The free 33rd Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is Saturday, Feb. 7 with a full lineup of hands-on Japanese and multi-cultural activities and performances. Headquartered from Church Row Park, the multi-venue event is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and celebrates the park's annual blooming of historic cherry trees.

The 2026 festival honors Hawai‘i Island natives and long-time Waimea residents Fred and Nancy Nonaka. The festival power couple worked behind the scenes with each of them playing a dominant role — Fred with the planting and care of the many Church Row Park cherry trees, while Nancy served as the spark plug behind the many cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities offered at the Kamuela Hongwanji Mission adjacent to Church Row Park.

In addition to activities at the Kamuela Hongwanji, the festival offers hands-on mochi pounding, sake tasting, bon dancing, traditional tea ceremonies, broke da’ mouth food prepared by local organizations, chef cooking demos, loads of craft vendors and viewing of the blooming cherry trees. Visit bonsai, quilt, local art and Japanese collectible displays while performances can be enjoyed by festival goers at multiple venues.

Roberts Hawaii will provide free transportation shuttles between Church Row Park and other venues, though walking is encouraged. Venues are identified by pink festival banners.

The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is annually produced by the Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation’s Culture and Education Section. The event is a community-wide effort by a dedicated team of businesses and volunteers. For info, 808-961-8706; find updates on facebook: WaimeaCherryBlossomHeritageFestival. #WaimeaCBF #thinkpink