The Greek Festival in Honolulu

The Honolulu Greek Festival is an annual event held by the Greek residents on Oahu.  It’s a smashing good time, and this year will be held this weekend on August 28-29 at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Greek sailors found their way to the Islands on whalers and trading vessels after 1830. Beginning in the late 1870s, some forty men from the small Mediterranean country migrated and settled on the Big Island and O‘ahu. They set up produce-growing and shipping operations, cafés, bars, rooming houses, and hotels. To locals, these immigrants supported the monarchy and participated after the overthrow in the movement to restore the queen to the throne. Imprisoned and suffering business losses for these activities, they reluctantly accommodated to annexation.

By World War II, some two hundred men, women, and children formed a community. Migration increased after World War II and a Greek church was established. Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral is now the center of Orthodoxy in Hawaii.

Each year the small congregation of about 100 families puts on a festival of epic proportions. The purpose of the festival is to raise funds for the church and help introduce and perpetuate Greek Culture in Hawaii.

Delicious Greek food such as souvlaki and gyros will be available at the food booths on hand.  There will be other Greek specialties and sales too!  Entertainment will be provided throughout the day where you can learn about Greek history, dancing and music.

Come to the Greek Festival at McCoy Pavilion in Ala Moana Park and you’ll see why thousands of people of all ethnic backgrounds show up each year.

The Honolulu Greek Festival
McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Beach Park [map]
Saturday and Sunday, August 28-29, 2010
Saturday:  Noon to 9 p.m.
Sunday:  Noon to 8 p.m.

$3.00 for adults, free for children 11 years and younger and active military and their families.

There is limited parking in Ala Moana Beach Park. Most visitors park across the street in the Ala Moana and Ward areas.

Photo courtesy of Greek Festival Hawaii