August
15th Annual International Tahitian Dance Festival/Heiva I Kauai (August 6-7)
Location: Kauai
Description: Enjoy an exciting, colorful 2-day Tahitian cultural festival featuring Tahitian dance and drumming competition, including the Award-winning Honolulu Tahitian dance group Te Vai Ura Nuiin. Enjoy exhibition dances that portray the legends and stories of Tahiti, with audience participation in Tahitian dance and coconut husking contests.
8th Annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival (August 13)
Location: Royal Kona Resort, Hawaii Island
Description: Watch as over 20 of the world’s top bartenders compete for the title of World’s Best Mai Tai, the iconic Polynesian-style cocktail. Taste and vote for Hawaii’s Best Barbeque. Listen to live music from award-winning, Grammy nominated artist Henry Kapono, or explore the Mai Tai Marketplace for crafts and island treats from local artisans and merchants.
34th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival (August 14)
Location: Honolulu, Oahu
Description: Listen to the the indigenous sound of Hawaii at the 34th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Festival! Founded in 1982, the event celebrates the cultural importance of the slack key guitar, originating in 1830 with the Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy). The goal is to perpetuate and preserve this musical art form through the artistry of today’s well-known slack key musicians. Also featured will be local cuisine, island crafters and festival merchandise.
September
Aloha Festivals (September 3, 17, 24)
Location: Oahu
Description: This month-long, statewide celebration was created to “to foster the Aloha Spirit” through “the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and the celebration of the diverse customs and traditions of Hawaii”. In its 70th year, activities are concentrated on the island of Oahu. Themed “HĀLI`A ALOHA”, or “Treasured Memories”, the 2016 festival and will feature the Grand Opening Ceremony, Royal Court Investiture, Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻ, culminating with the highly-celebrated Floral Parade.
Chinese Moon Festival (September 15-16)
Location: Lahaina
Description: Celebrate the island’s fall agricultural harvest with Chinese teas and moon cakes, served under the Hawaiian sky. Each evening, listen to the the spiritual sounds of ancient Chinese music, accompanied by the artistic folk custom of lantern dancing. Experience ancient Chinese cultural activities like calligraphy, knot tying and kau chim divination. Kids can learn to make paper lanterns and plant Chinese Lantern & Moon Flower seeds. Learn the folklore behind one of the most important holidays in the Chinese culture.
Hawaii Island Festival of Birds (September 24-25)
Location: Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island Festival of Birds
Description: This first annual Festival of Birds marks the grand opening of the 90 mile, Hawaii Island Coast to Coast Birding Trail. A first for the state, the trail will follow a cross-island route from Kona to Hilo, traveling from desert to rainforest. The diversity of habitats will offer a broad representation of island birdlife, nature, geology, history, and scenic vistas. Enjoy birding by boat and trail, photo and art workshops, expert speakers, children’s activities, and more…while supporting the protection of Hawaii Island’s natural heritage.
October
Hawaii Yoga Festival (October 11 -16)
Location: Hawaii Island
Description: Set your life on a renewed course with a community of like minded souls, at the 4th annual Hawaii Yoga Festival. The 5-day event takes place at the Big Island’s premiere retreat center, Kalani beginning with a traditional Hawaiian ceremony that calls into focus the intention of balance. The full schedule of activities include playful, restorative asana, pranayama, meditation, kirtan, and wellness treatments. Also on tap in this lush tropical paradise,will be uniquely authentic Hawaiian cultural events, and local farm to fork cuisine.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (October 14-30)
Location: Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island
Description: Foodie clients should already be looking forward to the sixth annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival with culinary events happening on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island. The festival – in part, a celebration of Hawaii’s bounty of locally-grown produce and locally-made products – aims to offer visitors a taste of Hawaii’s mix of cultures and ethnicities through something nearly everybody can connect with: great food.
November
Made In Maui County Festival (November 5-6)
Location: Maui
Description: Get a jump start on your holiday shopping, while supporting made-in-Maui County products. A total of 140 product vendors plus 12 food trucks will be selected for this year’s event which will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Additional activities include tastings of locally made spirits, fashion show and product demonstrations.
46th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November 4-13)
Location: Hawaii Island
Description: Hawaii’s oldest food festival, The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, celebrates it’s 46th anniversary this year. With 10 days of fan favorites and dynamic new events, this annual Festival promotes and perpetuates the culture, heritage, artistry and rich history behind Kona’s nearly 200-year-old world-famous brew.
December
Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary Events (December 1-11)
Location: Oahu
Description: To honor the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and America’s entrance into World War II, the ten-day long celebration commemorates the bravery and resolve of those involved in the attack. With Military Band performances, a wreath laying ceremony, movie screenings, memorial services and more, this festival will balance the perfect combination of remembrance and fun.
Festival of Lights (December 2-24)
Location: Kauai (Lihue)
Description: Celebrate Christmas on Kauai at Elizabeth Freeman’s annual holiday extravaganza, the award-winning Festival of Lights. Celebrating its 20th year, local designer Elizabeth Freeman presents a collection of Christmas art created with the assistance of local artisans from recycled materials. Festival of Lights showcases Kauai-style decorations designed by Elizabeth with assistance from volunteers, as well as the late Auntie Josie’s unique “folk art” creations. Some of Elizabeth’s most recognized trees include “SPAM”, “Kilauea Lighthouse”, “Peacock” and the nationally-recognized “Aloha Recycled Treasures,” made from plastic water bottles.