Photo: Travis Okimoto, courtesy of Festa Italiana
Shey! Festa Italiana returns to Kaka’ako with a lineup of Italian and Italian-inspired food vendors, music, art, film and even an Italian car show. Check out the new La Terrazza, a relaxed VIP option with a dedicated bar and Saturday night tapas. Learn where to park, what to eat, what to do and how to participate in the VIP experience.
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what is
Festa Italiana first took place in 2017 and continued consecutively until 2019. After the pandemic, Festa Italiana returned in 2023, this year is the sixth annual festival. At this food-focused event that celebrates the intersection of Hawai’i and Italy through Italian-inspired flavors and experiences, the gathered vendors are top-notch Hawai’i and Italian businesses, restaurants and chefs.
The VIP experience and the street festival take place over two separate days: Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, respectively.
Photo: Travis Okimoto, courtesy of Festa Italiana
When and Where
The Passaporto Italiano VIP Experience will take place on Friday, June 5, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Speed Honolulu (888 Kapiolani Blvd.). It’s a 21+ ticketed event featuring dishes from venerable Italian chefs and restaurants, a selection of Italian wines and cocktails, and of course a selection of iconic Italian vehicles on display.
The following Saturday, June 6, from 4 to 9:30 p.m., the free Festa Italiana street festival will take place at Mother Waldron Park in Kaka’ako. The street festival includes food, music, art, games and cinema. Those looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy a drink during the festival can check out the new La Terrazza VIP experience, which includes a private bar and exclusive pizzeria.
Image: Courtesy of Festa Italiana
Where to park
For the street festival, $6 validated parking is available at Waterfront Plaza. Visit the Festa Italiana information booth for validation.
how much does it cost
Street party
Entry to Saturday’s family street festival is free! Bring cash and a credit card as payment options will vary by provider. An ATM will be available on site if people need cash.
Tickets for the La Terraza VIP section of the street festival are $40 per person in advance, $50 per person at the door. Advance tickets are available for purchase online. Your ticket includes a glass of Aperol spritz, a special slice of pizza created exclusively for Festa Italiana by Mad Pie, a Mad Pie cannoli and access to a dedicated bar with special offers.
Italian Passport VIP Experience
For Friday’s Passaporto Italiano VIP Experience, tickets start at $175 plus tax and can be purchased online. $175 “Classic” tickets include nine food and dessert tastings from top Italian chefs and restaurants and unlimited Italian wine, Menabrea beer and specialty cocktails. You can also admire Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati vehicles.
The next level, “Mezza Classe” tickets, cost $225 and give you access to valet parking, a separate check-in line, and access to a VIP lounge with a special reservation menu with elevated bar specials, in addition to the food, drinks and desserts available for the ticketed first level.
The last level, “premium class” tickets, cost $275 and include early entry at 5:30 p.m., a caviar and champagne experience, a reserved table, and exclusive access to the Cantita Privata with evening wine tasting with a maestros, rotating premium Italian pours, and guided but flexible bar service, plus food, drinks, and other summit tickets available for desserts.
Photo: Nikki Oka
What to eat, drink and do at the Passaporto Italiano VIP experience
Sample the culinary delights of Hawai’i Italian chefs and restaurants and enjoy a specially curated selection of Italian wines and custom cocktails while admiring the beauty of exotic Italian vehicles from iconic automakers Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati. Enjoy musical performances by the Hawaii Opera House and DJ Compose. Tickets are required.
Featured restaurants:
- Arancino at The Kāhala
- shop
- Botanist Vikīkī
- Fig and Ginger
- Restaurant MW
- Quiora
- Taormina Sicilian cuisine
- Traditional coffee roasters
- Hawaiian ice cream
Photo: Courtesy of Festa Italiana
What to eat, drink and do at the “Festa in Strada” – The Street Festival
- Shop authentic Italian and Italian-inspired cuisine and enjoy a selection of Italian wines, Italian and local beer and traditional spirits.
- Enjoy live entertainment and street performers and try your hand at carnival games and Italian-inspired photo ops.
- A dedicated Keiki area sponsored by the Kaiāulu ‘o Kaka’ako Homeowners Association (KOKA) will feature games and activities for children, as well as a free plate of Old Spaghetti Factory keiki food for the first 200 children (ages 10 and under).
- Check out a selection of luxury Italian cars from brands like Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari.
- In the artist’s corner, you can see local artists and their artwork, they will also be painting live on site.
- The Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF) will also screen Disney’s 1940 animated classic Pinocchio and the 1988 Italian coming-of-age drama Cinema Paradiso.
- Stop by the Hawai’i Literacy Bookmobile, explore literacy-related books and activities, and learn more about the program that provides free access to books and educational materials to communities on O’ahu and Hawai’i Island.
- Join Stargazers of Hawai’i for a special Galileo-themed stargazing event with a chance to observe Venus, Jupiter, and Galileo’s famous “Galilean moons,” weather permitting.
Food vendors:
- Mozzarella Allegrini
- Pizzeria Aloha
- Andrea Onetti – The master of gluten
- Italian restaurant Arancino
- Italian taste
- Children’s
- Cialoha Italian soft drinks
- Diamond Head Drip
- Fig and Ginger
- Roman oven
- Hawaiian ice cream
- Little Sparrow
- Mad Foot
- Mamma Mia Olay
- Memories Hawai’i
- Roti-Si
- Creamery of Sàlvia
- Zucchini
Entertainment:
- The Royal Hawaiian Band
- Hawaii Youth Symphony
- Ballet Hawaii
- Hawaii Opera House
- Mike Lewis and band
Photo: Jen May Pastores, courtesy of Festa Italiana
Tips:
- For the street festival, consider arriving early to beat the crowds.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen as it can still be sunny in the late afternoon.
- If you plan to have a drink at the VIP event (unlimited wine!), request a designated driver or use a rideshare option.
Festa Italiana, VIP Experience Friday, June 5, from 6 to 9:30 pm at Velocity Honolulu, Street Festival on Saturday, June 6, from 4 to 9:30 pm at Mother Waldron Park, festaitalianahawaii.com, @festaitaliana
Alexander Pang is a contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
