Conceived and produced by San Jose Taiko
Created by San Jose Taiko, Epic Immersive, and Wesley Jazz Ensemble

Japanese Americans have the dubious distinction of being the only U.S. citizen group incarcerated due to wartime hysteria. Sadly, many Americans are unaware of this history. As more internees pass away, it becomes ever more important to preserve their history and share its lessons with younger generations. San Jose Taiko’s highly-acclaimed Swingposium employs the power of performance to teach about Internment and foster dialogue around civil rights, honoring the resilience of those who lived through Internment.

"Swingposium," celebrates the big band scene that emerged while Japanese American people were in incarceration camps.

“The whole show starts with the door swinging open. You've just been transported through time," Imperial said. The classic Benny Goodman song, “In the Mood," plays courtesy of a live jazz ensemble, and the audience starts dancing.

“As an audience member, you are not just watching, but you are participating," he said. "Imagine yourself walking onto a movie set from the 1940s, in an internment camp dance hall. And so you're surrounded by actors, dancers, Taiko musicians.”

Conceived and produced by San Jose Taiko
Created by San Jose Taiko, Epic Immersive, and Wesley Jazz Ensemble

Japanese Americans have the dubious distinction of being the only U.S. citizen group incarcerated due to wartime hysteria. Sadly, many Americans are unaware of this history. As more internees pass away, it becomes ever more important to preserve their history and share its lessons with younger generations. San Jose Taiko’s highly-acclaimed Swingposium employs the power of performance to teach about Internment and foster dialogue around civil rights, honoring the resilience of those who lived through Internment.

"Swingposium," celebrates the big band scene that emerged while Japanese American people were in incarceration camps.

“The whole show starts with the door swinging open. You've just been transported through time," Imperial said. The classic Benny Goodman song, “In the Mood," plays courtesy of a live jazz ensemble, and the audience starts dancing.

“As an audience member, you are not just watching, but you are participating," he said. "Imagine yourself walking onto a movie set from the 1940s, in an internment camp dance hall. And so you're surrounded by actors, dancers, Taiko musicians.”

A colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Waikīkī

Intricate floats decorated with a rainbow of fresh flowers and men and women on horseback showcasing the traditional art of pāʻū riding. Participants from marching bands to hālau hula to civic leaders display the unique aloha spirit that unites Hawai‘i’s community.

Get ready for a beachfront street festival like no other!

Kalākaua Avenue will be transformed with booths showcasing Hawai‘i cuisine, crafts and culture stretching as far as the eye can see. Taste the best of local flavors from around the island in one place, and peruse artisan-made crafts. Multiple stages with incredible entertainment will rock the evening featuring top local artists, award-winning hālau hula, and more.

Don’t miss this FREE presentation by IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Cheryl Flaharty, focusing on the development of IONA’s work in the butoh dance form, costume creation, and the many causes IONA champions.

This event is part of IONA’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, supported by Atherton Family Foundation, City & County of Honolulu, Wallace, Elizabeth & Isabella Wong Family Foundation, Kosasa Foundation, G. N. Wilcox Trust, Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts through appropriations from the Legislature of the State of Hawai‘i and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Free admission.  Everyone welcome!

Bring your own chairs & blankets.

9am – Native Hawaiian Blessing, music & performance, followed by Grand Entry at 10am.

Visit with Indigenous & Turtle Island craft vendors, gather resource information from educational & community-based organizations, participate in children’s crafts, enjoy local food vendors and

Navajo frybread prepared by our Navajo relatives, Masen Tsosie and Caroline Begay, throughout the day.

Invited Groups include the Lummi Nation Blackhawk Singers and the Bird Singers from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Host Drum – Blackfoot Drummers
Head Woman Dancer – Taunie Cullooyah, Kalispel Tribe
Head Man Dancer – Robert Thomas, Colville Confederated Tribe
Emcee – Brad Bearsheart
Arena Director – Eric Lonecheif

Stay tuned for more details!

Cultural performances, activities, exhibits, marketplace, bon dance.

And FOOD! Freshly made ANDAGI, shave ice, Okinawa soba, Pig’s Feet soup, Champura and more.

Share, Promote, and Raise Awareness of Korean Culture in the Community

The Korean Festival is an annual event run by the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce, with the support of dozens of community organizations and businesses, and hundreds of volunteers. Proceeds from the Festival are used to fund service projects and ventures which benefit the Korean and larger community in Hawaii, including an annual scholarship fund for outstanding, civic-minded students entering or currently enrolled in college.

The Korean Festival presents a unique, authentic taste of Korean culture through food, dance, art, music, and entertainment. The program of festival events varies from year to year, but past Festivals have included performances such as taekwondo (Korean martial arts) demonstration, a coming-of-age traditional tea ceremony, and Korean fan and drum dances.

Calling all lovers of live entertainment!
Join Manoa Valley Theatre for an evening full of talent, creativity, and good vibes. Whether you’re going to relax, support local artists, or just enjoy the show, everyone’s welcome.

Experience music, poetry, comedy, dance, monologues, and more—all performed by incredible local talent. The bar will be open with drinks and snacks available for purchase (cash and cards accepted).

Step into a magical evening at the 2025 Midsummer Night's Gleam, happening Saturday, July 19, at Foster Botanical Garden in Honolulu. From 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., guests can enjoy a variety of fun, hands-on activities including giant bubbles, communal art projects, and other interactive experiences designed for all ages. As the sun begins to set, the garden transforms into a radiant wonderland, illuminated by thousands of glowing luminaries and artistic light displays spread across the lush, 14-acre landscape.

The evening continues with live music, cultural performances, and food vendors offering local and global favorites, creating a festive and relaxing atmosphere under the stars. The powerful African drumming ensemble Sewa Fare kicks off the event, energizing the garden with rhythm and celebration. On the Lower Stage, keiki will be delighted by a series of whimsical and engaging performances featuring theatrics and classical music by Allegro Keiki and more. The Mendoza Philippine Dance Group and Dragon Beat Hawaii add vibrant cultural flair with traditional dance and taiko drumming, while audiences throughout the evening can enjoy an eclectic mix of entertainment, from the graceful melodies of a harpist to the dynamic finale by MEDAH, the Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Hawaii.

The Hanayagi Dancing Academy Hawaiʻi Foundationʻs 25th Classical Japanese Dance Grand Recital will commemorate 78 years since the founding of the Academy, within which time will have produced twenty-five Grand Recitals featuring unabridged dance performances in traditional costume from a variety of traditional music genres and role types.