Honolulu Pride 2025
- October 16-18, 2025
- Honolulu
Honolulu Pride 2025: Hoʻomau is set to transform the heart of Waikīkī into a celebration of resilience, unity and joy from October 16–18, 2025. Presented by the Hawaiʻi lgbtq+ Legacy Foundation, the annual Pride weekend invites locals and visitors to honour Hawai‘i’s lgbtq+QIA/MVPFAFF+ community while soaking up the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most beautiful beach cities. This year’s theme, “Ho‘omau,” which translates to “to persist, perpetuate and endure,” reflects the community’s determination to celebrate queer identities while acknowledging the leaders who paved the way. Rather than a single parade, Honolulu Pride is a multiday festival that brings together concerts, parties, cultural events and a spectacular march down Kalākaua Avenue, offering something for everyone.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, October 16 with the Hawai‘i Theatre Pride Concert. Held at the historic Hawai‘i Theatre Center, the opening night showcases local musicians, drag performers and storytellers who set the tone for the days ahead. On Friday, October 17, the energy shifts to Scarlet Honolulu, one of the island’s most beloved queer venues, for the official Pride Opening Party. Expect DJs spinning sets until late, glittering dance floors and an atmosphere that celebrates expression and community. Saturday, October 18 is the biggest day of the weekend: the Honolulu Pride Parade rolls out at 4 p.m., with floats, marching bands and community groups weaving from Magic Island along Kalākaua Avenue toward the Waikīkī Shell. Spectators line the palm‑fringed route, cheering on participants who represent organisations, small businesses, families and allies. Immediately following the parade, the Pride Festival at the Waikīkī Shell begins at 5 p.m., extending into the evening with live music, food vendors and information booths where attendees can learn about health resources and local initiatives.
Beyond the headline events, Honolulu Pride 2025 is filled with community gatherings, cultural programming and opportunities for reflection. During Pride Month in October, the Hawai‘i lgbtq+ Legacy Foundation collaborates with art galleries, museums and educational institutions to host panel discussions on local lgbtq+Q+ history, screenings of documentaries and workshops on topics such as mental health and legal rights. Families can enjoy keiki‑friendly activities at dedicated ‘ohana zones, while elders have spaces to share stories and connect. Local artisans and craftspeople host markets where visitors can purchase handmade goods, from rainbow lei to traditional Hawaiian crafts. Throughout the weekend, volunteers organise beach clean‑ups and community service projects to emphasise the festival’s commitment to giving back. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, attend a yoga session at sunrise or sit in on a storytelling circle, Pride Week in Honolulu offers a spectrum of experiences that capture the diverse spirit of Hawai‘i’s lgbtq+QIA community.
Honolulu Pride has grown steadily over the past three decades. What began as a small march in the 1990s has evolved into a major event that attracts tens of thousands of participants from across the Pacific. Its organisers strive to honour Hawaiian culture and the islands’ history by weaving local traditions into the festivities. You’ll see māhū cultural practitioners blessing the parade route, hula dancers performing alongside drag queens, and booths highlighting the role of Pacific Islander identities within the broader lgbtq+QIA movement. At the festival grounds, there are spaces for kupuna (elders), youth groups and trans and non‑binary folks to gather, ensuring that every segment of the community feels welcomed and represented. The festival’s location along the oceanfront adds to its magic: golden sunsets, warm breezes and the silhouette of Diamond Head provide an unforgettable backdrop for celebrating pride.
Planning your trip is straightforward. Ticket and merchandise sales open August 1, 2025, and many events—such as the parade and festival—are free and open to the public. If you wish to participate in the parade, register early through the Hawai‘i lgbtq+ Legacy Foundation to secure a spot for your group or organisation. Visitors should book accommodations well ahead of time, as Waikīkī hotels and vacation rentals often fill up quickly for Pride weekend. Consider arriving a day or two early to explore Honolulu’s beaches, museums and food scene, and stay after to enjoy post‑Pride brunches and community events. Volunteers are always needed to assist with everything from parade logistics to information booths; signing up is a meaningful way to connect with locals and contribute to the event’s success.
Honolulu Pride 2025 is more than a party—it’s a celebration of love, diversity and perseverance against the odds. While dates and details are subject to change as the event approaches, the spirit of Ho‘omau promises to make this year’s festival an unforgettable experience. Keep an eye on the official website for updates on performers, schedules and community initiatives. Join us in Waikīkī to march, dance, learn and celebrate the vibrant lgbtq+QIA/MVPFAFF+ community that calls Hawai‘i home.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, October 16 with the Hawai‘i Theatre Pride Concert. Held at the historic Hawai‘i Theatre Center, the opening night showcases local musicians, drag performers and storytellers who set the tone for the days ahead. On Friday, October 17, the energy shifts to Scarlet Honolulu, one of the island’s most beloved queer venues, for the official Pride Opening Party. Expect DJs spinning sets until late, glittering dance floors and an atmosphere that celebrates expression and community. Saturday, October 18 is the biggest day of the weekend: the Honolulu Pride Parade rolls out at 4 p.m., with floats, marching bands and community groups weaving from Magic Island along Kalākaua Avenue toward the Waikīkī Shell. Spectators line the palm‑fringed route, cheering on participants who represent organisations, small businesses, families and allies. Immediately following the parade, the Pride Festival at the Waikīkī Shell begins at 5 p.m., extending into the evening with live music, food vendors and information booths where attendees can learn about health resources and local initiatives.
Beyond the headline events, Honolulu Pride 2025 is filled with community gatherings, cultural programming and opportunities for reflection. During Pride Month in October, the Hawai‘i lgbtq+ Legacy Foundation collaborates with art galleries, museums and educational institutions to host panel discussions on local lgbtq+Q+ history, screenings of documentaries and workshops on topics such as mental health and legal rights. Families can enjoy keiki‑friendly activities at dedicated ‘ohana zones, while elders have spaces to share stories and connect. Local artisans and craftspeople host markets where visitors can purchase handmade goods, from rainbow lei to traditional Hawaiian crafts. Throughout the weekend, volunteers organise beach clean‑ups and community service projects to emphasise the festival’s commitment to giving back. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, attend a yoga session at sunrise or sit in on a storytelling circle, Pride Week in Honolulu offers a spectrum of experiences that capture the diverse spirit of Hawai‘i’s lgbtq+QIA community.
Honolulu Pride has grown steadily over the past three decades. What began as a small march in the 1990s has evolved into a major event that attracts tens of thousands of participants from across the Pacific. Its organisers strive to honour Hawaiian culture and the islands’ history by weaving local traditions into the festivities. You’ll see māhū cultural practitioners blessing the parade route, hula dancers performing alongside drag queens, and booths highlighting the role of Pacific Islander identities within the broader lgbtq+QIA movement. At the festival grounds, there are spaces for kupuna (elders), youth groups and trans and non‑binary folks to gather, ensuring that every segment of the community feels welcomed and represented. The festival’s location along the oceanfront adds to its magic: golden sunsets, warm breezes and the silhouette of Diamond Head provide an unforgettable backdrop for celebrating pride.
Planning your trip is straightforward. Ticket and merchandise sales open August 1, 2025, and many events—such as the parade and festival—are free and open to the public. If you wish to participate in the parade, register early through the Hawai‘i lgbtq+ Legacy Foundation to secure a spot for your group or organisation. Visitors should book accommodations well ahead of time, as Waikīkī hotels and vacation rentals often fill up quickly for Pride weekend. Consider arriving a day or two early to explore Honolulu’s beaches, museums and food scene, and stay after to enjoy post‑Pride brunches and community events. Volunteers are always needed to assist with everything from parade logistics to information booths; signing up is a meaningful way to connect with locals and contribute to the event’s success.
Honolulu Pride 2025 is more than a party—it’s a celebration of love, diversity and perseverance against the odds. While dates and details are subject to change as the event approaches, the spirit of Ho‘omau promises to make this year’s festival an unforgettable experience. Keep an eye on the official website for updates on performers, schedules and community initiatives. Join us in Waikīkī to march, dance, learn and celebrate the vibrant lgbtq+QIA/MVPFAFF+ community that calls Hawai‘i home.