Programs
Nā Hanana Kūhelu — Ceremonies and Protocol
The Canoe Arrival Ceremony initiates the festival, symbolizing unity as traditional canoes bring in cultural representatives from various Pacific nations. The Opening Ceremony launches the festivities with performances, speeches, and a Parade of Nations. An Ecumenical Service adds a spiritual aspect, uniting attendees in reflection and prayer. The Closing Ceremony concludes the event, celebrating achievements with performances and expressions of gratitude. Together, these ceremonies highlight the festival’s dedication to fostering unity and respect among its diverse participants.
Wehena — Opening Ceremony
Waʻa — Canoe Arrival Ceremony
Panina — Closing Ceremony
Ekalesia — Ecumenical Service
Hana Noʻeau — Heritage Arts
The heritage arts are a dynamic celebration of Pacific Island cultures, featuring a diverse array of traditional and contemporary artistic expressions. Through vibrant exhibitions, interactive workshops, and engaging daily shows, the program provides a platform for artists and cultural practitioners to showcase both traditional and contemporary crafts of the Pacific Islands. With space to foster cross-cultural understanding, festival-goers receive a immersive experience that highlights the rich tapestry of Pacific Island traditions.
Meaʻai — Culinary Arts
Hōʻikeʻike — Performing Arts
Renowned artists from various nations will showcase traditional dances, music, and contemporary performances, offering a captivating journey through rhythmic drumming, graceful dance movements, and indigenous melodies. Emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation, the festival fosters dialogue and unity among diverse communities, showcasing the enduring power of performing arts in bridging gaps and preserving the rich heritage of the Pacific.
Hōʻike Kiʻi — Visual Arts
Featuring a vibrant fusion of drawing, painting, prints, sculptures, photography, and multimedia presentations, the visual arts program highlights the evolving nature of Pacific art. With a focus on the intersection of tradition and innovation, this program provides an immersive and cross-cultural experiences across art expressions, fostering a sense of shared humanity through the universal language of art. The Visual Arts Program will feature kaha kiʻi (drawing), pena kiʻi (painting), lau kāpala (printmaking), sculptures/3D work, photography, and multimedia/installations.
Regenerating Oceania Exhibit
Moananuiākea — Pacific Conversations
Kamehameha Schools brings a series of workshops and panels for cultural exchange, including Ea Moananuiākea: Pacific Sovereignty – Ancestral knowledge, indigenous rights, political activism, self-determination, Moʻolelo Moananuiākea: Pacific Story – Vibrant Pacific stories through song, dance, and games of strength, strategy and skill, and Ola Moananuiākea: Pacific Life – Climate change, sea level rise, ocean restoration, impact on ancestral culture, language, and identity.
Nā Hana Pākuʻi — Symposia
In addition to its main artistic events, the Festival includes strategic supplementary programs like symposia/conferences, workshops, masterclasses, educational forums, and panel discussions. These initiatives offer in-depth exploration of traditional crafts, artistic techniques, and cultural issues, promoting skill development, knowledge exchange, and meaningful conversations among thought leaders, artists, and community members. These programs support the festival’s mission to enhance cultural understanding, sustainability, and the preservation of Pacific heritage, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful celebration of the region's diversity.
Strategic Programs by The Pacific Community (SPC)
"Protecting Oceania” – Pacific Philosophers Conference
NOAA Science On a Sphere