[ WEEKEND ]
Former sumo wrestler Konishiki is the guest of honor at this year's Pan-Pacific Festival. He is pictured with his wife, Chie Iijima.
Pacific festival
features Konishiki
As a symbol of cultural exchange between Hawaii and Japan, few figures loom larger than celebrated sumo wrestler-turned-entertainer Konishiki.
As the guest of honor at this year's 25th anniversary Pan-Pacific Festival, Konishiki will perform tonight at the Pan-Pacific Ho'olaule'a, a block party that will see Kalakaua Avenue closed to street traffic for live entertainment, and craft, activity and food booths.
In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of United States-Japan relations, as many as 4,000 musicians, dancers and artists from Japan will attend the three-day festival, which has been held annually in conjunction with the King Kamehameha Day Celebration.
The Cover: Dancers from Hyottoko Odori of Japan at the 2002 Pan-Pacific Matsuri parade.
Festivities will also include a hula festival, a golf exhibition and the 4th Annual Hawaiian Half Marathon & 5 Mile Fun Run/Walk. On Sunday, a parade boasting elaborate floats and a variety of performers, including dancers and taiko drummers, will pass through Waikiki at sunset.
The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center's Fountain Courtyard and Ala Moana Center Stage will host cultural showcases throughout the weekend. Most events are free.
Here are the highlights:
TODAY
» King Kamehameha Celebration lei ceremony: The King Kamehameha statue on King Street will be draped in flowers in the annual ritual, from 4 to 6 p.m.» Performing Arts Showcase: Traditional performing arts from Japan at Ala Moana Center Stage, 11:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Also at Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
» Pan-Pacific Ho'olaule'a: Street party with food and entertainment on Kalakaua Avenue, 6:10 to 10 p.m.
TOMORROW
» King Kamehameha Floral Parade: The annual event presented by the King Kamehameha Celebration, featuring pa'u riders, dignitaries, marching bands and more, will wind its way from 'Iolani Palace to Kapiolani Park, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.» Third annual Pan-Pacific Hula Festival: Performances on Ala Moana Center Stage from noon to 4 p.m.
» Performing Arts Showcase: Traditional performing arts from Japan with Omatsuri Hiroba at Ala Moana Center Stage, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Also, taiko festival at Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Fountain Courtyard from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
» "Na Hana No'eau o Ka Pakipika": Showcase for artistic endeavors of the Pacific at Kapiolani Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Joint event with the State Council on Hawaiian Heritage and the King Kamehameha Celebration.
SUNDAY
» Fourth annual Hawaiian Half Marathon & 5 Mile Fun Run/Walk: Half marathon begins at 5 a.m., starting at Magic Island, continuing to Kalakaua and Kahala avenues, and ending at Kapiolani Park. Also, 5 Mile Run/Walk starts 7 a.m. at Monsarrat Avenue, looping around Diamond Head and ending at Kapiolani Park. Call 342-9411. Register today or Saturday for $25. On-site registration is $100. Packet pickup from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday will be at the Running Room, 819 Kapahulu Ave. Call 737-2422.» Performing Arts Showcase: Traditional performing arts from Japan at Ala Moana Center Stage, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, Waikiki Deai no Hiroba at Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Fountain Courtyard from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
» Pan-Pacific Matsuri Parade: This colorful and festive grand finale, featuring elaborate floats, dancers and musicians, starts at Fort DeRussy, continuing on to Kapiolani Park, from 5 to 7 p.m.
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calendars and events.
