Events and Festivals
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Hawaii's Annual Events & 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, 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 the statewide King Kamehameha Celebration (June) 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 the islands of Hawaii, Maui and Oahu (October) 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. Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival (October) highlights al things cacao and coffee industries of Kauai.Video: Festivals and Events in Hawaii
Events Around the Hawaiian Islands
Maui SUP Cup 2018
The Maui SUP Cup is a world-renowned event that attracts competitive elite stand-up paddling athletes both men and women, their families, and spectators from around the globe. Locals, as well as visitors participate in two events, July 14th 9th Annual Maui2Molokai (M2M) Regional World Tour [...]
- Contact Name: Rodney Kilborn
- Contact Organization: Pailolo SUP Sports
Soto Zen Bon Festival
The major elements of the Soto Zen Bon Festival are: (a) traditional Japanese folk dancing, singing, and drumming, (b) food booths, (c) games booths, (d) cultural exhibits, (e) opening and intermission performances, (f) country store/bazaar, and (g) religious memorial services. The festival has [...]
- Contact Name: Gerald Hirata
- Contact Organization: Kauai Soto Zen Temple
Heiva I Kauai 2018
In 2018, Heiva I Kauai celebrates the 17th anniversary of a unique, exciting and colorful Tahitian dance and drumming competition. This annual event provides a venue for the next generation of Polynesian performers to present their talent, skill and cultural knowledge to an audience of more than [...]
- Contact Name: Jo Manea
- Contact Organization: Heiva I Kauai 2018
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (59th Annual)
The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT), founded in 1959, is the second oldest big game sport fishing event in the world. HIBT is a five-day tournament built on prestige, trophies and strict International Game Fish Association rules for big game fish world records and does not include [...]
- Contact Name: Tournament Admin
- Contact Organization: HIBT
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival "Waikiki Style" (36th Annual)
Festival to feature some of the top artists in the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Genre performing for 6 solid hours on the beautiful grounds of the Waikiki Aquarium. Festival will also feature local arts and crafts, snacks, soft drinks and other favorite local foods. A minimum of 15 artists will [...]
- Contact Name: Milton Lau
- Contact Organization: Ki-ho'alu Foundation
Duke's Oceanfest 2018: Waikiki's Premier Ocean Sports Festival
The annual Duke's OceanFest features a variety of ocean sports that were close to Duke Kahanamoku's heart, including Longboard Surfing, Paddleboard Racing, Swimming, Tandem Surfing, Surf Polo, Beach Volleyball, and Stand-Up Paddling.
The festival celebrates Duke Kahanamoku's life, his [...]
- Contact Name: James Fulton
- Contact Organization: Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation
Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Races
The Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Races have been held annually since 1971. Hosted by Kai Opua Canoe Club over the Labor Day holiday, this is the world's largest long distance canoe race. The women's and men's 18-mile races follow a historically and culturally significant course running [...]
- Contact Name: Uncle Bo Campos
- Contact Organization: Kai Opua Canoe Club
The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon
The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon are one of the most beautiful destination races in the world today. Taking place on September 2, 2018 this race is a great way to combine a unique experience and a get-away that only Kauai can offer. Participants pass hula dancers and Taiko drum troupes along [...]
- Contact Name: Robin Jumper
- Contact Organization: The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon
Hawaii Island Festival - 30 Days of Aloha - Kindy Sproat Falsetto & Hawaiian Storytelling Competition
Our kane come out to show their skills to throw their voice in higher registers. They also share the manao of their mele, the songwriter and the hidden meaning (kaona). This is to honor the late Uncle Kindy Sproat, a true Hawaiian who lived in Pololu Valley, as his kupuna before him. This event [...]
- Contact Name: M. Akana
- Contact Organization: Hawaii Island Festival
La Ulu 2018 (Breadfruit Day!)
Saturday, September 8, from 10 AM to 3 PM: La Ulu (Breadfruit Day!)
In partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will host the second annual La Ulu: Breadfruit Day! This free community event will include food booths, breadfruit cooking demonstrations, [...]
- Contact Name: Whit Germano
- Contact Organization: Maui Nui Botanical Gardens