Frequently asked questions

Yes, paid admission is required for entry to the Okinawan Festival for each day and enforced by checking wristbands upon entry. There is a designated color for each day. Admission is discounted for Seniors (65 and over) and free for Children (12 and under). No admission fee for registered volunteers and entertainers (must have volunteer wristband to enter).

Prices shown are per person, per dayGeneral AdmissionPurchase ahead of time online at https://events.leapevents.com/event/okifest2026 or in person at the Admissions BoothDoors open at 10 am$10 for Adults ages 13–64$5 for Seniors 65 and overChildren 12 and under are free Two-day discounted bundles are also available for General Admission but must be purchased online at https://events.leapevents.com/event/okifest2026.

Yes, you can purchase either General Admission tickets ahead of time for each day online at https://events.leapevents.com/event/okifest2026, only debit/credit card payments accepted. All sales final, no refunds no exchanges.If you purchased your tickets online (General Admission):Once you have successfully completed the checkout process, you will receive a receipt via email with the subject line "Order Confirmation for 44th Okinawan Festival 2026" from Leap Event. If you don't see the email in your inbox, check your spam folder. Head to the 1st floor Main Lobby and have your barcode/QR code ready on your phone/device or printed out.Look for our Admissions volunteers at the front of the Exhibit Hall II doors; get your barcode scanned and receive a colored wristband upon entry. Note there is a designated color for each day.

Yes, you can purchase General Admission tickets in person at the Admissions Booth located on the 1st floor just inside the Exhibit Hall III entrance; festival scrips, cash, debit/credit card payments accepted. All sales final, no refunds, no exchanges.To purchase tickets in person (General Admission):Go to Admissions Booth on the 1st floor Main, just inside of the Exhibit Hall III entrance, follow the signs.Wait in line to purchase admission and receive a colored wristband (festival scrips, cash and cards accepted). Note there is a designated color for each day.Once you have your wristband, you may enter the festival area.

Yes, two-day discounted bundles for General Admission are available for purchase online only at https://events.leapevents.com/event/okifest2026, only debit/credit cards accepted. All sales final, no refunds, no exchanges.For those who purchase the two-day bundle, you will be issued two individual tickets, one for each day. For each day you attend, scan the appropriate ticket and receive the designated wristband for that day. Note there is a designated color for each day.

Holding the festival in the Hawaii Convention Center has many benefits like air conditioning, lots of clean bathrooms, level flooring for kupuna, ample space, and protection from bad weather.Charging an admission fee helps to offset the cost of holding the festival at the Hawaii Convention Center. We appreciate your understanding and continued support for this community celebration of all things Okinawan. Proceeds from the Okinawan Festival go to support the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA), including the following programs:Hawaii-Okinawa High School Student Exchange ProgramSenior FairChildren’s Day CampVarious community outreach activitiesFacilitating study in Okinawa through various programsSupport for the Hawaii Okinawa Center – HUOA’s home for many different groups to practice cultural arts, hold classes and meetings, host events, and much more etc.And of course, the Okinawan Festival is a major fundraiser for HUOA’s 50 member clubsTo learn more about HUOA, please visit our website: www.huoa.org

Yes. Your wristband will allow you to re-enter the Exhibit Hall for the entire day.

Pets are not allowed, per Hawaii Convention Center policy. Only certified service animals are allowed on premise. For safety reasons, hard-shell coolers are not allowed at the Festival.Per Hawaii Convention Center's policy, the following items are prohibited: Firearms of any kind (even if legally owned); knives, blades or sharp objects; explosive devices or components; brass knuckles, metal pipes, clubs, unauthorized tools or objects that may be used as weapons. All attendees must complete the HCC's required security screening before entering the first floor main lobby.

No, pets are not allowed at the Hawaii Convention Center, per Hawaii Convention Center’s policy. Only certified service animals are allowed on premise.