Author: 
One of the best ways to get acquainted with Hawaii’s vibrant culture is by participating in its many festivities. In this guide, we’ve handpicked Honolulu’s must-see annual events so you can catch that Aloha spirit!
Mark Your Calendars
If you’ve yet to go to Honolulu, you’re missing out on a one-of-a-kind experience. The city’s unique blend of traditions makes it a must-visit destination, whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time traveler. Our recommendation: timing your visit to catch amazing festivals in Honolulu!
With so much to see and do in The Aloha State’s capital, you’ll likely need to make multiple trips to fully appreciate it. And with Honolulu being one of the most diverse cities in the US, you’re sure to run into a plethora of interesting characters and stories!
We’ve compiled the best of Honolulu’s festivals, so you can get swept up in the merriment no matter what time of the year you’re visiting. With that said, ready your calendars and read on!
20 Annual Festivals in Honolulu
From music to culinary delights, here are the cultural events in Honolulu, Hawaii that you can witness or take part in every year:
1. CHINESE NEW YEAR (January or February)
During the late 1800s, 46,000 Chinese immigrants moved to Hawaii and were primarily employed as laborers for sugar plantations. Today, the Chinese community makes up about 15% of the entire state’s population. Though the annual Chinese New Year festival in Honolulu’s Chinatown is a cultural celebration, anyone can enjoy the traditional lion dances, fireworks displays, cultural performances, and art.
2. HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR FESTIVAL (February)
Established in the 1980s, the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival has become a cherished event in Honolulu, honoring the unique genre of Slack Key Guitar. For those curious about the intricacies of this art form, renowned musicians and artists frequently offer workshops and discussions. Alternatively, if you prefer a more leisurely experience, feel free to sit back, relax, and be captivated by this beloved musical style’s distinct and soothing tunes.
3. HONOLULU FESTIVAL (March)
To immerse yourself in the Pacific Rim’s rich cultural diversity, catch the annual Honolulu Festival. This three-day event features live performances, art exhibits, and a grand parade showcasing various regional cultures. Take advantage of the spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks display, which is the festival’s grand finale.
4. HONOLULU BIENNIAL (March to May, Every 2 Years)
The Honolulu Biennial is a contemporary art event held every two years. During this event, works of local and international artists are exhibited throughout the city. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore Honolulu’s art scene in depth, even if your visit is short.
5. WAIKIKI SPAM JAM (April)
Got a love for this beloved brand of canned meat? Then you’ll find your tribe at the Waikiki Spam Jam. This unique annual festival in Honolulu features live entertainment, craft vendors, and, of course, delicious Spam-based dishes. Don’t miss out on the Hawaiian rendition of true-blue favorites like Spam musubi or special fried rice offerings.
6. MELE MEI (May)
Like other Honolulu festivals, the Mele Mei festival is a homage to Hawaiian music. Taking place throughout May, the festival boasts numerous concerts and performances. One certified highlight is the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, often referred to as the Grammy’s of Hawaii.
7. LEI DAY CELEBRATION (May 1st)
“May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii” has become a well-known phrase, as it encapsulates the spirit and scale of this event. Drawing epic crowds year after year, Lei Day has become the largest festival in Honolulu and in neighboring islands. Hula performances, lei-making workshops, contests, food, music, and craft are all held at Kapiolani Park.
8. SHINNYO LANTERN FLOATING HAWAII (Last Monday in May or Memorial Day)
Honolulu locals pay tribute to their departed loved ones by lighting red Japanese lanterns and releasing them into the gentle waters of the Pacific. This event takes place on the evening of Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park. We’re sure you can picture thousands of lanterns drifting into the sunset. Still, imagination cannot hold a candle to seeing the spectacle in person.
9. KING KAMEHAMEHA FLORAL PARADE (June)
Honolulu’s parade honoring King Kamehameha features colorful floats, horseback riders, music, hula performances, food, and art. The event begins at the commemorative statue of Hawaii’s greatest king and ends at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki.
10. PAN-PACIFIC FESTIVAL (June)
The cultural diversity of the Pacific is best experienced at the Pan-Pacific Festival, a three-day celebration in Honolulu. During the event, you’ll see live performances, cultural demonstrations, and a lively street parade featuring countries like Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.
11. PRINCE LOT HULA FESTIVAL (July)
Prince Lot championed Hawaiian culture and traditions during his reign as Kamehameha V. To celebrate his legacy, this festival in Honolulu was created as a gift of hula to the community. The Prince Lot Hula Festival is the largest non-competitive hula festival in the state. It showcases kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) styles of hula.
12. UKULELE FESTIVAL (July)
If Honolulu has a guitar festival, it should be no surprise that they also have a ukulele festival. This annual celebration of Hawaii’s favorite musical instrument features performances by renowned ukulele artists and talented local musicians. Catch a ukelele workshop or giveaway when you visit with your family!
13. MAYJAH RAYJAH (July)
Fans of reggae music will definitely not want to miss the Mayjah Rayjah. This groovy music festival in Honolulu is a two-day event filled with parties and performances by top international and local reggae artists.
14. HONOLULU RAINBOW FILM FESTIVAL (August)
The Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and community through the art of film. A diverse group of people comes together yearly to experience a wide range of LBTQ+ stories “through the lens.” It’s an excellent opportunity to learn, have fun, and make new connections in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
15. ALOHA FESTIVAL (September)
If you plan to stay a while in Honolulu, why not embrace the Aloha spirit at this month-long festival? With various events happening throughout September, the Aloha Festival highlights traditional Hawaiian customs, history, and music through captivating performances and educational workshops.
16. ANNUAL WAIKIKI HOOLAULEA (September)
The Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea is a must-see in Honolulu, celebrating Hawaii’s dynamic culture through live entertainment, crafts, and food. Set on a vibrant beachfront, this event has the same energy and buzz as a block party, with booths and stages lined up and down Kalakaua Avenue.
17. OKINAWAN FESTIVAL (September)
Celebrate Okinawan culture at this annual festival in Honolulu, which features traditional Japanese music, dance performances, and delicacies. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some Okinawan specialties like andagi (doughnuts) and soba noodles.
18. HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (November)
Honolulu’s festivals offer a haven for cinephiles and filmmakers, with the Hawaii International Film Festival being a must-attend event. Each year, the festival showcases a diverse range of films from the Pacific Rim and beyond, providing a platform for sharing unique perspectives and stories. Immerse yourself in the world of film and expand your horizons through screenings, panel discussions, and other special events.
19. VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING (November to December)
Witness the pinnacle of professional surfing at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, a prestigious Honolulu event featuring the world’s best surfers. With competitions at iconic surf spots like Haleiwa, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline, this event is a thrilling spectacle for surf enthusiasts and casual beachgoers.
20. PEARL HARBOUR REMEMBRANCE (December)
December 7th is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, commemorating the attack by the Japanese on Hawaii that lives in infamy. Pearl Harbor, a top attraction in Hawaii, stands as a solemn tribute to the lives lost on that tragic day but also as a celebration of survival and strength. The yearly ceremony includes a moment of silence, wreath-laying, and various educational events to pay tribute to the heroes of this pivotal moment in history.
Enjoy Year-Round Festivals in Honolulu With Rent By Owner
Planning to stay in Hawaii and catch Honolulu’s year-round festivities? Make the most out of your trip and connect with locals – with Rent By Owner!
We list thousands of vacation rentals, cottages, cabins, and villas that are owned and managed by Hawaiian locals themselves. When you book your stay, you support and empower the community. Even better, you get a hospitality experience that is authentic and brimming with the Aloha spirit! Plan your trip & find amazing vacation stays in Honolulu, Hawaii today.
TL;DR
This guide presents 20 must-attend Honolulu festivals happening throughout the year. Celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Pan-Pacific Festival, the Okinawan Festival, or the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii to discover the diverse cultures that make up The Aloha State. Treat your ears and eyes to performances at the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Mele Mei, Prince Lot Hula Festival, Ukulele Festival, and Mayjah Rayjah. Honor the past when you catch the King Kamehameha Floral Parade or the Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Experience the world through film at the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival or the Hawaii International Film Festival. Witness adrenaline-pumping action at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Finally, capture the Aloha spirit through the Aloha Festival, the Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea, the Lei Day Celebration, the Honolulu Festival, the Waikiki Spam Jam, or the Honolulu Biennial.
