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
Best things to buy in September
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 September 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 include … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in September
Affordable September events
Our September 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 general admission 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, … [Read more...] about Affordable September events
How and where to donate on Hawai‘i Foodbank Drive Day
Hawai‘i Foodbank is committed to being the healthy option for anyone experiencing hunger. Your support helps improve access to healthy food for the most vulnerable in our communities. Food Drive Day is dedicated to raising funds for fresh produce. More than one quarter of the food Hawai‘i Foodbank distributes is fresh, healthy produce – and you can help them provide even more. Hawaiʻi Foodbank Drive Day is Saturday, August 24, 2024. Residents on … [Read more...] about How and where to donate on Hawai‘i Foodbank Drive Day
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 Stadium … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace
Oʻahu: Waterman sports festival honors Duke Kahanamoku
Every year in Hawaiʻi, the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival celebrates the life of Native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku and to honor his Aloha spirit and achievements in surfing and other water sports. Duke’s OceanFest The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation (ODKF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 to perpetuate the spirit and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku. Duke’s OceanFest is an ocean sports festival held each summer in honor of famed waterman Duke Kahanamoku … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Waterman sports festival honors Duke Kahanamoku
Oʻahu: How to enjoy live theatre on a budget
There is a wide range of live theatre productions offered at theatres across Oʻahu. You can enjoy classic plays, Broadway musicals, and experimental works. In addition, you can find original plays by local playwrights, featuring stories unique to Hawai’i. Listed below are Oʻahu theatres offering live productions and several ways to enjoy live theatre on a budget. How to save money on live theatre Volunteers are welcome at most theaters. A volunteer benefit often … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: How to enjoy live theatre on a budget
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 free things to do in August. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our August events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com). For more things to do every day (free and paid), see our Calendar of free and cheap things to do (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 … [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 general admission 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, … [Read more...] about Affordable August events
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
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
In Hawaiʻi, Bon Dance (aka Bon Odori) is a special summer attraction held at Buddhist temples around the Hawaiian pae ʻāina (island group). The centuries-old custom of Obon came to Hawai‘i in the 19th Century with Japanese sugar cane plantation workers. In Japan, Obon customs vary according to each region. Basically, the summer tradition honors ancestors and expresses appreciation for them (similar to All Saints/Souls Day and Day of the Dead in other places and … [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)
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
