Pride in Honolulu is special. It’s the ocean breeze cutting through Kalākaua Avenue. It’s the way community and culture meet in every step of the parade. It’s also the fact that queer celebration here isn’t just tolerated, it’s rooted in the islands’ long history of honoring diversity in identity.
For 2025, Honolulu Pride Weekend is shaping up to be another powerful, colorful celebration. Mark your calendars for October 17 to 19, with the main events, Pride Parade and Festival, locked in for Saturday, October 18.
Whether you’re flying in, local to O‘ahu, or planning your first Waikīkī experience, there’s a lot to look forward to this year.
Let’s get into the details.
Theme for 2025: “Ho‘omau”
The theme for Honolulu Pride 2025 is “Ho‘omau,” a Hawaiian word that means to persevere or to continue.
It’s a powerful nod to the strength and spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community in Hawai‘i, especially given the ongoing work toward equality, representation, and visibility.
The word also reflects the community’s deep cultural ties to Hawaii’s inclusive past, where identities outside the Western binary were not just accepted, but celebrated.
Key Events
Here’s a quick look at the major events during Honolulu Pride Weekend 2025. Details will continue to be updated, but for now, the schedule looks like this:
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu Pride Parade | October 18 | 4:00 PM | Kalākaua Avenue | March from Magic Island to Kapiʻolani Park with floats, music, and joy |
| Honolulu Pride Festival | October 18 | 5:00 PM | Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell | Over 70 booths, entertainment, food, family zones |
| Official Pride Opening Party | October 17 | Time TBC | Venue TBC | Guest DJs, live sets, queer nightlife energy |
| Official Pride After Party | October 18 | Time TBC | Likely at Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand | Close out Saturday with dancing, drag, and drinks |
The Parade
Saturday, October 18 at 4:00 PM
The Honolulu Pride Parade starts at Magic Island and cruises through Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalākaua Avenue, finishing up at Kapiʻolani Park.
That route puts it right in the heart of Waikīkī, prime beachside real estate for one of the biggest LGBTQIA+ events in the state.
Expect sunset light, cooler temperatures, and a lot of heart. There’ll be floats, banners, music, dancers, performers, and no shortage of rainbow sparkle.
You’ll see everyone from local nonprofits to queer-friendly hotels and student groups marching to the rhythm of pride and purpose.
Want to march? Groups can register via the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation’s online form. It’s open to community organizations, businesses, schools, and allies.
Where to watch: The sidewalks along Kalākaua fill up fast, so if you’re hoping for a front-row view, arrive early.
Many spectators also perch on hotel lanais or camp out near Kapiʻolani Park to see the tail end of the parade before heading to the festival.
The Festival
Saturday, October 18 at 5:00 PM
Once the last float rolls past, the energy shifts just a few blocks away to the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell. This open-air venue turns into a party-meets-resource-hub that lasts well into the evening.
The 2025 Pride Festival will feature:
- 70+ community booths from nonprofits, advocacy groups, healthcare services, and queer-owned businesses
- Live entertainment with national and local acts (last year saw Drag Race queens like Marina Summers and Nymphia Wind take the stage)
- Vendors and food trucks offering everything from poi donuts to iced lattes
- ‘Ohana and kūpuna zones, creating safe, welcoming spaces for families and elders
- Resource fair providing support, information, and connection points for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies
There’s also talk of a Pink Pony VIP Lounge returning. In past years, that ticket ran about $150 and included hosted cocktails, lounge seating, light snacks, and an excellent view of the main stage.
Want to snag a spot? Festival registration is open at JotForm, and tickets go on sale August 1.
Other Weekend Highlights
Honolulu Pride isn’t just about Saturday’s big events. The whole weekend is stacked with happenings that blend culture, celebration, and community care.
Friday Night: The Opening Party
October 17, Time TBC
Usually held at venues like Scarlet Honolulu, the opening party is where the weekend kicks off with lights, beats, and a crowd ready to dance.
You can expect high-energy DJ sets, surprise performances, and a packed dancefloor. Details are still pending, but if past years are any guide, this one will sell out.
Saturday Night: The After Party
October 18, Time TBC
Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand is once again the expected host of the official after party. It’s a staple of Honolulu’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife, known for strong drinks, rooftop vibes, and drag queens who know how to keep the night alive. Expect to see performers fresh off the festival stage and plenty of glitter-soaked joy.
Drag Brunch & Community Events
Rounding out the weekend, there’s typically a Rainbow Drag Brunch featuring local queens, laughter, and bottomless mimosas.
Past brunches have been co-sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, with proceeds supporting community programs.
Other weekend events often include:
- Cultural workshops on Hawaiian LGBTQIA+ history
- Art exhibits and film screenings
- The Rainbow Prom for queer youth, supported by the Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center
- Panel discussions on healthcare, identity, and activism
Check the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation’s Community Calendar for real-time updates. Organizers can also submit events directly to Calendar@HawaiiLGBTlegacy.com.
Ways to Participate or Support
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You don’t have to be on a float to be part of Honolulu Pride. There are lots of ways to get involved:
Volunteer
Whether it’s helping with event setup, directing foot traffic, or staffing information booths, volunteers keep Pride weekend running smoothly. Email info@hawaiilgbtlegacy.com to get on the list.
Sponsor
Organizations and businesses can sponsor Honolulu Pride and directly support programs like the LGBTQ+ Center Honolulu, Rainbow Town Halls, and community care projects for youth and elders. Sponsorship inquiries also go to info@hawaiilgbtlegacy.com.
Merch and Tickets
Pride-themed merchandise goes live starting August 1. Expect limited-edition T-shirts, hats, and accessories along with ticket options for VIP lounges and special events.
Honoring Culture and Community
Honolulu Pride is about fun, but it’s also a reminder of Hawai‘i’s rich cultural roots in gender fluidity and identity.
In traditional Hawaiian society, mahu were individuals who embodied both masculine and feminine traits. They held respected roles as teachers, healers, and cultural keepers. The Hawaiian language itself reflects inclusivity by not using gendered pronouns like “he” or “she.”
Today, that cultural openness continues. Honolulu Pride intentionally includes spaces and stories for youth, kūpuna, mahu, and those across the spectrum of identity.
Past educational events have featured guided walks through places like Foster Botanical Garden, highlighting queer historical figures such as Wilhelmina Tenney and the symbolic Rainbow Shower Tree.
Those elements of Pride may not be as flashy as the parade, but they add depth and honor to the celebration.
How It All Started
Honolulu’s first Pride Parade happened on June 30, 1974, when just 25 people marched from McCully Street to Queen’s Surf Beach.
Fast-forward 50 years, and the event has grown into one of the biggest queer celebrations in the Pacific, attracting over 20,000 spectators, more than 1,500 participants, and entries from across the islands.
By 1990, it had become an annual staple. And by the 2010s, it had expanded into a full-month celebration centered on October—aligned with LGBT History Month, National Coming Out Day (October 11), and Spirit Day.
Helpful Tips for Attending
Location & Getting There
- Parade Route: Starts at Magic Island (near Ala Moana Center), moves down Kalākaua Avenue, ends near Kapiʻolani Park
- Festival Location: Waikīkī Shell, right behind the Honolulu Zoo
Where to Stay
- Prince Waikiki and Espacio, The Jewel of Waikīkī are both LGBTQIA+ friendly and within walking distance of key events
- Book early, October is busy in Honolulu, and rooms go fast
Costs
- The parade is completely free to watch
- The festival may require general admission tickets; VIP lounges will likely have an added cost
- Some weekend events (parties, brunches, etc.) are ticketed separately
Safety and Accessibility
- Honolulu Pride emphasizes safety and aloha
- Wheelchair access is available at major venues
- Attendees are encouraged to respect all identities and experiences
Staying in the Loop
Want to stay current?
- Official website: honolulupride.com
- Foundation site: hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com
- Social media: @honolulupride on Instagram for photos, updates, and lineup drops
Note on Dates
You may see some calendars list October 16-18. But according to the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation (and other local sources), the most reliable date range is October 17–19, with the main parade and festival confirmed for October 18. Double-check as the event nears just to be safe.
Final Words
Honolulu Pride 2025 is more than a weekend party. It’s a reflection of the islands’ legacy of inclusivity, a chance to show up for each other, and a celebration that blends culture, community, and joy.
Whether you’re dancing in the streets, attending a panel on queer history, or just soaking it all in from the sidelines with a fresh shave ice in hand, there’s a place for you in Waikīkī this October.
Mark the calendar. Pack the sunscreen. And bring your whole self.
Honolulu is ready. Are you?
