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. 2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks Mark your calendar for the following entrance fee–free dates in 2024. January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. … [Read more...] about Free entrance days in Hawaii National Parks
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
Free things to do in March
Listed below are the free things to do in March. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our March events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com). March 2024 free things to do 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 March
Best things to buy in March
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 March 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 March … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in March
Best bakeries and restaurants to celebrate National Pi Day (3/14)
"Pi", the sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet (π), is used by mathematicians to define the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Regardless of the size of the circle, pi always calculates to 3.14. Therefore "Pi Day" is celebrated around the world on 3/14 (March 14). Anyone and everyone celebrates the day with a slice of pie, pizza, quiche, piroshki, hand pies, pot pies, or any other pie your heart desires. Unlike Pi, which never ends and the … [Read more...] about Best bakeries and restaurants to celebrate National Pi Day (3/14)
Academy Awards Oscars best picture nominees
Each year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes excellence in the motion picture industry. Hundreds of millions of movie fans turn in to watch the glamorous ceremony as members of the academy are awarded an Oscar statue. About the Oscar Awards The Academy is a global organization limited to film artists working in the production of theatrically-released motion pictures. Membership is achieved through sponsorship and is reviewed every … [Read more...] about Academy Awards Oscars best picture nominees
Oʻahu: 1st 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 bounded by … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: 1st Friday festival in Honolulu Chinatown and Arts District
Affordable March events and entertainment
Our March 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 March events and entertainment
Where to buy Girl Scout Cookies in Hawaiʻi
Most people have a special place in their heart for Girl Scout Cookies. Of course, the cookies delicious, but the Girl Scout Cookie Program also helps girls follow their passions and fulfill goals. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. Hint: it's not just about cookies! Girl Scouts learn five skills that are essential to leadership, to success, and to life: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People … [Read more...] about Where to buy Girl Scout Cookies in Hawaiʻi
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
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 and the beginning of Carnival season (aka Carnaval in French and Portuguese). Carnival lasts until Ash … [Read more...] about Malasada Day: sweet way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Hawaiʻi
Kauaʻi: Waimea Town Celebration 9-day festival with rodeo, ho’olaule’a, contests
Kaua'i's largest and longest-running festival held in the plantation town of Waimea. The celebrations is 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. Please bring canned foods for Hawai'i Food Bank's ORANGE & GREEN food bins at all events. The 9-day festival begins President's Day weekend and includes … [Read more...] about Kauaʻi: Waimea Town Celebration 9-day festival with rodeo, ho’olaule’a, contests
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
Prince Kūhiō Day March 26 celebrates Ke Aliʻi Makaʻāinana (Prince of the People)
Prince Kūhiō Day was established by Hawaiian territorial Legislature resolution in 1949 to honor the birthday of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, born on March 26, 1871. Prince Kūhiō is often referred to as Ke Ali’i Makaainana ("Prince of the People"). Heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, he was a ten-term elected delegate to the U.S. Congress. He died on January 7, 1922. He is remembered with many streets, beaches, buildings, and schools bearing his … [Read more...] about Prince Kūhiō Day March 26 celebrates Ke Aliʻi Makaʻāinana (Prince of the People)
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
Free things to do in February
Listed below are the free things to do in February. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our February events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com). February 2024 free things to do 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 February
Best things to buy in February
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 … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in February
Affordable February events and entertainment
Our February 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 February events and entertainment
Groundhog Day in Hawai‘i
Groundhog Day is celebrated in most (but not all) states in the continental U.S. Along with Hawaiʻi, 15 states across the nation forgo the tradition. The main celebration takes place every February 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The star of this celebration is a groundhog (a type of squirrel, also callled a woodchuck) named Punxsutawney Phil. When Phil emerges from his lair, if it is sunny and he sees his shadow, he is “scared” back inside and there will be six … [Read more...] about Groundhog Day in Hawai‘i
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
Oʻahu: 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 Oʻahu: How to get free admission or discount tickets to HoMA
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: Food trucks & other cheap eats in Waikīkī
Here’s our list of food trucks, grab & go markets, and food courts throughout Waikīkī. They are great options when you are looking for an affordable meal or quick bite. All of them are located within Waikīkī, along a 1.5 mile stretch on Kalākaua and Kūhiō Avenues. These locations offer a variety of popular eateries that are enjoyed by tourists and locals. Waikīkī food trucks and food halls Peruse the list below or use our Google Map at the end of the … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Food trucks & other cheap eats in Waikīkī
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. 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 Makahiki festival
When and where to experience Lāhainā Noon
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
