Hawaii: 5 things not to miss at Honolulu’s big Pan-Pacific Festival

Visitors to Waikiki in June will find hula and street dancers as well as a block party and parade as part of Honolulu’s annual Pan-Pacific Festival.

The accent of the festival from June 10 to 12 is on cultural arts and performances from Japan, Hawaii and beyond.

Now in its 37th year, the celebration is held at various locations in the tourist area of Honolulu. That includes performances along Kalakaua Avenue, the main thoroughfare lined with hotels, shops and restaurants.

Events, all of which are free, begin at noon June 10 and continue until well after dark on June 12.

Here are five not to miss:

-- The block party – called hoolaulea in Hawaii – takes place 7 to 10 p.m. June 10. Kalakaua Avenue comes alive with entertainment, food vendors and artisans selling their crafts.

-- A street dance fest will be held along Waikiki Beach Walk from 6 to 8 p.m. June 10.

-- The Pan-Pacific Hula Festival at Kuhio Beach, in which more than a dozen hula halau (schools) share their talents the evenings of June 11 and 12.

-- Throughout the weekend, various groups will perform at arts showcases at various locations, including the Ala Moana Center shopping district.

-- The loud and colorful Pan-Pacific Parade begins at 5 p.m. June 12, heading along Kalakaua Avenue from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park.

Info: Pan-Pacific Festival

MORE

Hawaii: Where to really get away from it all on the Big Island

Hawaii’s endless poke craze, stoked by new twists and traditional dishes

Hawaii: Plush residence-resort near Waikiki Beach to open in June

Hawaii: Here’s a rare chance to trek inside a lava tube at Kilauea volcano