Crush the Graduation Rush Honolulu!

Officials from the City and County of Honolulu and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) are partnering to kick off the annual “Crush the Graduation Rush” campaign for the 2025-2026 high school year. Both agencies are reminding families and the public to plan ahead as graduation season ramps up across Oʻahu and the state. This year, an estimated 12,000 HIDOE high school seniors will graduate in the Class of 2026, with 47 commencement ceremonies statewide, including 25 on Oʻahu. Many of the ceremonies will be on Oʻahu and will be held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center and the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell. “These ceremonies represent years of hard work and support from families, educators, and loved ones who have helped students reach this important milestone,” said HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “We appreciate the continued partnership of the City & County and all of the agencies working together to help ensure a safe and memorable graduation season for our students and their families.” To help minimize traffic congestion and make the ceremonies more enjoyable for everyone, the City and State are sharing the following reminders for graduation events being held at City venues: Bathrooms and parking areas at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center and the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell will open two hours before each ceremony Parking at the Blaisdell Center will cost $8 per vehicle Tailgating and picnicking are prohibited at both venues Department of Transportation Services will monitor and adjust traffic signals around venues to improve traffic flow Families and guests are encouraged to consider alternative transportation options such as TheBus, Skyline, and Biki to reduce congestion Drivers are reminded to slow down, stay alert, and practice safe and courteous driving during graduation events A graduation schedule for upcoming commencement events at City venues will be posted on the websites and social media accounts belonging to the Mayor, the Department of Transportation Services, and the Department of Enterprise Services, so everyone can be aware of dates and times and avoid those areas if they are not participating in the celebrations. In addition, the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation is encouraging graduates and families to donate extra lei as part of the Sew a Lei for Memorial Day effort, showing appreciation to those who sacrificed for our freedoms. You can donate your lei at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Pūowaina (Punchbowl) on: Friday, May 22 - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23 - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 24 – 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Mahalo in advance for your kōkua. For more information, please visit: bit.ly/MayorsMemorialDay The City and County of Honolulu extends a heartfelt congratulations to all of the graduates of the Class of 2026!