Kā Molokaʻi Mahahiki, the annual Makahiki festival is a time of joy, prayer, and friendly competition in the Molokaʻi community. What is Makahiki? Makahiki is essentially a harvest festival held in ancient Hawaiʻi, a three- to four-month period between October and February. When the star cluster Na hiku o Makaliʻi (aka Pleiades, Subaru, Seven Sisters, or M45 in the constellation Taurus) appears on the eastern horizon at sunset, it marks hoʻoilo (winter or … [Read more...] about Molokaʻi: annual Kā Molokaʻi Mahahiki festival
Free and cheap things to do this weekend
Our event calendar features fun, free, and cheap things to do across the Hawaiian Islands. We focus on events for locals, but visitors will find lots of useful information. For the weekend of January 27-29, 2023, you'll find in-person as well as virtual events (live stream, on-demand) of all kinds. Follow recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce its impact on our communities using these resources about testing, wearing masks, and other … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this weekend
“Eddie Would Go™” invitational big wave surfing at Waimea Bay
The biggest surfing event in the world returns for the 2022-23 Season. Officially known as the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, "The Eddie" invites surfers, alternates, and legends to showcase their high-performance surfing at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oʻahu. As in year’s past, the contest will run when surf heights consistently reach 20-feet any day between December 14, 2022 through March 23, 2023. Jan 11, 2023: the initial … [Read more...] about “Eddie Would Go™” invitational big wave surfing at Waimea Bay
Kauaʻi: Waimea Town Celebration 8-day festival, rodeo and ho’olaule’a
Kaua'i's largest and longest-running festival held in the plantation town of Waimea...a place to discover the real Kaua'i. Hosted by the Historic Waimea Theater and Cultural Arts Center, a non-profit organization with a mission to provide benefits to local charity and non-profit groups in the community of West Kaua'i through a quality celebration of heritage, diversity and inclusion of its kama'aina and malihini. Please bring canned foods for Hawai'i Food … [Read more...] about Kauaʻi: Waimea Town Celebration 8-day festival, rodeo and ho’olaule’a
Maui shopping centers, malls, and outlet stores
Here's a rundown of major shopping areas on the island of Maui. We focus on shopping centers, outlet malls, and other stores offering basic necessities, discounted goods, locally made products, and cultural entertainment. Our list begins in Kahului and then West Maui from Lāhainā to Kihei and Wailea. Queen Ka'ahumanu Center Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (QKC) is Maui’s largest shopping center and Kahului "town square" since 1972, featuring family entertainment and … [Read more...] about Maui shopping centers, malls, and outlet stores
Oʻahu: Best shopping malls for holiday sales
Holiday weekends throughout the year are especially popular times for retailers to entice you to shop and save. You can find sales and discounts on a variety of seasonal goods. Stores, shopping malls, and major brands may also host special events and giveaways. Listed below is a list of the best holidays for shopping sales and discounts. Then, scroll down for a list of some of the biggest and best shopping malls throughout Hawaiʻi. Best holidays for shopping at … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Best shopping malls for holiday sales
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi
Lei Day is a uniquely Hawaiian celebration, honoring the tradition of making and wearing lei. The first Lei Day occurred in downtown Honolulu in 1927. Honolulu Star-Bulletin writer and poet, Don Blanding suggested the idea. In 1929, Lei Day became a state-wide celebration. Always celebrate on May 1st, Lei Day is not a state holiday, so businesses are open as usual. The celebration is marked by making and wearing lei, parades, contests, music, and traditional … [Read more...] about May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi
Waikīkī SPAM JAM street food festival
Other places in the world celebrate iconic local food, such as garlic, onions, pickles, oysters, mussels, lutefisk, and more. The annual Waikīkī SPAM JAM street festival is Hawaiʻi's answer to an iconic food festival. Introduced in 1937 by Hormel Foods, more SPAM® is consumed per person in Hawaiʻi than in any other state in the U.S. Almost seven million cans of SPAM are eaten every year in Hawaii. What is SPAM? SPAM is a shelf-stable canned meat product. The … [Read more...] about Waikīkī SPAM JAM street food festival
All about stinging box jellyfish on Oʻahu beaches
The presence of stinging box jellyfish on Oʻahu beaches has been increasing since 1988. Below you can read about this variety of jellyfish found in Hawaiian waters, how to avoid them, and what to do if you get stung—don't worry, you might cry but won't die. Box jellyfish are found in shallow tropical sea waters, especially in quiet areas such as bays. They have a square-shaped body or bell—hence the common name. Extending from the bell are four tentacles, which … [Read more...] about All about stinging box jellyfish on Oʻahu beaches
Oʻahu: First Friday festival in Honolulu Chinatown and Arts District
Every month on the first Friday, the Honolulu Arts District and Chinatown host a street festival featuring the art galleries, shops, restaurants, live entertainment, street vendors, and more. Many establishments offer discounts, food and drink specials, and free entertainment. Most shops are open from 5-9PM, but you can party into the night at bars and clubs throughout the neighborhood. About Honolulu Arts District and Chinatown Downtown Honolulu is … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: First Friday festival in Honolulu Chinatown and Arts District
Oʻahu: HJJCC Cherry Blossom Festival in Honolulu
Started in 1953, the Cherry Blossom Festival (CBF) in Honolulu is the longest, continually running ethnic festival in Hawai‘i. The purpose of the festival to perpetuate Japanese culture and enrich the lives of young women of Japanese ancestry in our state. A project of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC), the festival includes the crowning of a Queen at the Cherry Blossom Festival ball. The culmination of the festival is an annual ball to … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: HJJCC Cherry Blossom Festival in Honolulu
What’s closed and open on Martin Luther King Jr Day 2023
The Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr is a federal holiday, always celebrated on the third Monday in January. The holiday is a celebration of Dr. King’s immeasurable contribution to the United States and to humankind. Martin Luther King Jr Day will be celebrated on January 16, 2023. The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 – 1968) was an American Baptist minister and leader of the modern American Civil Rights Movement from December 1955 until he was … [Read more...] about What’s closed and open on Martin Luther King Jr Day 2023
Lunar New Year events across the Hawaiian Islands
Lunar New Year is also called Chinese New Year. However, this festival heralding the spring season is observed throughout Asia. In Vietnam, it is called Têt, which is short for “Têt Nguyên Đán”, meaning "Festival of the First Morning of the First Day" (referring to the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar). About the lunar calendar The Gregorian calendar is based on the solar year–the time is takes Earth to rotate around the sun. In contrast, the … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year events across the Hawaiian Islands
Best concert venues in Hawaiʻi
Hawai’i has a range of concert halls and other venues for hosting music performances, from local talent to national touring acts. In addition, you can enjoy original plays as well as Broadway musicals, intimate jazz shows to on-your-feet rock concerts, plus film festivals, sporting events, consumer expos, and more. As you might suspect, Honolulu has the widest range of concert halls and performance venues, from the Blaisdell arena to the open-air Waikīkī Shell … [Read more...] about Best concert venues in Hawaiʻi
Malasada Day: sweet way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Hawaiʻi
Mardi Gras is a holiday with roots in the Christian calendar. The story begins with Christmas. Twelve days after Christmas is the Epiphany (January 6), when the Magi or Wise Men from the East were said to follow a bright star to Bethlehem, bringing the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child. Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season. After the Epiphany begins Carnival season (or Carnaval in other languages, such as Portuguese and French). … [Read more...] about Malasada Day: sweet way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Hawaiʻi
When and where to experience Lāhainā Noon in Hawaiʻi
We don't often think about the Earth quietly moving around the sun. Day in and day out, our globe slowly rotates through night and day, summer to winter, and around again. Year after year. Every so often, particular phenomenon occur that can make us stop and pay a bit more attention. Equinoxes and solstices anchor the seasons. Full moons and eclipses bring more awe. Another noticeable event occurs at the "subsolar point", when the sun reaches its northernmost or … [Read more...] about When and where to experience Lāhainā Noon in Hawaiʻi
Celebrating Mardi Gras in Hawai’i
Mardi Gras translates from the French as “fat Tuesday”. The holiday has roots in the Christian liturgical calendar. It marks the end of Carnival season and the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA (NOLA) is our country’s most celebrated location for Fat Tuesday. NOLA traditions include parades, carnival masks, beads, and sweet indulgent "King Cakes". About Carnival, Mardi Gras, and Lent Carnival season begins on the Epiphany or January 6, the day … [Read more...] about Celebrating Mardi Gras in Hawai’i
Hawaiian hula dance: where to see & learn hula
Here is a very brief introduction to the indigenous Hawaiian dance known as hula. It is intended to give you an appreciation of the history of hula and an overview of its many forms. We include a list of some of the major hula festivals throughout the year across Hawaiʻi, as well as free hula shows and demonstrations held in shopping malls and other locations. What is hula? Hula is a very complex dance form unique to the Hawaiian Islands. It is not to be … [Read more...] about Hawaiian hula dance: where to see & learn hula
Free things to do in January
Listed below are the free things to do from our January events calendar. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the month as organizers announce new events. For more things to do, see our calendar of affordable January events. For more things to do every day (free and paid), see our Calendar of free and cheap things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com) January 2023 free, fun things to do Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a … [Read more...] about Free things to do in January
Affordable January events & entertainment
Our January events calendar offers a wide variety of affordable entertainment across the Hawaiian Islands. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the month as many organizers announce new events. As always, we focus on “cheap” things to do with a kamaʻāina adult ticket price of $15 or less or a regular price of $25 or less. Sometimes we suggest events with higher ticket prices that we feel might be worth a splurge, mostly local music, film, and arts … [Read more...] about Affordable January events & entertainment
Best things to buy in January
Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for January in Hawai’i stores. Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your spending to take advantage of the times of the year when what you buy is at the lowest possible price. Special events with shopping discounts and deals in January … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in January
Restaurants discounts on fast food, fine dining, and more
These food deals, beverage deals, and restaurant dining discounts are available primarily on Oʻahu and to a lesser extent on the outer islands. You'll find offers from local eateries, national chains, and fast food restaurants as well as fine dining establishments. As always, we focus on restaurants and food establishments with modest prices. We may also feature more expensive options that offer a special meal or savings. The food and drink deals with an … [Read more...] about Restaurants discounts on fast food, fine dining, and more
Oʻahu: free Honolulu Festival showcases Hawaii’s Pacific Rim cultures
Since its inception in 2000, the Honolulu Festival has become one of Oahu's premier cultural events. Each spring, the festival attracts thousands of spectators over a 3-day weekend to showcase the many vibrant of cultures in Hawaiʻi and promote peace among all peoples. The Honolulu Festival is composed of several events, including a craft fair, film festival, live entertainment, Bon dances, and a Grand Parade. Performers from around the Pacific Rim come together … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: free Honolulu Festival showcases Hawaii’s Pacific Rim cultures
How to get free admission or discount tickets to HoMA
Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) holds one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the United States, along with works from America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The museum has more than 50,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years of history and representing all of Hawaii’s cultures.HoMA collections include paintings, decorative and traditional arts, woodblocks, and textiles. Located in downtown Honolulu near Blaisdell Center, HoMA is … [Read more...] about How to get free admission or discount tickets to HoMA
Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
Here’s a list of Santa photo opportunities in locations across the Hawaiian paeʻāina. All this and toys, too! We’re indubitably impressed. Some of these are free opportunities for selfies with Santa, which are BYOC (bring your own camera or smartphone). Many of the free Santa photo ops are one-time opportunities at Christmas festivals and other holiday events featuring an appearance by Santa Claus. In additional to free selfie photo ops, there are professional … [Read more...] about Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
