Fiesta Through the Years

EXPLORE HIGHLIGHTS FROM EACH YEAR

Year 2025

Celebrating Wellness and Heritage through Malunggay

Moringa, known as malunggay in Tagalog and marunggay in Ilokano is a treasured plant in Filipino gardens and culture. This year’s theme explored the history, health benefits, and culinary uses of this remarkable plant while connecting to Hawaiʻi’s values of ʻāina and sustainability.

  • Community Mural

    Created in partnership with local artist Zach Angeles and volunteers, this piece celebrates the history of Waipahu and the Filipino journey in Hawaiʻi, through bold colors and quilt-inspired storytelling. Learn more.

  • Pamana Sessions

    Hands-on cultural workshops in traditional dance, martial arts, block print art, and garden-to-table practices.

  • Inuman Garden

    Our first-ever Inuman Garden, an exclusive 21+ area featuring Fil-Am DJs and specialty Filipino-inspired drinks catered by Pitch Sports Bar.

  • Filipino Street Food

    A variety of traditional Filipino street foods, courtesy of our generous food product donor Ramar Foods and our vendor partner Mama’s Boy.

  • Magnolia Purple Freeze Challenge

    Sponsored by Magnolia Ice Cream & Treats and Ramar Foods, attendees raced to finish a 1.5-quart container of Ube Ice Cream.

  • Malunggay Masters: The Ultimate Strip Off

    A fast-paced contest where contestants raced to strip malunggay leaves in honor of the 2025 theme.

  • Morning Cafe

    A special cafe with specialty drinks and menu items made with the beloved moringa plant, by Sama Sama.

  • AJ Rafael & Keilana Concert

    Fil-Am artist AJ Rafael headlined the 2025 Fiesta with a nostalgic set of heartfelt originals and fan favorites. Opening the show was local singer-songwriter and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, Keilana.

Year 2024

Celebrating a Resilient Community

This theme serves as unifying call to honor the collective strength that has carried us through challenges and triumphs alike. Our community, made up of diverse backgrounds and generations, has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

  • Habi at Baro

    A cultural exhibit showcasing indigenous fabrics, jewelry and artifacts from different areas of the Philippines collected over a three-year period by artist and designer Iris Viacrusis.

  • Filipino Oral History Project

    The Filipino Oral History Project, created by UH West Oʻahu Creative Media student Ryan Rivera, captured the stories and cultural significance behind cherished family heirlooms, highlighting the heritage they represent.

  • Eli-Mac Concert

    Eli-Mac, Hawaiʻi-raised Filipino artist and former American Idol contestant, headlined the event with our favorite island reggae music.

The Legacy of Fiesta

It all began in 1993 when Mr. Eddie Flores found inspiration at Kapiʻolani Park while attending a Thai Festival with his children. He couldn't help but wonder why there wasn't a Filipino Fiesta in Honolulu. With that spark of an idea, Mr. Flores wasted no time. The very next day, he rallied his friends from the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi, and together, they set out to make history.

The first Filipino Fiesta was held on May 15, 1993. In 1994, organizers started the first Filipino Parade in Waikīkī. It was around this time Mr. Flores was already helping Roland Casamina with the Filipino Community Center and Fiesta became a platform to raise awareness for the Filipino Community Center. Mr. Flores also recruited a diverse group of individuals who would provide a sense of continuity for the event such as Edna Alikapa, Marlene Manzano, Harry Alonso and the Filipino Jaycees.

With each passing year, our Fiesta has grown in both size and significance.