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 in 1936 as a fundraiser for the Punahou student yearbook, the carnival has become a valuable opportunity to work together as a team, to develop next year’s leaders, and to support financial aid. People from all over Oʻahu flock to the carnival each year for family fun. The Variety Show is an integral part of the Punahou Carnival. It is a decades-old tradition that showcases the immense talents of the senior class. Seniors write, construct costumes & sets, design choreography & staging, and perform in the highly anticipated annual show.

Punahou Carnival FAQ

• The carnival is a fundraiser held over two days in February.
• Thousands of volunteers produce the Carnival each year.
• Animals are not allowed on campus.
• Punahou Carnival includes food, games, rides, free live entertainment, and local arts & crafts (more info below).

2025 Punahou Carnival 

Step right up, folks! Get ready to dust off your boots and saddle up for the most thrilling event of the year – The Class of 2026 presents “Pā‘ina Paniolo: A Country Carnival”. “Pā‘ina Paniolo” celebrates our rich heritage with a twist of country flair. Paniolo, the Hawaiian cowboys, symbolize our rugged, adventurous spirit. Now, we’re bringing that spirit to life in a carnival extravaganza that’ll have you shouting “Yeehaw!” in no time. Expect thrilling rides, classic carnival games, and mouthwatering treats – all set against the backdrop of a country paradise.

• When: Friday-Saturday, February 7-8, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Where: Punahou’s lower campus in Mānoa, 1601 Punahou St (main entrance at Punahou Street and Wilder Ave).
• Parking options include some with reserved space: Parking | Punahou School
• Scrip is used for purchases at food, specialty booths, games, and rides. No cash. Purchase scrip with a major credit/debit card, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. 
• Haku Lei: purchases from the haku lei specialty booth requires a numbered ticket, distributed at the beginning of each day. Walk-ups are possible with no guarantee of purchase. 

More info: Carnival 2025 | Punahou School

Event calendar of free and affordable things to do

Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina.

Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.

You might also like: Hawaiʻi on the Cheap – affordable living and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)