “Heavenly Island Lifestyle” and “Jig”, the meal you are looking for includes special dishes from renowned sustainable French restaurants “Nature Waikiki” and “Kamado Ramen Tavern” menu. .
Try making pupu (snacks), start with ceviche and chips
Since there is a line at each store, you can pick your favorite dishes in the order you like
This year, admission to all restaurants serving food and drink is $100 per person. Each year, funds raised are used to provide local students with quality educational programs and opportunities to enhance their international understanding and awareness.
Tacos made with beef from the Big Island of Hawaii
On the second and third days, there was a Japanese film festival, a sake and food festival, a product exhibition, a craft exhibition, Bon Odori (a Hawaiian summer tradition), and a dance summit stage at the convention center. You can experience culture, shopping, dancing and many other things.
A life-size replica of Nagaoka’s fireworks that will be launched on the final day. 1 foot ball weighing more than 11 kg
Quilts are one of the traditional cultures of Hawaii.Showcasing various designs
Plant-loving locals are intrigued by the moss balls.Many people bought it after listening to the explanation
Pop-up picture books are also ideal for learning English.Also popular as a gift
Natural cosmetics using Hawaiian plants are on sale at promotional prices
Earrings featuring Hawaiian flora and fauna in precious Hawaiian acacia wood.
A few days ago, news hit the headlines about the “Genki Ala Wai Project” that uses the power of nature (bacteria) to clean up Ala Wai (a canal along Waikiki) where water pollution has become a problem. This project has been done on a regular basis, but recently honu (sea turtles) have been seen at Ala Wai and there have been recent reports of monk seals swimming. At the venue, the “Meta Balloon Making” event was held, and the bacteria required for the event were held.
Mix soil, molasses, EM bacteria, etc. to make mud balls (meta balloons)
Both kids and adults love mixing and kneading into rounds.
It is said that if the Yuan Balloons are left to stand for a few days, the bacteria will turn into Yuan Qi and exert their power.
Freshly Made Meta Balloons
Afterwards, an event where pre-made meta balloons were thrown into the arawi was held.
The Ala Wai Canal flows from the Ala Moana Mountains to the sea. The “Genki Ala Wai Project” started with the idea that “man and fish can swim!” because water has become stagnant with modernization.
The “Honolulu Art Market” was also newly held this time. A large number of paintings and goods of local artists are sold, and many people gather because they can see art full of individuality at once.
ALOHA DE MELE is designed with Hawaiian culture such as garlands and surfboards.
The work of Heather Brown, whose popularity has not changed. There are paintings, bags and the like.
Artwork by local artist Jack Soren from Oahu’s North Shore
This method of art is very popular recently.Features three-dimensional waves and transparent blue
Embroidery on the carpet. Here’s the back of the rug, turned to the surface…
The design of the hula dancer riding the wind and waves can be seen from the front of the carpet.
The Sake Food Festival was also a huge success, with tastings.
The theme is to spread the sake culture rooted in Hawaii to the world.
You can learn about the history of sake brewing from Japan to Hawaii through panels
Hawaiian locals sparkle as they sip their favorite sake
Islander Sake, Restarting Sake Brewing in Hawaii for the First Time in 33 Years
The highlight of the final day is the Waikiki Parade and Nagaoka Fireworks. The grand parade started at 16:00. Participants from various countries paraded on Kalakaua Avenue for four hours while performing traditional performances from their respective countries.
The annual Hirosaki Nebuta Festival, which has participants from Japan, brings a powerful festival to Hawaii.
Four Hour Parade on the Kalakaua Boulevard in Waikiki
Festival Finale, Nagaoka Fireworks
The Honolulu Music Festival held in March every year is like a tradition, and it is deeply touched by the general public that it can be held again and ended successfully. Because it’s such a big deal, it made me realize that it’s not “natural”.
Yoko Osawa
Editor-in-Chief of Lighthouse Hawaii, a lifestyle information magazine published in Hawaii. Worked as a radio announcer, writer and editor in Japan. Moved to Hawaii in 2012. Participated in editing newspapers and Hawaii guidebooks. I love Hawaiian beaches and beer.
