Kawaii Kon and the Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) are proud to come together for our first annual charity gala—a magical evening inspired by the fae and rooted in a shared passion for art, storytelling, and giving back to the community. This collaboration between two of Hawai‘i’s leading cultural organizations invites sponsors, donors, and guests to take part in a whimsical journey that celebrates imagination while making a real-world impact.
About Kawaii Kon
Kawaii Kon is Honolulu’s premier celebration of Japanese pop culture, bringing together fans of anime, manga, gaming, and beyond for the past 20 years. Run by a dedicated team of local volunteers, Kawaii Kon continues to grow as a community that fosters creativity and connection, drawing over 20,000 attendees at its 2025 event. The convention also supports local artists and charitable causes through initiatives such as its annual charity art auction.
About Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF)
The Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF), the state’s only Academy Awards®-qualifying festival, celebrates dynamic cinema from Asia and the Pacific while championing Native Hawaiian and Indigenous filmmakers through powerful storytelling and groundbreaking programming.
Why This Partnership Matters
Kawaii Kon and HIFF have long shared a common goal: to bring people together through the power of storytelling, culture, and creative expression. While each organization serves a different artistic niche, they both uplift local voices, foster cultural understanding, and provide vital spaces for inspiration and connection.
This year, the partnership takes on special significance as HIFF recently experienced a major loss of federal funding, with the National Endowment for the Arts unexpectedly withdrawing a multi-year grant that represented nearly 20% of the festival’s operating budget.
Why Sponsor?
Your participation and sponsorship will directly contribute to helping HIFF continue its vital work in championing local and global storytelling. Additionally, you’re aligning your name with two of Hawai‘i’s most passionate creative communities. Whether you’re an individual, a small business, or a major brand, your support helps nurture the arts, strengthen cultural ties, and grow a shared vision for a more vibrant, inclusive Hawai‘i.
No matter the level, every sponsor becomes a vital part of the story we’re telling, keeping us rooted in generosity and blooming with purpose.
Sponsorship Tiers
We welcome both monetary and trade sponsorships, as every contribution helps bring this gala to life. These are not requirements but suggested amounts.
| Tier | Contribution | Description |
| Seedling | $250 | Every forest starts with a seed, and as a Seedling sponsor, your impact is essential to help us grow from the ground up. |
| Willow | $500 | Graceful and generous, Willow sponsors help us adapt while remaining deeply connected to the community. |
| Birch | $1,000 | Birch trees stand tall with purpose. Your support at this level signals our evolution. |
| Redwood | $2,500 | Bold and deeply rooted, Redwood sponsors elevate our reach to new heights and represent strength in our vision. |
| Oak | $5,000 | A beacon of wisdom and legacy, Oak sponsors provide the strong foundation for storytelling to thrive. |
| Elder | $10,000 | Sacred in myth and rare in presence, Elder sponsors are visionaries who help this event reach its fullest potential. |
For more information on sponsorship and opportunities, please email us at [email protected]. Mahalo for your consideration!
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