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 of Hawaii … [Read more...] about Where to watch fireworks on July 4th in Hawaiʻi
Holidays & Observances
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
Budget-friendly Mother’s Day brunch and dinner ideas
Here are our recommendations for budget friendly Mother's Day dining across the Hawaiian Islands. There are options for dine-in, takeout, and homemade. Reservations (dine-in or takeout) are strongly suggested if available. Motherʻs Day dining ideas across the Hawaiian Islands We focus on locally owned and national chain restaurants offering budget-friendly specials for Mother's Day. (Listed by island, then alphabetically by city or neighborhood, then by … [Read more...] about Budget-friendly Mother’s Day brunch and dinner ideas
Easter egg hunts around Hawaiʻi
Like Christmas, Easter is a Christian holy day that has also become a secular holiday celebrated by retailers and non-Christian communities around the world. Secular Easter events typically include photos with a life-size Easter bunny, spring flower bouquets, special holiday baked goods, family gatherings with lots of food, and Easter egg hunts. In the list below, we focus on Easter egg hunts that are free or low cost or are community fundraisers. Tips for … [Read more...] about Easter egg hunts around Hawaiʻi
Where to get Easter bunny photos
The Easter Bunny's in town! Hop in to have a photo taken. Listed below are places to get a professional photo as well as any BYOC (bring your own camera) and free appearances with the EB. While Easter is a Christian holy day, it has also become a secular spring holiday celebrated by retailers and non-Christians around the world with spring flower bouquets, special holiday baked goods, and family gatherings with lots of food, along with photos with life-size … [Read more...] about Where to get Easter bunny photos
Malasada Day: sweet way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Hawaiʻi
Mardi Gras is a holiday with roots in the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is one last day of overindulgence before the long stretch of Lenten denial. Commonly called Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday"), the holiday is also known as Pancake Day (primarily in the British Isles) and elsewhere as Shrove Tuesday. "Shrove" is past tense of the verb "shrive", which means to free from guilt or confess one's sins. When is … [Read more...] about Malasada Day: sweet way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Hawaiʻi
Groundhog Day in Hawai‘i
Groundhog Day is celebrated in most (but not all) states in the continental U.S. The main celebration takes place every February 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The star of this celebration is a groundhog (a type of squirrel, also called 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 more weeks of winter. If it is cloudy and he sees no shadow, spring … [Read more...] about Groundhog Day in Hawai‘i
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
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
2024 Budget-friendly Christmas dinner dine-in and to go
Here are a few recommendations for a budget-friendly Christmas dinner across the Hawaiian Islands. There are options for dinners to-go as well as dine-in restaurants. Make reservations or place a to-go order as far as possible in advance, because many establishments sell out a week or two before Christmas. Restaurant reservations are strongly suggested if available. But we provide some drop-in restaurant ideas as well. 2024 Christmas dinner to-go across the … [Read more...] about 2024 Budget-friendly Christmas dinner dine-in and to go
Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
Here’s a list of Santa photo opportunities in locations across the Hawaiian paeʻāina. All this and toys, too! We’re indubitably impressed. Some of these are free opportunities for selfies with Santa, which are BYOC (bring your own camera or smartphone). Many of the free Santa photo ops are one-time opportunities at Christmas festivals and other holiday events featuring an appearance by Santa Claus. In additional to free selfie photo ops, there are professional … [Read more...] about Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
Where to see Christmas lights in Hawaiʻi
Listed below are some of the popular Christmas light displays throughout Hawaiʻi. They are listed alphabetically by island, the clockwise beginning in the north. We'll continue to update this list as organizers announce dates for Holiday lights, incuding Christmas tree lights, Santa arrivals, and holiday parades. To wish someone "Merry Christmas" in Hawaiian say, “Mele Kalikimaka” (may-lay kah-lee-kee-mah-kah). To say "Happy New Year", it’s “Hauʻoli Makahiki … [Read more...] about Where to see Christmas lights in Hawaiʻi
Free meals & other discounts for Veterans Day
The following food deals, beverage deals, and restaurant dining discounts are available primarily on Oʻahu and to a lesser extent on the neighbor islands. You might also like: Veterans Day commemorative events across the Hawaiian Islands (hawaiionthecheap.com) Free meals & food discounts for Veterans Day NOTE: Not all locations offer the same national promotions. As a result, price and participation may vary. It's always wise to call ahead for verification in … [Read more...] about Free meals & other discounts for Veterans Day
Veterans Day events across the Hawaiian Islands
Veterans Day became an official federal holiday to honor American veterans of all wars. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution making it an annual observance. However, it goes back to 1918, when it was called Armistice Day. During world War I, the Allied nations and Germany agreed to an armistice or cease fire on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Known as the "war to end all wars", WWI officially ended over seven months later … [Read more...] about Veterans Day events across the Hawaiian Islands
2024 Budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner dine-in and to go
Here are a few recommendations for a budget-friendly holiday dinner across the Hawaiian Islands. There are options for dinners to-go and as well as dine-in at restaurants. Order or reserve well in advance as most sell out a week or two before Thanksgiving Day. 2024 Thanksgiving dinners to-go across the Hawaiian Islands We focus on locally owned restaurants and national chains offering budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinners (we aim for $50 or less per person … [Read more...] about 2024 Budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner dine-in and to go
Thanksgiving holiday traditions in Hawaii
Thanksgiving is a federal holiday always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It is generally regarded as a "day of thanks," typically celebrated around a festive meal with loved ones. Traditions for a day of thanks are a recurring theme in many cultures. Seasonal harvest celebrations have been celebrated across time everywhere around the world. Thanksgiving traditions in the United States In the United States, one popular Thanksgiving story recounts a … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving holiday traditions in Hawaii
Oʻahu: Free family-friendly Halloween events
Listed below are free family-friendly Halloween Events around Oʻahu. Oʻahu North Shore free family-friendly Halloween Events (Listed by date and time) Keiki Halloween Costume Contest & Trick-or-Treat in Haleʻiwa. October 27, 2024 from 2-4 pm. Calling all little ghosts and goblins! Space is limited, registration starts at 2 PM. Don’t forget to visit participating merchants for trick-or-treating fun! More info: Keiki Halloween Costume Contest & … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Free family-friendly Halloween events
Maui: Free family-friendly Halloween Events
Listed below are free family-friendly Halloween Events on Maui listed by date and time. Seasonal decor for photo ops at Whalers Villages. October 8-31, 2024. Enjoy seasonal and Halloween decor with opportunity for photo ops with your ohana. More info: Halloween Happenings | Whalers Village Halloween Boo Bash in Kahului. October 26, 2024 from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Get ready for spooktacular family fun! Trick-or-treat at participating merchant locations (while … [Read more...] about Maui: Free family-friendly Halloween Events
Big Isle: Free family-friendly Halloween Events
Listed below are free family-friendly Halloween Events around Hawaii Island, listed by date and time. Halloween: "The Night of the Kraken" in Waikoloa Village. October 26, 2024 from 4-8pm. Trick or Treat, Drawing for Prizes, “Haunted Ship”, Games, Live Music, and soo much more! Ohana, Music, Food, and Fun! More info: Events | Waikoloa Plaza Shopping Center | Big Island Hawaii Boo at the Zoo in Hilo. October 26-27 from 3-6PM. Free keiki activities, … [Read more...] about Big Isle: Free family-friendly Halloween Events
Free and cheap Halloween events across the Hawaiian pae ʻāina
Here are free and cheap events plus spooky things to do to celebrate Halloween all around the Hawaiian Islands. 2024 Halloween Haunts and Tours Hawaiʻi Island Halloween Events (Listed by date and time) Halloween: "The Night of the Kraken" in Waikoloa Village. October 26, 2024 from 4-8pm. Trick or Treat, Drawing for Prizes, “Haunted Ship”, Games, Live Music, and soo much more! Ohana, Music, Food, and Fun! More info: Events | Waikoloa Plaza Shopping Center | Big … [Read more...] about Free and cheap Halloween events across the Hawaiian pae ʻāina
Fun, cheap, and easy ideas for Halloween costumes
If you are looking for cheap and easy Halloween costume ideas, you've come to the right place. We've got the lowdown on fun Halloween costumes that you can pull together from stuff you have around the house. Our super easy costume ideas use everyday clothes and include accessories and makeup to complete the look. You'll find local favorites along with everyday ideas and spooky Halloween characters. Hauʻoli Lā Heleuī (Happy Halloween!) Why do we dress up in … [Read more...] about Fun, cheap, and easy ideas for Halloween costumes
Polynesian Discoverers’ Day in the Hawaiian Islands (2nd Monday in October)
The second Monday in October is observed federally as Christopher Columbus Day and elsewhere as Indigenous People's Day. However, throughout Hawaiʻi it is known as Discoverers' Day, in recognition of the Polynesian discoverers of the Hawaiian Islands. While the event is observed on this day, Discoverers' Day is not a Hawaiʻi State holiday. Since Discoverers' Day is also the federal holiday Columbus Day, it is observed by federal employees as a day off and … [Read more...] about Polynesian Discoverers’ Day in the Hawaiian Islands (2nd Monday in October)
Where to find Halloween carving pumpkins across the Hawaiian pae ʻāina
Listed below are places selling Halloween carving pumpkins in Hawaiʻi, including farms and grocery stores. You can buy a pumpkin at least a month before you carve it, if you store in the refrigerator, or some other place that's cool and dry (preferably below 60F). We include some history about why we carve pumpkins for Halloween and plenty of pumpkin carving ideas. Origins of jack-o’-lanterns We found the history of Halloween pumpkins, also known as … [Read more...] about Where to find Halloween carving pumpkins across the Hawaiian pae ʻāina
