Listed below are heiau throughout the Hawaiian Islands that are open to the public. If you don’t know what heiau are, or wonder why you would want to visit these ancient sites, we provide a brief description of their cultural value, followed by tips for visiting these historical treasures to make the most of your time. If you are looking for the “real” Hawai'i, this is a good place to be. What are heiau? Heiau are remnants of sites used in ancient Hawai'i for … [Read more...] about Treasured heiau you can visit on every Hawaiian island
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
37 onolicious local and Hawaiian foods
Local food in Hawaiʻi is influenced by several different things, including “canoe plants” brought by sea voyaging Polynesian explorers to the Hawaiian paeʻāina (island group), followed hundreds of years later by many other dishes introduced by immigrants who arrived to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations. These culinary influencers were Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Portuguese peoples, along with other cultures. Traditional Hawaiian food The three … [Read more...] about 37 onolicious local and Hawaiian foods
King Kamehameha the Great
Kamehameha united all of the Hawaiian Islands in 1810, establishing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. King Kamehameha I ruled as Hawaii's first king until his death in 1819. The Kamehameha Dynasty continued through four more monarchs, ending with King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa). Lot was succeeded by Lunalio, grand-nephew of Kamehameha I and the first elected King of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Two more monarchs followed, King David Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani before the … [Read more...] about King Kamehameha the Great
Free things to do in June
Listed below are the free things to do in June. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our June events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com) Calendar of free events and things to do Listed below are all types of free things to do across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina. Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don't want you to overlook. Find more … [Read more...] about Free things to do in June
Best things to buy in June
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 June 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. Holidays and special events with shopping discounts and deals … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in June
Affordable June events and entertainment
Our June 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 June events and entertainment
Oʻahu: HBL Honolulu Century Ride
As O‘ahu’s oldest and largest cycling organization, Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) advocates for positive changes that will help make Hawaiʻi a cycling paradise and encourage more people to ride bicycles. Whether you are an experienced rider, new to biking, or need more information about safe cycling on Oʻahu, HBL is a great resource for information about bike laws, bike registration, and safe riding. About HBL HBL offers riding and safety workshops for every skill … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: HBL Honolulu Century Ride
Oʻahu: 50th State Fair at Aloha Stadium
From its founding in the Territory of Hawaii in 1903 to today, the family-owned kama'āina E. K. Fernandez Shows has brought entertainment experiences to Hawaiʻi for over a century. Families, sports teams, churches, schools, and other businesses and organizations can enjoy carnival rides, play games and win prizes, and enjoy tasty fair treats or a delicious plate on the midway. The Fernandez company is recognized nationally and internationally for its long history … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: 50th State Fair at Aloha Stadium
Oʻahu: All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is the wildest place in Waikīkī. Situated in the shadow of Diamond Head crater at the corner of Kapahulu and Kalākaua Avenues, the zoo was stablished in 1877. In fact, it is the only zoo in the United States that originated in a King’s grant of royal lands to his people. History of the Honolulu Zoo In 1876, King David Kalākaua, Monarch of Hawai‘i, made lands of the Leahi Crown Holdings available to the people of Hawai‘i. One a year later, King … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo
Oʻahu: Chuck E. Cheese Summer Fun Pass offers safe place for game play
Chuck E. Cheese Summer Fun Pass provides you with a safe and fun-filled activity for your child during summer. Chuck E. Cheese in Hawaiʻi is a great place for games, pizza, celebrations, or a fun family-night out. There are 3 Chuck E. Cheese locations around Oʻahu: Honolulu, Kapolei, Pearl City. The Summer Fun Pass is a family package for 2 months of endless fun. You get unlimited visits for your family, 40-250 games per visit (depends on tier), 20%-50% discount … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Chuck E. Cheese Summer Fun Pass offers safe place for game play
Updated for 2024: Annual Teacher Appreciation Week discounts and deals
National Teacher Appreciation Week (TAW) is the first full week of May and Teacher Appreciation Day is the first Tuesday in May. During this time, we thank teachers for their contribution to our nation's children. Listed below are discounts and freebies for educators across the Hawaiian Islands. We'll update this list each year beginning in April as local and national businesses announce Teacher Appreciation deals. National Teacher Day is Tuesday, May 7, … [Read more...] about Updated for 2024: Annual Teacher Appreciation Week discounts and deals
National Police Week Hawaii
Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. National Police Week National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many … [Read more...] about National Police Week Hawaii
Oʻahu: Pūowaina aka “Punchbowl” (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific)
Called Pūowaina in Hawaiian, the volcano erupted some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. Pūowaina (which can be translated as “Hill of Sacrifice”) has deep religious significance for the Hawaiian people. Long before Europeans arrived, it was a place where people who had committed certain crimes or “kapu” were put to death. The lava formed an oval, bowl-shaped crater, alluding to the English name, "punchbowl". Today, the site is commonly referred to as … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Pūowaina aka “Punchbowl” (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific)
Oʻahu: History of Pu‘uloa and visiting Pearl Harbor today
When someone says "Pearl Harbor", it can refer to many different things. Historically, it was a large freshwater lagoon known to ancient Hawaiians as Ke-awa-lauo-Pu‘uloa or simply Pu‘uloa. It was a key site for loko ʻia (fish ponds) and for harvesting wild shellfish. Today, Pearl Harbor is surrounded by suburban neighborhoods. Along her shores, there is also a National Memorial Park and an active U.S. military base. When people visit Pearl Harbor today, it is … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: History of Pu‘uloa and visiting Pearl Harbor today
Free things to do in May
Listed below are the free things to do in May. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our May events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com) Calendar of free things to do in May 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 May
Best things to buy in May
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 May 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 May include … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in May
Oʻahu: Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace
The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is Hawaii's largest outdoor market featuring hundreds of vendors, crafters, and artists from all over the world. You can find discounts on a wide selection of high-quality products from clothing, accessories, and fine jewelry to vintage antiques, Hawaiian souvenirs, and pre-packaged ethnic foods. Beautifully handcrafted products and exclusive art pieces are made and sold by the artists themselves. About Aloha Stadium Aloha … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace
Oahu: Help Sew 38,000 Lei for Memorial Day
As unique and diverse as our communities are in Hawaiʻi, so are some of our traditions on Memorial Day. One of the more distinct traditions is the placing of lei upon every gravesite within Punchbowl for Memorial Day. Every year the members of the community work together to make 38,000 lei for every servicemember laid to rest at the cemetery. Along with this significant task, the City is hoping to assist the Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery in Kāne‘ohe with their … [Read more...] about Oahu: Help Sew 38,000 Lei for Memorial Day
Affordable May events and entertainment
Our May 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 May events and entertainment
Budget-friendly Mother’s Day brunch and dinner ideas
Here are our recommendations for budget friendly Mother's Day dining across the Hawaiian Islands. There are options for dine-in, takeout, and homemade. Reservations (dine-in or takeout) are strongly suggested if available. 2024 Motherʻs Day dining ideas across the Hawaiian Islands We focus on locally owned and national chain restaurants offering budget-friendly specials for Mother's Day. (Listed by island, then alphabetically by city or neighborhood, then … [Read more...] about Budget-friendly Mother’s Day brunch and dinner ideas
Oʻahu: How to get free admission & discount tickets to Bishop Museum
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, often referred to as "the Bishop" is the largest museum in the state of Hawaii. It is the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. Its primary purpose is to represent and serve the interests of Native Hawaiians. The Bishop is recognized worldwide for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services, and public educational programs. The collections include millions of objects, documents, and … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: How to get free admission & discount tickets to Bishop Museum
(while supplies last) Get up to $20 Amazon credit on Proctor & Gamble products
On the Amazon retail marketplace, consumers can buy just about anything: books, clothing, food, electronics, household goods, and much, much more. Other popular offerings include Prime membership, the Kindle digital reader, Alexa in-home virtual assistant, and Whole Foods grocery store discounts. Amazon Proctor & Gamble "stock up sale" For a limited time, Amazon is offering a "stock up sale" on Proctor & Gamble household and personal care products such as … [Read more...] about (while supplies last) Get up to $20 Amazon credit on Proctor & Gamble products
Oʻahu: visit historic treasure Hawaiian Mission Houses in Honolulu
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH) is a one-acre site in downtown Honolulu. Since 1820, it has been an archival site for Hawaiian history through stories, artifacts, and documents. It is a National Historic Landmark, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. HMH promotes thoughtful dialogue and greater understanding of the impact of the Protestant missionaries on the history and peoples of Hawai`i. The site preserves Hawai‘i’s … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: visit historic treasure Hawaiian Mission Houses in Honolulu
Oʻahu: 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 Oʻahu: Waikīkī SPAM JAM street food festival