Caribbean Travel Dreams Blog

The 27th Annual Pan-Pacific Festival Matsuri in Hawaii (June 9-11, 2006) features drums, dance, pageantry and parades.  Thousands of musicians, artists and dancers from Pacific Rim countries come to Oahu to present a weekend showcase of Pan-Pacific entertainment, music, traditions and food.  Most events are free. 

The Pan-Pacific Ho‘olaule‘a on June 9, on Waikiki's main street, Kalakaua Avenue, will be closed to cars and packed with pedestrians for this ho‘olaule‘a (street party).   Evening highlights include live entertainment by local and visiting performers, plus craft booths, and an outdoor international marketplace of ethnic food. 

The 5th Annual Hawaiian Pan-Pacific Hula Festival on June 10, expert dancers from around the Pacific Rim will take to center stage at the famous Ala Moana shopping center for an entire day of hula. 

The Pan-Pacific Matsuri Parade on June 11 visitors and kama‘aina (residents) will line Kalakaua Avenue to enjoy this colorful parade.  An eclectic mix of performers, taiko drummers, modern and traditional dancers and colorful floats will march through Waikiki at sunset. 

The 6th Annual Hawaiian Half Marathon and Five-Mile Fun Run/Walk on June 11 hundreds of runners will take their mark for a half-marathon through Waikiki.  A five-mile fun run/walk will follow. 

Weekend festivities will also include a performing arts showcase of cultural demonstrations from the Pan-Pacific region, a hula festival, a ground golf exhibition and evening ballroom dancing. For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit www.pan-pacific-festival.com. 

Pattie Mitchell, Travel Dreams
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