Since the first “Matsuri in Hawaii” in 1980, the Pan-Pacific Festival has served as an opportunity to share and experience traditional Japanese culture. Over the years, the festival’s scope has expanded to include other cultures from Hawaii’s rich environment. With increased access to resources, our ability to foster a global community through education and experience is broadened with access to additional resources.

Join George Tanabe for “In the Footsteps of Uncle Primo” at this month’s Storytelling Night!

George will share stories about his uncle, who served in the 100th Battalion during World War II. “He would get drunk on Primo beer and relive his war experiences.” When George’s grandsons were growing up, they experienced those memories through the “Uncle Primo” stories he told them.

George is a retired professor of religion at University of Hawaii and published historian, and has spent his career exploring the intersection of fact and fiction in global religious literature.

Thousands are expected to celebrate this crowd favorite event honoring the historic Mōʻiliʻili district and Obon season featuring Honolulu’s largest bon dance. This community planned and programmed annual event also includes a modern street festival featuring a diversity of local food vendors, artisans, retailers, and cultural entertainment.The festival is supported by Kamehameha Schools in partnership with the Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Mission and other community organizations including the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, the Mōʻiliʻili Community Center, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have come together to deliver this lively event for all to enjoy.