Oahu is home to the largest number of festivals and events in Hawaii. Each year, visitors have the opportunity to connect with the local community and experience renowned events that showcase the island's rich arts and culture scene, the world's top amateur and professional sporting competitions and championships, and the many ethnic celebrations that are exclusive to Hawaii.
- The 28th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF), the premier international film event of the Pacific, will take place from Oct. 14-24. HIFF showcases features and documentaries from Asia, the Pacific Islands and Hawaii, and all films depict their region/culture in a culturally accurate way. HIFF is a statewide event and the only one of its kind in the U.S. It has more than one dozen screening sites on six Hawaiian Islands and draws an audience of 65,000 or more from around the state, the nation and the world.
- Pacific Expos’ 46th Annual Food and New Products Show features food and products from local, national and international vendors. The show runs from Oct. 15-17 at Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.
- During the third annual Haunted Lagoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center, guests embark on a spooky canoe ride that twists through the PCC lagoon under dark bridges and past ominous shadows where terrifying creatures await. A kid’s version of the ride is also available. The Haunted Lagoon is open from Oct. 1-30.
- Ko Olina Resort & Marina Sports and Fitness Festival will be held from Oct. 22-24. The three-day event will feature the return of the Ko Olina Triathlon and several new events including a Kids Triathlon, Lagoon Challenge swimming and running competition, 10K Road Race, and Xtreme Golf Challenge.
- The 3rd Annual Hallowbaloo Music + Arts Festival takes place this year from Oct. 29-31. The three-day event is one of the largest music festivals in Hawaii and includes performances by local and national artists.
- On Nov. 21 and 22, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hosts ukulele enthusiasts from all over Hawaii to share lessons and craftsmanship techniques at the Ukulele Guild of Hawaii’s Ukulele Exhibition and Conference. The event includes live performances, lessons and seminars.
- The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing returns to the North Shore of Oahu from Nov. 12 to Dec. 20 when the best professional surfers take on the world’s largest waves for surfing’s most prestigious titles. Kicking off with the Reef Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa from Nov. 12-23, the series continues with the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach from Nov. 25-Dec. 6 and the Billabong Pipeline Masters at the famous Banzai Pipeline from Dec. 8-20. The competitions run on the biggest and best days of surf from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- The prestigious Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau returns to Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore this winter. “The Eddie,” which is staged in honor of Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau, features 24 of the top big-wave riders from around the globe. The event can only be held when surf measures at least 20 feet (Hawaiian scale) for a full day. The holding period for the event is between Dec. 1 and the last day in February.
- From Dec. 4-7, events will be held at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument to commemorate the 69th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor and celebrate the grand opening and dedication of the newly expanded Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Museum. Events include a WWII Valor of the Pacific Public History Symposium featuring noted historians, authors, Pearl Harbor survivors, and military personnel; live entertainment; historic displays; guest speakers; and the 69th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Commemoration and Dedication Ceremony.
- Ala Moana Center will celebrate the holiday season with the Mele Trees of Light, The Candy Cane Train and Photos with Santa. Mele Trees of Light is a display of five trees that light up in sync with holiday tunes. Festivities will also include the popular holiday ride attraction, The Candy Cane Train, and Photos with Santa.
- Hawaii Theatre Center presents A Cazimero Christmas from Dec. 10-12. The annual holiday concert by legendary Hawaiian musicians, Robert and Roland Cazimero, will also include special guests and hula performances.
- On Dec. 17, The Kahala Hotel & Resort will recreate the cabaret ambience of traditional supper clubs with a three-course dinner and live performance by award-winning Hawaiian music duo, HAPA, in the resort’s Maile Ballroom.
- This holiday season the Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach hotels will welcome Santa Claus to spread holiday cheer on Waikiki Beach when he arrives by outrigger canoe at the Outrigger Waikiki on Dec. 11. On Dec. 21 and 22, kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.
