This past Friday, I decided to take a drive into Waikiki after work and to my delight I find out that this weekend we play host to the Pan-Pacific Festival-Mahsuri. Friday night from 7pm to 10pm, the celebration kicks off with the Pan-Pacific Ho'olaule'a, where Waikiki turns into a festive block party along Kalakaua Avenue. I got there around 5.30pm; early enough to find an abundance of parking spots still available along Kapiolani Park, found an ideal spot and I walk my way into Waikiki. Since I had plenty time to kill, I took plenty photos of Waikiki beach, and also was able to watch the beautiful sunset behind Halekulani Hotel. I was able to see live entertainment by local and visiting performers; traditional folk dancing, taiko drum performances, Japanese bon dance, hula and more. There were also craft and lots of ethnic food booths! It was definitely a fun night! Besides all the photos I took, I was able to record a couple of the performances on my camera as well; just don't mind a slightly noticable non-steady footage...it's not perfect, but the quite good performances make up for it. So click on the YouTube link to view the video footages.

The festival was launched back in 1979 as a cultural exchange between Hawaii and Japan where a large number of Japan's entertainers fill a certain stretch of Waikiki streets with music, dance and colorful costumes. It also coincides with the King Kamehameha celebrations; with two parades through Waikiki - King Kamehameha Parade on Saturday morning and Pan-Pacific Mahsuri Parade on Sunday evening with marching bands, colorful floats and lively performers!

See...you don't have to travel thousands of miles to experience the best of Japan. Once a year, the Pan-Pacific Festival-Matsuri in Hawaii brings it to you!

Click to view photos taken at the Pan-Pacific Ho'olaule'a