August 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
Joy of Sake Festival
Join visiting brewers from Japan and sake enthusiasts from Hawaii and Japan to sample this year's newly released fall sakes. More than 250 sakes, including gold and silver award winners from 2008's U.S. National Sake Appraisal, will be featured. The Joy of Sake is the largest sake tasting held outside of Japan and offers a rare opportunity to experience great sakes in peak condition.
August 13-16
26th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
Slack key guitar originated in Hawaii in the 19th century with Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys), and is continuing to gain popularity today, with slack key collection albums having won Grammy awards in the Best Hawaiian Music category for the last three years. The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, founded in 1982, celebrates the cultural importance, perpetuates, and preserves the unique acoustic guitar art form, “Ki ho'alu,” which means "loosen the key." The festival features performances by well-known slack key musicians and Grammy winners including Ledward Ka'apana, Cyril Pahinui and Keoki Kahumoku.
(808) 226-2697
August 15-17, 2008
Made in Hawaii Festival
Enjoy this three-day celebration highlighting the unique products of Hawaii. More than 400 exhibitors offer everything made in Hawaii from art, clothing, food, home furnishings, jewelry, toys, fresh produce, and plants, to authentic Hawaiian handicrafts.
(808) 533-1292
August 30-31, 2008
26th Annual Okinawan Festival
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association presents the largest ethnic festival in the state of Hawaii. A parade through Waikiki featuring entertainers from Okinawa and Hawaii kicks off the three-day festival at Kapi'olani Park celebrating Okinawan culture with food, entertainment, arts, crafts, and cultural activities. On Sunday evening, all are welcome to help cap off the festivities by participating in Hawaii's largest traditional Japanese Obon dance.
(808) 676-5400
September 2008
Date tbd Pacific Handcrafters Guild FestivalsDiscover some of Hawaii's finest artisans at the Pacific Handcrafters Guild Fall 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
All month
Aloha Festivals
This premier showcase celebrates Hawaii's music, dance, history, and is intended to preserve the islands' unique traditions. It is Hawaii's largest festival and the only statewide celebration in the nation. Over the past 60 years, the festival has grown to encompass 300 events on six islands spanning a two-month period. O'ahu festivities include a floral parade, Kapolei Mele, Waikiki Ho'olaule'a, O'ahu Falsetto Contest, and more.
(808) 589-1771
September 13, 2008
Taste of the Arts
The annual event held in Honolulu's downtown/Chinatown Arts District showcases local restaurants. Celebrity chefs display their talents with live demonstrations while local jazz musicians jam on the event's stage. The event brings together an upscale crowd of food, wine and art lovers.
October 2008
Date tbd28th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF)
Established as the premier international film event in the Pacific, 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.
(808) 528-3456
November 2008
Date tbd7th Annual 'Ukulele Guild of Hawaii's Exhibition & Conference
The 'Ukulele Guild of Hawaii is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation and promotion of the 'ukulele as a significant musical instrument. This annual two-day event includes 'ukulele exhibitions, workshops and performances from notable musicians including local legend Roy Sakuma.
December 2008
Date tbdPacific Handcrafters Guild Festivals
Discover some of Hawaii's finest artisans at the Pacific Handcrafters Guild Winter 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
