HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu is thrilled to announce its proud sponsorship of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), a spectacular event that celebrates the vibrant and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. This prestigious festival is a showcase of the rich heritage and artistic expressions that make the Pacific Islands so unique. This is first time in the events 52-year history that the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders, is being held in Hawai‘i.
“I am incredibly proud that the City and County of Honolulu is hosting the 13th annual Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC)”, said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This event is a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Pacific Islands. It is an honor to welcome artists, performers, and visitors from across the region to share their traditions and stories with us. Together, we will create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that unite our Pacific community.”
There are many events occurring around our island home from June 6 – June 16, 2024, with much more coordination ahead of the official events. The majority of these events are free and open to the public, occurring primarily at: the University of Hawai‘i Mānoa, Hawai‘i Convention Center, Bishop Museum, and throughout Waikīkī. As a result of the hundreds of VIPs and dignitaries frequenting these sites, traffic and facility congestion should be expected.
Kualoa Regional Park will experience parking restrictions on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. These changes are necessary to support FestPAC operations at this historic location. The park will return to normal operations on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Your patience and support in maintaining Kualoa Regional Park’s beauty and functionality are greatly appreciated.
Camping suspensions will also be in place at Kualoa Regional Park. Campground A will be closed for camping until Monday, September 2, 2024. This extended closure considers usage for our summer programming, including our popular Summer Fun Program. Campground B will be closed through Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
One of the most anticipated moments of the festival will be the Village Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 7, 2024 at the Hawai‘i Convention center, during which the City and County of Honolulu will take to the FestPAC main stage to conduct a Sister City signing with Rarotonga, Cook Islands. This ceremony is more than just a formal agreement; it is a testament to our enduring commitment to fostering international relationships and cultural exchanges that strengthen the bonds between our communities.
The City’s Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) assisted in the creation of the Festival Village. Over two days, and with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department and the Department of Transportation Services, crews trucked over building materials from Windward O‘ahu to the Hawai‘i Convention Center in Waikīkī. This material was used to construct 28 villages, each an estimated 20-by-30 feet.
Our sponsorship is the result of a collaborative effort involving multiple City and State departments, each of which has worked tirelessly to contribute to the success of this significant event. These departments have seamlessly coordinated to provide logistical support, enhance the festival experience, and ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all participants and visitors.
The City and County of Honolulu invites everyone to join in the festivities and experience the vibrant culture, art, and traditions of the Pacific. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have worked so hard to make this event a reality.
For more information about the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, please visit FestPAC’s official website.
—PAU—
