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 Kepakemapa (September) 20-22, 2024, you'll find events of all kinds curated from organizers and venues across the state. Free and cheap things to do this weekend For weekdays or any other weekend during the year be sure to visit the … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this weekend
All Hawaiian Islands
Sign up for Emergency Alerts
Hopefully, you are familiar with our emergency alert system (EAS). Most EAS messages are sent by local and state authorities. The public will typically receive emergency alerts for events such as extreme weather (hurricanes, tsunamis, flash floods, etc.) There are also Amber Alerts (for child abduction cases), Silver Alerts (Silver Alert for missing persons – especially senior citizens), and active shooter situations. In addition, public safety alerts can also be … [Read more...] about Sign up for Emergency Alerts
Free things to do in September
Listed below are the free things to do in September. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our calendar of affordable September events. For more things to do every day (free and paid), see our Calendar of free and cheap things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com). Free events September 2024 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 … [Read more...] about Free things to do in September
Affordable September events
Our September 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 general admission 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, … [Read more...] about Affordable September events
How and where to donate on Hawai‘i Foodbank Drive Day
Hawai‘i Foodbank is committed to being the healthy option for anyone experiencing hunger. Your support helps improve access to healthy food for the most vulnerable in our communities. Food Drive Day is dedicated to raising funds for fresh produce. More than one quarter of the food Hawai‘i Foodbank distributes is fresh, healthy produce – and you can help them provide even more. Hawaiʻi Foodbank Drive Day is Saturday, August 24, 2024. Residents on … [Read more...] about How and where to donate on Hawai‘i Foodbank Drive Day
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
Hawaii state holidays 2024: 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 2024: What’s closed and open
Voter’s guide for the State of Hawaii
Listed below is information about voter registration, Hawaii elections, and how to vote. All Hawaii elections are conducted by mail. The State of Hawaii Office of Elections in Pearl City is responsible for candidate filing, handling of ballots, and voter education. How to register to vote in Hawaii Once you are a registered voter, you do not need to re-register again for any election. However, do keep your registration up-to-date with correct mailing … [Read more...] about Voter’s guide for the State of Hawaii
Shaka Auto License Plates available on all Hawaiian Islands
Shaka Auto License Plates are now available on all Hawaiian Islands. First year registration fee varies by county. To get your shaka plates on any island, apply with your local DMV (more information below). The Shaka Pledge I will: FEAR NOT. Be curious, hang loose, be epic… CONNECT. With family, region & history… NURTURE. Inspire, teach, grow… SERVE. People, community & planet… MAHALO. With gratitude, love & … [Read more...] about Shaka Auto License Plates available on all Hawaiian Islands
Free things to do in August
Listed below are free things to do in August. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our August events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com). For more things to do every day (free and paid), see our Calendar of free and cheap things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com). Free events August 2024 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 … [Read more...] about Free things to do in August
Best things to buy in August
Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. 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. Here are the shopping highlights for August in Hawai'i stores. Special events with shopping discounts and deals include … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in August
Affordable August events
Our August 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 general admission 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, … [Read more...] about Affordable August events
Restaurants discounts on fast food, fine dining, and more
These food deals, beverage deals, and restaurant dining discounts are available primarily on Oʻahu and to a lesser extent on the outer islands. You'll find offers from local eateries, national chains, and fast food restaurants as well as fine dining establishments. Always keep in mind that prices and participation can vary--a food deal may not be available at your nearest location. This is because national chains are often franchises that are locally owned and … [Read more...] about Restaurants discounts on fast food, fine dining, and more
How to save on back-to-school supplies
For many parents, shopping for school supplies is another chore in an already packed schedule. It can be more fun to think of it as a traditional outing. It can also be a lesson for your keiki on spending wisely and saving. Listed below are more strategies for shopping wisely for school supplies. August 5, 2024. Student first day of school. Hawaii DOE | Calendar Events (hawaiipublicschools.org) How to save on back-to-school supplies Summertime is NOT the best … [Read more...] about How to save on back-to-school supplies
Best handmade ice cream, soft serve, and gelato across the Hawaiian pae āina
Hawaiʻi may be better known for shave ice and tropical cocktails. But we also boast many small-batch producers serving up rich and creamy ice cream, soft serve, gelato, and Asian-influenced frozen treats. Listed below by island are our favorite ice cream makers. Big Island Ice Cream (Listed alphabetically by business name) Roselani (roselani.com). Creamy, dreamy ice cream handmade in Wailuku, Maui for over 87 years. Available throughout the state of Hawaii … [Read more...] about Best handmade ice cream, soft serve, and gelato across the Hawaiian pae āina
Free things to do in July
Listed below are the free things to do in July. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our July events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com) Calendar of free things to do in July 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 July
Best things to buy in July
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 July across Hawaiʻi. 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 July include … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in July
Affordable July Events & Entertainment
Our July 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 July Events & Entertainment
Free summer meal program for ALL keiki age 18 and younger
During the school year, nutritious meals are available to students through federal programs. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that our school children receive nutritious food throughout the summer. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) will serve meals free of charge at select public schools throughout the state to children ages 18 and younger regardless of public … [Read more...] about Free summer meal program for ALL keiki age 18 and younger
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)
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
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
Wayfinding: Polynesian navigation and the Hawaiian star compass
Many people, of which I am one, consider Polynesians to be the greatest navigators in history. When Greeks and Romans were merely plying the Mediterraean Sea using a few rudimentary directional tools, Polynesians navigated long distances over open ocean without instruments, by using wayfinding techniques that included stargazing and other observations. In simple terms, wayfinding is the process of maintaining a course to a destination. A pet cat uses wayfinding … [Read more...] about Wayfinding: Polynesian navigation and the Hawaiian star compass
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
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. What is hula? Hula is a very complex dance form unique to the Hawaiian Islands. It is not to be … [Read more...] about Hawaiian hula dance: where to see & learn hula
