The annual Honolulu Festival kicks off this Friday with events in Ala Moana and Waikiki. Despite the ridiculously cheesy tagline/mission statement of the fest -- "....the premier cultural event, promoting understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region" -- there's actually a lot of cool stuff to see, do and experience.

The venues are the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center and Waikiki Beach Walk. The fest concludes with a Grand Parade through Waikiki down Kalakaua Avenue. I personally hate a parade -- too crowded, no parking, not much to see, noisy. But this parade might be worth a look as it has a ton of interesting performers from all over the Pacific Rim. And definitely check out the Hula Seminars at the Hawaii Convention Center, if you're into that hip swaying thing. Oh, and if you planned to be in Waikiki for other reasons, just don't go, Parking will be a complete nightmare.

—Alex, 03/08/07