May 17, 2008
5th Annual Wahiawa Pineapple Festival
Join the local community at the 5th Annual Wahiawa Pineapple Festival and discover the rich history of pineapple in Wahiawa and Hawaii. Highlights include delectable cuisine by renowned Chef Alan Wong, pineapple-themed recipes from Roy's Restaurants and 3660 on the Rise, and trolley tours of Wahiawa town.
(808) 227-8229
May 26, 2008
Lantern Floating Ceremony
Every year on Memorial Day, thousands of people gather together at Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park to honor ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. More than 1,100 candle-lit lanterns are set afloat on the ocean, a traditional Buddhist rite originating in Japan. The ceremony also combines the local culture of hula with the Japanese Shomyo Choir and Taiko drums.
June 2008
Various datesObon Dances and Festivals
Buddhist temples throughout the islands celebrate the Obon tradition, which was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants and has evolved into a social and cultural event. Experience a part of O'ahu's rich culture, which is designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merrymaking. Dances and festivals are held at different temples on various dates throughout the summer.
June 6-8, 2008
Pan Pacific Festival / Matsuri in Hawaii
This special three-day celebration begins with Hawaiian festivities on Friday evening, including a block party where last year, more than 40,000 people enjoyed the entertainment and food. The celebration includes a hula festival held at Ala Moana Center, where spectators have the rare opportunity to see hula groups from Japan perform with Hawaiian hula halau. The event culminates with a grand parade along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.
(808) 926-8177
June 10, 2008
Garlic & Ginger Festival of Hawaii
Formerly known as the Garlic Festival of Hawaii, this event also features ginger, a locally grown product. Many great restaurants – Roy's, Sansei, Waikiki Parc, Side Street Inn, Dynasty, Gordon Biersch, Tropic Diner, Pacific Club, and 3660 On the Rise provide some of their most delicious dishes. Highlights of the festival include garlic ice cream, garlic massages, a wine tent, martini bar, Budweiser station, silent auction, a fresh produce tent, Garlic & Ginger Lover's Store, and logo items. The event benefits the American Red Cross-Hawaii Chapter and Palama Settlement.
(808) 545-4195
June 11, 2008
92nd Annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade
This colorful celebration honors the reign of King Kamehameha, who was responsible for uniting the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in 1795. The parade features brightly decorated floats, energetic marching bands and traditional pa'u riders, who represent a Hawaiian royal court on horseback. The parade traverses the streets of Honolulu, from Downtown through Waikiki, and ends with an awards presentation, craft demonstrations and food booths at Kapi'olani Park.
July 2008
Various datesObon Dances and Festivals
Buddhist temples throughout the islands celebrate the Obon tradition, which was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants and has evolved into a social and cultural event. Experience a part of O'ahu's rich culture, which is designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merrymaking. Dances and festivals are held at different temples on various dates throughout the summer.
Date tbd
Pacific Handcrafters Guild Festivals
Discover some of Hawaii's finest artisans at the Pacific Handcrafters Guild Summer Festival at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park. The two-day festivals of fine arts and crafts feature pottery, wood, clothing, glass, jewelry, seed leis, Japanese style bags, polymer clay art, folk art, metal sculpture, miniature Hawaiian hula ornaments, and more. Food from local restaurants is available with entertainment provided by the island's musicians throughout the weekend events.
(808) 254-6788
July 18-19, 2008
Hawaii All-Collectors Show
Don't miss the opportunity to find the perfect gift from Hawaii at the Hawaii All-Collectors Show at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. This annual collectibles and antiques show and sale features more than 200 booths with one of the largest selections of Hawaiiana under one roof.
(808) 941-9754
July 19, 2008
Prince Lot Hula Festival
This all-day festival held in the beautiful Moanalua Gardens showcases hula halau (troupes) gracing the hula mound for spectators to enjoy. The festival is immersed in Native Hawaiian culture and features crafts, kapa making, lauhala weaving, lomilomi massage, traditional Hawaiian games, and more.
(808) 839-5334
July 23-24, 2008
11th Annual Haleiwa Arts Festival Summer Event
Experience a broad spectrum of traditional, contemporary and ethnic arts at Haleiwa Beach Park in the historic town of Haleiwa. This event includes visual artists, musicians, singers, dancers, demonstrations, storytelling, student art displays, historical trolley tours, and arts and craft activities for children. Browse and purchase unique works by artists of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
(808) 637-2277
July 27, 2008
38th Annual Roy Sakuma 'Ukulele Festival Hawaii
Local 'ukulele legend Roy Sakuma and his sponsors are helping to keep the 'ukulele alive with the largest festival of its kind in the world, attracting audiences of thousands. The free two-hour concerts showcase the finest 'ukulele players, along with national celebrities, Hawaii's top entertainers, and an 'ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students, mostly children. The festival benefits 'Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a charitable non-profit organization.
(808) 732-3739
