From its founding in the Territory of Hawaii in 1903 to today, the family-owned kama'āina E. K. Fernandez Shows has brought entertainment experiences to Hawaiʻi for over a century. Families, sports teams, churches, schools, and other businesses and organizations can enjoy carnival rides, play games and win prizes, and enjoy tasty fair treats or a delicious plate on the midway. The Fernandez company is recognized nationally and internationally for its long history … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: 50th State Fair at Aloha Stadium
Oʻahu
Oʻahu: Help Sew 38,000 Lei for Memorial Day
As unique and diverse as our communities are in Hawaiʻi, so are some of our traditions on Memorial Day. One of the more distinct traditions is the placing of lei upon every gravesite within Punchbowl for Memorial Day. Every year the members of the community work together to make 38,000 lei for every service member laid to rest at the cemetery. You are invited to donate lei (made of fresh flowers/ti leaf, measuring 20-22 inches untied, please tie), lei flowers … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Help Sew 38,000 Lei for Memorial Day
Oʻahu: Pūowaina aka “Punchbowl” (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific)
Called Pūowaina in Hawaiian, the volcano erupted some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. Pūowaina (which can be translated as “Hill of Sacrifice”) has deep religious significance for the Hawaiian people. Long before Europeans arrived, it was a place where people who had committed certain crimes or “kapu” were put to death. The lava formed an oval, bowl-shaped crater, alluding to the English name, "punchbowl". Today, the site is commonly referred to as … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Pūowaina aka “Punchbowl” (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific)
Free comic book days in the Hawaiian Islands
Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) celebrates independent specialty shops selling comic books and related products. On FCBD, you can get a free comic book from well-known publishers like DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Yep! Stories give away comic books--absolutely free--to anyone who comes into their shops. Each comic book specialty shop is unique, with a style and personality all its own. Each shop typically carries comic books, graphic novels, and related … [Read more...] about Free comic book days in the Hawaiian Islands
Easter egg hunts around Hawaiʻi
Like Christmas, Easter is a Christian holy day that has also become a secular holiday celebrated by retailers and non-Christian communities around the world. Secular Easter events typically include photos with a life-size Easter bunny, spring flower bouquets, special holiday baked goods, family gatherings with lots of food, and Easter egg hunts. In the list below, we focus on Easter egg hunts that are free or low cost or are community fundraisers. Tips for … [Read more...] about Easter egg hunts around Hawaiʻi
Where to get Easter bunny photos
The Easter Bunny's in town! Hop in to have a photo taken. Listed below are places to get a professional photo as well as any BYOC (bring your own camera) and free appearances with the EB. While Easter is a Christian holy day, it has also become a secular spring holiday celebrated by retailers and non-Christians around the world with spring flower bouquets, special holiday baked goods, and family gatherings with lots of food, along with photos with life-size … [Read more...] about Where to get Easter bunny photos
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
Oʻahu: Waikīkī SPAM JAM street food festival
Other places in the world celebrate iconic local food, such as garlic, onions, pickles, oysters, mussels, lutefisk, and more. The annual Waikīkī SPAM JAM street festival is Hawaiʻi's answer to an iconic food festival. Introduced in 1937 by Hormel Foods, more SPAM® is consumed per person in Hawaiʻi than in any other state in the U.S. Almost seven million cans of SPAM are eaten every year in Hawaii. What is SPAM? SPAM is a shelf-stable canned meat product. The … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Waikīkī SPAM JAM street food festival
Hawaiʻi Triennial contemporary visual art exhibition
Hawai‘i Triennial is the state’s largest exhibition of contemporary visual art from Hawai‘i, the Pacific, Asia, and around the world. The exhibition is held every three years in multiple venues (such as museums, galleries, and gardens) across the Hawaiian Pai Aina. Hawai‘i Triennial 2025 The next Hawai‘i Triennial for 15 February – 04 May 2025. Exhibitions will be held and Hawai‘i Island, Maui, and O‘ahu. The theme for Hawai‘i Triennial 2025 (HT25) is ALOHA NŌ, … [Read more...] about Hawaiʻi Triennial contemporary visual art exhibition
Oʻahu: 1st Friday festival in Honolulu Chinatown and Arts District
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
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
February is Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian Language Month)
During Pepeluali (February) special events are held throughout the Hawaiian pae ʻāina to celebrate Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian Language Month). History of Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai’i From 1846-1943, Hawai’i laws were required to be published in both Hawaiian and English. In 1943, a law was enacted to end this dual language requirement. In additiona, three years after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, a law had banned the use of Hawaiian in … [Read more...] about February is Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian Language Month)
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
