Our event calendar features fun, free, and cheap things to do across the Hawaiian Islands. We focus on events for locals, but visitors will find lots of useful information. For the weekend of Mei (May) 9-11, 2025, you'll find events of all kinds curated from organizers and venues across the state. Free and cheap things to do this weekend Mother's Day For weekdays or any other weekend during the year be sure to visit the … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to Mother’s Day weekend
All Hawaiian Islands
Free things to do in May
Listed below are the free things to do in May. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our May events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com) Calendar of free things to do in May 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 May
Affordable May events and entertainment
Our May 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 May events and entertainment
37 onolicious local and Hawaiian foods
Local food in Hawaiʻi is influenced by several different things, including “canoe plants” brought by sea voyaging Polynesian explorers to the Hawaiian paeʻāina (island group), followed hundreds of years later by many other dishes introduced by immigrants who arrived to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations. These culinary influencers were Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Portuguese peoples, along with other cultures. Traditional Hawaiian food The three … [Read more...] about 37 onolicious local and Hawaiian foods
Hōkūleʻa 50th Birthday TV Specials
Polynesians navigated the vast Pacific in double-hulled canoes discovering hundreds of islands, from Tonga and Samoa in the Western Pacific, to Easter Island in the East, and the Hawaiian Islands in the North. Often referred to as The Polynesian Triangle, this vast area covers nearly one million miles of open ocean. It was an astonishing feat, unprecedented to this day. In the 1970s, the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) of Hawai‘i built a 60-foot double-hulled … [Read more...] about Hōkūleʻa 50th Birthday TV Specials
Best bakeries and restaurants to celebrate National Pi Day (3/14)
"Pi", the sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet (π), is used by mathematicians to define the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Regardless of the size of the circle, pi always calculates to 3.14. Therefore "Pi Day" is celebrated around the world on 3/14 (March 14). Anyone and everyone celebrates the day with a slice of pie, pizza, quiche, piroshki, hand pies, pot pies, or any other pie your heart desires. Unlike Pi, which never ends and the … [Read more...] about Best bakeries and restaurants to celebrate National Pi Day (3/14)
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
Hawaiian hula dance: where to see & learn hula
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
Free things to do in March
Listed below are the free things to do in March. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our March events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com). March 2025 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 March
Best things to buy in March
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 March 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 March … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in March
Affordable March events and entertainment
Our March 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 March events and entertainment
Treasured heiau you can visit on every Hawaiian island
Listed below are heiau throughout the Hawaiian Islands that are open to the public. If you don’t know what heiau are, or wonder why you would want to visit these ancient sites, we provide a brief description of their cultural value, followed by tips for visiting these historical treasures to make the most of your time. If you are looking for the “real” Hawai'i, this is a good place to be. What are heiau? Heiau are remnants of sites used in ancient Hawai'i for … [Read more...] about Treasured heiau you can visit on every Hawaiian island
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 2025 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 February … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in February
Where to buy Girl Scout Cookies in Hawaiʻi
Most people have a special place in their heart for Girl Scout Cookies. Of course, the cookies delicious, but the Girl Scout Cookie Program also helps girls follow their passions and fulfill goals. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. Hint: it's not just about cookies! Girl Scouts learn five skills that are essential to leadership, to success, and to life: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People … [Read more...] about Where to buy Girl Scout Cookies 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
Free entrance days in Hawaii National Parks
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
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
When and where to experience Lāhainā Noon
We don't often think about the Earth quietly moving around the sun. Day in and day out, our globe slowly rotates through night and day, summer to winter, and around again. Year after year. Every so often, particular phenomenon occur that can make us stop and pay a bit more attention. Equinoxes and solstices anchor the seasons. Full moons and eclipses bring more awe. Another noticeable event occurs at the "subsolar point", when the sun reaches its northernmost or … [Read more...] about When and where to experience Lāhainā Noon
Oʻahu: Punahou Carnival in Mānoa
Punahou Carnival is an annual fun-filled fundraising event with food, local arts & crafts, games, rides, and live entertainment. It is produced by the current junior class and supported by thousands of volunteers, including students, parents, faculty/staff, and alumni. Vendors at the carnival offer everything from Hawaiian Plates and hamburgers to malassadas and ice cream, plus haku lei, local products, Punahou merch, and much more. Since its inception … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Punahou Carnival in Mānoa
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
