The islands of Hawaii are the perfect destination for a warm and welcoming vacation. There’s enough beauty and activity in Hawaii to fill a lifetime of vacations, but Hawaii is also a land of unique culture and heritage that is celebrated with numerous festivals throughout the year. Plan your visit to coincide with one of these popular annual Hawaii festivals to learn more about the traditions and values of the Hawaiian people.

Annual Hawaii Festivals

Lei Day – Every May 1st since 1929, Hawaii has celebrated the lei as a symbol of welcome and affection throughout the islands. Each Hawaiian island uses a different type of lei. Young and old alike wear beautiful leis and give them to each other and a lei-making competition is the highlight.

Oahu: the Gathering Place

Honolulu Festival – This three-day celebration of music and dance cultural performances held in March includes a huge craft fair, educational programs and a grand parade of spectacular floats through Waikiki.

First Hawaiian International Auto Show – Now in its 37th year, this stop of Motor Trend auto show circuit draws over 67,000 people. Each year in late March, over 350 of the latest cars, trucks, vans and SUVs are showcased, along with some ultra-luxury and concept cars. Local motorcycle and car clubs also participate.

Spam Jam – Nearly seven million cans of Spam are eaten every year in Hawaii – more per person than in any other state! During the last week of April, the main street in Waikiki becomes a pedestrian-only spam-a-palooza with restaurants serving spam in many forms, spam-themed trinkets for sale, entertainment stages and craft booths.

Rainbow Film Festival – Now in its 22nd year, this event held each June is one of the longest-running and well-respected Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) film festivals in the U.S.

Ukulele Festival – Each July, an ukulele orchestra of over 800 students and international guest artists play to crowds of thousands at Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki. After 45 years, this internationally acclaimed ukulele festival is a summer tradition and the largest in the world.

Aloha Festivals – September brings the granddaddy of all Hawaii festivals to Oahu – actually four festivals over the month. It takes about 30,000 volunteers to organize the array of free cultural celebrations, concerts, parades and ho’olaule’a (street parties) that are attended by over a million Hawaiian residents and visitors from around the world. A Royal Court and a Floral Parade, hula performances, live music on street stages, food booths, a steel guitar festival, a Hawaiian falsetto contest, an ukulele contest and a Made in Hawaii trade show are all part of the festivities. This is a Hawaii festival not to miss.

Van’s Rip Curl Pipeline Masters – This December event is famous with surfers worldwide for the peak surfing conditions along the North Shore. The skill and courage of the competitors is thrilling for anyone who enjoys surfing or just watching the artistry of the dance with the massive waves.

Maui: the Valley Isle

Maui Film Festival – There’s no need to hole up in a dark theater to see films each June in Maui. Many outdoor screenings take place under the beautiful night sky. Learn about astronomy and the art of movie making from expert lecturers and enjoy musical and dance performances based on the movies that are screened.

Kihoalu Slack Key Guitar Festival – For the last 21 years, the spirit of aloha has been shared at this June one-day festival. Enjoy local food and crafts to the tune of some of the best slack key guitar artists in Hawaii at the ampitheatre fo the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Kapalua Wine and Food Festival – Foodies won’t want to miss this annual July event seasoned with culinary workshops with celebrity chefs, one-of-a-kind food displays by culinary artists and substantial tasting sessions of food and drinks by local restaurants.

The Ocean Arts Festival – From November to May pods of humpback whales migrate to and winter in Hawaii to mate and give birth. The peaceful beauty of the whales’ presence inspires many artists, musicians and naturalists who share their respective talents with showings, performances and free talks in celebration of art and nature.

Hawaii: the Big Island

Merrie Monarch Festival – This week-long hula festival in Hilo kicks off on Easter Sunday, honoring King David Kalākaua, the last reigning king of Hawaii, who was a patron of the arts and Hawaiian culture. It has become the most respected of all hula contests with daily performances and competitions by troupes from around the world.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival – November offers a celebration of everything coffee in Kona. There are “speed-picking” contests and “cupping” competitions for those in the trade. Visitors will enjoy parades, pageants, cooking workshops and plenty of coffee tasting sessions.

Molokai: the Friendly Isle

Molokai Hoe – Every October, up to a hundred teams compete in the Polynesian sport of outrigger canoe racing. A 41-mile race across perilous waters begins at sunrise in Molokai and ends in Waikiki, so observers can see the race from two islands.