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
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)
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: 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: 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
Best places to buy Hawaiian gifts & souvenirs
Listed below, we offer a list of gifts and souvenirs that are uniquely Hawaiian, including Aloha wear, jewelry, crack seed, local honey, sea salts, quilts, tropical prints, koa wood carvings, and of course Hawaiian music. We also suggests some of the best places to buy Hawaiian made goods, including independent shops, craft stores, artist galleries, farmers markets, malls and stores, online retailers, and other locations around the Hawaiian Islands. House … [Read more...] about Best places to buy Hawaiian gifts & souvenirs
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. Queen Ka'ahumanu Center in Kahului Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (QKC) is Maui’s largest shopping center and Kahului "town square" since 1972, featuring family … [Read more...] about Maui shopping centers, malls, and outlet stores
Oʻahu: Best shopping malls for holiday sales
Holiday weekends throughout the year are especially popular times for retailers to entice you to shop and save. You can find sales and discounts on a variety of seasonal goods. Stores, shopping malls, and major brands may also host special events and giveaways. Listed below is a list of the best holidays for shopping sales and discounts. Then, scroll down for a list of some of the biggest and best shopping malls throughout Hawaiʻi. Best holidays for shopping at … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Best shopping malls for holiday sales
Contemporary Hawaiian Arts: Galleries, Craft Markets, Festivals
Listed below are resources for buying contemporary Hawaiian arts and crafts across the Hawaiian Paeʻāina (island group). You'll find several lists, including Art Galleries and permanent Craft Marketplaces, followed by seasonal Art Fairs, Craft Shows & Holiday Bazaars. If you're looking for hands-on art and craft making, we also offer a list of Visual Art Education centers where you can find workshops and classes in visual arts that are available to the … [Read more...] about Contemporary Hawaiian Arts: Galleries, Craft Markets, Festivals
All about Aloha Friday & how to celebrate
The tradition of Aloha Friday goes back to the mid-twentieth century. During summer, businesses relaxed their dress code requiring a business suit and allowed Hawaiian-made aloha shirts to be worn during the warmer months. Eventually, Aloha Friday became official, and wearing aloha wear was encourage every Friday all year long. In the 1990s, the tradition of establishing a day for a more relaxed dress code spread to California, becoming known as Casual … [Read more...] about All about Aloha Friday & how to celebrate
Hawaiian Islands Farmers Markets
Listed below are farmers markets currently operating throughout the paeʻāina (archipelago, i.e. Hawaiian Islands). We also provide tips for getting the most out of your shopping day and a guide to what’s in season throughout the year. Tips for shopping at farmers markets Bring shopping bags, baskets, or rolling cart Bring cash in small denominations ($1, $5, coins) Prepare a shopping list to help you shop efficiently Be flexible and adapt your … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Islands Farmers Markets
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. Located adjacent to the State Capitol, Iolani Palace, and the State Library, find Capitol Modern in the No. 1 Capitol District Building in downtown Honolulu. History of Capitol … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: FREE Capitol Modern art museum (aka HiSAM) in downtown Honolulu
Maui Invitational college basketball tournament Thanksgiving Week
The Maui Invitational is an annual NCAA basketball tournament that takes place Thanksgiving Week in Lahaina, Hawaiʻi. The event has long been considered the nation's preeminent early season college basketball tournament. Eight NCAA Division I men's basketball teams are invited to compete, playing three games in three days. ESPN networks offer live television coverage of all 12 Championship Round games. The Maui tourney continues to provide schools an opportunity … [Read more...] about Maui Invitational college basketball tournament Thanksgiving Week
Hawaiʻi: Kīlauea volcano eruption report September 2023
An eruption began at Kīlauea summit on September 10, 2023 on the downdropped block in Kīlauea 's summit caldera. By September 16, based upon visual and geophysical observations, the eruption had ended. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have decreased to near pre-eruption background levels. Live-stream video of Halemaʻumaʻu from the northwest rim of the caldera, looking east is available at: https://www.youtube.com/usgs/live. More eruption … [Read more...] about Hawaiʻi: Kīlauea volcano eruption report September 2023
Kīpuni Aloha no Maui – reflection and prayer for our beloved Maui
Join all of Hawaiʻi on September 1, 2023 for a statewide vigil in support of Maui. This day is centered on emotional and spiritual healing that is rooted in Native Hawaiian practices with leaders from diverse faiths. Watch ceremonies streaming live or attend a ceremony at one of the locations listed below. This vigil is in line with ‘Aha Pule Pualu, the assembly of kumu hula, and cultural practitioners for collective prayer and reflection over an anahulu, a … [Read more...] about Kīpuni Aloha no Maui – reflection and prayer for our beloved Maui
Ultimate Guide: budget-friendly transportation in Hawaii
Lucky you live in Hawai’i! For a budget-friendly island lifestyle, keeping transportation costs down is essential. We got you covered with this comprehensive list of transportation options, whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or heading to the beach. Listed below are many ways Hawai’i residents can shave costs like ice. We examined how to get around Hawaiʻi without a car using aloha 'aina alternatives like walking, bicycling, public transportation, … [Read more...] about Ultimate Guide: budget-friendly transportation in Hawaii
Hawaiian Airlines annual Holoholo Challenge
The Hawaiian Airlines Holoholo Challenge launched in 2020 as an opportunity for friends to holoholo (go out) and stay connected. Inspired by the Hawaiian Islands, the virtual fitness challenge features courses that span the distance between some of our state's most treasured places. In that first year, the Holoholo Challenge celebrated the landscapes of Oʻahu. Every year since, the challenge has focused on a different island. In 2021, the Holoholo Challenge … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Airlines annual Holoholo Challenge
30 stunning botanical gardens you can visit in Hawai’i
One of the more relaxing and affordable ways to enjoy the outdoors in Hawai’i for residents or tourists is to spend time in one of the many botanical gardens or arboretums throughout the islands. Whether you desire a leisurely garden stroll, are a home gardener, or serious botany student, there is a garden for you to visit. Most of the gardens in the lists below are privately owned. All are open to visitors. Most have free admission, but a few have an admission … [Read more...] about 30 stunning botanical gardens you can visit in Hawai’i
Oʻahu: Wet’n’Wild Hawaii Water Park in Kapolei
Opened in May 1999, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is one of Oahu’s most popular family attractions with many options for adults, teens, kids and families of all ages. Located in Kapolei on 29-acres lush tropical acres set against natural cliffs the water park boasts more than 25 attractions offered on a rotating schedule. There are "chill" attractions for keiki and adults who want to simply relax on the water, slides and wave pool for a little more action, and pay-to-play … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Wet’n’Wild Hawaii Water Park in Kapolei
Best concert venues in Hawaiʻi
Hawai’i has a range of concert halls and other venues for hosting music performances, from local talent to national touring acts. In addition, you can enjoy original plays as well as Broadway musicals, intimate jazz shows to on-your-feet rock concerts, plus film festivals, sporting events, consumer expos, and more. As you might suspect, Honolulu has the widest range of concert halls and performance venues, from the Blaisdell arena to the open-air Waikīkī Shell … [Read more...] about Best concert venues in Hawaiʻi
