Honolulu Festival (March (three-day weekend, typically mid-March)). Annual celebration of Pacific Rim cultures — Japan, Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, and Hawaii — featuring performances at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, Ala Moana Center, and Waikīkī, culminating…
Lei Day Celebration (May 1). Annual celebration established in 1929 at Kapiʻolani Park, Waikīkī. Features lei-making contests and workshops, hula and music performances, and cultural protocol. A free, family-oriented event.
King Kamehameha Day Floral Parade (June 11 (state holiday); parade on nearest Saturday). The only U.S. state holiday dedicated to a monarch. The annual floral parade proceeds through downtown Honolulu to Kapiʻolani Park. Celebrations include the lei draping ceremony at the Kamehameha statue outside…
Prince Lot Hula Festival (July (third weekend)). Hawaiʻi's largest non-competitive hula event, honoring Prince Lot Kapuāiwa (later King Kamehameha V), who kept public hula alive during the 19th century. Founded 1978 by the Moanalua Gardens Foundation. Features both…
Aloha Festivals (September (statewide; Oʻahu events typically mid-to-late September)). Hawaiʻi's largest annual cultural celebration, founded 1946 as Aloha Week, now spanning all major islands. Oʻahu events include the Royal Court investiture, the Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa street party, and the Floral Parade.…
Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival (Late October). Annual gourmet festival featuring James Beard Award-winning and internationally recognized chefs, held primarily on Oʻahu (and other islands). Multi-day culinary events across Honolulu and Waikīkī.
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November–December (contest windows: Hawaiian Pro Nov 12–24, World Cup of Surfing Nov 25–Dec 6, Pipeline Masters Dec 8–20; held when swell conditions are right)). Known as the 'Super Bowl of Surfing,' the Triple Crown comprises three elite professional surf contests on Oʻahu's North Shore: the Hawaiian Pro at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park, the World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach,…
Honolulu Marathon (December (second Sunday in December; 2025 date: December 14)). One of the largest marathons in the United States, drawing over 35,000 participants globally. No time limit — all finishers receive a medal. 5:00 AM start from Ala Moana Boulevard, finish at Kapiʻolani Park. Sponsored…