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 throughout the Hawaiian Islands. What is hula? Hula is a very complex dance form unique to the Hawaiian … [Read more...] about Hawaiian hula dance: where to see & learn hula
Entertainment & The Arts
Hawaiʻi Triennial contemporary visual art exhibition
Hawai‘i Triennial is the state’s largest exhibition of contemporary visual art from Hawai‘i, the Pacific, Asia, and around the world. The exhibition is held every three years in multiple venues (such as museums, galleries, and gardens) across the Hawaiian Pai Aina. Hawai‘i Triennial 2025 The next Hawai‘i Triennial for 15 February – 04 May 2025. Exhibitions will be held and Hawai‘i Island, Maui, and O‘ahu. The theme for Hawai‘i Triennial 2025 (HT25) is ALOHA NŌ, … [Read more...] about Hawaiʻi Triennial contemporary visual art exhibition
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
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. First Friday On the first Friday of every month, the Honolulu Arts District … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: 1st Friday festival in Honolulu Chinatown and Arts District
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
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
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF)
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) is the premiere showcase for established and emerging filmmakers in contemporary Asian, Pacific, and North American cinema. HIFF is the focus for emerging works from the Pacific Rim and an incubator for Native Hawaiian films and indigenous Pacific filmmakers in any genre, including feature films, documentaries, short films, series, and Hawai'i-themed films. HIFF serves as an entertaining event for the casual viewer and … [Read more...] about Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF)
Aloha Week and ʻOhana Festivals cultural events
“Aloha Week” was conceived in 1946 as a cultural revival of Hawaiian music, dance, and history, a re-imagined "makahiki"—the ancient Hawaiian New Year festival traditionally held in late-October or early November. The new Aloha Week included a parade and the Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa (celebration, aka block party) on Kalākaua Avenue. Dozens of volunteer-run events on neighboring islands were added over the years. In 1991, Aloha Week became "Aloha Festivals"—a statewide … [Read more...] about Aloha Week and ʻOhana Festivals cultural events
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
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
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
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
Oʻahu: Aloha Stadium – Hawaii’s largest outdoor arena
Aloha Stadium is Hawaii’s largest outdoor arena, replacing the Honolulu Stadium (hawaii.gov) (1926-1975). Aloha Stadium has become a Gathering Place where the spirit of achievement is nourished by the thrill of competition. The special venue is a place where everyone can share their cultural diversity with pride and a feeling of Aloha. Events at the stadium include sporting events as well as concerts, carnivals, markets, festivals, auto shows, and other seasonal … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Aloha Stadium – Hawaii’s largest outdoor arena
