Cultural festival · Honolulu, Oahu · 10 AM – 5 PM
Okinawan Festival
Hosted by Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA)
The Okinawan Festival, presented by the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, is the largest celebration of Uchinanchu (Okinawan) culture outside Okinawa. Over a September weekend it fills the Hawaiʻi Convention Center with Okinawan food, taiko and eisā drumming, performing arts, cultural exhibits, a country store, and a Saturday-evening Bon Dance. The 2026 edition is scaled down during venue renovations but remains confirmed for September 5–6.
Food & vendors: Okinawan food booths, craft gallery, country store, cultural exhibits, genealogy, historical displays, and children's activities.
Parking & access: General admission ~$10 adults / $5 seniors per day (2026 pricing pending); kids 12 and under free; Bon Dance free. The Convention Center venue is kupuna-friendly (A/C, level floors). Parking tends to fill by ~9:30 a.m.
About cultural festivals
Hawaii's cultural festivals gather food, performing arts, craft, and community across a weekend or longer. Many trace to the islands' Japanese, Okinawan, and broader Asia-Pacific communities and feature taiko, hula, bon dance, and street-food booths.
These are large, mostly free public events — anchored at venues like the Hawaiʻi Convention Center or spread across Waikīkī. Come for the performances and stay for the food and craft markets.
- Most are free; some convention-center components charge a small admission.
- Parking fills early — rideshare or transit is usually easier.
- Schedules and venues can shift year to year; confirm before you go.
Source: Hawaii United Okinawa Association; Official Okinawan Festival site (2026 + admissions pages). Bon dance dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.