Several days each year, all National Park Service (NPS) sites that charge an entrance fee offer free admission to everyone. The other 400 National Parks across the country are free all the time. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite. 2025 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks Mark your calendar for the following entrance fee–free dates. January 9: National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter … [Read more...] about Free entrance days in Hawaii National Parks
Lunar New Year traditions across Kō Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina
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). Listed below is information about the lunar calendar and traditions for the Lunar New Year in cultures around the world and in Hawaiʻi. 2025 … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year traditions across Kō Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina
Oʻahu: Punahou Carnival in Mānoa
Punahou Carnival is an annual fun-filled fundraising event with food, local arts & crafts, games, rides, and live entertainment. It is produced by the current junior class and supported by thousands of volunteers, including students, parents, faculty/staff, and alumni. Vendors at the carnival offer everything from Hawaiian Plates and hamburgers to malassadas and ice cream, plus haku lei, local products, Punahou merch, and much more. Since its inception … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Punahou Carnival in Mānoa
Molokaʻi: annual Kā Molokaʻi Makahiki festival
Kā Molokaʻi Mahahiki, the annual Makahiki festival is a time of joy, prayer, and friendly competition in the Molokaʻi community. The 2025 community wide festival will take place on January 23-24 in Kaunakakai. The events includes athletic competitions, cultural demonstrations, and traditions honoring kūpuna. Keiki will also represent their schools in various competitions. More info: EVENTS – Molokai Events Calendar – Molokai Hawaii Visitor Guide What is … [Read more...] about Molokaʻi: annual Kā Molokaʻi Makahiki festival
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
February is Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian Language Month)
During Pepeluali (February) special events are held throughout the Hawaiian pae ʻāina to celebrate Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian Language Month). History of Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai’i From 1846-1943, Hawai’i laws were required to be published in both Hawaiian and English. In 1943, a law was enacted to end this dual language requirement. In additiona, three years after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, a law had banned the use of Hawaiian in … [Read more...] about February is Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian Language Month)
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. Best holidays for shopping at sale prices The following list includes the primary "shopping" holidays when you can expect stores and shopping malls to offer … [Read more...] about Maui shopping centers, malls, and outlet stores
Molokaʻi: January is Kalaupapa Month
Conceived by the great Kalaupapa leader Bernard K. Punikaiʻa, Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa was established in August 2003 to promote the value and dignity of every Kalaupapa individual who was taken from their family and forcibly isolated on the Molokaʻi peninsula due to leprosy (aka Hansen's disease). Ka ‘Ohana is made up of Kalaupapa residents, their family members and descendants, friends of the community, and anyone interested in the future of Kalaupapa. In 2021, … [Read more...] about Molokaʻi: January is Kalaupapa Month
Oʻahu: street food festivals on Kalākaua Avenue
The bustling neighborhood of Waikīkī is home to frequent parades and street festivals throughout the year, including the ʻOhana Block Party Festivals. For these street festivals, Kalākaua Avenue is lined with local food vendors selling everything from cane juice to snacks and Hawaiian plate lunches, plus artisans and craft makers offering unique handmade arts & crafts. You'll also enjoy local music and entertainment, including activities for keiki. Waikīkī's … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: street food festivals on Kalākaua Avenue
Oʻahu: FREE Capitol Modern art museum (aka HiSAM) in downtown Honolulu
Capitol Modern in Honolulu is dedicated to presenting the largest and finest collection of works by Hawai‘i artists from across the state representing a comprehensive portrait of our Islands. Exhibitions are curated from the Art in Public Places Collection and student exhibitions. The museum is located in downtown Honolulu near the State Capitol, Iolani Palace, and the State Library. Find Capitol Modern on the second floor of the No. 1 Capitol District … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: FREE Capitol Modern art museum (aka HiSAM) in downtown Honolulu
Hawaii state holidays 2025: What’s closed and open
Hawaiʻi State Government offices and facilities observe the following state holidays, while federal offices and facilities are open. If the holiday falls on Saturday, the holiday is observed on Friday. And, if the holiday falls on Sunday, it is observed on Monday. What’s closed and open on state holidays Closed: All state government offices including satellite city halls and driver licensing, libraries, and public schools. Most banks are closed. Other … [Read more...] about Hawaii state holidays 2025: What’s closed and open
Federal holidays 2025: What’s closed and open
United States laws currently establish eleven public holidays for Federal employees. Most Federal employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. Therefore, if the holiday falls on Saturday the holiday is observed on Friday. And, if the holiday falls on Sunday, it is observed on Monday. Official federal holidays 2025 Listed below are the 11 Federal Holidays for 2025 (opm.gov). If a federal holiday fall on a Saturday or Sunday, they are observed on Friday or … [Read more...] about Federal holidays 2025: What’s closed and open
List of Holidays (by month) for 2025
Besides federal government and Hawaii State employee holidays there are many other holidays, observances, and special events that occur throughout the year. Popular holidays are often recognized by communities with celebrations such as festivals, parades, shopping discounts, and other revelry. 2025 Holidays & Observances Listed below are current year dates for federal holidays (in bold) along with Hawaii State holidays and popular public observances. For … [Read more...] about List of Holidays (by month) for 2025
May Day is Lei Day across the Hawaiian Paeʻāina
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 celebrated 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 across the Hawaiian Paeʻāina
17 iconic hikes & trails on O’ahu
Listed below are easy to moderate trails often mentioned as favorites by hikers on Oʻahu. They include iconic trails popular with visitors, as well as some lesser known but favored treks all over the island. Please be prepared before you go on any hike, whether it is a pleasant family stroll or something more challenging. Even flat, easy trails can become hazardous if you do not have enough water or necessary supplies. You can be caught in a sudden downpour, … [Read more...] about 17 iconic hikes & trails on O’ahu
21 must-see museums in Hawai‘i (best bang for your buck)
Hawai‘i is home to a variety of world-class and local interest museums. The following popular museums offer a wide range of ways you can explore Hawaiian art, culture, and history. To guide your choices, we include general admission and the kama‘āina discount price, as well as any free days. Discount admission tickets may also be available to seniors, children, and members of the military. Hawai'i Island must-see museums Hawai'i: H.N. Greenwell Store … [Read more...] about 21 must-see museums in Hawai‘i (best bang for your buck)
Free food at restaurants on your birthday
Here’s a list of estaurants and other eateries across the Hawaiian Islands that offer some sort of free food, beverage, or dessert on your birthday. Birthday deals are followed by a list of food deals for those celebrating a wedding anniversary. They all work pretty much the same. You sign up at the links below and they send you a coupon or code on your birthday and anniversary. Sign up any other relevant family members, too. Be sure to sign up well … [Read more...] about Free food at restaurants on your birthday
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. Her primary purpose is to represent and serve the interests of Native Hawaiians. The permanent exhibits take you on a journey through the history of Hawai’i, including Polynesian migrations and wayfinding, cultural beliefs and traditions, daily life in ancient Hawaii, important historical events, and much more. Rotating exhibits taker a deeper dive into … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: How to get free admission & discount tickets to Bishop Museum
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 2025 free, fun things to do Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a … [Read more...] about Free things to do in January
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
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
In-person or online: “The Eddie” big wave invitational surfing competition at Waimea Bay
The biggest surfing event in the world is a highly anticipated event each winter on the North Shore of Oʻahu. Officially "The Eddie: In Memory of Eddie Aikau", the prestigious competition invites surfers, alternates, and legends to showcase their high-performance surfing on the massive winter surf at Waimea Bay. Because the wave conditions need to be right, the contest has only been completed a few times in the several decades since the first contest. Winners … [Read more...] about In-person or online: “The Eddie” big wave invitational surfing competition at Waimea Bay
2024 Budget-friendly Christmas dinner dine-in and to go
Here are a few recommendations for a budget-friendly Christmas dinner across the Hawaiian Islands. There are options for dinners to-go as well as dine-in restaurants. Make reservations or place a to-go order as far as possible in advance, because many establishments sell out a week or two before Christmas. Restaurant reservations are strongly suggested if available. But we provide some drop-in restaurant ideas as well. 2024 Christmas dinner to-go across the … [Read more...] about 2024 Budget-friendly Christmas dinner dine-in and to go
Free things to do in December
Listed below are the free things to do from our December 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 December events. For more things to do every day (free and paid), see our Calendar of free and cheap things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com) December 2024 free, fun things to do Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a … [Read more...] about Free things to do in December
Best things to buy in December
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 December 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 … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in December
