Listed below is information about voter registration, Hawaii elections, and how to vote. All Hawaii elections are conducted by mail. The State of Hawaii Office of Elections in Pearl City is responsible for candidate filing, handling of ballots, and voter education. How to register to vote in Hawaii Once you are a registered voter, you do not need to re-register again for any election. However, do keep your registration up-to-date with correct mailing … [Read more...] about Voter’s guide for the State of Hawaii
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 Iulai (July) 26-28, 2024, you'll find events of all kinds curated from organizers and venues across the state. Free and cheap things to do this weekend For weekdays or any other weekend during the year be sure to visit the … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this weekend
Shaka Auto License Plates available on all Hawaiian Islands
Shaka Auto License Plates are now available on all Hawaiian Islands. First year registration fee varies by county. To get your shaka plates on any island, apply with your local DMV (more information below). The Shaka Pledge I will: FEAR NOT. Be curious, hang loose, be epic… CONNECT. With family, region & history… NURTURE. Inspire, teach, grow… SERVE. People, community & planet… MAHALO. With gratitude, love & … [Read more...] about Shaka Auto License Plates available on all Hawaiian Islands
Oʻahu: recycle your Denim for a Chance to WIN at Windward Mall
From July 15-30, 2024, Windward Mall is collecting your denim to be donated to Goodwill Hawaii. Place your gently used, worn-out or outdated denim in the Denim Days donation box located at Cookies Clothing Company, Hawaii's Finest, I Mana Ka Oiwi, Jeans Warehouse, Torrid, Victoria's Secret PINK, or Town & Country Surf. Scan the QR code on the box or nearby sign to enter for a chance to win a custom creation from denim upcycling brand, American Butt Clothing! … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: recycle your Denim for a Chance to WIN at Windward Mall
Free things to do in August
Listed below are the free things to do in August. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our August events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com) Free events August 2024 Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook. You might also like: Hawaiʻi on the Cheap - affordable living and things to do … [Read more...] about Free things to do in August
Best things to buy in August
Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. 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. Here are the shopping highlights for August in Hawai'i stores. Special events with shopping discounts and deals include … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in August
Affordable August events
Our August 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 August events
Big Isle: IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawai’i
The IRONMAN Group operates many events worldwide, including the IRONMAN® Pro Series, along with other multisport races and series, such as the The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, IRONKIDS®, and others. It is the largest participation sports platform in the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with more than 235 events across 55+ countries. Since its inception as a single race, athletes have now crossed … [Read more...] about Big Isle: IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawai’i
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. Always keep in mind that prices and participation can vary--a food deal may not be available at your nearest location. This is because national chains are often franchises that are locally owned and … [Read more...] about Restaurants discounts on fast food, fine dining, and more
Ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Restoration Day) National Holiday of the Hawaiian kingdom
In 1843, after temporary occupation of the government by rogue British agents, led by Lord George Paulet, Queen Victoria dispatched Admiral Richard Thomas of the British Royal Navy to take down the Union Jack and return the Hawaiian flag to its rightful spot. Sovereignty was restored to the Hawaiian Kingdom and reigning (King Kamehameha III) established the holiday with a celebration. Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (LHE) was the first National Holiday of the Hawaiian kingdom … [Read more...] about Ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Restoration Day) National Holiday of the Hawaiian kingdom
How to save on back-to-school supplies
For many parents, shopping for school supplies is another chore in an already packed schedule. It can be more fun to think of it as a traditional outing. It can also be a lesson for your keiki on spending wisely and saving. Listed below are more strategies for shopping wisely for school supplies. August 5, 2024. Student first day of school. Hawaii DOE | Calendar Events (hawaiipublicschools.org) How to save on back-to-school supplies Summertime is NOT the best … [Read more...] about How to save on back-to-school supplies
Best handmade ice cream, soft serve, and gelato across the Hawaiian pae āina
Hawaiʻi may be better known for shave ice and tropical cocktails. But we also boast many small-batch producers serving up rich and creamy ice cream, soft serve, gelato, and Asian-influenced frozen treats. Listed below by island are our favorite ice cream makers. Big Island Ice Cream (Listed alphabetically by business name) Roselani (roselani.com). Creamy, dreamy ice cream handmade in Wailuku, Maui for over 87 years. Available throughout the state of Hawaii … [Read more...] about Best handmade ice cream, soft serve, and gelato across the Hawaiian pae āina
Free things to do in July
Listed below are the free things to do in July. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our July events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com) Calendar of free things to do in July Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook. … [Read more...] about Free things to do in July
Best things to buy in July
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 July across Hawaiʻi. 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 July include … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in July
Affordable July Events & Entertainment
Our July 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 July Events & Entertainment
Where to watch fireworks on Fourth of July in Hawaiʻi
Listed below are Fourth of July fireworks shows celebrated throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Our list includes the large annual public fireworks displays on Hawai'i Island, Kaua'i, Maui, and O'ahu. We also provide tips for photographing fireworks, which tend to fill the Hawaiian skyline for Independence Day, as well as for New Year's celebrations. If you plan to purchase and set off fireworks, we provide links to the state laws restricting fireworks. State … [Read more...] about Where to watch fireworks on Fourth of July in Hawaiʻi
Free summer meal program for ALL keiki age 18 and younger
During the school year, nutritious meals are available to students through federal programs. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that our school children receive nutritious food throughout the summer. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) will serve meals free of charge at select public schools throughout the state to children ages 18 and younger regardless of public … [Read more...] about Free summer meal program for ALL keiki age 18 and younger
Overview of Hawaiian music styles and instruments
Traditional Hawaiian music is characterized by percussion instruments, chanting, simplicity, and storytelling. As missionaries and immigrants to Hawaiʻi introduced their vocal styles and instruments, Hawaiians adapted each one to create modern forms of music that remain uniquely Hawaiian. Below we offer an introduction to traditional Hawaiian instruments and song styles, followed by modern forms adapted by Hawaiians through the use of string instruments, … [Read more...] about Overview of Hawaiian music styles and instruments
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF)
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) is the premiere showcase for established and emerging filmmakers in contemporary Asian, Pacific, and North American cinema. HIFF is the focus for emerging works from the Pacific Rim and an incubator for Native Hawaiian films and indigenous Pacific filmmakers in any genre, including feature films, documentaries, short films, series, and Hawai'i-themed films. HIFF serves as an entertaining event for the casual viewer and … [Read more...] about Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF)
Father’s Day outings and dining ideas
Popular ways to spend quality time with your dad include outdoor activities, such as hiking, a picnic in a park or at the beach, fishing or surfing, pickleball or a round of golf. Or any other activity favored by your dad. Maybe it’s staying home for some backyard cornhole or mahjong! Top gifts include a special outing (see above), a Father’s Day greeting card, and tools or something for his hobby (golf, biking, hunting, cooking, or grilling, etc.). Also high on … [Read more...] about Father’s Day outings and dining ideas
Traditional Japanese Obon Festivals celebrate ancestors
The centuries-old custom of Obon came to Hawai‘i in the 19th Century with sugar cane plantation workers. The Japanese summer tradition honors ancestors and expresses appreciation for them giving us life (similar to All Saints/Souls Day and Day of the Dead in other places and cultures). Festivities can include Bon Odori or Bon Dance, along with taiko drumming, lanterns, incense offerings, wearing traditional clothing (kimono—yukata or happi coat), and other … [Read more...] about Traditional Japanese Obon Festivals celebrate ancestors
Make Music Day Hawai’i
Make Music Day MMD is a worldwide celebration of music held every year on June 21 — the summer solstice and longest day of the year. The daylong musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms. Rather than a traditional music festival of professional bands, Make Music Day promotes the natural music maker in all of us—regardless of age, ethnicity, or skill level (especially skill level!). Started in France in 1982 as the “Fête de la Musique” (festival … [Read more...] about Make Music Day Hawai’i
Oʻahu: Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC)
The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (SPC), now The Pacific Community, launched this showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. FestPAC is a highly anticipated event for both Pacific Islanders and visitors from around the world. The festival preserves traditional arts … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC)
Oʻahu: public stargazing events around the island
Located in the central Pacific, the the island of Oʻahu offers stargazing opportunities with less light and air pollution compared to other metropolitan areas on the U.S. mainland. In addition, the Hawaiian Islands are the southernmost location in the United States. From Hawaiʻi Island (19.8968° N) to Kauaʻi (22.108543° N), the Hawiian night sky can offer different constellations and celestial objects, such as the Southern Cross (Crux), which is not visible in … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: public stargazing events around the island
Wayfinding: Polynesian navigation and the Hawaiian star compass
Many people, of which I am one, consider Polynesians to be the greatest navigators in history. When Greeks and Romans were merely plying the Mediterraean Sea using a few rudimentary directional tools, Polynesians navigated long distances over open ocean without instruments, by using wayfinding techniques that included stargazing and other observations. In simple terms, wayfinding is the process of maintaining a course to a destination. A pet cat uses wayfinding … [Read more...] about Wayfinding: Polynesian navigation and the Hawaiian star compass