The Grand Parade once again wrapped up the Honolulu Festival with over 100 groups performing down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki on Sunday from 4:30 p.m. The participating groups could be seen getting together, some even going through their final rehearsals, at Fort De Russy. Many children participated in the Grand Parade. Parents could be seen taking pictures of their little ones as well as taking pictures with the other groups participating in the parade. Such a wonderful sight of cultural exchange! Lots of smiles and laughter.
The spectators were lined up on both sides of Kalakaua Avenue waiting for the parade to start. Many had brought their beach chairs and goza (straw mats) so that they could enjoy the performances comfortably. There seemed to be more in attendance this year compared to last year.
A little bit of rain blessed the crowd at the beginning of the parade. It quickly disappeared leaving a beautiful Hawaiian rainbow for all to admire. It couldn't have been better orchestrated. Truly a pure blessing!
Let the Grand Parade begin! First were the Honolulu Police Department officers' motorcade and the Royal Hawaiian Band performing their wonderful music. Then the beauty pageant winners including Miss Hawaii Filipina, Miss Korea and the Cherry Blossom Queen. Other performers were the baton twirlers, cheerleaders and energetic high school dance teams. Spectators cheered for the Descendance, the aboriginal Australian dancers, and the Chinese dragon dancers. Traditional hula followed the hip hop modern dances. There was so much variety and so much to cheer about.
There were many groups from Japan such as Suga-Ren, Team Hosei and Kokura Giondaiko. The spectators were awed by the dynamic and impeccable performance of Nippon Sport Science University Cheerleading Squad. Japanese actress Matsuzaka Keiko, participating for the very first time in Tenshumonogatari, attended the parade and was enjoying the crowds and performances.
And then for the grand finale…Honolulu Daijayama, our very own fire spitting dragon! It was magnificent to watch, the fireworks spurting and the excitement created by the mikoshi carriers as they shouted "wasshoi, wasshoi!" What a nice way to end the Grand Parade of the 15th Annual Honolulu Festival.
There were many children lion dancers participating in the parade this year. They are popular even when it's not New Year!
The spectators lined up waiting for the Grand Parade to start. Kalakaua Avenue was packed with parade spectators.
The dancers of Yutaka Hula Halau were all smiles. So happy to be dancing hula in Hawaii!
The Cherry Blossom Queen and her court. Such beautiful smiles!
The dancers of Miyagi University Kosuzume use their folding fans. Such colorful costumes!
The Hempfield Spartan Marching Band from Pennsylvania. The color guards bearing flags.
The perfect unison of the Sonoda Gakuen High School dancers. They created a sea of blue down Kalakaua Avenue with their bright costumes.
The Obama Girls and Obama Boys in their bright yellow costumes. All smiles!
Montessori de Cagayan from the Philippines. Their performance was well received at the parade.
A local volunteer enjoys dancing with the Toba –City Tourist Association once again this year.
The top cheerleading squad from Japan VORTEX excites the crowd with their three level acrobatic acts.
Daidengaku, a collaboration of dancers from Hawaii and Japan, perform as actress Matsuzaka Keiko cheers them on.
The students of Baldwin High School carry their winning Maui mikoshi based on this year's theme "Heart of the Pacific, Creating our Future."
The taiko performance of Kokura Giondaiko Hozonshinkokai. Full of energy and power.
The ladies of Tonosama Ren dance in unison and with so much grace. Spectators want to get up and dance with them as they hear their upbeat music.
See, the little girl is dancing the awa odori. She is going to the join Tonosama Ren when she grows up!
Yoshizawa-san is popular with the local volunteers for making the Daijayama Origami and sharing them. Seems like Origami is popular in Hawaii.
Honolulu Daijayama continues to be the popular attraction of each year's Honolulu Festival. The magnificent fireworks mesmerize the spectators.
Goodwill and friendship, shown by spectators and performers as they take pictures together.
This beautiful lantern was specifically drawn for the 15th Annual Honolulu Festival. It shines brightly in the evening skies.
Here comes the Chibikko Daijayama created for the children. This is the first time for it to appear in the Grand Parade.
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The Grand Parade once again wrapped up the Honolulu Festival with over 100 groups performing down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki on Sunday from 4:30 p.m. The participating groups could be seen getting together, some even going through their final rehearsals, at Fort De Russy. Many children participated in the Grand Parade. Parents could be seen taking pictures of their little ones as well as taking pictures with the other groups participating in the parade. Such a wonderful sight of cultural exchange! Lots of smiles and laughter.
Let the Grand Parade begin! First were the Honolulu Police Department officers' motorcade and the Royal Hawaiian Band performing their wonderful music. Then the beauty pageant winners including Miss Hawaii Filipina, Miss Korea and the Cherry Blossom Queen. Other performers were the baton twirlers, cheerleaders and energetic high school dance teams. Spectators cheered for the Descendance, the aboriginal Australian dancers, and the Chinese dragon dancers. Traditional hula followed the hip hop modern dances. There was so much variety and so much to cheer about.
