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
Featured
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
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
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
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
When and where to watch whales for free in Hawaiʻi
Winter to spring is whale watching season in Hawaiʻi. The North Pacific humpback is the most common whale found in Hawaiʻi. Thousands of humpback whales migrate every year, swimming 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaiʻi and back again. While many boat tours get you on the water for whale watching, humpback whales are easy to spot from Hawai’i shores during migration season. Peak humpback whale watching season in Hawaiʻi is January to March. However, the first … [Read more...] about When and where to watch whales for free in Hawaiʻi
Makahiki: Hawaiian New Year signals the rainy season
For many people around the world New Year's Eve is celebrated on December 31 and New Year's Day on January 1, which is the first month in the Roman Julian calendar (January), the predecessor of today's Gregorian calendar. January honors Janus, the god of beginnings. Makahiki In ancient Hawaii, Makahiki marked the beginning of a new year and was determined by observing the night sky. When the star cluster Na hiku o Makaliʻi* appears on the eastern horizon at … [Read more...] about Makahiki: Hawaiian New Year signals the rainy season
