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 Malaki (March) 24-27, 2023, you'll find in-person as well as virtual events (live stream, on-demand) of all kinds. Follow recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce its impact on our communities using these resources about testing, wearing masks, and … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this weekend
All Hawaiian Islands
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)
Where to buy Girl Scout Cookies in Hawaiʻi
Most people have a special place in their heart for Girl Scout Cookies. Not only are the cookies delicious, the Girl Scout Cookie Program also helps girls fulfill their dreams and follow their passions. 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, … [Read more...] about Where to buy Girl Scout Cookies in Hawaiʻi
Free things to do in March
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). March 2023 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
What’s closed and open on Prince Kūhiō Day 2023
Prince Kūhiō Day is a state holiday observed in Hawai‘i every year on the annivesary of his birth, March 26, 1871. The day honors the life of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole and his many accomplishments in service of his people and the Hawaiian Islands. Sunday, March 26, 2023 is Prince Kūhiō Day. Because it falls on a weekend in 2022, the holiday is observed on the nearest weekday or March 27, 2023. About Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi Born into … [Read more...] about What’s closed and open on Prince Kūhiō Day 2023
Prince Kūhiō Day March 26 celebrates Ke Ali’i Makaainana
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 Ali’i Makaainana
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. As always, we focus on restaurants and food establishments with modest prices. We may also feature more expensive options that offer a special meal or savings. The food and drink deals with an … [Read more...] about Restaurants discounts on fast food, fine dining, and more
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 2023 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 … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in February
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
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi
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
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
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
When and where to experience Lāhainā Noon in Hawaiʻi
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 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
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
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
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
