Festivals and Events
Experience Oahu’s dynamic culture by incorporating local events and festivals into your trip. Oahu hosts more happenings than any other island in the state, including parades, concerts, art festivals, culinary celebrations and sports tournaments. Get to know Oahu through its unique arts scene, watch authentic hula and pro surfing or get a taste of the distinctive and diverse Hawaiian food scene. Here’s a sample of the special festivals and events you’ll discover on Oahu, and you’ll find more complete listing in Oahu Events.
Cultural Events
- POW! WOW! HAWAII is a week-long event that takes place during Valentine’s Day week in the Kakaako district and brings over a hundred international and local artist together to create murals and other forms of art.
- The Honolulu Festival in March is rich and vibrant blend of Asian, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures. The three-day celebration of local art, music and dance culminates in a grand parade through Waikiki.
- The Lei Day Celebration takes place on May Day (May 1) at the beautiful Kapiolani Park, including lei-making competitions and demonstrations, crafts, food, hula and live music.
- The King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June features brightly decorated floats and traditional pau riders (female riders in ornate dresses and lei) on horseback, representing the Hawaiian royal court.
- Prince Lot Hula Festival in July is the biggest non-competitive hula event of the year and also features crafts and traditional Hawaiian games.
- The Aloha Festival in September is the largest cultural celebration in the state, sharing the Aloha spirit with more than 100,000 attendees each year. This weeklong event is a premier showcase of Hawaiian music, dance and history.
Sporting Events
- The Sony Open in January gives you the chance to watch world-class golf pros play at the scenic Waialae Country Club in Oahu. It’s the largest charity golf event in Hawaii, raising funds for dozens of local nonprofit organizations.
- The Honolulu Marathon in December attracts runners from around the world. Get your heart pumping as you run 26.2 miles through the heart of Honolulu.
- The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is where you can see the world’s best surfers ride the world’s best waves. The Triple Crown happens in late November and early December on the North Shore of Oahu and is known as the “Super Bowl of Surfing.”
Food Events
- The Parade of Farms in May provides tours to local farms and agribusinesses to experience a behind-the-scenes look into local agriculture and products.
- Mango Jam Honolulu festival happens in June, showcasing a diverse mix of live entertainment, food and craft booths, a beer garden, and a farmer’s market highlighting one of Oʻahu’s most beloved fruit.
- The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is a gourmet getaway in late October.”Try delicious fare from more than 100 international chefs, culinary personalities, and wine and spirit producers.