O‘ahu Calendar of Events

In guidebooks before Oahu Revealed, we listed a calendar of local events for the island. It was a colossal waste of time! Things change so often in Hawaii that we couldn’t keep it current. The Web fixes that. Don’t get me wrong. Some of the events listed below will not occur or will change time or place. That’s because decisions about these things are made quite capriciously in the islands, often the day of the event. We’ll change this page daily if we have to, but you can’t bet your life on the timeliness of these events. Nonetheless, if you’re interested in attending a local event, these might be worth checking into.

Note! There are so many great venues of entertainment on O‘ahu. Check the local papers for concerts, theatre, exhibits and other events that may not be listed here.

On-Going Events

Nightly (Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun) Weather-Permitting
Authentic Hawaiian Music & Hula shows by Hawaii’s finest hula halau (dance troupes) and Hawaiian performers. Opens with torch lighting ceremony and blowing of conch shell. From 6pm-7pm at the Kuhio Beach at Uluniu & Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki. Seating on the grass; beach chairs, mats, etc. okay. Cameras are welcome. For information call 808-843-8002.

First Friday of the Month: July-December
Honolulu’s Downtown Galleries individuals, businesses and nonprofits located in the Chinatown neighborhood present art in their establishments. 5pm-9pm. Call 808-521-2903.

Every Saturday & Sunday
Art on the Zoo Fence in Waikiki where various artists personally present their wide range of art styles and subjects in original paintings, prints, and photography for view and sale from 9am-4pm on Monsarrat Avenue, across from the bandstand in Kapiolani Park.

Saturday & Sunday Afternoons/Evenings
Sunset on the Beach picnic as the sun sets in Waikiki and the moon rises while listening to music and watching classic films under the stars. 7:15pm at Queen’s Surf Beach. With food from Waikiki’s leading restaurants, from 4pm-9pm. Event is subject to the weather. Call for information at 808-923-1094.

June 2013

June 5-26
Wednesday’s Noontime Concert at Historic St. Andrew’s Cathedral located at the corner of Beretania and Queen Emma Streets in downtown Honolulu. Numerous and varied concerts including performances by students of the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University, Chamber Music Hawaii, Oahu Choral Society, and visiting choirs. Concerts start at 12:15pm-12:45pm every Wednesday. Bring your lunch and take a self-guided tour. Free parking. Call 808-782-7677.

June 7
Pan-Pacific Hoolaulea is a diverse gathering of people, cultural exhibitions, and talent from across the Pacific Rim. It is one of the largest outdoor multi-cultural exhibits of its kind in the state of Hawaii and it happens in Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue. Food, entertainment and crafts. 7pm-10pm. Call 808-926-8177 ext. 279 or visit www.pan-pacific-festival.com.

June 7-9
Pan-Pacific Hula Festival see hula groups from across Japan performing their interpretation of the hula on stage. There will also be a special exhibition performance by local halau, Halau O Napuala Ikauika Iu led by Kumu Hula Sally Yoza. Held under a majestic banyan tree on Waikiki Beach. 4pm-10pm daily.  Call 808-926-8177 ext. 279 or visit www.pan-pacific-festival.com.

June 8
97th Annual King Kamehemeha Celebration Floral Parade starting at the King Kamehameha Statue in downtown Honolulu across from Iolani Palace and ending at Queen Kapiolani Park, Ho‘olaulea events to follow from 10am-4pm. Call 808-586-0333.

June 9
Pan-Pacific Festival Parade performers, drummers, dancers, high school marching bands and ethnic cultural groups from around the world all march down Kalakaua Avenue. 5pm-7pm. It begins at Fort DeRussy, at the top of Waikiki and finishes at Kapiolani Park. Call 808-926-8177 ext. 279 or visit www.pan-pacific-festival.com.

July 2013

July 4
22nd Annual Ala Moana Center 4th of July Spectacular live concerts by Hawaii’s own entertainers. Center stage – noon-4pm, Parking Deck Concert – 5pm-8:30pm, Fireworks Spectacular – 8:30pm. Call 808-955-9517.

July 4
July 4th in Waikiki the largest fireworks display in all of Hawaii goes off and can be seen from beaches along the coast in Waikiki.

July 4
Dinner & Fireworks for Wild Dolphin Foundation departure is from Kewalo Basin Harbor at 7pm (6:45 check-in) for a sunset cruise w/BBQ dinner, 18 passengers max. The “main” fireworks begin at 8:30, with simultaneous soundtrack broadcast over on-board sound system. Star and planet gazing with narration is included. Return to the harbor at approx. 9:30pm. Reserve early. Call 808-306-7273.

July 13 & 14
Hawaii State Farm Fair event will include, but is not limited to: livestock show and auction; country market; petting zoo; food booths; contests; ag-tastic expo; celebrity cook off; and educational exhibits. Saturday from 9am-7pm. Sunday from 9am-5pm. Admission is $5 for adults and free for full-time students and kids age 12 and younger. At Kualoa Ranch in Kaneohe. Call 808-545-2074.

July 14
Tropical Triple Crown: 5th Annual Coconut Chase 8K is a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The course starts and ends at Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. Everyone is encouraged to wear hula skirts and coconut bras. All participants registered by June 25th are guaranteed a t-shirt! T-shirt not guaranteed for late registrations. Finishers will enjoy an assortment of refreshments at the finish line. Call 808-261-3020 or visit www.tropicaltriplecrown.com.

July 19 & 20
23rd Hawaii All Collectors’ Show collectibles and antiques only show and sale. This show features 150 booths and the biggest selection of vintage and antique Hawaiiana under one roof. Vendors from Oahu, Outer Islands, Mainland U.S. and Japan with antiques from A to Z. Friday 3pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm. $5. At Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu. Call 808-941-9754.

July 20
36th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival taking place at spectacular Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu. Will feature both hula kahiko (ancient) hula and chant, and auana (modern) hula performances. Dancers will perform on one of the few remaining pa hula (hula mounds) in Hawaii. There is no charge to attend the festival, however, a button donation to MGF is requested to raise funds to support the event. 9am-4pm. Call 808-839-5334.

July 20 & 21
16th Annual Haleiwa Arts Festival at the Haleiwa Beach Park. Approximately 130 juried visual artists with original works and limited editions, both traditional and contemporary, in oil, acrylic, ceramic, photography, sculpture, watercolor, fabric, serigraphy, jewelry and glass, as well as other media. Their art will be available for viewing, browsing and purchase directly from the artists. Call 808-637-2277.

July 21
43rd Annual ‘Ukulele Festival performers from Hawaii and around the world. Food Booths. Ukulele Displays. Ukulele Give-Aways. Ukulele Lessons. Free parking and shuttle service at Kapiolani Community College. Free event, 10am-4pm in Kapiolani Park, Waikiki. Call 808-732-3739 or visit www.UkuleleFestivalHawaii.org.

August 2013

August 4
Tropical Triple Crown: 11th annual Mango Days 5k is a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The course starts and ends at Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. Packet pickups will take place on Friday, August 2nd at the LLS office from 10am-2pm, and Saturday, August 3rd at Runners HI from 10am-4pm. Call 808-261-3020 or visit www.tropicaltriplecrown.com. 

August 10
6th Annual Gabby Pahinui Waimanalo Kanikapila is a free all day concert and gathering of Hawaii’s musicians to honor Gabby Pahinui. 9am-6pm Food, Arts and Crafts, and more at Waimanalo Beach Park. Call 808-722-8575.

August 17 & 18 
Biggest Little Airshow on Ford Island two days of remote control planes flying, dogfights and aerobatics featuring the Birds of Paradise Airshow Team. Aircraft flyovers, food booths, “Candy Bombings,” enter to win prizes, a free concert, and tours in Hangar 79. 10am-4pm. Call 808-441-1007.

August 18
31st Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival will showcase some of the world’s greatest artists in the slack key guitar genre. Featuring local cuisine, island crafters, community group booths, guitar exhibit, festival merchandise, and an abundance of the aloha spirit. At Kapiolani Park from noon-6pm. Call 808-226-2697.

September 2013

September 6
3rd Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival Master chefs and top sommeliers will “wow” food lovers during an evening of elegant fine dining, with a lavish seven-course meal and extraordinary wine pairings. The event runs from 6pm-10pm. Tickets start at $1,000 per person with reserved seating in the Ballroom at the Halekulani. Call 808-738-6245.

September 7
Tour de Cure is more than just a cycling event. A day full of fun and excitement where riders of all levels join forces in the fight to stop Diabetes at Kapiolani Park. Call 808-947-5979.

September 7
3rd Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival will showcase Hawaii’s sustainable future with 18 celebrity chefs, many of whom are notable for promoting “farm to table” sustainable sourcing and cooking practices. The event runs from 6pm-9pm and tickets start at $200 per person on the rooftop of the Hawaii Convention Center. Call 808-738-6429.

September 8
3rd Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival finale will be held on the beach, in the sand as the sun sets along Oahu’s western coastline. Fourteen world-renowned chefs will create a culinary tour of ethnic foods from around the world using local produce and products. The event runs from 6pm-9pm on the lagoon fronting Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, and will end with a dazzling fireworks display. Tickets start at $200 per person. Call 808-738-6245.

September 21
2013 Aloha Festivals Hoolaulea on Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers & Kapahulu Avenues, 7pm – Celebrating its 61st year, the largest block party will kick off with the arrival of the Royal Court. Multiple stages of entertainment, lots of food, lei vendors and hawaiian crafters will be spread along the world famous Kalakaua Avenue. Free admission. Call 808-483-0730.

September 28
2013 Aloha Festivals Floral Parade starts at 9am in Ala Moana Park, along Kalakua Avenue to Kapiolani Park – A colorful equestrian procession of female and male pau riders, extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula halau and marching bands will brighten Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park. Free admission. Call 808-483-0730.

September 28
Windward Hoolaulea is expected to draw over 15,000 people islandwide. It will feature top island entertainment, award-winning hula films, unique arts and crafts, ono ethnic food, keiki rides and activities, art exhibits, a college-sponsored silent auction, and educational, cultural demonstrations and community displays. 9am-8pm at Winward Community College in Kaneohe. Call 808-392-9147.

September 29
32nd Annual Honolulu Century Ride is the largest cycling event in Hawai’i. Attracting over 2,000 participants in 8 nations, this family-friendly ride begins and ends at Kapi‘olani Park and offers riders routes of 20, 25, 40, 50, 75 or 100 miles. The course winds through beautiful scenic portions of East Honolulu and the Windward Coast. 6am start. Call 808-735-5756.