Every month on the first Friday, the Honolulu Arts District and Chinatown host a street festival featuring the art galleries, shops, restaurants, live entertainment, street vendors, and more. Many establishments offer discounts, food and drink specials, and free entertainment. Most shops are open from 5-9PM, but you can party into the night at bars and clubs throughout the neighborhood. First Friday On the first Friday of every month, the Honolulu Arts District … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: 1st Friday festival in Honolulu Chinatown and Arts District
Oʻahu
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
Walk with a Doc free community walking programs across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina
Walk with a Doc is a nonprofit that was started in 2005 by cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir in Columbus, Ohio. Since then, the program has spread around the world. Walk with a Doc is free walking program led by local doctors, healthcare providers, and/or medical students. These ongoing events allow participants to safely walk (or roll), learn about current health topics, and meet new people. Listed below are Hawaii – Walk with a Doc programs. Most have a banner or … [Read more...] about Walk with a Doc free community walking programs across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina
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
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
Oʻahu: street food festivals on Kalākaua Avenue
The bustling neighborhood of Waikīkī is home to frequent parades and street festivals throughout the year, including the ʻOhana Block Party Festivals. For these street festivals, Kalākaua Avenue is lined with local food vendors selling everything from cane juice to snacks and Hawaiian plate lunches, plus artisans and craft makers offering unique handmade arts & crafts. You'll also enjoy local music and entertainment, including activities for keiki. Waikīkī's … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: street food festivals on Kalākaua Avenue
Oʻahu: FREE Capitol Modern art museum (aka HiSAM) in downtown Honolulu
Capitol Modern in Honolulu is dedicated to presenting the largest and finest collection of works by Hawai‘i artists from across the state representing a comprehensive portrait of our Islands. Exhibitions are curated from the Art in Public Places Collection and student exhibitions. The museum is located in downtown Honolulu near the State Capitol, Iolani Palace, and the State Library. Find Capitol Modern on the second floor of the No. 1 Capitol District … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: FREE Capitol Modern art museum (aka HiSAM) in downtown Honolulu
17 iconic hikes & trails on O’ahu
Listed below are easy to moderate trails often mentioned as favorites by hikers on Oʻahu. They include iconic trails popular with visitors, as well as some lesser known but favored treks all over the island. Please be prepared before you go on any hike, whether it is a pleasant family stroll or something more challenging. Even flat, easy trails can become hazardous if you do not have enough water or necessary supplies. You can be caught in a sudden downpour, … [Read more...] about 17 iconic hikes & trails on O’ahu
21 must-see museums in Hawai‘i (best bang for your buck)
Hawai‘i is home to a variety of world-class and local interest museums. The following popular museums offer a wide range of ways you can explore Hawaiian art, culture, and history. To guide your choices, we include general admission and the kama‘āina discount price, as well as any free days. Discount admission tickets may also be available to seniors, children, and members of the military. Hawai'i Island must-see museums Hawai'i: H.N. Greenwell Store … [Read more...] about 21 must-see museums in Hawai‘i (best bang for your buck)
Oʻahu: How to get free admission & discount tickets to Bishop Museum
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, often referred to as "the Bishop" is the largest museum in the state of Hawaii. Her primary purpose is to represent and serve the interests of Native Hawaiians. The permanent exhibits take you on a journey through the history of Hawai’i, including Polynesian migrations and wayfinding, cultural beliefs and traditions, daily life in ancient Hawaii, important historical events, and much more. Rotating exhibits taker a deeper dive into … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: How to get free admission & discount tickets to Bishop Museum
“Where is Santa” photo experiences on Hawaiʻi and Oʻahu
This is a sponsored post. When you support our advertisers, you help to keep our site in business, bringing you the best deals and free events in Hawaiʻi. Sponsored by: Cherry Hill Programs (whereissanta.com). Read full disclosure: Privacy Policy - Affiliate Program Participation (hawaiionthecheap.com). Picture-Perfect Memories: Santa Photo Experiences in Hawaiʻi Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable photo experience. With a jolly, authentic … [Read more...] about “Where is Santa” photo experiences on Hawaiʻi and Oʻahu
When and where to watch whales for free in Hawaiʻi
Winter to spring is whale watching season in Hawaiʻi. The North Pacific humpback is the most common whale found in Hawaiʻi. Thousands of humpback whales migrate every year, swimming 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaiʻi and back again. While many boat tours get you on the water for whale watching, humpback whales are easy to spot from Hawai’i shores during migration season. Peak humpback whale watching season in Hawaiʻi is January to March. However, the first … [Read more...] about When and where to watch whales for free in Hawaiʻi
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
Oʻahu: annual Slow Food Mai‘a Ho‘olaule‘a (Banana Festival)
Bananas: Not just for smoothies anymore! Discover their amazing versatility at the Banana Festival. Bananas have been an essential part of Hawaiian life for centuries, from ancient Polynesian voyaging to modern-day gardens. Celebrate this incredible fruit in all its forms. Discover just how versatile bananas are with tastings, hands-on textile dyeing, banana fiber weaving demo, speakers, and a Great Banana Cook-off contest. Banana varieties brought as canoe … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: annual Slow Food Mai‘a Ho‘olaule‘a (Banana Festival)
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)
Oʻahu: public stargazing events around the island
Located in the central Pacific, the the island of Oʻahu offers stargazing opportunities with less light and air pollution compared to other metropolitan areas on the U.S. mainland. In addition, the Hawaiian Islands are the southernmost location in the United States. From Hawaiʻi Island (19.8968° N) to Kauaʻi (22.108543° N), the Hawiian night sky can offer different constellations and celestial objects, such as the Southern Cross (Crux), which is not visible in … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: public stargazing events around the island
Aloha Week and ʻOhana Festivals cultural events
“Aloha Week” was conceived in 1946 as a cultural revival of Hawaiian music, dance, and history, a re-imagined "makahiki"—the ancient Hawaiian New Year festival traditionally held in late-October or early November. The new Aloha Week included a parade and the Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa (celebration, aka block party) on Kalākaua Avenue. Dozens of volunteer-run events on neighboring islands were added over the years. In 1991, Aloha Week became "Aloha Festivals"—a statewide … [Read more...] about Aloha Week and ʻOhana Festivals cultural events
All about stinging box jellyfish on Oʻahu beaches
The presence of stinging box jellyfish on Oʻahu beaches has been increasing since 1988. Below you can read about this variety of jellyfish found in Hawaiian waters, how to avoid them, and what to do if you get stung—don't worry, you might cry but won't die. Box jellyfish are found in shallow tropical sea waters, especially in quiet areas such as bays. They have a square-shaped body or bell—hence the common name. Extending from the bell are four tentacles, which … [Read more...] about All about stinging box jellyfish on Oʻahu beaches
Oʻahu: Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace
The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is Hawaii's largest outdoor market featuring hundreds of vendors, crafters, and artists from all over the world. You can find discounts on a wide selection of high-quality products from clothing, accessories, and fine jewelry to vintage antiques, Hawaiian souvenirs, and pre-packaged ethnic foods. Beautifully handcrafted products and exclusive art pieces are made and sold by the artists themselves. About Aloha Stadium Aloha Stadium … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace
Oʻahu: How to enjoy live theatre on a budget
There is a wide range of live theatre productions offered at theatres across Oʻahu. You can enjoy classic plays, Broadway musicals, and experimental works. In addition, you can find original plays by local playwrights, featuring stories unique to Hawai’i. Listed below are Oʻahu theatres offering live productions and several ways to enjoy live theatre on a budget. How to save money on live theatre Volunteers are welcome at most theaters. A volunteer benefit often … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: How to enjoy live theatre on a budget
Oʻahu: recycle your Denim for a Chance to WIN at Windward Mall
From July 15-30, 2024, Windward Mall is collecting your denim to be donated to Goodwill Hawaii. Place your gently used, worn-out or outdated denim in the Denim Days donation box located at Cookies Clothing Company, Hawaii's Finest, I Mana Ka Oiwi, Jeans Warehouse, Torrid, Victoria's Secret PINK, or Town & Country Surf. Scan the QR code on the box or nearby sign to enter for a chance to win a custom creation from denim upcycling brand, American Butt Clothing! … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: recycle your Denim for a Chance to WIN at Windward Mall
Where to watch fireworks on Fourth of July in Hawaiʻi
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 … [Read more...] about Where to watch fireworks on Fourth of July in Hawaiʻi
Make Music Day Hawai’i
Make Music Day MMD is a worldwide celebration of music held every year on June 21 — the summer solstice and longest day of the year. The daylong musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms. Rather than a traditional music festival of professional bands, Make Music Day promotes the natural music maker in all of us—regardless of age, ethnicity, or skill level (especially skill level!). Started in France in 1982 as the “Fête de la Musique” (festival … [Read more...] about Make Music Day Hawai’i
Oʻahu: Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC)
The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (SPC), now The Pacific Community, launched this showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. FestPAC is a highly anticipated event for both Pacific Islanders and visitors from around the world. The festival preserves traditional arts … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC)
Oʻahu: HBL Honolulu Century Ride
As O‘ahu’s oldest and largest cycling organization, Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) advocates for positive changes that will help make Hawaiʻi a cycling paradise and encourage more people to ride bicycles. Whether you are an experienced rider, new to biking, or need more information about safe cycling on Oʻahu, HBL is a great resource for information about bike laws, bike registration, and safe riding. About HBL HBL offers riding and safety workshops for every skill … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: HBL Honolulu Century Ride
