Photo: BrendelSignature (CC BY-SA 3.0)Hawaiʻi International Film Festival
Hawaiʻi's window on Asia-Pacific cinema turns 46
October 22 – November 1, 2026 · kickoff October 21 · Oʻahu — Consolidated Theatres Kahala
Dates
Oct 22–Nov 1, 2026
kickoff Oct 21
Where
Consolidated Kahala
East Honolulu
Founded
1981
HIFF46 this year
Focus
Asia-Pacific cinema
+ films made in Hawaiʻi
Every fall, HIFF brings the year's best contemporary Asian, Pacific, and North American cinema — plus films made in Hawaiʻi itself — to Honolulu screens. HIFF46 runs October 22 through November 1, 2026, with a kickoff event October 21, based at Consolidated Theatres Kahala. Founded in 1981, it's grown from a 7-film first year into one of the largest showcases of Asia-Pacific film in the United States.
The season
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival
A bridge across the Pacific
HIFF was founded in 1981 by Jeannette Paulson Hereniko, originally as a project of the East-West Center (a relationship that ran until 1994). The first festival screened just 7 films from 6 countries to about 5,000 attendees. Hawaiʻi's position halfway between Asia and the U.S. mainland shaped its mission from the start: a showcase for contemporary Asian, Pacific, and North American film, with a standing focus on movies produced in Hawaiʻi itself.
HIFF46
The 2026 festival — HIFF46 — runs October 22 through November 1, with a kickoff event on October 21, based at Consolidated Theatres Kahala. The 2026 film lineup, ticket prices, and individual screening times aren't published yet; HIFF typically announces its program closer to the festival, with tickets sold through HIFF.org.
What to expect
For reference, HIFF45 in 2025 ran in Honolulu October 15–26 at Consolidated Theatres Kahala and Ward (with TITAN LUXE), plus pre-festival events at Regal Dole Cannery, followed by neighbor-island screenings on Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island from October 28 through November 16. 2025 also debuted the HIFILM Industry Conference alongside the screenings. HIFF has long counted Halekulani among its presenting sponsors, a relationship dating back to 2011.
Know before you go
Plan your visit
Get tickets
Tickets and the film lineup are released closer to the festival through HIFF.org; there's no 2026 program or pricing published yet.
Where to go
The primary Honolulu venue is Consolidated Theatres Kahala in East Honolulu; recent years have also used Consolidated Theatres Ward and pre-festival events at Regal Dole Cannery.
Neighbor islands
In recent years HIFF has followed the Honolulu run with screenings on Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island a few weeks later — check HIFF.org for whether 2026 follows the same pattern.
Getting to Kahala
Kahala is in East Honolulu, past Diamond Head from Waikīkī — plan for a short drive or rideshare rather than walking distance.
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$69+Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona & City Tour
$69+Visit Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and historic Honolulu landmarks.
$89+North Shore & Dole Plantation Tour
$89+Circle Oahu's North Shore with stops at famous surf spots, Dole Plantation, and scenic lookouts.
$119+Snorkeling with Dolphins Catamaran
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$55+Diamond Head Hike & Breakfast
$55+Guided sunrise hike to Diamond Head crater summit with breakfast at a local cafe.
Good to know
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival FAQ
When is the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival in 2026?
HIFF46 runs October 22 through November 1, 2026, with a kickoff event on October 21. The primary venue is Consolidated Theatres Kahala.
Where is HIFF held?
The main Honolulu venue is Consolidated Theatres Kahala. Recent festivals have also used Consolidated Theatres Ward and held pre-festival events at Regal Dole Cannery, with neighbor-island screenings following a few weeks after the Honolulu run.
What kind of films does HIFF show?
HIFF focuses on contemporary Asian, Pacific, and North American cinema, plus films produced in Hawaiʻi. It has run outdoor screenings in past years alongside its regular theater program.
How old is HIFF?
HIFF was founded in 1981 by Jeannette Paulson Hereniko as a project of the East-West Center. The first year screened 7 films from 6 countries to about 5,000 attendees; 2026 is its 46th edition, HIFF46.
Where can I get HIFF tickets?
Tickets are sold through HIFF.org once the lineup is announced, typically closer to the festival dates. The 2026 program hasn't been published yet.
Does HIFF include neighbor islands?
In recent years, yes — HIFF45 followed its Honolulu run (October 15–26, 2025) with screenings on Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island from October 28 through November 16, 2025. Check HIFF.org for the 2026 neighbor-island schedule.
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