For years we created lists of the upcoming Hawaii cultural festivals. We issued these lists three times per year. Then the ovid-cay andemic-pay hit in March 2020 and all festivals came to a screeching halt. The good news is that several festivals are making a comeback in 2023.
To help you skim through this list of the upcoming cultural events of May, June, July and August, we’ve first organized by month, then date. After the date, we list which island(s) are hosting the festival. So, let’s take a look at what’s on the horizon.
May 2023
1st – All Hawaiian Islands – Lei Day – The beauty and traditions of the Hawaiian lei is celebrated all over Hawaii. Check local newspapers and/or your concierge for special Lei Day events that we be held near where you’re staying. Note that if Lei Day falls on a weekday, some events may be held on the weekends before and after May 1st. Here are some Lei Day Celebrations to note:
- 95th annual Lei Day Celebration at Kapiolani Park near Waikiki on Oahu is probably the biggest Lei Day celebration in all of Hawaii. This event is held on May 1st
- 41st Annual Walter & Irmalee Pomroy Lei Contest on May 1st on Kauai
- Lei Day Aloha – Oahu on May 6th
- Lei Day at Maui Mall Village on May 6th on Maui
- Lei Day at Waikoloa on the Big Island
3rd – 11th – Oahu – World Fireknife Championship at Polynesian Cultural Center. One of the highlights of luau shows is the fireknife performance. This competition attracts the world’s best.
19th – 29th – Hawaii (Big) Island – Honoka’a Western Week – A celebration of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) history and culture including a parade, rodeo, talent show, block party, food contest, music and Hamakua Harvest Festival.
29th – Oahu – Memorial Day Events – A ceremony at Punchbowl and Lantern Floating Festival are two of Hawaii’s top Memorial Day events. Check our Oahu Memorial Day Events page which will be updated in May.
June 2023
8th – 11th — Maui — 42nd Annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival — This food and wine festival is one of the top culinary festivals in Hawaii. See this link for more information.
9th – 11th All Hawaiian Islands – King Kamehameha Celebration — The first king to unite the Hawaiian Islands, King Kamehameha, is celebrated across the islands. If you like parades, this holiday offers a good chance to see one in Hawaii. The state holiday of King Kamehameha Day is officially on June 11th, however celebrations typically take place on the weekend nearest to June 11th. Check local papers and/or with your concierge for celebrations. Some noteworthy events are:
- 151st King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony in Honolulu on June 9th.
- The 106th Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade on Oahu, which takes place on June 10th this year.
- Also on the 10th, is the King Kamehameha Day Celebration and Floral Parade in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island.
- This site usually posts special events for this holiday. Closer to June, it should be updated with more specifics for 2023.
9th – 11th — Hawaii (Big) Island — Hawaii Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival — A celebration of Hawaii Island’s beauty and cultures. See this link for more information.
July 2023
1st – Lanai — Pineapple Festival — Lanai Pineapple Festival celebrates the history and culture of their pineapple plantation past. When details are announced, see this link for more information.
4th – All islands — Independence Day – Many fun events are held across the islands to celebrate the 4th of July. We post the top fireworks shows, parades and more in these July 4th island guides, which will be completely updated in mid to late June:
14th – 15th – Molokai – Molokai Holokai Hoolaulea features community events and the Molokai Challenge, a 27-mile ocean paddling event. See this link for more information.
21st to 30th – Kauai – 36th Annual Koloa Plantation Days – Celebrates historic Koloa plantation culture and history. The festival’s signature event, the parade and park event, will be on July 30th this year.
22nd – Hawaii (Big) Island – 39th Annual Cultural Festival at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at Kahuku features Hawaiian music, hula, arts, crafts and games.
28th – 30th — Hawaii (Big) Island — Hilo Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale – Hawaii Island is known as the “orchid isle” so it’s fitting that Hawaii’s biggest orchid show takes place on Hawaii Island. See this link for more information.
August 2023
5th – 6th — Kauai — Heiva I Kauai — An international Tahitian dance competition.
19th – 27th — Oahu — Duke’s OceanFest -A celebration of one of Hawaii’s most beloved watermen and legends, Duke Kahanamoku. A variety of water sport competitions and events take place over several days.
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Notes:
- As far as possible, we have linked to sites for more information on the individual events. Initially, some may not have many details until the time draws nearer to the event.
- Most of these events are free.
- To discover additional festivitivals and special events, see these resources:
- Use the events filters at GoHawaii.com to discover more happenings
- Kona Web for Hawaii (Big) Island
- Kauai Festivals
- Local newspapers
Around August, we plan to create a list of the major cultural festivals for September through December 2023
Sheila Beal
