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 celebrate 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 in Hawaiʻi
Seasonal
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
What’s closed and open on Martin Luther King Jr Day 2023
The Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr is a federal holiday, always celebrated on the third Monday in January. The holiday is a celebration of Dr. King’s immeasurable contribution to the United States and to humankind. Martin Luther King Jr Day will be celebrated on January 16, 2023. The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 – 1968) was an American Baptist minister and leader of the modern American Civil Rights Movement from December 1955 until he was … [Read more...] about What’s closed and open on Martin Luther King Jr Day 2023
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
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. After the Epiphany begins Carnival season (or Carnaval in other languages, such as Portuguese and French). … [Read more...] about Malasada Day: sweet way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Hawaiʻi
Celebrating Mardi Gras in Hawai’i
Mardi Gras translates from the French as “fat Tuesday”. The holiday has roots in the Christian liturgical calendar. It marks the end of Carnival season and the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA (NOLA) is our country’s most celebrated location for Fat Tuesday. NOLA traditions include parades, carnival masks, beads, and sweet indulgent "King Cakes". About Carnival, Mardi Gras, and Lent Carnival season begins on the Epiphany or January 6, the day … [Read more...] about Celebrating Mardi Gras in Hawai’i
Free things to do in January
Listed below are the free things to do from our January events calendar. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the month as organizers announce new events. For more things to do, see our calendar of affordable January events. For more things to do every day (free and paid), see our Calendar of free and cheap things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com) January 2023 free, fun things to do Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a … [Read more...] about Free things to do in January
Affordable January events & entertainment
Our January 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 January events & entertainment
Best things to buy in January
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 January … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in January
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
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
2022 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. 2022 Christmas dinner to-go across the … [Read more...] about 2022 Budget-friendly Christmas dinner dine-in and to go
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 things to do in December
Listed below are the free things to do from our December events calendar. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the month as organizers announce new events. For more things to do, see our calendar of affordable December events. For more things to do every day (free and paid), see our Calendar of free and cheap things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com) December 2022 free, fun things to do Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a … [Read more...] about Free things to do in December
Affordable December events & entertainment
Our December 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 December events & entertainment
Best things to buy in December
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 December 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 December
Oʻahu: Show Aloha Land Holiday Wonderland in Honolulu
The Annual "Show Aloha Land – Holiday Wonderland" at Aloha Stadium features new attractions for 2022. Keiki can go tobogganing in 3,000+ sq feet of fresh snow, frolic in the massive Bouncing town human snow globe, fly on the zip line, and ride three new trains to enjoy the light show. Drive, ride, or walk: DRIVING TUNNEL: Enjoy a 15-minute drive through holiday motifs while listening to Show Aloha Land Radio hosted by FM 105.9 The Wave, culminating in the … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Show Aloha Land Holiday Wonderland in Honolulu
2022 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 meal kits as well as dine-in a restaurants. Order well in advance as most sell out a week or two before Thanksgiving Day. Restaurant reservations are strongly suggested if available. 2022 Thanksgiving dinners to-go across the Hawaiian Islands We focus on locally owned restaurants and national chains offering budget-friendly … [Read more...] about 2022 Budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner dine-in and to go
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
Affordable November events & entertainment
Our November 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 November events & entertainment
Best things to buy in November
Every month of the year, retailers discount items due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for November 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. November special events with shopping discounts and deals … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in November
Free things to do in November
Listed below are the free things to do from our November events calendar. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the month as organizers announce new events. For more things to do, see our calendar of affordable November events. For more things to do every day (free and paid), see our Calendar of free and cheap things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com) November 2022 free, fun things to do Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a … [Read more...] about Free things to do in November
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!) 13 super easy … [Read more...] about Fun, cheap, and easy ideas for Halloween costumes
Where to find Halloween carving pumpkins in Hawaiʻi
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 in Hawaiʻi
Halloween events and things to do across the Hawaiian Islands
Here are free and cheap events plus spooky things to do to celebrate Halloween all around the Hawaiian Islands. Halloween events Hawaiʻi Island Big Island Ghost Tours offers guided tours to some of Hawaii's most supernatural and historical sites to experience a connection to ancient Hawaiʻi, the supernatural, and the afterlife. From places where missionaries brought disease, sites of human sacrifice, to modern sightings at resorts, parks, and museums built … [Read more...] about Halloween events and things to do across the Hawaiian Islands
