Things to Do on O‘ahu in March 2024
Honolulu Festival, Janet Jackson live in concert, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, HIFF Spring Showcase and BrunchFest—March is packed with fun!
Photo: Thomas Obungen
FESTIVAL
28th Annual Honolulu Festival
March 8–10
The Honolulu Festival is back this month with the ever-popular grand parade (with extravagant floats like above), as well as the Nagaoka Fireworks Show, a Japanese film festival, and cultural performances and exhibits from the Pacific Rim. Attendees can sample a variety of sake, shochu and awamori at the free Sake and Food Fest, which premiered last year; this year’s Sake and Food Fest happens March 9 and 10 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. More extensive food and drink options will be available at the March 8 Friendship Gala (tickets are $100) and at the new Japan Food Festival in Hawai‘i, with scrips for purchase.
Free admission, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., honolulufestival.com, @honfestival
SEE ALSO: Our Favorite Things to Do During Spring on O‘ahu
Photo: Preston Meneses
CONCERT
Janet Jackson
March 8–10, 8 p.m.
It’s been five years since Miss Jackson performed in the Islands, making her three-night run all the more exciting for fans who miss her much. Last we checked, there were still tickets available for all three nights.
$70 and up, Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com, @janetjackson
SEE ALSO: 40 Amazing Things to Do
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Note Hawai‘i
CONCERT
Hunter Hayes
March 15 and 16, 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Yes, this country boy has sold millions of records, been nominated for five Grammys and toured with Taylor Swift, but he reached a new tier of fame as the Astronaut on The Masked Singer (you were robbed, Hunter!). He performs two shows here—just remember Blue Note’s $10 food/drink minimum on top of ticket prices.
$45–$65, Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com, @hunterhayes
SEE ALSO: Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
CONCERT
The Music of Studio Ghibli
March 16, 6 p.m.
Your favorite Hayao Miyazaki films come to life through the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, which will perform songs from My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service. You’ll have to visualize the films while the symphony plays since they won’t be screened. Now if only we could have the food of Studio Ghibli.
$25–$75 (sold out), Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiisymphonyorchestra
SEE ALSO: 7 Things to Do During Spring Break on O‘ahu
FESTIVAL
57th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17, noon
This annual parade features about 800 participants, including community organizations, marching bands, groups from the military and keiki from schools. It usually lasts about an hour and a half. Arrive early (in green, of course) to find a spot to watch.
Free, Kalākaua Avenue, friendsofstpatrickhawaii.com
FILM
HIFF Spring Showcase & ‘Ōpio Fest
March 21–28, April 5–7
The Hawai‘i International Film Festival’s annual spring showcase isn’t the only thing to get excited about this season—the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest, a youth film festival, makes its debut as a standalone event. In addition to screenings, student filmmakers will get a chance to meet with industry professionals to hopefully advance their burgeoning careers.
Individual tickets go on sale March 7, Consolidated Theatres Kāhala, 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., hiff.org, @hiffhawaii
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
FOOD & DRINK
BrunchFest Presented by First Hawaiian Bank x Mastercard
March 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The tastiest grazing event of the spring is back. Expect boozy bevs and sweet and savory dishes from local brunch spots. Read more about what’s new in the brunch world in our guide.
$75 and up, Prince Waikīkī, 100 Holomoana St., hnltix.com, @honolulumag, @frolichawaii
SEE ALSO: HONOLULU Magazine BrunchFest 2024 Presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard
Photo: Credit Zarli Win, Courtesy of Kawaii Kon
CONVENTION
Kawaii Kon
March 29–31
So much is packed into this three-day anime fest: art auctions, game tournaments, meet-and-greets, karaoke and cosplaying. Kids 10 and under are free with a paying adult.
$83 in advance for a three-day membership; $60 and up for one day, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., kawaiikon.com, @kawaiikonofficial
