Who runs Kawaii Kon?

• Kawaii Kon is operated by a core of managers from Hawai‘i in conjunction with a few mainland based managers. Kawaii Kon is a not-for-profit entity – that means no one makes a profit from the convention- Not the owners, organizers or staff. We do it for the love of anime and the local otaku community.

What is Kawaii Kon?

• Kawaii Kon is a 3-day convention that celebrates Japanese anime (cartoons), manga (comics), and all facets of Japanese culture. We offer a variety of events and activities throughout the weekend. From video games, table top games, costume contests, thousands of manga to read, a talent-filled Artist Alley, an expansive Dealer’s Room, we have something for everyone!

History of Kawaii Kon

• Kawaii Kon began in 2005 at the Ala Moana Hotel, where more than 2,000 anime fans gathered for a weekend filled with cosplay, karaoke, tabletop and video gaming, and a combined Artist Alley and Dealer’s Room. The overwhelming support from the community helped the convention grow faster than anyone expected.
• By 2007, Kawaii Kon had outgrown the hotel and moved to the Hawai‘i Convention Center. In its early years there, the convention occupied the entire 3rd floor, expanding its programming and introducing events that would become long‑standing favorites, such as the Art Auction and Ask an Anime Character.
• As attendance continued to rise, Kawaii Kon expanded further into the 4th‑floor ballrooms and eventually into the Kamehameha Halls on the 1st floor, creating even more space for programming, photoshoots, and community gathering areas.
• What began as a 2,000‑attendee event has grown into a convention that now welcomes more than 20,000 fans each year — a celebration built by and for the Hawai‘i anime community.

Why do you guys do this?

• We love anime, we love making you smile, and we love sharing that love with the uninitiated! By organizing Kawaii Kon every year, we create a safe space for otaku to meet, socialize, and enjoy themselves. Anime has had an impact on our lives, and we want to be able to share that with others.
• If you are interested in volunteering, click on the button below!

What kinds of events do you offer?

• Art Auctions
• Cosplay (Costume) Contests
• Concerts
• Autographs
• Anime Premieres
• Interactive panels
• Video Game Tournaments
• Tabletop Tournaments
• So much more!

Is there an age requirement to attend?

• All ages are welcome at the convention! Children under 10 years old get in free with a paid Kawaii Kon member. We do require that children under the age of 13 be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We also offer a few adult only events, where entry will require a government issued ID to verify age.

I want to help out! Do you have any volunteer spaces available?

• Yes! We’re always in need of more help! Click on the volunteering button below to get started!