Because of it's rich cultural heritage, O'ahu (and Hawai'i) has a wide variety of annual events that celebrate it's rich cultural heritage. Here is a listing of some of the major events that occur each year. If you are planning a trip to Hawai'i, perhaps you may consider scheduling so that you are in the islands around the time a major event goes down. Note: This should not be interpreted as a definitive list.
Each year Honolulu brings in first night together with a downtown block party or festival which is alcohol free. There is usually a fireworks show within the down town area.
Around late January and early February, Hawai'i's sizable Chinese community hosts it's annual Chinese New Year celebrations. In the Chinese zodiac each year is represented by a different animal. Every Chinese new year there are lion dances throughout the community to help chase away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the new year. There are also other festivities such as martial arts demonstrations, fireworks displays and other activities.
Each President's Day weekend the Great Aloha Run takes place between Aloha Tower
and Aloha Stadium. This events draws athletes from all over the world and bring's
with it many health and fitness expos and events.
"May Day is Lei Day" in Hawai'i. Hawai'i celebrates this event each year with a concert at the Waikiki Shell hosted by the renowned Brothers Cazimero. Community events around the islands also mark this occasion.
This annual concert traditionally marks the beginning of summer in Hawai'i. This concert, which occurs every Memorial Day weekend at the Waikiki Shell, features the very best in Hawaiian entertainment with music and hula. Traditionally, it draws attendees from all over the state. The event's headliners, perennial local favorites, The Makaha Sons, are recognized as being among the very best in Hawaiian entertainment.
This is one of the two main annual parades Hawai'i has. The Kamehameha Day Parade,
along with Kamehameha Day, honors the first ruler of the Hawaiian Kingdom. In
Hawaiian history King Kamehameha was a warrior chief who conquered and united
all of the Hawaiian islands into one Kingdom. This civic parade features marching
bands, floats, and other local dignitaries. The parade is usually broadcast on
local television.
In Japanese culture, the Obon is celebrated each August or so as a way to honor the dead. During this period bon dances are done at churches throughout the community. Obon ends with the lighting and floating of lanterns out to sea.
The Farm Fair normally occurs in either July or August. At one time the Fair was held on the grounds of McKinley High School but has since moved to the grounds of the Aloha Stadium. This Fair, in addition to featuring the EK Fernandez rides, games and food booths and local entertainment, also features a petting zoo and farmer's market.
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August brings with it the annual concert that celebrates the birth of KCCN FM
100. This radio station features the best in Island music. It's sister station,
1420 KCCN AM radio, is the mother station for Hawaiian music programming. FM 100
celebrates its birth each year in August with a concert down at the Waikiki Shell
featuring the very best in local music. Along with the Makaha Bash, these are
the two biggest Hawaiian music concerts each year.
The month of September brings to Hawai'i the Aloha Festivals, a month's worth
of celebrations. The main events for Aloha Festivals usually go down during Aloha
Week. Aloha Week is traditionally kicked off with a Block Party in downtown Honolulu
on a Friday night. The block party features several stages throughout downtown
with the best in Hawaiian/local entertainment and other assorted entertainment.
The following morning features the annual Aloha Festivals Parade from Ala Moana
Beach Park through Waikiki to Kapiolani Park. Aloha Week ends the following Friday
with another Block Party, this time in Waikiki. The Waikiki Block Party normally
features hula and entertainment other than Hawaiian music. Aloha Festivities celebrations
continue throughout the month in communities around the island and the State.
Each Fall the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presents the Hispanic Festival. This event features the best in Hispanic entertainment in Hawai'i, representing the many nation's that make up Latino and Hispanic culture.
Each December Honolulu hosts the world famous Honolulu Marathon. This event also draws athletes from all around the world. The Honolulu Marathon is ranked among the nation's biggest marathons.
The Christmas season normally brings many events to the island including numerous Christmas concerts, notably the Kamehameha Schools annual Christmas concert which is broadcast on local television. The X-mas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Honolulu Hale, Parade and Block Party always kicks off the Christmas Season in Honolulu. The city normally remains lighted up throughout the month of December for visitors to look at visit. The Annual Jingle Bell Run throughout downtown Honolulu always brings out the best in yuletide spirit. Local television programming also normally features Christmas entertainment at this time.
The Virtual Guide to O'ahu Created by:
Jonathan Wong and Randy Gomabon
This site maintained by Jonathan Wong. Mail all comments, suggestions, etc to:
Copyright 1999-2000. The People's Productions