Hospitality Fest: 200 Years of Hospitality in Hawaiʻi

This September 2025, Downtown Art Center (DAC) presents Hospitality Fest, a two-day celebration commemorating the 200th anniversary of Hawai‘i’s first hotel and restaurant—Warren House, established in 1825 at the corner of Hotel and Bethel Streets.

Hosted in partnership with resident historian Gary Coover and the Fort Street Mall Business Improvement District, the event also marks DAC’s 5-year anniversary.

• Day 1 – Friday, September 26: An evening arts market in Wilcox Park will feature food vendors, live music, historical exhibits, and a scavenger hunt highlighting local landmarks. The event aims to engage and inform the community about the rich, vibrant history of Honolulu’s Downtown/Chinatown districts, and the history of the hospitality industry here.

• Day 2 – Saturday, September 27: Daytime activities at DAC will include a plein air timed outdoor painting competition focused on scenes from Downtown and Chinatown, along with live music, interactive art experiences, and celebratory treats.

As part of the festivities, vacant storefronts along Bethel Street will be revitalized with custom historical window displays, sharing the rich heritage of the neighborhood.

More Information Coming Soon!