Hawaii Events

Featured Events

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February 1 - 28 - 2009 Maui Whale Festival, Maui - Humpback whales migrate to the warm ocean waters of Hawaii each winter to mate and give birth. The majority of whales are found off the coast of Maui from late November to mid-May. It takes a big celebration to honor these 40-ton marine mammals, which is why the Maui Whale Festival takes place during the entire month of February, complete with a Run for the Whales, a Parade of Whales, a free "Whale Day" festival-in-the-park, special talks and slideshows and more. To learn more, visit the website of the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, the organizer of the Maui Whale Festival. 800-942-5311 (3892)

February 20 - 21 - SECOND 2009 NA MEA HAWAI'I HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE, Waimea - See traditional hula and chant performed outdoors on the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater, featuring Beamer-Solomon Halau o Po'ohala under the direction of kumu hula Hulali Solomon Covington. Hawaiian crafts demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. (808) 967-8222 Volcano Art Center (3893)

March 13 - 15 - 15TH ANNUAL HONOLULU FESTIVAL, Honolulu - The Honolulu Festival is Hawaii's premier cultural event, promoting understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region. Each year, the Festival draws thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience beyond Hawaii. Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, a nonprofit organization, the Festival continues to successfully share the rich and vibrant blend of Asian and Hawaiian cultures with the rest of the world. (3894)

March 23 - 20 - PRINCE KUHIO CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS, Koloa - he festivites include commemorative ceremonies featuring dance, chant and the offering of hookupu (gifts) and winds down on Sunday with the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa hosting the Prince Kuhio Celebration Luau. 808-240-6369 Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa (3895)

March 31 - April 4 - 8TH ANNUAL KONA CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, Kailua-Kona - The Festival is set for featuring the Evening Gala on Saturday April 4th from 6 to 10pm located at the beautiful Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa. The Evening Gala highlights a chocolate taste-off competition with awards in professional and amateur levels, categories include sweet, savory, mole, and sculpture. Entries will be judged by world renowned Chef Sam Choy, Chef Vincent Tropepe from New York City, Autumn Martin - Chocolatier for Theo Chocolate, Madelyn Miller - Chocolate Atlas.com and TravelLady.com, and Cathy Smoot Barrett of Kailua Candy Co. as well as by attendees through "people's choice" nominations. Also included in the Gala is a silent auction, wine, champagne and specialty beer tastings, and live music featuring Grammy™ Award winning slack-key guitarist Cyril Pahinui and live salsa music by Salsa Latinos. We will once again offer throughout the festival day-time educational and informative seminars about cacao and vanilla. A portion of the proceeds from the silent auction supports Kona's local chapter of The American Culinary Federation's Chef and Child program, and also a portion goes directly to the West Hawaii Community College Culinary School in Kealakekua for the purchase a confection oven. Go to konachocolatefestival.com for more information, to register as a chef, and to buy tickets. (808) 987-8722 Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa (3896)

April 12 - 18 - THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL, Hilo - Held on the Big Island 808-935-9168 (3897)

April 25 - 17TH ANNUAL EAST MAUI TARO FESTIVAL, Hana - A Hawaiian cultural event which focuses on Kalo, Taro, the staple food of Hawai'i. All-day festival features local musicians, hula halau, 20 food booths, each featuring a kalo dish, Arts & Crafts, Info Tent and the Ag Tent with a popular Farmers Market; hands-on poi-pounding is a highlight for visitors and locals alike. (808)264-1553 Hau'oli and Uakea Roads (3898)

May 21 - 24 - KAUA'I POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL, Lihue - The Kamanawa Foundation presents the 9th annual Kaua`i Polynesian Festival on Memorial Day weekend (808) 335-6466 (3899)

May 23 - 24 - The Waikiki Artfest, Waikiki - The Artfest is located across from the Honolulu Zoo at the Diamond Head of Waikiki. The event is scheduled from 9am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday, and admission is free. We feature the fine art and handcrafted products of more than 75 Hawaii artists, including all types of jewelry, clothing, ceramics, stained glass, wood products, soaps and candles, quilts and bags. We have live entertainment and great food! All items are displayed for sale by the artist personally. Join us and celebrate the arts of Hawaii. (808)696-6717 Kapiolani Park (3902)

May 23 -25 - 4TH ANNUAL HILO INTER-TRIBAL POWWOW, Hilo - The Fourth Annual Hilo Inter-Tribal Powwow will take place Memorial Day Weekend, at Wailoa River Park. This free, family-oriented event starts at 9:00 am and ends at 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, there will be a Veterans' Honoring Ceremony and the colors will be retired at 4 pm. Grand Entry is at 10 am, all three days. This is a non-competition powwow. Everyone is invited to experience the sights, sounds, flavors and spirit of Native America through music, dance, storytelling, food and crafts. 808-557-8607 Wailoa River State Park (3903)

June 5 - 7 - PAN-PACIFIC FESTIVAL - MATSURI IN HAWAII, Honolulu - Matsuri in Hawai'i began in 1980 as a cultural exchange between Japan and Hawai'i. Matsuri creators realized that the number of people traveling from Japan to Hawai'i was increasing dramatically, and they wanted to ensure that the increased interaction between these two cultures would be both enjoyable. and educational. Thus, Pan-Pacific Festival/Matsuri in Hawai'i was born. 808-926-8177 (3901)

June 17 - 21 - The Maui Film Festival, Wailea - Features film premieres at the under-the-stars Dolby-Digital equipped Celestial Cinema as well as at the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Special Food and wine events including the Taste of Wailea & Taste of Chocolates plus Filmmakers Panels and Special Screenings complete the event. (808) 579-9244 (3385)

September 20 - 26 - Annual Kauai Mokihana Festival, Kekaha - This popular annual event features a variety of local and ethnic demonstrations, concerts and competitions. Come and experience the Kaua`i Composers Contest, a hula competition for both men and women. Lectures & workshops on Kaua`i heritage and excellent handmade arts & crafts. (808) 822-2166 (3386)

2010 Events

January 23 -24 - PACIFIC ISLAND ARTS FESTIVAL, Honolulu - Our Pacific Island Arts Festival features approximately 75-100 fine artists and handcraft artisans who display their own art for sale including jewelry of all types, clothing, wood products, stained glass, ceramics, soaps and candles, bags, quilts, lauhala products. We have Hula dancers, great entertainment and food, even a Chinese Lion Dance to celebrate. The event is scheduled from 9am - 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, (808)696-6717 (6415)

January 26 -31 - 45TH ALOHA STATE SQUARE & ROUND DANCE FESTIVAL, Pearl City - Sponsored by various local square dancing associations, the event will feature a lu'au by Kane'ohe Bay (to include square dancing) and a "Trail-in Square & Round Dance" at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom. There will also be workshops on dance levels, styling, lines and special-interest items. (808) 488-2495 (6424)

February 20 - MAUI'S WHALE DAY CELEBRATION, Kihei - 2010's Maui Whale Day Celebration will mark the 30th anniversary of Maui's largest and longest running celebration of its famous wintertime residents, the humpback whales! This free, all-day celebration-in-the-park is hosted by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, and includes live music by some of Hawai'i's top musicians, great food by popular Maui restaurants, a gigantic craft fair featuring more than 100 local artists, environmental displays, activities for children, a parade (at 9 am), and lots of information about whales! Whale Day is free and open to all. 9 am to 6 pm at Kalama Park in Kihei. 808-249-8811 (6414)

March 6 - 10TH ANNUAL WAIKOLOA UKULELE FESTIVAL, Waikoloa - Queens MarketPlace is the Gathering Place of the Kohala Coast, and what brings people together better than music? Since 2001, the Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival has drawn audiences from everywhere and ukulele artists from around the world. (6410)

March 12 - 14 - 16TH ANNUAL HONOLULU FESTIVAL, HONOLULU - The Festival's theme, "Pacific Harmony," reflects the Foundation's vision to share the many cultures of the Pacific region with the people of Hawaii and those visiting from all over the world. The Honolulu Festival Foundation is very excited to announce its sub theme for the 16th Annual Honolulu Festival, "Discovery through Traditions." 808) 926-2424 (6425)

March 13 - HAWAII CHORAL FESTIVAL, Pearl City - Dr. Janet Galvan, will be the guest conductor and clinician for the March festival. She is Professor of Music at Ithaca College, conducts the Ithaca College Women's Chorale, the Ithaca College Chorus, and is Artistic Director for the Ithaca Children's Choir. In great demand as a guest conductor, Dr. Galván has conducted all-state and larger regional honor choral festivals throughout the United States. Dr. Galván is also the conductor of the North American Children's Chorale which performs annually in Carnegie Hall. Her own choral groups have been chosen to perform at national, regional, and state music conferences, invitational choral festivals, and in concerts in the United Kingdom and Europe. 800-366-7486 (6420)

March 13 - HAWAII CHORAL FESTIVAL, Pearl City - Dr. Janet Galvan, will be the guest conductor and clinician for the March festival. She is Professor of Music at Ithaca College, conducts the Ithaca College Women's Chorale, the Ithaca College Chorus, and is Artistic Director for the Ithaca Children's Choir. In great demand as a guest conductor, Dr. Galván has conducted all-state and larger regional honor choral festivals throughout the United States. Dr. Galván is also the conductor of the North American Children's Chorale which performs annually in Carnegie Hall. Her own choral groups have been chosen to perform at national, regional, and state music conferences, invitational choral festivals, and in concerts in the United Kingdom and Europe. 800-366-7486 (6421)

March 21 - 28 - PRINCE KUHIO CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS, Koloa - This weeklong event honors the birthday and birthplace of Prince Jonah Kühiö Kalaniana'ole, one of Hawai'i's most beloved monarchs. Held in Po'ipü, the free events include Native Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and classes on lomi lomi massage. The festivities wind down on Sunday with the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort and Spa hosting the Prince Kühiö Celebration Lü'au. 808-240-6369 (6413)

April 3 - HAWAII BAND & ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL, Pearl City - The clinician for the April festival will be James Swearingen. Mr. Swearingen is Professor of Music, Department Chair of Music Education and one of several resident composers at Capital University. He also serves as a staff arranger for the famed Ohio State University Marching Band. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Swearingen manages to be very active as a guest conductor, adjudicator and educational clinician. Appearances have included trips throughout the United States, as well as Japan, Australia, Europe. 800-366-7486 (6416)

May 1 - KAUAI MUSEUM 30TH ANNUAL MAY DAY LEI FESTIVAL, Lihue - Celebrating innovative interpretations by today's lei makers, the Kaua'i Museum once again invites the public to join in its annual Lei Day Competition either as participants or in viewing the creations at the Museum on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The Museum will open its doors for viewing of lei at 11am until 3pm. The Museum, in addition to the lei contest, has activities on the lawn beginning at 10:30am. There are lei demonstrations and lei for sale. For a small fee, try your hand at making your own lei in our Lei Making Tent. Enjoy ono food and free entertainment by Kauai's finest. 808-245-6931 (6409)

May 12- 16 - Big Island Film Festival, Waikoloa - Big Island Film Festival at Mauna Lani Resort is a five day celebration of new independent narrative short and feature films and their filmmakers. A mixture of films, social events, and award ceremonies bring visitors, residents and new filmmakers together for a shared experience wrapped in Hawaiian culture and the spirit of Aloha. Some free, some fee. (808) 883-0394 (6405)

May 25 -28 - HONOLULU FAMILY FESTIVAL, Honolulu - This four-day festival held at Magic Island features rides by E.K Fernandez Shows, live entertainment, acrobats, specialty acts, games, food booths, and much more. With free admission, this is sure to be an event for the whole family to enjoy. (808) 924-1907 (6407)

May 27 -30 - Na HoKu O HAWAI`I MUSIC FESTIVAL, Honolulu - The 1st annual 4 day music festival which will include the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards and the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Show at the Hawai`i Convention Center. Throughout the week the center will be bustling with workshops, panels, lectures, entertainment, hula, exhibitors, hands-on demonstrations, fashion, networking and films. Each night will begin at sunset. The beats of the pahu drum and the sound of the pu will signify the launch of entertainment that stretches for 2 miles in the hotels, restaurants, lounges and shopping centers throughout Honolulu. (6406)

July 4 - 21ST ANNUAL CONCERT IN THE SKY!, Lihue - This annual event is a fundraiser for Kaua'i Hospice, which has the largest display of aerial fireworks on the island along with hula, local music, rides, games, local products for sale, and an auction. Top hotels and restaurants will be providing great food for this big event. 808-245-7277 (6411)

July 10 - 9TH ANNUAL KOREAN FESTIVAL, Honolulu, - Description: Held at Kapi'olani Park, this festival offers residents and visitors an inside look on the Korean culture from kim chee to Korean fan and drum dances. Enjoy taekwondo (Korean martial arts) performances, along with food, art, and entertainment. (808) 792-9321 Kapiolani Park & Bandstand (6428)

July 17 - 33RD ANNUAL PRINCE LOT HULA FESTIVAL, Honolulu - Description: The event will feature both hula k�hiko (ancient) hula and chant, and 'auana (modern) hula performances. Dancers will perform on one of the few remaining p� hula (hula mounds) in Hawai`i. (808)839-5334 Moanalua Gardens Foundation (6427)

July 28 - July 31 - KAUAI MUSIC FESTIVAL, Lihue - Learn songwriting from some of the best writers in America at this four-day celebration of the arts. Consult one-on-one with award winning composers, Grammy-winning producers, and top A&R and industry people who can really make a difference for attendees. (808)634-6237 Hilton Kauai Beach Resort (6417)

July 31 - August 1 - HEIVA I KAUAI IA ORANA TAHITI 2010, Kapaa - On Saturday afternoon, July 31st and Sunday morning, August 1st, workshops on Tahitian dance for men and women, choreography, and drumming will be held. Solo dance competitors are to register and pick up competition numbers and solo competition instructions between 4 and 6 PM Friday evening. (808) 822-9447 (6408)

August 20 - 22 - 15TH ANNUAL MADE IN HAWAII FESTIVAL, Honolulu - The 2010 Made in Hawaii Festival is produced by the Hawaii Food Industry Association and sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank. (808) 533-1292 Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena (6426)

August 22 - 28 - 9TH ANNUAL DUKE'S OCEANFEST, Honolulu - Duke's OceanFest opens with a Ho'omana Ceremony steeped in Hawaiian culture in the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. Duke Kahanamoku's 119th birthday is honored with a traditional Hawaiian sunrise blessing at his majestic statue on the beach in Waikiki. Four days of ocean sports competitions begin in Waikiki, including the Hawaiian Airlines Duke's Legends Surf Classic, C4 Waterman/HonoluA Surf Paddleboard Championship and Stand-Up Beach Boy Paddle Surfing Championship, AccesSurf Challenged Athlete Surf Meet, Duke's Waikiki Ocean Mile Swim, Surf Polo Tournament, and the Waterman Challenge. Duke's OceanFest concludes with a sidewalk surfboard parade and draping of Duke Kahanamoku's Statue with the beautiful flower lei of Hawaii. (808) 545-4880 (6412)

August 28 - 29 - 30TH ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL, Honolulu - Authentic and delicious Mediterranean Greek foods will be available including Spanokopita (Spinach Pie), Gyro sandwiches, Moussaka, Pasticio, Greek Chicken, Souvlaki (skewered beef and pork), Greek and Bean Salads, baklava and a wide assortment of Greek Pastries. The Greek Taverna will feature imported Greek Beer, Ouzo, red, white and retsina Greek wines. (808) 521-7220 McCoy Pavillion Ala Moana Park (6423)

September 4 - 5 - OKINAWAN FESTIVAL, Honolulu - The Festival is organized and run by an army of over two thousand volunteers from the HUOA's 48 member-clubs and their extended 'ohana of Uchinanchu ("Uchinanchu" is the Okinawan term for a person of Okinawan ancestry) and Uchinanchu-at-heart. Kapiolani Park will be filled with the heart-pounding energy of taiko drums and the unique sounds of the Okinawan snakeskin sanshin; colorful Okinawan dances; and the tantalizing aroma of hot, fresh-cooked andagi (Okinawan doughnuts) and other Okinawan and Island favorites. 808-676-5400 (6418)

October 9 - EO E EMALANI I ALAKA'I FESTIVAL, Kekaha - Live Hawaiian music, along with historical displays, begin at 10 am and at 12 noon, "Queen Emma" enters Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow on horseback, led by her guide Kaluahi, represented by a local cowboy. Offering of dance are made by hula halau from across Hawaii. Hula groups from Europe and Japan have also jouneyed to Kauai to participate. (808) 335-9975 Kokee State Park (6419)

December 4 - 24 - 13TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, Lihue - It all started more than 50 years ago by "Auntie" Josie Chansky, a folk artist born and raised on Kauai. It is because of her art and contribution to the people of the islands that Festival of Lights was created. For nearly 40 years, first on Oahu and then 18 years on Kauai, Auntie Josie opened her home to neighbors, strangers, tourists - everyone and anyone. 808-639-8564 Historic County Building (6422)