Have a Shamrockin’ Time at These St. Patrick’s Day Events

Learn to dance an Irish jig, join in a 5K fun run at MCBH and enjoy educational activities with keiki at the Children's Discovery Center.

March 14, 2023

Maria Kanai,

St. Patricks' Day Parade with white, vintage convertible — Photo: Matt McConnell

56th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Friday, March 17, noon

This annual parade features about 800 participants including community organizations, marching bands, groups from the military and keiki from schools. The parade is expected to last about an hour and a half. Arrive early to find a spot along Kalākaua Avenue.

Family-Friendly Event, free, begins Fort DeRussy and ends at Kapi‘olani Park bandstand, friendsofstpatrickhawaii.com

St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run and Block Party at MCBH

Friday, March 17, 5:30 p.m.

Good news: this Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i event is open to the public!

Lace up your running shoes and don your best green gear for an untimed 5K fun run, and compete for the “Best Dressed” prize. Runners who beat the leprechaun to the finish line have a chance to win one of nine prize packages that include a GoRuck rucksack and a signed copy of Chef Robert Irvine’s newest book “Overcoming Impossible.” Online registration deadline is March 15. All civilians requesting base access must register through the DBIDs link.

After the run, the block party runs from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sip on a festive St. Patrick’s Day beverage at the outdoor bar and listen to live local bands. Along with chances to win prizes throughout the night, taste delicious food served up by Chef Robert Irvine. First-come, first-served starting at 6:30 p.m until 8pm or until food runs out.

$45, Kahuna’s Sports Bar and Grill, 3rd Street, Marine Corps Base Hawai’i, hawaii.usmc-mccs.org. Race tickets available here.

St. Paddy’s Day Dance Open House

Friday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.

Meet other dance enthusiasts, make new friends and view dance demonstrations, take group dance lessons and see a professional performance. Styles include waltz, foxtrot, tango, swing, salsa, bachata, cha cha, rumba and of course, an Irish jig. Light pupu and refreshments will be served.

$25, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, 770 Kapi‘olani Blvd, dancinginhawaii.com, tickets available here, @arthurmurrayhawaii.dance

St. Patrick’s Day Activities at Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center

Friday, March 17, 9 a.m. to noon

Keiki and their families are invited to participate in a variety of Irish-themed STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities. Build a tall tower out of Keva Planks (wood blocks) and balance a leprechaun on top; use catapults to launch “gold” into pots; explore and hunt for treasures in the St. Patrick’s Day sensory bin and build a 3-D Paper rainbow to take home. All activities are free with the price of admission.

Family-Friendly Event, general admission $12, kama‘aina and military $10, senior citizens $7, children under one free, HCDC members free, Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center, 111 Ohe St., discoverycenterhawaii.org, @hawaiichildrensdiscoverycenter