Stage Performance

The performances of various countries were held at 3 locations including the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach Walk during the festive period for 2 days on Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11.

sta_hcc_bHawaii Convention Center
Festival Stage

There was a lot of audience by the Festival Stage of the Hawaii Convention Center, which is used as a main stage for the Honolulu Festival every year. The participating groups presented various performances such as dance and others on a wide stage, which we felt their passion as well as their power. When the shamisen and taishogoto were being performed, the sound of those instruments resonated throughout the venue, which attracted visitors of the Craft Fair. Also, the Tahiti Nui International performed hula and Tahitian dance which were authentic. In addition, Riatea Helm, who is a singer that received a Grammy nomination performed her songs. Furthermore, both Sugaizanairen and Descendance performed dynamically. Also, there were cultural performances including hula dance which we enjoyed watching the colorful costumes worn by the performers.

Unique Australian dance

The performers are moving like Australian animals and performed their unique dance.

Hula dancers' colorful costumes

The dancers performing hula dance in matched colorful costumes.

Exciting Tahiti Nui International

Tahitian dance will make your body move.

Matsuri exhibit and stage

There was an exhibit of Japanese festivals right next to the stage.

Yamagata Minyo Mutsumikai

The stylish sound of shamisen resonated throughout the venue.

Dynamic Suga-Ren

Dynamic performance by Sugaizanairen.

Raiatea Helm's pure voice

Raiatea Helm’s voice captivated the audience.

Japanese traditional performance

Nankin tamasudare is Japan’s traditional performing arts.

A lot of audiences

The audience were watching various performances.


sta_wbw_bWaikiki Beach Walk

The rain was pouring in the morning but it stopped suddenly and the performances were staged at the new Waikiki Beach Walk.

This year, the group Descendance from Australia was first to perform on the new stage. They performed the Australian Aboriginal dance which excited the audience. Also, the audience were called on stage to dance with the hula dancers, who were waiting for their turn to perform. Their performance fitted well with the theme of this year’s Honolulu Festival, “Pacific Renaissance”. In addition, the passersby stopped and gazed at the stage with curiosity.

The stage at Waikiki Beach Walk was a place where the colorful costumes of the performers looked bright on the lawn.

Audience on the stage

The performers are dancing with the audience.

Descendance with Hula dancers

Descendance and the hula dancers performed together.

Hula dancers on the green lawn

The shade of the palm trees sets the mood.

Food booth next to the stage

The restaurants located at Waikiki Beach Walk participated as well.

Japanese students' dance

The Japanese high school students showed such a youthful performance.

Food booths at Beach Walk

There were food booths on the side of the stage.

Hula dancers back stage

The hula dancers were waiting for their turn.

Tsugaru Shamisen

The Japanese folk song was performed along with Tsugaru jamisen.

Audience at Waikiki Beach Walk

There were full of smiles at the venue.


sta_alamoana_bAla Moana Center

There was a gentle light coming from the stairwell of the Ala Moana Center which brightened up the Centerstage. Many weekend shoppers were attracted by the music played on the stage.

Furthermore, there were many hula groups from Japan this year as well. We enjoyed watching their bright colored costumes and beautiful dance. The locals were watching hula with friendly eyes and they gave a big round of applause to those dancers who were enjoying and dancing earnestly.

Also, there were unique performances from Japan including the beautiful taishogoto, energetic dance by the Japanese high school students and Nankin tamasudare which is Japan’s traditional performing arts.

Moreover, the participating groups from various Asia-Pacific countries other than Japan are increasing each year. The group Descendance from Australia performed the Australian Aboriginal dance and Chum Sa Rang from Korea performed traditional Korean dance. There were various cultural performances from each participating country which entertained us on the Centerstage of the Ala Moana Center.

Traditional Korean dance

The traditional Korean dance was performed by the children.

Japanese singers

Yasuko Shimizu and Her Fellow Singers sang in a light voice.

Korean drummers

During the performance of the Korean drumming, its sound resonated throughout the venue.

Hula dancers from Japan

They are Hula halau from Japan.

Angelic Korean dance

The traditional Korean dance was performed elegantly like a heavenly maiden.

Audience gathered at the stage

There was a lot of audience at the venue who came to watch the performances.