Each Thing that in Season Grows: The Japanese Garden
Discover the importance of gardens in Japanese culture through this exhibition of seven modern Japanese paintings—and one 16th-century Chinese work that illustrates the origins of this lush genre.
Between Time and Space - Shakuhachi Music From the Past and Present
This concert, in cooperation with community partner the East-West Center, will commemorate 55 years of blowing shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute). The program ranges from ancient meditative shakuhachi solo works (Kyorei and Tsuru no Sugomori), a lively Edo Period nagauta ensemble masterpiece (Azuma Hakkei), two contemporary compositions, and an exciting improvisatory piece for shakuhachi and piano. The featured musicians are violinist Iggy Jang, pianist Tommy James, vocalist-shamisen performer Sakio Kineya (Bryson Goda), and vocalist Mika Kimula. Prominent ethnomusicologist Dr. Ricardo Trimillos will serve as program host. Please join us for an afternoon that musically recalls the past, enlivens the present, and points to the future in our eclectic, diverse and aloha-infused environment of Hawaiʻi.
Kokuho
Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor. Alongside Shunsuke, the actor’s only son, Kikuo decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre. Across decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals, as each pushes to become the greatest living Kabuki master.
From acclaimed director Sang-il Lee (Pachinko), KOKUHO (meaning “national treasure”) is a film of awe-inspiring scope and sumptuous beauty, and a monument to the artists who would sacrifice everything in the pursuit of the ultimate performance.
"Kokuho" dominated the 49th Annual Japan Academy Film Prizes, taking home a total of 10 awards, including the night’s most prestigious honors: Best Film and Best Director.
Paheli
The Doris Duke Theatre is thrilled to present Pahelī—a vibrant evening of Indian classical, folk, and Bollywood performances, rhythms and choreographies from around the world, vocals, instrumentals, and much more! Pahelī means a puzzle, riddle, or an enigma, and this production invites you into the mystery and magic of music and movement with your favorite classics and exciting new spins.
Presented by Sai Bhatawadekar and her team of talented dancers, musicians, and guest artists in and outside of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Enjoy the dance concert as you smile, sing, clap, and tap along!
Save the Date: Mele Conference and Mele Hula Festival Opening Day (3 Day Festival)
Kāhuli Leo Leʻa invites you to gather once again for the Mele Conference and Mele Hula Festival—a three-day event dedicated to the cultural stewards of mele Hawaiʻi, and a space to connect, collaborate, and uplift this vital practice!
The conference will feature intergenerational panel discussions, followed by the Mele Hula Festival, a competition honoring the composition and performance of original mele and hula.
More details to come.
Save the Dates: Mele Conference and Mele Hula Festival
Kāhuli Leo Leʻa invites you to gather once again for the Mele Conference and Mele Hula Festival—a three-day event dedicated to the cultural stewards of mele Hawaiʻi, and a space to connect, collaborate, and uplift this vital practice!
The conference will feature intergenerational panel discussions, followed by the Mele Hula Festival, a competition honoring the composition and performance of original mele and hula.
More details to come.
30th Annual Honolulu Festival & Parade 2026
The Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s premier cultural event, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the Festival attracts thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience unique to Hawaii. Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, the Festival has been successful in showcasing the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures to the rest of the world. The three day extravaganza takes place every year in March from Friday through Sunday.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15 SCHEDULE
08:00 -
SISTER EVENT Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2026
10:00 - 15:00
Craft Fair / Ennichi Corner / Food Corner
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
16:00 - 20:00
20:30 - 20:45
30th Annual Honolulu Festival 2026
The Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s premier cultural event, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the Festival attracts thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience unique to Hawaii. Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, the Festival has been successful in showcasing the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures to the rest of the world. The three day extravaganza takes place every year in March from Friday through Sunday.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
10:00 - 18:00
Craft Fair / Ennichi Corner / Food Corner
10:00 - 18:00
10:00 - 18:00
10:00 - 18:00
10:00 - 18:00
11:00 -
Maui Mikoshi Unveiling Ceremony
11:00 - 18:00
50th Annual Chinatown Festival & Lunar New Year Parade
Family-friendly festival in Honolulu’s Historic Chinatown to welcome the 2026 Lunar New Year marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse.
PARADE: Step off at 4:30 pm from the Hawai‘i State Capitol lawn and participants will march down Hotel Street, journeying through Honolulu’s Historic Chinatown to the Chinatown Festival in ‘A’ala Park & along Beretania Street.
This exciting event is perfect for all ages and offers a wonderful chance to experience and celebrate Chinese culture through performances, food, and fun. Gather with your family and friends and be part of this unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration!
Chinatown808 presents the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival & Parade
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown808.com
Chinatown 808 presents the 2025 Honolulu Mid-Autumn Festival! Celebrate this traditional Chinese holiday that marks the end of a great autumn harvest and a reunion time for families. Come out with your friends and family for a weekend of fun with food, crafts, keiki activities, live entertainment, and more!
48th Annual Miss Chinatown Hawaii Scholarship Pageant
The Miss Chinatown Scholarship Pageant is the culmination of months of dedication by our contestants, who deepen their understanding and appreciation of their Chinese heritage, while developing leadership skills and participating in community service.
Miss Chinatown Contestants:
- Kylie Carpenter - Emma Collo - Yuting He - May Kamaka - Noelle Lo - Janelle Liang - Mei Lani Wilkemeyer - Debbie Ye - Ashley Yoshikawa
Midsummer Night's Gleam 2025
Step into a magical evening at the 2025 Midsummer Night's Gleam, happening Saturday, July 19, at Foster Botanical Garden in Honolulu. From 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., guests can enjoy a variety of fun, hands-on activities including giant bubbles, communal art projects, and other interactive experiences designed for all ages. As the sun begins to set, the garden transforms into a radiant wonderland, illuminated by thousands of glowing luminaries and artistic light displays spread across the lush, 14-acre landscape.
The evening continues with live music, cultural performances, and food vendors offering local and global favorites, creating a festive and relaxing atmosphere under the stars. The powerful African drumming ensemble Sewa Fare kicks off the event, energizing the garden with rhythm and celebration. On the Lower Stage, keiki will be delighted by a series of whimsical and engaging performances featuring theatrics and classical music by Allegro Keiki and more. The Mendoza Philippine Dance Group and Dragon Beat Hawaii add vibrant cultural flair with traditional dance and taiko drumming, while audiences throughout the evening can enjoy an eclectic mix of entertainment, from the graceful melodies of a harpist to the dynamic finale by MEDAH, the Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Hawaii.
Hanayagi Dancing Academy Hawaii Foundation 25th ClassicalJapanese Dance Grand Recital
The Hanayagi Dancing Academy Hawaiʻi Foundationʻs 25th Classical Japanese Dance Grand Recital will commemorate 78 years since the founding of the Academy, within which time will have produced twenty-five Grand Recitals featuring unabridged dance performances in traditional costume from a variety of traditional music genres and role types.
Kāhuli Leo Leʻa presents the Inaugural Mele Conference & Hula Festival (3 Groundbreaking Days!)
Mele Hula Festival debuts June 18!✨
Witness mele and hula like never before, where each performance is paired with newly-composed mele. This groundbreaking competition closes out our Mele Conference and celebrates the future of mele and hula.
Kāhuli Leo Leʻa presents the Inaugural Mele Conference & Hula Festival (3 Groundbreaking Days!)
Mele Hula Festival debuts June 18!✨
Witness mele and hula like never before, where each performance is paired with newly-composed mele. This groundbreaking competition closes out our Mele Conference and celebrates the future of mele and hula.
Kāhuli Leo Leʻa presents the Inaugural Mele Conference & Hula Festival (3 Groundbreaking Days!)
Mele Hula Festival debuts June 18!✨
Witness mele and hula like never before, where each performance is paired with newly-composed mele. This groundbreaking competition closes out our Mele Conference and celebrates the future of mele and hula.
Society of Asian Art of Hawaii 2025 Lunar New Year Banquet and China Intangible Cultural Heritage Lecture Presentation
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Society of Asian Art!
Join us for a delicious banquet at Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, featuring a presentation on Inner Mongolia's cultural heritage and landscapes by Cyndy Ning, former Associate Director of the Center for Chinese Studies at UH Mānoa.
Her presentation shows how China chooses to share its Intangible Cultural Heritage with visitors, as well as the results of its recent phenomenal development. Inner Mongolia is renowned for its landscapes, encompassing grasslands, deserts, lakes, and forests. To a large extent, it preserves the legacy of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, as well as the cultures of nomadic herders and ethnic Mongolians.