HONOLULU (KHON2) -- This event was held virtually over the past few years since the pandemic, but the Hawaii Book and Music Festival will make its grand return this year at the University of Hawaii at Manoa this weekend.
Chairman Doug Chin explained the excitement on the return of the Hawaii Book and Music Festival.
“I think people are really excited to have this come back live and also at the University of Hawaii campus,” said Chin.
“So, for people who used to come to the Book and Music Festival, this was something that would happen at Honolulu Hale where we would have different tents, authors and musicians, hula groups performing in addition to food trucks and all these different things going on to have just a really nice day for families and people who are interested in learning more on local books and local music. So, it’s happening again after a couple of years of being virtual. So, we are excited to have it at the University of Hawaii campus right here.”
Multiple facets make up the festival with different stages and many booths.
The festival will run on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with more than 140 events from the campus walkway to the Campus Center.
“Tomorrow at noon, there will be a presentation by esteemed author Ellen Galinsky who studied the scientific basis of what is going on with teenagers as they are growing up, so she is going to be giving a speech about that. But in addition, it’s not just that. It’s all these different things going on in terms of musical performances, hula performances, as well as different food trucks and places where people can get involved and enjoy the day. I should also point out for families that the Always Dream Foundation that is sponsored by Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. That is also going to be happening where there is going to be a tent where different local celebrities will be reading to kids all throughout the day, so that is going to be a good event as well.”
Over the past 19 years, the event has encompassed all ages, from keiki to kupuna.
“It has drawn thousands of people over the last 19 years, even during the pandemic, there was interest in people who were tuning in virtually to be able to hear from local authors and local musicians,” Chin added.
“I think the draw for the Book and Music Festival has always been that it is free and open to the public. So, you don’t have to actually pay for anything and what is more is UH is offering free parking. So, free parking as well as a free event for people to come down and enjoy the day with their families."
For more information, visit the Hawaii Book and Music Festival's website.