Your Insider Guide to the 10th Annual Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest

Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest is on Saturday, July 1. Here’s what’s new this year, where to park and what you can eat, shop and do.

June 23, 2023

Maria Kanai,

Photo: Courtesy of Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest

In its 10th year, the Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest is an annual bon dance celebration being held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at the former Varsity Theatre parking lot and Coyne Street from 5 to 10 p.m. Barring pandemic years, thousands attend every year to celebrate the diversity and history of the neighborhood, eat andagi, shop local retailers, play street festival games and, of course, dance the night away to the beat of taiko drums.

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SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2023

How Much It Is

Attending the event is free, and cash and card will be accepted at the various food and craft vendors. We recommend bringing both in case some vendors only accept cash.

Photo: Courtesy of Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest

What To Do

There’s plenty to do at this year’s festival. Live performances begin at 5 p.m. featuring Japanese traditional folk singer and shamisen player Anju Madoka. The main event is the bon dance, which begins at 6 p.m. and will continue throughout the night.

The Japanese Cultural Center will offer keiki hachimaki (headband) and uchiwa (fan) activities and tanabata tanzaku, where the kids can write wishes on paper and hang them on bamboo. There will also be stamping stations available for keiki to enjoy.

New this year, Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest has partnered with Sumofish to release a special-edition 10th anniversary T-shirt. The limited-edition shirt will be on sale at the festival with proceeds going toward the production of the event. Another partnership with local boutique Eden in Love brings a special-edition tote bag to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the event, also for sale at the festival.

Photo: Courtesy of Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest

Shopping & Dining

Food Vendors:

808islandcravingz
Blue Truck Teppanyaki
Chibi Confectionery LLC
Da Lemonade Squad, LLC
Da Mochi Guys
El Gallo
Evisuya
Kona Ice of Kapolei/Ewa Beach
ReecieB’s Onolicious local food
Sama Sama
Sweet Revenge
Waialua BBQ
Celine’s Best
Corn Onoz Hawai‘i
JJ’s Treatz
Olay’s Thai Lao Express
TK World
My Sweet World 808
Andagi
Hawaiian Pie Company
Any Kine SNAX

Retail Vendors:

Beads & Things by Kori
Eden in Love
Grace Under Cover
It’s About Time
Kissy Hawai‘i
Koa Kards
Ku‘uipo Collection
Mise Kimono
Miyako & Co
Mizmatched Star
Rainbow Proteas
Rim Lickah
Simply Creative
Simply Sparkle Designs
Snack Addicted
Sumofish
TK World
Toys & Things HI
Pacific Buddhist Academy
Honolulu Federal Credit Union
Honolulu Fire Department
Hongwanji Mission School

The Bathroom Situation

For families with kids, we know how important it is to have the 411 on the potty situation. Good news: there will be air-conditioned trailer bathrooms with several stalls located mauka side of the parking lot.

Photo: Courtesy of Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest

Where to Park

Free parking will be available at the UH Lower Campus parking structure, with free shuttle buses from Roberts Hawai‘i running from 4 to 11 p.m. Or if you feel like walking, you can take a 10-minute stroll down University Avenue to the festival. There will be a drop-off location for ride shares on Kaialiu Street.

Tips

Per event organizers, the festival will be the most crowded between 6 to 8 p.m. Consider arriving early by 5 p.m. to beat the crowds.
Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can communicate with other people in your group—thousands are expected to attend. For families with kids, consider designating a meet-up spot in case you get separated.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of walking, standing in line and dancing.
Wear your favorite Japanese yukata, but if you don’t have one, that’s OK, too. There’s no dress code for bon dancing.
Dancers will move in a circle in one direction around the yagura, so just follow along the best you can. No one’s watching (OK, except maybe the folks right behind you), so remember, no shame and have fun!

Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest, former Varsity Theatre parking lot and Coyne Street, 5 to 10 p.m., moiliilisummerfest.com, @moiliilifest