Are you looking to immerse yourself in Hawaii’s culture and participate in some of its most popular events? I’ve got you covered.
During your visit to this breathtaking place, there are a few annual events that you must try and attend to get the full Hawaiian culture experience. Let’s jump in!
Aloha Festivals
The state’s largest cultural celebration, the Aloha festivals held all through September showcases Hawaii’s people, culture, and customs through music and dance.
Picture this: a massive block party right in Waikiki, filled with live Hawaiian music, local arts and crafts, and some of the best Hawaiian dishes you’ll ever taste.
Witnessing the re-enactment of the Hawaiian Royal Court procession during the Aloha Festivals Opening Ceremony feels like going back in time.
The celebrations draw to an end with a Floral Parade down Kalakaua Avenue, where you’ll see riders on horses wearing long skirts, bright floats covered in Hawaiian flowers, hula dancers, and marching bands.
King Kamehameha Festival and Floral Parade
The King Kamehameha festival is celebrated by Hawaiian locals to pay homage to the first ruler of Hawaii, King Kamehameha I.
Every year in June, this festival is celebrated to honor the efforts of the king in unifying the Hawaiian islands.
The festival includes a vibrant mix of traditional Hawaiian ceremonies, cultural performances, and, my favorite, the floral parade! The parade starts at สปIolani Palace, once home to Hawaiสปiโs royalty, and ends at Kapiสปolani Park, nestled at the base of Lฤสปahi Head.
As you are surrounded by hula dancers swaying gracefully to traditional Hawaiian music, you are left with an unforgettable experience. I was in complete awe of the pa’u riders, women on horseback draped in flowing, colorful skirts, each representing one of the islands.
If you’re visiting Hawaii in June, then this festival is a must for your Hawaiian itinerary!
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
If you visit Hawaii in November, you’re in for a real treat. The Hawaiian food and wine festival is an annual culinary celebration that brings together renowned chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists to blend Hawaiian ingredients with international flavors.
Spread across three weeks of celebrations, remember to pace yourself while you’re sampling gourmet dishes and tasting some of the finest wines with a stunning Hawaiian sunset backdrop.
I highly recommend hitting up some of the culinary demos while you’re here. Understanding how these chefs create magic with Hawaiian ingredients is sure to be a memorable one if you’re a culinary enthusiast!
Kapalua Wine and Food Festival
Here’s yet another annual culinary experience where each corner of Kapalua’s resort has tempting gourmet dishes and the finest of wines to offer! Imagine sipping your favorite wine while enjoying oceanic views and some soothing music to put you in the Hawaiian vibe!
This culinary festival, held in May, is worth attending if you want to give your taste buds the experience of a lifetime!
Honolulu Festival
March in Honolulu is a delight! Besides the pleasant weather that’s warm but not too hot, the Honolulu festival celebrates Asian Pacific cultures. As you tour the streets filled with colorful parades, traditional music, and dance performances, the atmosphere is almost electric with unity and cultural celebration.
The entertainment lineup at this festival is a global showcase in its truest sense!
If you want to experience the rhythm of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming or be transported by the enchanting Chinese opera performances from Taiwan, this multicultural experience is a must-see for an immersive Pacific experience!
Finally, the Waikiki fireworks display over the beach is the perfect ending to this lovely festival.
Tip: Remember to get to the festival early to grab a good spot for the fireworks! Also, the cultural booths are perfect for getting your hands on some handmade souvenirs!
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
The coffee lover in you simply cannot afford to miss out on this memorable experience spanning across 10 days in November. Imagine touring coffee farms, sampling famous coffee brews and visiting the coffee art exhibition.
The “Coffee & Art Stroll” is a total treat. You start at a local coffee farm, where you get to see firsthand how those rich Kona beans are grown and processed. The growers here are so passionate and love sharing stories about their craft to make sure you are tasting history with every sip.
From there, you walk over to the local galleries and art studios that are part of the festivalโs lovely curated art tour.
My favorite bit? Getting up close and personal with the local artists and fully experiencing the beauty of their work. Some galleries offer interactive sessions, so you could be inspired to try your hand at making your own coffee inspired art!
Tip: The stroll can take a few hours so you’d want to wear comfy shoes and stay hydrated to make the most of your tour!
The Lei Day Celebration
On the 1st of May, the island comes alive with merry tunes and people wearing leis made from plumeria, orchids, and even kukui nuts as a symbol of love and respect. This beautiful celebration leaves the air smelling like fresh flowers and fills the atmosphere with a warm, welcoming spirit.
I witnessed a true sense of community as everyone came together to celebrate Hawaiian culture and heritage on this special day. From lei-making contests to hula performances, it’s a feast for the senses.
If youโre planning to join the festivities, remember to bring your own lei to exchange with others! Itโs a fun way to be one with the local culture and make some new friends!
Plus, wearing a lei is a great way to show your appreciation for the Aloha spirit.
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
Hawaii isn’t Hawaii without some surfing to get you in the zone. The north shore of Oahu, with its legendary waves, hosts a professional surfing event with three series called the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
This is the place to be to catch some of the most skilled surfers in action riding some really tricky waves! Oh, and the crowd’s energy. One word: Infectious!
Itโs not just a competition; itโs a celebration of skill, bravery, and just the pure joy of surfing. Each eventโHawaiian Pro, Vans World Cup of Surfing, and Billabong Pipe Mastersโoffers its own unique flavor of surfing excitement.
Be sure to arrive early or on time to get a good spot because the best vantage points fill up soon! Also, load up on snacks and beverages because surf days can be long and tiring!
FAQs
1. What makes Aloha Festivals a must-visit?
Held every September, the Aloha Festival is Hawaii’s largest cultural festival. Picture it as a massive block party in Waikiki with live Hawaiian music, arts and crafts, and delicious island food. Be sure to catch the Floral Parade at the end. It’s a stunning display of Hawaii’s cultural heritage with hula dancers, colorful floats, and pa’u riders on horseback.
2. When is the best time to visit the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival?
If you’re a foodie, plan your visit for November! The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is a three-week extravaganza of gourmet dishes and fine wines. Youโll get to savor unique blends of Hawaiian ingredients and international flavors.
3. What should I know before attending the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing?
If you’re hitting up the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, make sure to arrive early to grab a good spot because the best viewing areas fill up quickly. Itโs a thrilling event with some of the worldโs best surfers showcasing their skills on the legendary waves of Oahuโs North Shore. Also, pack snacks and drinks, as surf days can be long, and you’ll want to stay refreshed!
Have the Best Hawaiian Islands Experience!
There you go! Hawaiiโs event scene is bursting with incredible experiences that capture the true spirit of the islands. From the vibrant Aloha Festivals and the mouthwatering Hawaii Food and Wine Festival to the thrilling Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, thereโs something to explore for everyone.
Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? Make the most of your Hawaiian adventure by staying in one of our cozy vacation rentals at Midway Vacations. Book your stay with us and turn your Hawaiian trip into an unforgettable experience!
