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.
Through Aug. 11, 2011 - "Ke Kani O Ke Kai: the Sound of the Ocean"
"Ke Kani O Ke Kai: the Sound of the Ocean" returns to the Waikiki Aquarium through Aug. 11. The popular concert series includes performances by Amy Hanaialii on July 14, 2011, Na Palapalai and Mailani on July 28, 2011 and the Brothers Cazimero on August 11, 2011.
July 11-12, 2011 - 11th Annual Te Mahana Hiro‘a O Tahiti
The 11th Annual Te Mahana Hiro‘a O Tahiti, the largest Tahitian dance competition in Hawaii, returns to the Polynesian Cultural Center, July 11-12. This event will showcase the skill of dancers dedicated to preserving the art, culture and traditions of Tahiti. Attracting visitors and locals alike, this festival features tamari‘i (youth) and taure‘are‘a (adults) from all over Hawaii as they dance to the sounds of Tahiti ranging from slow melodies to rapid beats.
July 16, 2011 - 34th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival
The 34th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival, held July 16 at Moanalua Gardens, celebrates hula kahiko (ancient hula and chant) and also features auana (modern) hula performances. Dancers will perform on one of the few remaining pa hula (hula mounds) in Hawaii.
July 16-17, 2011 - 14th Annual Haleiwa Arts Festival
Experience a broad spectrum of traditional, contemporary and ethnic arts at the 14th Annual Haleiwa Arts Festival Summer Event from July 16-17. This event includes visual artists, musicians, singers, dancers, demonstrations, storytelling, student art displays, historical trolley tours and children's arts and crafts. Browse and purchase unique works by artists of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
July 17, 2011 - 41st Annual Roy Sakuma Ukulele Festival Hawaii
On July 17, thousands will gather for the 41st Annual Roy Sakuma Ukulele Festival Hawaii, the largest festival of its kind in the world. The festival is hosted by local ukulele legend Roy Sakuma and includes a free two-hour concert that showcases the finest ukulele players, along with national celebrities, Hawaii's top entertainers, and an ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students, mostly children.
July 22-23, 2011 - Hawaii All-Collectors Show
The Hawaii All-Collectors Show takes place at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall from July 22-23. This annual collectibles and antiques show and sale features more than 200 booths and offers one of the largest selections of Hawaiiana.
Aug. 6, 2011 - Kahala Wine Festival
The Kahala Hotel & Resort's Wine Festival - The Best of Napa and Sonoma on Aug. 6 will feature the award-winning wines of the California wine growing regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. The event features 10 award-winning regional wineries offering at least two wine vintages each and a delectable gourmet tasting buffet prepared by The Kahala's culinary team under the direction of Chef Wayne Hirabayashi.
Aug. 9-16, 2011 - DFS Galleria Waikiki's "Art of Hawaiian Coffee" Event
From Aug. 9-16, Hawaii's coffee farmers will showcase their specialty coffee at DFS Galleria Waikiki's "Art of Hawaiian Coffee" event. Activities include an open café in the DFS Galleria's Luxury Walk, daily coffee tasting events, exhibits and seminars on the story of coffee in Hawaii, live music, and more.
Aug. 19-21, 2011 - Made in Hawaii Festival
The Made in Hawaii Festival, a three-day celebration highlighting the unique products of Hawaii, will take place from Aug. 19-21. More than 400 exhibitors offer everything made in Hawaii, including art, clothing, food, home furnishings, jewelry, toys, fresh produce, plants, and authentic Hawaiian handicrafts.
Aug. 21, 2011 - 29th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
The 29th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, which will take place on Aug. 21, perpetuates, preserves and celebrates the cultural importance of the unique acoustic guitar art form of ki hoalu, which means "loosen the key." The festival features performances by well-known slack key musicians.
Aug. 24-28, 2011 - Duke's OceanFest
Duke's OceanFest, a weeklong festival held from Aug. 24-28, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The festival features a variety of exciting water sports competitions, including longboard surfing, surf polo, swimming, standup paddling, and other events that pay tribute to the local waterman. The festivities culminate with the Duke's Statue lei draping ceremony on Aug. 24, the anniversary of his birthday.
Sept. 3-4, 2011 - 29th Annual Okinawan Festival
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association presents the largest ethnic festival in the state of Hawaii from Sept. 3-4. The 29th Annual Okinawan Festival kicks off with a mini procession inside Kapiolani Park featuring a taiko drum performance. The three-day festival celebrates Okinawan culture with food, entertainment, arts, crafts, and cultural activities.
Sept. 8-11. 2011 - Fashion's Night Out
From Sept. 8-11, Ala Moana Center will join the fashion capitals of the world in celebrating Fashion's Night Out with a weekend of in-store events, special savings, gift-with-purchases, refreshments, live entertainment, and fashion. Spearheaded by Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenberg, Fashion's Night Out is a way to enjoy fashion and fun, while supporting local charities through store partnerships offering discounts and incentives for donations.
Sept. 11, 2011 - 2nd Annual Hawaii Rice Festival
The 2nd Annual Hawaii Rice Festival on Sept. 11 celebrates rice with entertainment, cultural performances and cooking demonstrations by local celebrity chefs. This free event will give visitors and locals the chance to see how rice is prepared by the different cultures on our island.
Sept. 16-17, 2011 - Kahala Hotel & Resort Wine & Food Classic
The Kahala Hotel & Resort will present its fall Wine & Food Classic from Sept. 16-17, featuring Chateau Marmont Executive Chef Carolynn Spence, one of Napa Valley's most popular vintners, Rich Frank of Frank Family Vineyards, and Michael Herklots of cigar brand Nat Sherman. The two-day culinary event will include gourmet dinners, a cooking demonstration, wineology seminar, and cigar experiences.
Sept. 17 and 24, 2011 - Aloha Festivals
Aloha Festivals, the oldest and largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States, takes place on Oahu on Sept. 17 and 24. The festival celebrates Hawaii's music, dance, and history, and is intended to preserve the islands' unique traditions. The 2011 theme is "Mele Ailana: Celebrate Island Music," and festivities include a Waikiki Hoolaulea on Sept. 17 and a floral parade on Sept. 24.
Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2011 - Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
The first annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival will take place in Honolulu from Sept. 29-Oct. 1. The three-day festival includes culinary-focused events and evening receptions featuring dishes prepared by an all-star lineup of chefs from Hawaii and around the world, using locally sourced ingredients. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is co-chaired by chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong and serves to showcase the state's bounty of produce and proteins and highlight the islands' return to a sustainable eco-system of agriculture, environment and economy.
Oct. 1-30, 2011 - Polynesian Cultural Center's 4th Annual Haunted Lagoon
During the Polynesian Cultural Center's fourth annual Haunted Lagoon, 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-friendly version of the ride is also available. The Haunted Lagoon is open from Oct. 1-30.
