Waikiki Holiday Parade 2023 on Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.
The Waikiki Holiday Parade commemorates Pearl Harbor by honoring survivors and veterans in memory of the attacks from December 7, 1941. Local Hawaiian bands, marching bands from the mainland, military units, local officials and dignitaries march down torch-lit Kalakaua Avenue along Waikiki Beach. It is held annually the Friday following Thanksgiving Day and hosts thousands of spectators, residents and visitors alike.
History
Since 1998, the Waikiki Holiday Parade commemorates Pearl Harbor Survivors and the anniversary of the attacks. The mission of the event is to educate students on this important piece of U.S. history and preserving Polynesian culture. It also ushers in the holiday season for locals. The week of events and performances on the island, as well as months of preparations leading up to the trip, give students a unique learning experience that they will not soon forget. Thousands of spectators, residents and visitors gather on the Friday after Thanksgiving to watch this non-competitive parade, which hosts local bands, marching bands from the mainland, Pearl Harbor Survivors, service bands, military units, local officials, dignitaries and entertainers.
In addition to performing in the parade, groups also take part in a wreath laying ceremonies at the USS Arizona Memorial and commemorative performances in Pearl Harbor at the USS Missouri Battleship.
Parade Route
The parade begins with warm-up and step-off from Fort DeRussy Park and ends at Queen Kapiolani Park. The torch-lit parade route travels approximately 1.5 miles along Waikiki's main thoroughfare, Kalakaua Avenue, with festive scenery of Waikiki Beach as your backdrop. On your left, tall, twinkling hotels and restaurants are teeming with flowers, torches and spectators; to your right grand palms & white sand beach unfold to the open ocean. You won't find a warmer welcome in any other destination!