The Stage Performance was held at the Hawaii Convention Center and Waikiki Beach Walk on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Also, the 3rd stage was set-up at the DFS Galleria on the following day. On the other hand, the Centerstage of the Ala Moana Center was closed due to renovation.

There were various participating groups from the countries of the Asia-Pacific region such as Australia, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. In addition, the number of young performers has increased, since the schools have joined the Honolulu Festival as part of their curriculum. Aside from the actual performance, the students were exposed to intercultural experience which was a great opportunity for them.

Members of the Taipei National University of the Arts

Above are the members of the Taipei National University of the Arts.

The Phoenix Cheerleading Team from Osaka Gakuin University

Above is the Cheerleading Team Phoenix from Osaka Gakuin University.

Double Dutch group "dig up treasuere" from Kyoto's Ritsumeikan University

Above are the members of Ritsumeikan University dig up treasure.

The spectators filled the seats quickly this year.

The seats were filled quickly this year.

The performance by Aboriginal Australians is popular every year. Also, the new group called Jaran Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Company participated this year. They performed the Australian Aboriginal dance and also performed various folk songs and dances of the Torres Strait Islands. These islands are located between northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. The dynamic Australian Aboriginal dance reminded of the red-soiled wilderness of the mainland Australia. On the other hand, the relaxed folk dance of the Torres Strait Islands, which the performers wore a colorful costume with a plume gave a totally different impression on Australia. Many may discover various traditional arts of Australia for the first time.

Also, the indigenous people of Japan called the Ainu from Hokkaido performed a traditional Ainu dance. The dance itself was recognized by UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In addition, their dance told a story of a man who is in a dilemma on whether to shoot the beautiful bird with his bow and arrow. It depicted the life of Ainu people, where they respected the nature and peacefully coexisted with one another.

The oldest wooden wind instrument in the world, the Australian aborigines' didgeridoo.

The didgeridoo developed by the Aboriginal Australians is one of the oldest woodwind instruments in the world.

A folk dance of the people of Torres Strait Islands.

Above is the folk dance of the Torres Strait Islands.

The Ainu's ancient ritualistic dance is registered on the UNESCO: Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The traditional Ainu dance was recognized by UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Ainu people live with nature. They pray to their gods and thank them for their blessings.

The Ainu people living with appreciation by coexisting with the nature and praying to their gods.

This is an event that can make you feel like you have traveled to various countries. Furthermore, the audience gave a generous applause to those performers who practiced diligently. There were impressed by the traditional arts of each country and mesmerized by the passionate performances.

 

You can feel the dancer's powerful breathing and his working up a sweat.

This performer was dripping with sweat and breathing heavily as he danced with his hands.

Dancing with confidence and composure, all their practice has come to fruition.

Their daily practice allowed them to perform successfully with composure.

A short version of "Honu By the Sea,"a musical with Waikiki as the backdrop, currently being performed in Waikiki.

“Honu By the Sea”, a musical that is been played in Waikiki performed a short version of their play.

Sugo Shishi (Sugo Lion) dance group is Gifu Prefecture's Important Intangible Folk Culture Property. They perform many acrobatic techniques.

Sugo lion is recognized as one of the Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan. It performs acrobatic tricks.

The dynamic performance of SUGAREN always transmits positive energy and spirit.

The vibrant performance by Sugaizanairen always gives inspiration and comfort.

The audience cheers and smiles for the performers.

The venue was filled with cheers and smiles.