Events and Festivals

The Festive Islands of Aloha

Dive deep into Hawaii’s local community and you’ll discover a culture alive with paniolo (cowboys), Chinese dragons, fire dancers, ethnic festivals, culinary events and an exotic collection of celebrations. Throughout the year, you’ll also encounter parades, street parties, food and craft fairs, concerts and family activities that honor every aspect of Hawaii’s diverse culture.

Annual Events

Many of Hawaii’s most memorable celebrations occur annually. Some, like the Honolulu Marathon (December) and the Hawaii International Film Festival (October), draw visitors and participants from around the globe. Others, like Oahu’s Prince Lot Hula Competition (July) or the Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (October) on Kauai and Molokai's Festivals of Aloha (October) are primarily local occasions. These events have a strong allure for visitors who want to get an authentic glimpse of Hawaii during their trip.

Food Festivals

Events that feature local foods and agricultural products attract both locals and visitors. The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival on Oahu (October and November) and the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival (June) on Maui are long-running culinary events, hosting world-class chefs, winemakers and master sommeliers for thousands of wine and food lovers. The Island of Hawaii’s Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November) celebrates all things coffee and includes nearly 50 events over 10 days.