1. Pan-Pacific Festival – Matsuri in Hawaii

The Buzz -- Illuminating the ties between Hawaii and Japan, this cultural celebration unites the traditions of native Hawaiians and Japanese tourists. Music and arts and crafts bridge the gap, and performers share their aesthetics with peoples of the other nation, setting up a cross-pollination of sorts. As part of the exchange, attendees find parades, food booths, competitions, street parties, a half-marathon, and contests that focus on everything from kites to the hula.