O'ahu's festivals and events provide visitors and locals an opportunity to embrace the multi-cultural heritage, deep traditions and customs that are special to O'ahu and Hawaii.
Whether it is a cultural festival highlighting Hawaii's diverse people and their origins, a concert series or international film festival, or a culinary event featuring some of the island's top chefs, there is sure to be something for everyone.
If you are planning a visit to O'ahu, you should make a point to discover the island's rich culture and diversity at one or more of these many festivals and events that occur throughout the year.
Below is a listing of notable festivals and events. The final dates for several have not yet been announced and, of course, all are subject to change or cancellation.
Monthly
First Friday of every monthFirst Fridays
This free event invites all ages to downtown Honolulu's galleries and studios to view work by various artists. More than 20 galleries participate, and the evening includes live music, street entertainment, wine tasting and antique stores. Following the free gallery walking map, guests can also stop along the way and experience the many bars, clubs and restaurants that make downtown a unique destination.
(808) 521-2903
Last Friday of every month
ARTafterDARK
Offering a new twist on pau hana (happy hour), the Honolulu Academy of Arts presents an evening that invigorates the senses with a combination of food, art, music, dancing, and drinks. Every event's theme is based on around the museum's current feature exhibition and provides a fun and socially active way to view art in a festive atmosphere.
March 2008
March 14-16, 2008Honolulu Festival
The annual Honolulu Festival celebrates cultures from across the Pacific. This three-day celebration of art, music, dance, and crafts is filled with spectacular sights and sounds, including aboriginal dance performances, cultural demonstrations and a vibrant parade through Waikiki.
(808) 926-2424
April 2008
Early AprilHawaii International Spring Film Festival
The Hawaii International Spring Film Festival, showcasing 20 independent feature films, is held at the Signature Dole Cannery Theatres. Expect the very best and latest in independent and global cinema. This Spring Festival has grown exponentially over the years and has become just as popular and successful as the main Fall Festival.
(808) 528-3456
April 2-5, 2008
Blue Planet's Music/Arts Festival & Concert
This inaugural event takes place at Honolulu's Waikiki Shell at the foot of iconic Diamond Head. The outdoor stage will feature an impressive roster of performers, including rock, country, pop, and Hawaiian artists. The festival will be powered entirely by sustainable energy, setting the standard for combining mission with methodology as it leads the way in the new world of sustainability and clean, secure energy. The Blue Planet Foundation will also encompass exhibits on Native Hawaiian culture, energy-related technological innovations and ways in which attendees can adopt sustainability into their everyday lives.
April 19-20, 2008
Kokua Festival
Local music sensation Jack Johnson hosts his annual Kokua Festival on Earth Day weekend at the Waikiki Shell. Last year's festival featured an incredible music lineup including Jack Johnson, Eddie Vedder, young troubadour Matt Costa, and local island favorites. The popular event benefits the Kokua Hawaii Foundation and promotes eco-friendly living. Food booths, products and services from green companies, alternative energy demonstrations, interactive games and crafts for kids, and information from environmentally active groups from around the islands are also featured.
(310) 313-7200
May 2008
May 1-2, 2008Lei Day Celebration
On May 1, a celebration including entertainment, food booths and a lei making contest takes place at the beautiful Queen Kapi'olani Park and Bandstand in Waikiki and is followed by an honoring of Hawaii's ali'i at Mauna 'Ala and Kawaiaha'o on May 2. This year marks the 81st anniversary of the celebration of Lei Day in Hawaii.
May 2-11, 2008
Hawaii Romance Festival
Romance seekers from near and far are invited to enjoy the sounds of love as Broadway stars, chart-topping recording artists and talented Hawaii musicians join the Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawaii for live performances, romantic dinners, a movie screening, and other incredible events. The 10-day Hawaii Romance Festival highlights various forms of music inspired by romance, including rhythm & blues, pop, jazz, and Hawaiian, and will feature famous musicians Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Aaron Neville, and more.
(808) 533-4165
May 3, 2008
6th Annual Waikiki SPAM Jam
The Waikiki SPAM® Jam is an exciting annual street festival that takes place on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. The event celebrates the unusually high consumption of SPAM® in Hawaii and features a variety of Honolulu's finest restaurants serving up SPAM®-inspired creations. Two entertainment stages provide non-stop entertainment ranging from hula dancers to local musicians, and the event even includes a "Mr. or Mrs. SPAM®" contest to honor the most SPAM®-crazed fan on O'ahu. Proceeds from the event benefit the Hawaii Food Bank.
Mid-May
16th Annual World Fire Knife Competition
Competitors from around the world come to the Polynesian Cultural Center every year to vie for the title of world's best fire knife dancer. See who can brave the flaming nifooti while twisting, turning and performing innovative routines never seen before. The stunning visual displays keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
(808) 293-3333
