As Hawaii gears up for the commencement of the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, a morning ceremony today welcomed visitors from 27 countries across the Pacific region. The Wa'a ceremony at Kualoa Beach marked the arrival of traditional canoes making their journey to the shores of Oahu. Among them, watercraft from Pacific nations such as Tahiti and the Cook Islands graced the event. While this marks the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, it holds historical significance as the first time the event is hosted in Hawaii since its inception over 50 years ago.
