August 31, 2019 – September 01, 2019:
Okinawan Festival (37th Annual). The Hawaii United Okinawa Association presents the 37th Annual Okinawan Festival at the Hawaii Convention Center on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, 2019. As Hawaii’s largest ethnic festival, the Okinawan Festival promises to be a weekend full of “Sharing Uchinanchu Aloha,” including delicious food, great entertainment and lots of fun for people of all ages!
Hours: Saturday, August 31, 9AM-5PM and Sunday, September 1, 9AM-4PM
Admission: $2 per person, per day (cash only). Senior citizens 65 and over and children 12 and under will be free. Proceeds from the Okinawan Festival help support the Hawaii Okinawa Center and many cultural and community programs.
Parking: $10 at Hawaii Convention Center; overflow at McKinley High School with Festival shuttle service from 7AM on both days ($3). Carpooling, using city buses, taxis, Biki, rideshare services strongly recommended.
Festival Highlights: delicious food (including favorites like Andagi, Pig’s Feet Soup, Champuru and Yakisoba), hands-on cultural activities, cultural and historical exhibits, children’s games, arts and craft vendors, a country store, a bonsai exhibit and the sale of unique products from Okinawa.
Entertainment: The program will start at 9:30AM both days with special performances from Okinawa and local groups showcasing Okinawan dance, karate, taiko, and live music.
Bon Dance: Saturday, August 31, 5:30-9:30PM; largest indoor Bon Dance will be on Saturday only (some food booths to remain open).