Hawaiian Holidays & Local Events Calendar Celebrate Hawaiʻi Year-Round (January–December)

Aloha! Whether you're living in Hawaiʻi or dreaming of your next island getaway, this guide is your go-to resource for discovering the holidays and events that make life in the islands so unique. From cultural festivals to statewide celebrations, there’s something to enjoy every month of the year. 🌺

Let’s talk story and dive into the vibrant rhythm of Hawaiʻi, month by month.

🌺 Hawaiian Holidays Calendar

These cultural and historical holidays celebrate the heritage, spirit, and people of Hawaiʻi.

January: Makahiki Season (October–February)

The Makahiki season marks the traditional Hawaiian New Year — a time for peace, rest, and renewal. Communities honor the god Lono through gratitude, games, and celebrations.

March: Prince Kūhiō Day (March 26)

Honoring Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʰole, a leader who fought for Native Hawaiian rights. Festivities include parades, canoe races, and ceremonies.

May: Lei Day (May 1)

"May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi!" Celebrate aloha with hula performances, lei-making contests, music, and cultural displays across the islands.

June: King Kamehameha Day (June 11)

A holiday honoring King Kamehameha the Great, who united the Hawaiian Islands. Look for floral parades, statue ceremonies, and cultural festivals.

August: Statehood Day (3rd Friday of August)

Commemorates Hawaiʻi’s admission as the 50th U.S. state. Civic events, educational programs, and reflections on history are common.

September: Aloha Festivals (All Month)

A month-long statewide celebration with parades, street parties, music, and traditional Hawaiian arts

November: Lā Kūʻokoʻa (Hawaiian Independence Day) (November 28)

Marks the recognition of Hawaiʻi’s sovereignty in 1843. Events highlight Hawaiian history and pride.

 

🎉 Local Fun Events Calendar

A vibrant mix of community events, food fests, music, and athletic challenges.

February: Great Aloha Run (President's Day)

An 8.15-mile fun run from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium, drawing thousands for fitness and charity.

April: Merrie Monarch Festival (Early April, Hilo)

World-renowned hula competition celebrating Hawaiian arts and culture with performances and festivities across Hilo.

May: Waikīkī Spam Jam Festival (End of April / Early May)

Celebrate Hawaiʻi's beloved Spam at this lively street festival with food booths, entertainment, and crafts.

June: Kapalua Wine & Food Festival (Mid-June, Maui)

Maui’s premier culinary event featuring top chefs, wine tastings, and gourmet experiences.

July: Ukulele Festival Hawaiʻi (Mid-July, Honolulu)

The world's largest ukulele festival showcasing local and international artists, family-friendly activities, and plenty of aloha.

September: Okinawan Festival (Early September, Honolulu)

Highlighting Okinawan food, music, and dance traditions, deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi's diverse culture.

October–November: Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival

A multi-island celebration of Hawaiʻi’s local ingredients and culinary innovation with famous chefs and winemakers.

December: Honolulu Marathon (2nd Sunday of December)

One of the largest marathons worldwide, open to all runners, with a breathtaking course through Honolulu.

 🌺 Celebrate the Spirit of Hawai’i

From lei-making to long-distance runs, from honoring Hawaiian royalty to savoring Spam delights, there’s a celebration for everyone in Hawaiʻi. Bookmark this guide, mark your calendars, and embrace the aloha spirit!