The Most Epic Annual Events in Hawaii: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Hawaiʻi is more than a postcard-perfect destination—it’s a living culture with deep traditions, joyful celebrations, and a calendar full of festivals that bring the islands’ stories to life. From royal parades and world-class hula to ocean-honoring ceremonies and food events that showcase local growers and chefs, the best annual events in Hawaiʻi mix heritage, community, and the spirit of aloha. This guide curates the top 10 must-experience festivals (currently open), with practical tips, family-friendly notes, and insider context so you can plan a trip around the moments locals love most.
Merrie Monarch Festival — Hilo’s Week of Hula, History, and Pride (Island of Hawaiʻi)
There is nothing on earth quite like Merrie Monarch—Hawaiʻi’s iconic, week-long hula festival honoring King David Kalākaua, the “Merrie Monarch,” who championed Native Hawaiian arts. Expect pageantry, craft fairs, music, and the most prestigious hula competitions in the world. The 2025 festival ran April 20–26 in Hilo and the official site already lists future dates and companion programming, signaling strong continuity. Merrie Monarch+1
Why it belongs on your bucket list
It’s the gold standard for hula—both traditional kahiko and modern ‘auana.
The entire town transforms: midday entertainment, artisan markets, and a royal parade.
Even if you can’t score tickets to the competition nights, the Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair and community events are spectacular (and often free).
Planning tips
Book flights and accommodations months in advance.
Build time for Hilo’s rainforests and waterfalls—this is a nature-and-culture trip.
Aloha Festivals — Royal Traditions in the Heart of Waikīkī (Oʻahu)
Each fall, Aloha Festivals lights up Honolulu with a royal court investiture, massive block-party Ho‘olaule‘a, and the beloved Floral Parade down Kalākaua Avenue. The non-profit organization behind the event confirms the 2025 season and sponsors, reinforcing that the celebration is very much alive and currently operating. alohafestivals.com
What makes it epic
A living expression of Hawaiian monarchy-era protocol and community pride.
Marching bands, flower-laden pā‘ū riders on horseback, and cultural performances.
Easy to pair with a Waikīkī getaway—family-friendly and photogenic.
Good to know
The parade day brings road closures; plan walking routes or TheBus.
Honolulu Festival — Pacific Rim Culture Meets Waikīkī Fireworks (Oʻahu)
Every March, the Honolulu Festival unites cultures around the Pacific with stage shows, craft demos, and a grand parade capped by a Waikīkī fireworks display. The official festival site and local listings confirm the 2025 edition (March 7–9), with ongoing support and programming announcements. honolulufestival.com+1
Why you’ll love it
Celebrates Hawaiʻi’s place in the Pacific community—from Japan to Oceania.
Free entertainment across multiple venues; great for families.
A festive alternative if you miss fall’s Aloha Festivals.
Pro move
Stay close to the parade route for easy transitions to the beach at sunset.
Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi — A Memorial Day Gathering of Hearts (Oʻahu)
On Memorial Day evening, thousands gather at Ala Moana Beach for the deeply moving Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi ceremony. Participants release lanterns carrying remembrances and prayers, creating a ribbon of light on the ocean. The 2025 ceremony took place May 26, 6:30–7:30 p.m., marking its 27th year. Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i+1
What to expect
An inclusive, reflective event honoring loved ones and fostering unity.
Crowds are large but respectful; arrive early and follow volunteer guidance.
Bring
A light layer and patience—the peaceful pace is part of the experience.
Lei Day Celebration — May 1 at Kapiʻolani Park (Oʻahu)
Hawaiʻi’s love letter to flowers and community, Lei Day has been celebrated on May 1 for nearly a century. Honolulu’s official Lei Day Celebration at Kapiʻolani Park features a lei contest, music, hula, and the crowning of the Lei Court. The city confirms the event annually and highlighted the 97th celebration in 2025. City and County of Honolulu+2City and County of Honolulu+2
Why it’s unmissable
The world-renowned lei contest displays botanical artistry you won’t see elsewhere.
Family-friendly, free, and a beautiful way to connect with Native Hawaiian culture.
Tip
Arrive early for the lei exhibit and bring reef-safe sunscreen for a day at the park.
Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest — Surf, Swim, and the Spirit of Duke (Oʻahu)
Each August, Waikīkī sports the smile of Duke Kahanamoku—Olympic champion, global ambassador of surfing—with a multi-day festival of amateur ocean sports, beach volleyball, and community events. The foundation confirms the 2025 OceanFest window, and local surf outlets covered its daily highlights. dukefoundation.org+1
What sets it apart
You’re celebrating Hawaiʻi’s waterman heritage where surfing went global.
Easy to watch from the sand; plenty of kid-friendly moments.
Make it special
Time your visit for a sunset heat, then stroll Kalākaua for dinner and live music.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational — If It’s On, Drop Everything (Oʻahu)
“The Eddie” at Waimea Bay is surf’s holy grail. It only runs in winters when wave faces consistently reach 40 feet—hence its rarity and electricity when called on. The official channels and coverage confirm the contest window and recent editions, including a modern era of women invited to compete and a 2024/25 champion crowned. Diario AS+4ripcurl.com+4theeddieaikau.com+4
How to do it right
Follow official announcements; the opening ceremony typically happens in early December with a holding period into March.
Parking is tight; arrive pre-dawn or use shuttles/ride-shares. Bring water, hat, and patience.
Why it’s epic
It’s a living memorial to Eddie Aikau, legendary lifeguard and waterman, and a breathtaking show of skill and respect for the sea.
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival — Pink Petals, Local Pride (Island of Hawaiʻi)
Every February in upcountry Waimea (Kamuela), cherry trees blush across Church Row Park and beyond. The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival spreads music, dance, food booths, and cultural demos across town. The 2025 festival (the 32nd annual) ran Feb 1, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., with official civic and community pages detailing venues and schedules. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii+2Waimea Community Association+2
Why go
A joyful celebration of Japanese-Hawaiian ties, local artisans, and small-town aloha.
Easy to combine with Parker Ranch history and Big Island scenic drives.
Tip
Expect cool upcountry weather—bring a light jacket and comfy shoes.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival — Ten Days of Beans, Music, and Merriment (Island of Hawaiʻi)
The oldest food festival in Hawaiʻi, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates farmers, heritage mills, and the bean that put Kona on café menus worldwide. The 54th annual festival runs November 7–16, 2025, with lantern parades, cupping competitions, farm tours, and tastings. Kona Coffee Cultural Festival+1
What makes it special
Hands-on ways to meet growers and taste single-origin coffees.
Friendly, educational events for both casual sippers and coffee geeks.
Plan ahead
Popular events (like farm tours) sell out—book early and rent a car for upcountry venues.
Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival — Three Islands, One Delicious Season (Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Oʻahu)
Co-founded by acclaimed chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong, the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival brings star talent together with local farmers and fishers. The 15th annual runs October 17–Nov 2, 2025, with events on the Island of Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu. Hawaii Food & Wine Festival+1
Why it’s a must
The best place to taste how regional ingredients become haute cuisine.
Mixes grand tasting events with intimate chef collaborations.
Insider tip
Buy tickets early for marquee dinners; they’re limited and go fast.
Waikīkī SPAM® Jam — Hawaiʻi’s Quirky, Crowd-Pleaser Street Party (Oʻahu)
It’s Hawaiʻi’s most lovable block party: Waikīkī SPAM® Jam, where Kalākaua Avenue turns into a food fair featuring creative SPAM® dishes from local restaurants, live music, and family fun. The 2025 festival ran April 26 (late April annually), with official community calendars and partners confirming road closures and festivities. Waikiki Business Improvement District+2Outrigger+2
Why it rocks
A flavorful snapshot of local grindz culture, playful and welcoming.
Families love it; the street closure creates a safe strolling corridor.
Tip
Come hungry, and share plates so you can try more booths.
Kōloa Plantation Days — Heritage on Kauaʻi’s Sunny South Shore (Kauaʻi)
Ten days in July packed with parades, plantation-era storytelling, local foods, and live music—Kōloa Plantation Days celebrates multicultural roots on Kauaʻi. The 40th anniversary in 2025 ran July 18–27, with an Annual Park Celebration and Historic Parade on July 26 confirmed by the festival and county. koloaplantationdays.com+2Kauai County+2
Why it matters
Honoring immigrant communities and the paniolo spirit through performances and exhibits.
Plenty of free and family-friendly events—great value for travelers.
What to pack
Sun hat, refillable bottle, and an appetite for food-booth classics.
Kauaʻi Mokihana Festival — Hula, Mele, and Cultural Workshops (Kauaʻi)
For a more intimate cultural week, the Kauaʻi Mokihana Festival in September offers hula competitions, composer showcases, craft fairs, and a church blessing to open. The 2025 festival ran Sept 21–27, with schedules posted by organizers and partner venues. Mālie Foundation+2Kauai Now+2
Highlights
Beautiful mele (song) and hula in a community setting.
Craft fair days that are perfect for hand-made souvenirs with meaning.
Tip
Rent a car; venues are spread across the island with scenic drives between.
Bonus Spotlight: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival (Multiple Islands)
If your visit lines up, the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival series stages concerts across islands (Waikīkī, Kona, Kauaʻi, and more). In 2025, events such as Waikīkī Style at the Aquarium (Aug 23) and Kona Style (Nov 16) gave visitors an easy way to enjoy this uniquely Hawaiian art form. waikikiaquarium.org+2event.outrigger.com+2
Why go
Hear kī hō‘alu (slack key) masters in intimate, family-friendly venues.
A mellow, musical counterpoint to big-crowd festivals.
How to Plan Your Festival-Focused Hawaii Trip
Book around set dates. Major events—Merrie Monarch (April), Kona Coffee (November), Aloha Festivals (September), Food & Wine (late October–early November)—anchor an itinerary. Confirmed 2025/26 dates on official pages show these are actively operating with clear schedules. Hawaii Food & Wine Festival+3Merrie Monarch+3Kona Coffee Cultural Festival+3
Consider seasonality and weather.
Winter (Dec–March): Big surf on the North Shore—watch for “The Eddie” window; occasional rain on windward sides. ripcurl.com
Spring (April–May): Merrie Monarch, Lei Day, balmy temps. Merrie Monarch+1
Summer (June–August): OceanFest, plantation parades, calmer seas for boat outings. dukefoundation.org
Fall (Sept–Nov): Aloha Festivals, Food & Wine, Kona Coffee—prime time for culinary and culture lovers. alohafestivals.com+2Hawaii Food & Wine Festival+2
Reserve early. Hotels and flights spike near festival dates. Ticketed events (chef dinners, limited-seat shows) sell out quickly. Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
Move smart. Road closures are common during parades and street festivals (Lei Day, Aloha Festivals, SPAM® Jam). Check city advisories and allow extra time. Waikiki Business Improvement District
Respect place. Many celebrations are rooted in Native Hawaiian protocol. Dress modestly for memorials (Lantern Floating) and treat cultural ceremonies with quiet attention. Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i
Family-Friendly Notes
Best with kids: Lei Day at Kapiʻolani Park, SPAM® Jam’s street party, Kōloa Plantation Days’ park celebration, Honolulu Festival’s free performances. honolulufestival.com+3City and County of Honolulu+3Waikiki Business Improvement District+3
Bring the stroller: Waikīkī events and parades are stroller-friendly; expect crowds and plan bathroom/snack stops.
Quiet moments: Lantern Floating is beautiful for older children—set expectations for stillness and reflection. Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i
Luxury Touches to Elevate the Experience
Chef’s Table at HFWF: Pair high-end resort stays with Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival signature dinners for a destination-within-a-destination feel. Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
VIP parade seating: Some events offer reserved viewing or shaded stands—worth it for photos and comfort.
Guided cultural days: Book a cultural practitioner-led tour between festival days for deeper context (hula implements, lei making, or loko i‘a fishpond visits).
Sample 7-Day “Festival & Culture” Itinerary
Day 1–2: Oʻahu (Honolulu/ Waikīkī)
Arrive, settle in, and align with event dates: Honolulu Festival or Aloha Festivals weekend; sunset on the beach; Kapiʻolani Park for Lei Day (if May). honolulufestival.com+2alohafestivals.com+2
Day 3: Memorial Monday (Seasonal)
If you’re visiting in late May, attend Lantern Floating at Ala Moana—arrive early. Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i
Day 4–5: Island of Hawaiʻi (Hilo or Kona)
Time your trip for Merrie Monarch (Hilo) in April or Kona Coffee (Kailua-Kona) in November; add farm tours or a greenwell coffee stop. Merrie Monarch+1
Day 6: Kauaʻi
Aim for Kōloa Plantation Days (July) or Kauaʻi Mokihana Festival (September); pair with South Shore beaches or Hanapēpē Art Night. koloaplantationdays.com+1
Day 7: Flex Day
Back to Oʻahu for Duke’s OceanFest (August) or keep watch for The Eddie if you’re visiting in winter—if it’s on, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime call. dukefoundation.org+1
Quick Festival Matrix (What You’ll Experience)
Cultural pageantry: Merrie Monarch, Aloha Festivals, Kauaʻi Mokihana
Community memorial: Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi
Hands-on heritage: Lei Day lei contest and demos
Ocean sports: Duke’s OceanFest, The Eddie (conditions permitting)
Food & drink: Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival, Kona Coffee Festival
Street-party fun: Waikīkī SPAM® Jam
Small-town pride: Kōloa Plantation Days
(Each confirmed as active and operating in 2025 with official pages or civic partners.) koloaplantationdays.com+10Merrie Monarch+10alohafestivals.com+10
Practical Packing for Festival Season
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for parades and fairgrounds.
Layers: Lightweight fabrics; a light jacket for upcountry Waimea and evening sea breeze.
Sun care: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a refillable bottle.
Cash & cards: Some craft fairs or food booths are cash-preferred.
Courtesy kit: Small trash bag, hand wipes—help keep Hawaiʻi pristine.
How to Be a Great Guest
Learn and use a few Hawaiian words: aloha (love/hello), mahalo (thank you).
Observe kapu (off-limits) signs and follow event protocol—especially at cultural or memorial gatherings.
Buy from local artisans and food vendors; your dollars sustain the culture you came to experience.
Leave the beach and park better than you found it.
Conclusion
Hawaiʻi’s most epic annual events aren’t just parties on a calendar—they’re the living pulse of the islands. From the reverent glow of Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi to the roar of Waimea Bay when The Eddie runs, from the regal procession of Aloha Festivals to the meticulous artistry of Merrie Monarch, each celebration offers a window into place, people, and tradition.
Summary:
We explored ten can’t-miss festivals—all currently operating—with dates, vibes, and planning tips.
You saw options across multiple islands and seasons, from culture and hula to surf and cuisine.
You learned how to plan smart: book early, watch for parade closures, and respect cultural protocol.