Cultural festival · Honolulu, Oʻahu
OPA Dragon Boat Festival 2026
Hosted by Ohana Paddling Association
- When
- Jul 25, 20267 AM – 5 PM
- Where
- Honolulu, OʻahuGet directions
- Host
- Ohana Paddling Association
Date
- Saturday, July 25, 2026, 7 AM – 5 PM
What to expect
The Hawaii Dragon Boat Festival brings the Chinese dragon boat racing tradition to Ala Moana Beach Park's lagoon each July. By 2019 the Honolulu event had reached its 24th consecutive year, drawing teams from across Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, and overseas to race on the park's lagoon.
Each competing crew of 21 pairs paddlers with a drummer who keeps the stroke cadence. The 2019 field included roughly 30 teams — among them the Honolulu Police Department, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and international clubs. Racing opens at 8 a.m. and continues through the afternoon.
Program highlights
- 24th annual running in 2019; established mid-1990s Honolulu tradition
- ~30 teams from Hawaii, mainland, and overseas competing (2019)
- Each 21-person crew pairs paddlers with a drummer for cadence
- Races start at 8 a.m. and continue through the afternoon
Farmers markets this weekend
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for OPA Dragon Boat Festival, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
What’s worth a trip this weekend
One email a week: the makers worth seeking out, pop-ups, and Hawai‘i cultural events worth planning around.