By John Fischer
Hawaii Travel Expert, about.com
April 30, 2016
Waikiki SPAM® Jam
The Waikiki SPAM® Jam is an exciting annual street festival that takes place on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. This 14th annual event celebrates Hawaii's love of SPAM® 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 merchandise vendors sell SPAM®-themed items and Hawaiian crafts. Proceeds from the event benefit the Hawaii Food Bank
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April 30-May 1, 2016
Hawaii Book & Music Festival
Experience the finest of Hawaii's contemporary culture at the Hawaii Book & Music Festival. Held on the Frank F. Fasi Grounds at Honolulu Hale, the free event celebrates and honors books, storytelling and music in a way that is fun, accessible, and memorable for people of all ages, backgrounds and tastes.
Hawaii Book & Music Festival
Experience the finest of Hawaii's contemporary culture at the Hawaii Book & Music Festival. Held on the Frank F. Fasi Grounds at Honolulu Hale, the free event celebrates and honors books, storytelling and music in a way that is fun, accessible, and memorable for people of all ages, backgrounds and tastes.
May 2015
Mele Mei 2016
The Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Artists will present the 6th third Annual Mele Mei, a month-long celebration of Hawaiian music, in May 2016.
Mele Mei 2016
The Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Artists will present the 6th third Annual Mele Mei, a month-long celebration of Hawaiian music, in May 2016.
Mele Mei will encompass more than 30 workshops,
concert performances and other events, and will culminate with the 39th
Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on May 28, 2016.
[post_ads]May 1-2, 2016
Lei Day Celebration
On May 1, a celebration that includes entertainment, food booths and a lei-making contest takes place at the beautiful Queen Kapiolani Park and Bandstand in Waikiki. The event is followed by an honoring of Hawaii's alii at Mauna Ala and Kawaiahao on May 2. Lei Day was created to celebrate the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing lei. This year marks the 89th anniversary of the celebration of Lei Day in Hawaii.
Lei Day Celebration
On May 1, a celebration that includes entertainment, food booths and a lei-making contest takes place at the beautiful Queen Kapiolani Park and Bandstand in Waikiki. The event is followed by an honoring of Hawaii's alii at Mauna Ala and Kawaiahao on May 2. Lei Day was created to celebrate the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing lei. This year marks the 89th anniversary of the celebration of Lei Day in Hawaii.
May 12-14, 2016
We Are Samoa Festival
The We Are Samoa Festival at the Polynesian Cultural Center features the 24th Annual World Fireknife Championship and High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival. Dancers of all ages showcase their mastery of Samoan fireknives in which acrobatic moves and death-defying tricks combine with ancient Samoan culture. Held in conjunction with the World Fireknife Championship, the High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival is an event in which Hawaii high school students demonstrate their own cultural knowledge of Samoan traditions with exhibitions in basket weaving, coconut husking, fire making and more.
We Are Samoa Festival
The We Are Samoa Festival at the Polynesian Cultural Center features the 24th Annual World Fireknife Championship and High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival. Dancers of all ages showcase their mastery of Samoan fireknives in which acrobatic moves and death-defying tricks combine with ancient Samoan culture. Held in conjunction with the World Fireknife Championship, the High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival is an event in which Hawaii high school students demonstrate their own cultural knowledge of Samoan traditions with exhibitions in basket weaving, coconut husking, fire making and more.
May 15, 2016
Honolulu Triathlon
Thousands of triathletes from around the world visit Oahu each May to compete in the Honolulu Triathlon. The Olympic distance triathlon features a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run that begins and ends at Ala Moana Beach Park
Honolulu Triathlon
Thousands of triathletes from around the world visit Oahu each May to compete in the Honolulu Triathlon. The Olympic distance triathlon features a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run that begins and ends at Ala Moana Beach Park
May 27-28, 2016
Na Hoku Music Festival
The Na Hoku Music Festival focuses on the colorful diversity of Hawaiian music. From workshops to concerts, each night is filled with music and entertainment. Music ranges from falsetto, slack-key guitar and group performances, to ukulele workshops and guest speakers. The festival culminates with the 39th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards – the biggest awards show for Hawaiian music.
Na Hoku Music Festival
The Na Hoku Music Festival focuses on the colorful diversity of Hawaiian music. From workshops to concerts, each night is filled with music and entertainment. Music ranges from falsetto, slack-key guitar and group performances, to ukulele workshops and guest speakers. The festival culminates with the 39th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards – the biggest awards show for Hawaiian music.
May 30, 2016
Lantern Floating Hawaii
[post_ads]Every year on Memorial Day, thousands of people gather at Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park to honor ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. At sundown, more than 3,000 candlelit lanterns are set afloat on the ocean, a traditional Buddhist rite originating in Japan. The ceremony serves to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in war, pay respect to ancestors and loved ones who have passed away, and pray for a harmonious and peaceful future. The ceremony also features live entertainment by local and international musicians, as well as inspiring speeches.
Lantern Floating Hawaii
[post_ads]Every year on Memorial Day, thousands of people gather at Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park to honor ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. At sundown, more than 3,000 candlelit lanterns are set afloat on the ocean, a traditional Buddhist rite originating in Japan. The ceremony serves to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in war, pay respect to ancestors and loved ones who have passed away, and pray for a harmonious and peaceful future. The ceremony also features live entertainment by local and international musicians, as well as inspiring speeches.
June 2016 (Dates TBA)
Rainbow Film Festival
The Rainbow Film Festival serves to educate and raise community awareness about gay and lesbian culture, arts and lifestyle through independent films shown at the Doris Duke Theatre. Locally submitted films are also featured and supported by the festival.
Rainbow Film Festival
The Rainbow Film Festival serves to educate and raise community awareness about gay and lesbian culture, arts and lifestyle through independent films shown at the Doris Duke Theatre. Locally submitted films are also featured and supported by the festival.
June-August 2016
Obon Dances and Festivals
Buddhist temples throughout the island celebrate the Obon tradition, brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants, which has evolved into a social and cultural event. Experience this part of Oahu's rich culture, which is designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merrymaking. Dances and festivals are held at temples across the island on various dates throughout the summer.
Obon Dances and Festivals
Buddhist temples throughout the island celebrate the Obon tradition, brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants, which has evolved into a social and cultural event. Experience this part of Oahu's rich culture, which is designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merrymaking. Dances and festivals are held at temples across the island on various dates throughout the summer.
June 10-12, 2016
Pan-Pacific Festival
The 37th annual Pan-Pacific Festival is a three-day international cultural celebration that features a weekend of Pacific Rim cultural performances, demonstrations, hula, food, and hoolaulea (block party). The event culminates with a colorful parade with thousands of participants in lively costumes marching down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.
Pan-Pacific Festival
The 37th annual Pan-Pacific Festival is a three-day international cultural celebration that features a weekend of Pacific Rim cultural performances, demonstrations, hula, food, and hoolaulea (block party). The event culminates with a colorful parade with thousands of participants in lively costumes marching down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.
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June 11, 2016
100th Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade
This colorful celebration honors the reign of King Kamehameha, who was responsible for uniting the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in 1810. Celebrating its centennial in 2016, the parade features brightly decorated floats, energetic marching bands and traditional pau riders who represent a Hawaiian royal court on horseback. Following the parade will be a hoolaulea (block party) and the 100th anniversary concert.
100th Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade
This colorful celebration honors the reign of King Kamehameha, who was responsible for uniting the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in 1810. Celebrating its centennial in 2016, the parade features brightly decorated floats, energetic marching bands and traditional pau riders who represent a Hawaiian royal court on horseback. Following the parade will be a hoolaulea (block party) and the 100th anniversary concert.