Hawaii's Events

Hawaii’s events and festivals are an important part of the state's calendar each year. Each month Hawaii celebrates myriad cultural events, recognising everything from traditional customs and national holidays to sporting finals and political figures. Below is a monthly breakdown of the main Hawaii events; be sure to double check dates closer to your time of travel as some holidays are held at different times each year.

Important Hawaii Events

January: Martin Luther King Day, Hawaii State Legislature Opening Day Ceremony, Sony Open Golf Tournament, Mercedes-Benz Golf Tournament, Ala Wai Challenge Canoe Races, Makahiki Festival on Molokai, Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) and Narcissus Festival (Jan/Feb).

February: President's Day, Maui Whale Festival, Great Aloha Run, Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival, Maui Tango Festival, Waimea Town Celebration, Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) and Narcissus Festival (Jan/Feb).

March: Prince Kuhio Day, Haleakala Run to the Sun, Honolulu Festival, Kona Chocolate and Brewer's Festivals, Merrie Monarch Festival (March/April).

April: East Maui Taro Festival, Lahaina Banyan Tree Birthday, Merrie Monarch Festival (March/April).

May: Lei Day, Memorial Day, Kauai Polynesian Festival, Magic Island Lantern Floating ceremony, Molokai Ka Hula Piko, Hilo Astro Day, Makawao St. Joseph Feast, Hilo InterTribal PowWow, Filipino Fiesta and Parade.

June: King Kamehameha Day, Lanai Pineapple Festival, Puuhonua O Honaunau Festival, Pan Pacific Festival, Kona Classic Fishing Tournament, Kapalua Food and Wine Festival (June/July).

July: Hawaii Ukulele Festival, Prince Lot Hula Festival, Waikoloa July 4th Festival, Koloa Plantation Days, Kapalua Food and Wine Festival (June/July).

August: Hawaii Statehood Day, Hilo Hawaii World Heritage Festival, Made in Hawaii Festival, Kauai Paradise Ride for Aids.

September: Labor Day, Lanai to Maui Channel Swim, Queen Liliuokalani Music Festival, Hula Heritage Dance Festival, Molokai to Oahu Na Wahine O Ke Kai.

October: Halloween, Oahu InterTribal PowWow, Princess Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival, Princess Kaiulani Birthday, Molokai Hoe Men's.

November: Thanksgiving, King David Kalakaua Birthday, Waikiki Holiday Parade, Van's Triple Crown of Surfing (Nov/Dec).

December: Pearl Harbor Day and Van's Triple Crown of Surfing (Nov/Dec).