May
Lei DayMay Day, or in Hawaii, Lei Day, is celebrated throughout the state, with everybody wearing a floral necklace (lei) for the day. The first day of the month is a flower spectacle as islanders wear flowers, take part in lei-making competitions, and crown a lei queen.
In
Celebration of Canoes, Lahaina, Maui
This celebration of Hawaii's rich heritage honors the voyaging canoe which united all of Polynesia. Cultural delegations from Pacific island nations come together with Master Carvers creating Polynesian canoes from wood logs throughout the event in LahainaTown. Hosts from Hawaii welcome each nation in a traditional ʻawa ceremony at the beach.
Visitors can enjoy cultural arts demonstrations and performances during the week; enjoy the Festival of Canoes & Parade, including ancient warrior demonstrations, Polynesian crafts and food; or watch a ceremonial launching of the carved canoes at sunset, with entertainment.
Admission is free to most events.
Molokaʻi Ka Hula Piko
Molokaʻi Ka Hula Piko, held on Molokai in the middle of the month celebrates the birth of hula. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and visits to sacred sites are supported by traditional dance performances and plenty of Hawaiian food.
June
Kamehameha Day CelebrationKing Kamehameha day is the holiday established during the monarchy and observed continually since its establishment by royal proclamation in 1871. The day is celebrated to honor King Kamehameha I who stands as an exponent of Hawaiian self-determination.
While the holiday is celebrated throughout the islands, no where is it celebrated more than on the Big Island of Hawaii where thousands of people gather in North Kohala each June 11 to honor the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795.
Maui
Film Festival
The Maui Film Festival at Wailea features film premieres at the under-the-stars Dolby-Digital equipped Celestial Cinema™ and toes-in-the-sand oceanside silent film venue - The SandDance Theater, as well as at the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and the Maui Digital Theater. Special Food and wine events including the Taste of Wailea plus Filmmakers Panels and Special Screenings
complete the event.
Pan
Pacific Festival
As many as 4,000 musicians, dancers and artists from Japan will join scores of their peers in Hawaii to present a variety of entertaining events; most are free. Since its inception in 1980, the mission of the Pan-Pacific Festival in Hawaii has been to promote inter-cultural friendship and overcome language and geographic barriers through shared interests. Today, the festival is one of Hawaii's largest cultural events. The 2009 event will take place June 5-7, 2009.
Flavors of Honolulu
Flavors of Honolulu is Oʻahu's largest and premiere food and family event. Typically held during the summer, this event bridges some of Oʻahu's most flavorful restaurants, fantastic entertainment, favored beverages, fun foods and family games – truly a festival for all to enjoy. The Flavors of Honolulu event is a fundraiser for Abilities Unlimited dba Winners at Work, Inc.
Puʻuhonua O Honaunau Cultural Festival
The Puʻuhonua O Honaunau Cultural Festival will be held Saturday, June 28, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Festivities include a royal court, hula and traditional craft displays, and seine net fishing. For more information on the event call (808) 882-7218.
January/February Festivals - March/April Festivals -
May/June Festivals
July/August Festivals - September/October Festivals - November/December Festivals
