The first sign of life to emerge from the destruction of lava flow, Kipuka is a symbol of resilience, regeneration, and radical hope—and the theme of this year’s Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, in memory of Adam Baran.

With fresh, bold stories and thought-provoking films, this year’s festival continues the tradition of spotlighting often unheard voices. Join us this year on July 10-12.

Presented by the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation, the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival stands as one of the longest-running queer film festivals in the nation.

This event is only one of many community-driven programs led by the Foundation in its ongoing mission to support, celebrate, and empower LGBTQIA+ lives across the islands.

Screenings and Events

Here’s what’s happening during the festival weekend.

Opening Night Red Carpet

Day 1 – Friday, July 10, 2026
Location: Hawai'i Theater Courtyard | 5:00pm-7:30pm

Opening Night Film

Day 1 – Friday, July 10, 2026
Location: Hawai'i Theater | 7:30pm
Featuring Just Kids and Blow

Kūpuna Move Morning

Day 2 – Saturday, July 11, 2026
Location: Hawai'i Theater | 11:00am
Featured films – Finding Yiyi and We Are Pat

Lei Queer Short Film Showcase & Scholarship

Day 2 – Saturday, July 11, 2026
Location: Hawai'i Theater | 2:00pm
Featured short films – In Conversation with Dan Taulapapa McMullin, Hue, Glimmer, The City on the Edge of Whatever, Restoring Inoa 'Āina, Reverence

Māhū Extravaganza

Day 2 – Saturday, July 11, 2026
Location: Hawai'i Theater | 7:00pm
Featured films – The Rogers, Māhū, and The Return of Kapaemahu. Followed by 'The Return of Kapaemahu' Live Hula Show.

Cinema & Sequin Drag Brunch

Day 3 – Sunday, July 12, 2026
Location: PEWA by Pono Potions | 11:00am
Featuring performances by Blessica Benton and Von Appetít. Hosted by Marina Del Rey and Cocoa Chandelier.

QWI (Queer Women Initiative) Screenings

Day 3 – Sunday, July 12, 2026
Location: Hawai'i Theater | 2:00pm
Featured films – Notice Me, Today & Tmrw, Grace, Wild Ones, and The Bend.

Closing Night Feature

Day 3 – Sunday, July 12, 2026
Location: Hawai'i Theater | 4:30pm
Featuring – All the Things I Leave You (Patawid). Followed by awards and closing ceremony.

That's A Wrap!

Catch a glimpse of the powerful stories, people, and moments that made this year’s festival unforgettable.

Congratulations

2025 Award-Winners

Congratulations to our 2025 Hawai‘i Rainbow Film Festival award-winners – your powerful stories, bold voices, and creative visions continue to inspire and uplift our community.

Celebrating

A Legacy of Bold,  
Diverse Cinema

Since 1989, the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival has stood as one of the nation’s most iconic LGBTQ+ film festivals. This annual event has consistently showcased groundbreaking, powerful films that bridge cultures and communities, becoming a vital cornerstone of the queer cultural landscape.

Stay Connected. Stay Seen.

Explore the latest moments from Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival.

hrfilmfest

🌈🎥 The Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival is one of the longest continually running LGBTQ+ film festivals in the world. Project of @hawaiilgbtlegacy 🏳️‍🌈

They made Pat the punchline. This film gives Pat t

✨ The queens have arrived… and they’re bring

🌿 WHERE STORIES TAKE ROOT. Wear the story. The

📺 Don’t miss the encore showings of the HRFF3

Follow on Instagram