What is best festival in Hawaii?

1. Aloha Festivals , statewide in September. The Aloha Festivals are a month-long celebration of Hawaiian culture with special events held state-wide to honour Hawaiʻi's people, history and customs.

At some point in their life, who hasn’t dreamt of running away and living out a relaxed, surf lifestyle in Hawaii? I know I certainly have.

I’ve personally visited Hawaii on three separate occasions now (all family trips when I was growing up), and it’s simply the most idyllic destination in the USA!  I haven’t been back as an adult though, and I’ve been longing to step foot on it’s gorgeous beaches, swim with turtles in it’s bay, and take helicopter rides to marvel at it’s jaw-dropping landscape.

Hawaii is steeped in history and rich in culture ,as is it wildly beautiful. It’s many islands each have their own unique vibe, but the sense of unity across Hawaii as a whole can’t be understated.

This volcanic Pacific Ocean paradise has a year-round calendar of events. Hawaii music festivals, as well as cultural events, are a dime a dozen, each with a majestic, world-class backdrop. And I’ve broken down 17 of them to get you started.

Ladies and gentlemen, the 50th state deliver the goods…

When: April 2023

Where: Hilo

Genre: Hawaiian Culture

https://www.merriemonarch.com

“The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural event held in Hilo, Hawaiʻi each spring, featuring Hawaiian culture and a premier hula competition. The Festival is a domestic non-profit organization registered with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of commerce and Consumer Affairs.

The Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce began the festival in 1963, and the private Merrie Monarch Festival community organization took on the responsibilities of running the event five years later. The central purpose of the Festival is the perpetuation, preservation, and promotion of the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture.

The highlight of the festival is a world renowned three-day hula competition featuring some of the best hālau hula (hula school) from Hawaiʻi and the continental United States. Through the celebration of the Merrie Monarch Festival, thousands of people at home in the islands and throughout the world learn about the history and culture of Hawaiʻi.

When: February

Where: Puna

Genre: Progressive

https://www.facebook.com/flowfesthawaii

Flow Festival is Puna, Hawaii’s premiere music, cultural and sustainability festival.

“Originally founded by Chris Berry who was inspired in 2014 when the Big Island’s active lava flow changed directions and threatened to cut off lower Puna from the rest of the island. The intention remains to enhance the sustainability and unity of our community and warmly welcomes all ages, shapes, sizes, creeds, colors…

We focus on conscious music, progressive thinking speakers, sustainable & holistic life practices and equality among the human race.”

When: August 2023

Where: Various locations, Hawaii

Genre: Various

https://www.himusicfestival.com

Memorable Encounters | Explore concerts with world-class musicians and local icons, in unique venues from concerts halls to volcanoes. Connect with the community of Hawaii as each concert celebrates and intertwines an element of Hawaiian culture, from landscape, food, local fundraising causes, and more.

“Hawaii International Music Festival is a nonprofit organization, celebrating music and Hawaii by bringing internationally acclaimed musicians to the communities of Hawaii through innovative, interdisciplinary concerts and educational outreach opportunities.  Through these unique activities, HIMF builds artistic and educational partnerships to help strengthen the classical music landscape throughout Hawaii.”

If you happen to visit Maui for this festival, be sure to read my articles on the Best Maui Itinerary & Best Airbnb Maui Rentals!

When: September 2023

Where: Various islands across Hawaii

Genre: Hawaiian Music and Culture

https://www.facebook.com/AlohaFestivals

http://www.alohafestivals.com

“Aloha Festivals was first held in 1946 as Aloha Week, and over the past six decades has become a celebration of Hawaiin culture, integrating the traditions and cultures of the Islands through music, dance, cuisine and art.

Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S. In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as “Aloha Week,” a cultural celebration of Hawai‘i’s music, dance and history intended to perpetuate the islands’ unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees – known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai‘i – had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawai‘i’s heritage.

In 1991, Aloha Week became Aloha Festivals. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture with major events on the island of O‘ahu. Thousands of volunteers work together each year to stage the events, which are attended by more than 100,000 people. Aloha Festivals is a community-supported event made possible through private donations, community sponsors, merchandise sales and appropriated funds from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.”

When: November 2023 (TBC)

Where: Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu

Genre: Dance (Zouk, Salsa, Bachata)

The Hawaii ZOUK Festival with Salsa Bachata & Beach | A celebration of unity between dances and dancer

“Get prepared to party in paradise! The Hawaii ZOUK Festival + Aloha Experience 2019. A celebration of unity between dances and dancers! Create new connections – Manifest magical memories! The second edition of Hawaii Zouk Festival offers 45+ hours of workshops (Zouk,Salsa, Bachata), 4 oceanfront classrooms, 2 ballrooms:1 Pure Zouk & 1 Salsa/Bachata, beach parties & late night after parties with international and national performers and instructors.”

When: February / March 2023

Where: Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu

Genre: Various

https://wanderlust.com/festivals/oahu/

“Wanderlust’s mission is to help you find your true north, wherever your journey may take you. On the breathtaking North Shore of Oahu, we’ve hand-selected world-renowned guides—yoga and meditation teachers, outdoor instructors, musical performers, speakers, artists and chefs—to light your path. In 2019, we’re offering even richer experiences like full-day Thursday immersions and new outdoor excursions to make O’ahu an unforgettable waypoint in your journey to true north.”

When: Various dates dependent on festival

Where: Various locations across Hawaii

Genre: EDM

http://wonderland.gdbhawaii.com

Looking for EDM festivals in Hawaii!?  Well – check out Wonderland Entertainment!

“We are the Wonderland Entertainment Group based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our team aims to provide top notch concerts and events, while embracing the newest technologies in production to always push our boundaries and create something exciting and new.

Through hosting some of the world’s top EDM artist like Afrojack, Chuckie, Dada Life, and Skrillex, we have become an industry leader and pioneer of larger scale events. Over the past 5 years, we have created the Wonderland Concert Series featuring Summer, Haunted, Winter and Digital Wonderland EDM events. Although we are best known for our involvement in the EDM community, we consider ourselves lovers of all types of music and care to cater not only to one demographic, but anywhere there is a group looking for new memories!”

When: July (TBC)

Where: Oahu

Genre: Various – Hip Hop, rap, techno, dance

https://www.facebook.com/pg/LIPmusicfestival

“This festival will feature some of the biggest acts in the music industry from different genres plus much more. It will be the first and most talked about 2-day music festival ever produced on the island so make sure to mark your calendars for a wonderful weekend experience.”

While there haven’t been any recent updates on their Facebook in awhile, I have a feeling Lost in Paradise will be making it’s return sometime this year!

When: February 2023 + Various Events Throughout the Year

Where: Kauai & Kona

Genre: Reggae

https://www.tmrevents.net/

“Grammy Award winning reggae band SOJA returns to Kauai on Friday February 3 at Poipu Beach Athletic Club. Also performing Hawaii’s own LIKKLE JORDEE, NATURAL VIBRATIONS and REVIVAL!

The lead singer of Multi-Grammy and Country Music Award wining group RASCAL FLATTS,  GARY LEVOX, will be making his Hawaii debut on Friday, February 10 at The Aloha Stadium. Arguably one of the world’s most successful and distinguishable voices in music today,  LeVox will be performing the groups powerhouse hits like “What Hurts The Most”, “Life Is A Highway”, “My Wish”, “Bless The Broken Road” , “Summer Nights”, and new music from LeVox solo album “Get Down Like That.” Doors open at 4:30pm. All Ages Welcome.”

When: Dependent on location

Where: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Waikoloa

Genre: Ukulele

https://www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/

Ukulele Festival Hawaii’s mission is to bring laughter, love and hope to children and adults throughout Hawaii and the world through the music of the ukulele.

“Today, the annual Ukulele Festival at Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki is now a summer tradition in Hawaii. It has grown internationally and is by far the largest ukulele festival of its kind in the world, with crowds of thousands, guest artists from around the world and an ukulele orchestra of over 800 students, mostly children.

In response to popular demand and the ukulele renaissance in Hawaii and throughout the world, Ukulele Festival Hawaii with the support of sponsors has taken the ukulele festivals on the road to the islands of Hawaii (Waikoloa), Kauai and Maui.”

When: June 2023

Where: The Big Island (Hawaii)

http://www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org

Genre: Classical, Jazz, Chamber, Cabaret

A WORLD CLASS TRAINING + PERFORMANCE PROGRAM ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII

“Hawaii Performing Arts Festival brings together some of the most talented musicians from across the world each season. We invite you to come Find Your Aloha.

Hawaii Performing Arts Festival [HPAF] launches its 14th Hawaii Island season on June 26th, offering a busy Festival schedule that includes two fully staged operas and a musical with orchestra, plus a diverse array of classical, jazz, cabaret, and chamber music events from Hilo to Kona. More than 150 students, faculty, and guest artists from Hawaii Island and around the world will participate in the Summer Festival this year. Since its first season in 2005, HPAF has become internationally known as a presenter of high quality performances and a respected training program for aspiring young musicians.”

When: January

Where: Molokai

Genre: Cultural

https://www.kamolokaimakahiki.com/

“The “Makahiki” is a designated period of time following the harvesting season when wars and battles were ceased, tributes and taxes were paid by each district to the ruling chief, sporting competitions between villages districts) were organized and festive events were commenced. Ka Molokai Makahiki is committed to preserving these ancient traditions, especially those specific to Molokai.

Through a series of lectures, land and ocean activities, hands on art and craft workshops, sporting competitions, oli composition competitions and traditional ceremonies, the Makahiki is alive and well on Molokai. Held from 7:30 am to 4:30pm at the baseball park across from Mitchell Pauole Center in the heart of Kaunakakai Town. The Makahiki Committee has a variety of trainers and training materials to assist others in organizing their own Makahiki Games.”

When: June / July 2023

Where: The Big Island (Hawaii)

http://www.hawaiisongwritingfestival.com

“The Hawai’i Songwriting Festival is a celebration of the art & craft of songwriting, with an emphasis on collaboration, education, and music for film/TV.  Songwriters of all levels from all walks of life come together to connect with each other and music professionals from Hawai’i, the mainland, and beyond.

Whether you are a beginning songwriter or an experienced writer with placements and publishing deals, at the Hawai’i Songwriting Festival you will learn a ton, expand your network, and get your creative batteries charged up!”

When: March 10-12, 2023

Where: Honolulu

Genre: Cultural

https://www.honolulufestival.com/en/event/

Hawaii Food and Wine festival you can’t miss!

“The Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s premier cultural event, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the Festival attracts thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience unique to Hawaii.

Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, the Festival has been successful in showcasing the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures to the rest of the world. The three day extravaganza takes place every year in March from Friday through Sunday. Performers from various countries and regions such as Japan, Australia, Tahiti, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Hawaii and the mainland United States get together and give dance performances and traditional art demonstrations.

The Festival culminates with a spectacular parade down Kalakaua Avenue, the main street in Waikiki. Events and activities of the Honolulu Festival take place close to the city center, making them great outings for locals and tourists alike.”

When: July 2023

Where: Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu

Genre: Hula, Cultural

https://moanaluagardensfoundation.org/prince-lot/

E Ola Ka Hula – Hula is Life.

Hosted for 39 years in the breathtaking Moanalua Gardens in order to honor Prince Lot Kapuāiwa who later reigned as King Kamehameha V and who reprised the once forbidden hula in this very district, the event first begun in 1978 by Moanalua Gardens Foundation and having grown exponentially each year since, the Prince Lot Hula Festival now attracts more than 15,000 residents and visitors each year.”

When: September 2023

Where: Honolulu

Genre: Cultural

https://www.hawaii.com/event/aloha-festivals-annual-waikiki-hoolaulea/

“Hawaii’s largest block party will bring thousands of people to the streets along Kalakaua Avenue for food, fun and entertainment to celebrate the Aloha Festivals. There will be performances by the genres of Hawaiian music and hula halau, and Hawaiian crafts, flower leis and many varieties of island cuisine will be available during the event.”

When: August

Where: Honolulu

https://www.facebook.com/Slackkeyfestivals

“The festival that began in Honolulu in 1982 will feature 15 our some of Hawaii’s finest artists in the slack key guitar genre over a period of 6 hours. Attendees will get to experience the many different styles of the genre and will come to understand the beauty of the music.”

There really are so many different amazing cultural and music festivals in Hawaii, that is was quite hard to narrow down my list!  If you think I’m missing any important ones, I’d love to learn about them!  While I haven’t been to Hawaii myself in many years (I have to thank my Mom & Dad for bringing me their as a child three times though), I’ve definitely added a lot of these to my personal wishlist!

I honestly never travel anywhere anymore without booking a policy, and I highly recommend HeyMondo due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, their fair pricing, and their handy app which allows you to not only manage any claims within the app, but also access free assistance online so you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while in Indonesia where the charges are steep!

So, whether you need a single trip cover for a quick visit to Hong Kong, or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you travel, and relax during your trip knowing that HeyMondo has your back. Nowadays I would never travel without insurance again, especially after hearing so many of those (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travellers I’ve met!

Also – be sure to pick up a copy of one of the Hawaii Lonely Planet Travel Guides!  I’m a big fan of these books, and they really do come in handy while traveling abroad.  They’re also free if you have one of Amazon’s kindle unlimited subscriptions!

My travel blog is filled with awesome articles about the best festivals, events, and international parties!  Check out a few of my favorite articles below and start planning another adventure!

If you’re not already, I’d love for you to follow along on my Facebook & Instagram for my personal adventures around the world!   I’ve got some really amazing trips lined up, and I’m sure you’ll love all my stories, photos, and escapades!  If you’ve got any questions about anything you’ve read on this post, feel free to reach out me via email, or shoot me a DM on social-media!  Thanks again!!

The true character and beauty of these islands is enhanced during the various Hawaiian festivals. Ranging from music to art to food, you can find a festival for everything here. The people are welcoming and friendly which enhances the experience even more. If you want to be a part of these hawaiian festivals then look no further as we have them listed below.

Here we present to you the most popular Hawaiian festivals that are celebrated in the various islands of this beautiful country:

1. Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival2. Prince Lot Hula Festival3. Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea4. Honolulu Festival5. Hawaii Songwriting Festival6. Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival7. Hawaii Performing Arts Festival8. Ukulele Festival Hawaii9. Mayjah Rayjah10. Wonderland Hawaii11. Wanderlust Oahu12. Hawaii International Music Festival13. Flowfest Hawaii14. Merrie Monarch Festival15. Aloha Festivals

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This festival began way back in 1982 in the city of Honolulu. It features many artists of Hawaii who are experts in the genre of Slack Key Guitar. لعبة طاولة 31 فلاش It takes place over an afternoon of musical fun. Listeners and enthusiasts come here to experience a variety of styles in this genre giving them a better and more fulfilling understanding of the beautiful musical notes.

When: AugustWhere: Honolulu

Must Read: Hang Gliding In Hawaii: Know The Best Spots To Try This Adventurous Activity

This festival is celebrated in honor of Prince Lot Kapuāiwa. It is held in the gorgeous gardens of Moanalua. The event’s first installment began way back in 1978, it has been celebrated ever since annually for over 40 years. The Prince who was later known as King Kamehameha brought back the Hula.

This festival is solely managed by the Moanalua Gardens Foundation and has seen exponential growth since its inception. The numbers can sometimes rise to 20,000 locals and visitors at its peak.

When: JulyWhere: Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu

Suggested Read: 9 Thrilling Things To Do In Honolulu That You Must Try On Your 2022 Hawaii Trip!

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The largest block party in the island nation brings together tens of thousands of locals and visitors. These people spill into the streets and reach the Kalakaua Avenue to get a taste of the food, frolic and entertainment. This Aloha festival sees performers who are adept in their respective genres of Hawaiian classical music and hula halau. Many Hawaiian artefacts, craft pieces, flowers and amazing cuisine are also a part of this beautiful festival.

When: SeptemberWhere: Honolulu

Suggested Read: 16 Picture-Perfect Places To Visit In Hawaii In 2022 For A Dramatic Tropical Getaway

The Honolulu Festival is the most famous cultural event in the Hawaiian festivals calendar. This experience is unique to the Hawaiian Islands and attracts locals and visitors alike. It endorses and popularizes mutual cooperation and understanding, ethnic camaraderie and wealth.

Performers and artists from various countries and cultures come here to perform and enthrall the audiences with their art, music and dance. The festival’s last event is a magnificent parade going down at the main commercial street of Waikiki, the Kalakaua Avenue.

When: MarchWhere: Honolulu

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The Hawaii Songwriting Festival celebrates the craft in songwriting and the art to fit it into a melody. The festival emphasizes the education of music in films and TV through collaboration. Writers from all the various islands as well as the rest of the world come here to associate with musicians and producers from around the world.Both beginners as well as experienced songwriters get ample opportunities here to learn and discover new ways to enhance their art. If you happen to be here in July, then make it a point to attend this amazing festival.

When: June/JulyWhere: The Big Island

Suggested Read: Hawaiian Islands Guide 2022: For A Surreal Holiday In The Lap Of Nature

The Ka Molokai Makahiki festival has been commissioned to preserve the traditional legacies of the Molokai region. This festival commemorates the ancient practice of Makahiki. In this, the time that follows the season of harvest is delegated towards paying taxes and tributes by the tribal chiefs of every district. The festival includes activities on land and sea, workshops and lectures for art and crafts and various sporting events.

When: JanuaryWhere: Molokai

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The Hawaii Performing Arts Festival started in the mid-2000s. It is a fairly young festival but in this short span of time has come to be known across the world as a hot cauldron for the best artists and musicians. The festival has concerts in various genres including jazz, classical, rock and orchestrated musical shows. The festival also serves as a training ground for aspiring musicians and artists. If you are musically inclined, then visiting this festival can be a valuable experience for you.

When: JuneWhere: The Big Island

Suggested Read: Hawaii Nightlife: Best Places On The Island To Get Tipsy On The Refreshing Tiki Cocktails

The Ukulele Festival at the various locations throughout Hawaii is now part of the annual tradition that is followed here every summer. This is considered to be the largest Ukulele festival in the entire world and is only gaining popularity each year. There are performances by hundreds of artists from around the world. بطولة اليورو 2024 Prepared to be enthralled and entwined in the musical notes of ukuleles at each corner of the venue.

When: Depends on the location of the festivalWhere: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Waikoloa

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If you are a fan of Reggae music then Mayjah Rayjah is for you. Every year in July, the cities of Maui and Honolulu play host to the largest reggae festival of Hawaii. Consisting of a lineup of the world’s most popular reggae artists, this festival is sure to ignite your inner party animal. The producers of this music festival also have provisions for amateur reggae artists to present their music in this festival.

When: JulyWhere: Maui, Honolulu

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The EDM genre has certainly burst into a diverse music scene with millions of followers throughout the world. If you are one of these fans, then Wonderland Hawaii is the place for you to experience some wonderful EDM. All major electronic dance music artists bring down the house with their beats. Music lovers also get a chance to listen to some local artists, who are given a chance to perform their music in front of thousands of EDM fans from around the world.

When: Depends on the various locationsWhere: Held at different locations across the Hawaiian Islands

Suggested Read: 16 Food Festivals In USA Every Food Lover Should Attend

Wanderlust Oahu pledges to help you discover the true north of Hawaii. The magnificent shores of the northern point in Oahu welcome you to bathe in their glory. العاب سبين This festival is for the lovers of peace and tranquility. It contains various activities like guided tours along the shores, meditation, spa, yoga and music tutorials. Do make an effort to take part in this festival if you want to get away from the usual partying in Hawaii.

When: MarchWhere: Oahu

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The Hawaii International Music Festival is held annually for music lovers from around the world. It is produced by a non-profit entity which is keen on getting the best and most popular artists in the music industry. From acclaimed artists to rank amateurs, this festival witnesses crowds in the thousands. If you don’t want to be a part of the music festival, then you can check out the food stalls and music instruction booths to get your jam on.

When: AugustWhere: Various locations across Hawaii

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The Flowfest was founded after the active lava flow deviated from its original direction in the year 2014. It threatened to cut Puna from the Big Island. The festival celebrates the different cultures, art, music and colors of the locals who came together in a time of crisis to help each other. Here you can enjoy organic food, great art and music.

When: FebruaryWhere: Puna

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The Merrie Monarch Festival is celebrated to commemorate King David La‘amea Kalākaua. He was also known as Merrie Monarch because of his jovial and flamboyant nature. He was a true connoisseur of classical music, dance and the performing arts. He was dearly beloved by the community until he died.

When: AprilWhere: Hilo

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Aloha Festivals are held across the various islands of Hawaii. These festivals help in showcasing and exhibiting the culture and traditional legacies of the local people. The best part is that the festival is free for anyone to attend and celebrates the best of Hawaiian culture, music, history and dance.

When: SeptemberWhere: Held across various Hawaiian Islands

Further Read: 16 Food Festivals In USA Every Food Lover Should Attend In 2022

Hawaiian festivals are a combination of fun, food and every kind of event that you can find under the sun. This list is intended to help you to plan your trip to Hawaii and its various colourful festivals. We hope the food, beaches, fun and frolic at these festivals help you to create some of the most amazing memories. We hope you have a good trip while exploring the various traditions of Hawaii through festivities. Aloha!

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