Ocean of entertainment

The 28th annual Pan-Pacific Festival in Waikiki once again rekindles the relationship between Hawaii and the Pan-Pacific region with a celebration of drums, dance, pageantry and parades. From Friday through Sunday, thousands of musicians, artists and dancers from Pacific Rim countries will present a weekend showcase of entertainment, music, traditions and food.

Most events are free.

Highlights include the Pan-Pacific Ho'olaule'a from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Kalakaua Avenue will be closed to cars to make way for this street party. There will be five stages filled with cultural performances including hula, traditional Japanese dance and taiko drummers, in addition to food booths, arts and crafts and multicultural exhibits.

On Saturday, it's the 7th Annual Hawaiian Pan-Pacific Hula Festival from noon to 3 p.m. at the Ala Moana Centerstage, featuring both Japanese and Hawaiian halau.

Then it's back to Kalakaua Avenue on Sunday for the Pan-Pacific Matsuri Parade from 5 to 7 p.m. An eclectic mix of performers, taiko drummers, modern and traditional dancers and colorful floats will march down the avenue. There will be a variety of musical entertainment from Japan and the mainland, along with local ethnic groups participating in the parade.

Weekend festivities will also include a performing arts showcase of cultural demonstrations from the Pan-Pacific region and a ground golf exhibition.

All of this is free to the public. For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit www.pan-pacific-festival.com.

Other events

Friday

» 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Furusato at the Ala Moana Centerstage
» 1 to 3 p.m.: Waikiki Deai No Hiroba at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center stage

Saturday

» Noon to 4 p.m.: Arts and crafts fair, first floor, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
» 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Taiko festival at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center stage
» 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Omatsuri Hiroba at the Ala Moana Centerstage
» Sunset on the Beach: Features the movies of Misora Hibari and a celebration of her life and career (see "Do It" calendar on Page 6)

Sunday

» Noon to 4 p.m.: Pan-Pacific Friendship Stage at the Ala Moana Centerstage
» 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Waikiki Deai No Hiroba at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center stage