Honolulu AIDS Walk Celebrates 35 Years of Community Impact

More than 1,000 walkers, volunteers, sponsors, advocates, and community partners gathered at Kapiʻolani Park on June 27 for the 35th Annual Honolulu AIDS Walk, raising more than $130,000 to support HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support services throughout Hawaiʻi.

While the Walk has become one of Hawaiʻi's most cherished community traditions, this year's event carried special significance. With HIV organizations across the country facing unprecedented reductions in federal funding, the theme, "Silence Is Not an Option," served as both a call to action and a reminder of our history. Inspired by the reclaimed pink triangle, a symbol of resilience born from the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and the early response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the theme challenged all of us to continue speaking out, showing up, and standing together for those affected by HIV.

The morning was filled with moments of both reflection and celebration. Participants honored loved ones in the Field of Remembrance, explored the Community Resource Fair, and enjoyed performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band. Community partners added to the experience with GoGo Crossing presented by Scarlet Honolulu, Trail Treats from HawaiʻiUSA Federal Credit Union, the Hydration Station hosted by Bank of Hawaiʻi, and Drag Queen Corner presented by Velvet Honolulu. We were also honored to welcome Governor Josh Green and members of his administration, who joined us for the morning's program and walked alongside our community in support of HIV services.

Congratulations to House of Intention, this year's top fundraising team, and Robyn Pacson, our top individual fundraiser and a longtime champion of the Honolulu AIDS Walk. Their leadership and generosity helped make this year's event an incredible success.

To every walker, volunteer, sponsor, donor, performer, and community partner, mahalo. For 35 years, the Honolulu AIDS Walk has demonstrated what is possible when a community refuses to be silent. Thanks to your support, H3RC can continue providing life-saving HIV services to communities across Hawaiʻi.