Hawaii offers warm weather, beautiful beaches, and an active outdoor lifestyle. Every season, the islands fill with festivals, surf competitions, and cultural celebrations.
The best outdoor events in Hawaii let you enjoy natural beauty while experiencing local traditions and music.
From world-class surfing events to colorful street fairs, something exciting happens almost every week. These gatherings bring people together under the sun and let you discover what makes Hawaii special.
You’ll find events for every interest, whether you want to watch professional surfers, join a hula festival, or try new foods at a local market.
If you’re planning a trip, checking out the top Hawaii events can make your vacation unforgettable.
Signature Outdoor Festivals in Hawaii
Every year, Hawaii hosts world-famous outdoor festivals filled with music, tradition, and community spirit. These special events let you experience Hawaiian culture up close and learn about the islands’ unique history.
Honolulu Festival
The Honolulu Festival happens every spring in Honolulu and stands as one of the biggest cultural events on Oahu. People from Hawaii, Japan, Australia, and other countries gather for a huge celebration.
You can watch live music and dance performances, try hands-on art projects, and enjoy traditional parades.
During the festival, taiko drummers, hula dancers, and musicians perform for large crowds. The family-friendly environment makes it easy to explore different cultures in one place.
The Grand Parade travels through Waikiki, featuring floats, dancers, and musicians while crowds cheer. The festival ends with a fireworks show over the ocean.
Find out more about annual events like the Honolulu Festival.
Aloha Festivals
Aloha Festivals offers a series of outdoor events that share Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit across Oahu. The huge Floral Parade features colorful floats covered in fresh flowers and costumed participants honoring Hawaiian royalty and traditions.
Marching bands, musicians, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys), and pa’u riders—women dressed in traditional gowns on horseback—join the parade. This event winds through Honolulu and draws big crowds.
Block parties with live Hawaiian music, food booths, and crafts add to the celebration. Aloha Festivals highlight the warmth and history of Hawaii and give you a chance to see true community gatherings.
Learn more about beloved events like the Aloha Festivals.
Lantern Floating Hawaii
Lantern Floating Hawaii is a peaceful outdoor ceremony held on Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu. At sunset, thousands of people gather to release paper lanterns onto the water to honor loved ones who have passed away.
This event lets you experience Hawaiian culture and remembrance in a gentle, welcoming setting. The ceremony includes chanting, music, and short speeches.
Hundreds of lanterns glow on the ocean as night falls, creating a beautiful and respectful atmosphere. People from all backgrounds participate, making it a powerful display of unity and hope.
This event stands out among other special festivals in Hawaii.
Music and Hula Events Under the Hawaiian Sun
Live Hawaiian music, hula dancing, and cultural performances connect you with the traditions of Hawaii. Each event brings together talented artists and shares Hawaiian culture in a unique way.
Merrie Monarch Festival
Every spring, the town of Hilo on the Big Island hosts the Merrie Monarch Festival. This week-long celebration is best known for its hula competition, where dancers from all islands perform kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) hula.
The festival honors King David Kalākaua, called the “Merrie Monarch,” who revived hula and Hawaiian arts during his reign. The event also features parades, arts and crafts fairs, and music performances.
Tickets to the hula competition sell out fast, but you’ll find plenty of free events around Hilo with live music and hula dancing. For a full schedule, visit Go Hawaii Oahu Events Calendar.
Prince Lot Hula Festival
The Prince Lot Hula Festival is the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawaii. Every summer, organizers hold it at Queen Emma Summer Palace or other scenic Honolulu parks, offering a welcoming space for halau (hula groups) to share both ancient and modern hula.
The festival focuses on community, culture, and language. There’s no judging—just pure celebration of Hawaiian culture.
Workshops, craft booths, and traditional music performances invite people of all ages to watch, dance, and learn. This festival is family-friendly and often free to attend.
More information about summer events like this is available in guides such as Oahu Things To Do.
Hawaii International Music Festival
The Hawaii International Music Festival brings together world-class musicians, Hawaiian artists, and local students for concerts across the islands. Each year, the festival features a mix of music genres, including classical, jazz, and traditional Hawaiian music.
Besides formal concerts, you can enjoy free outdoor shows and educational workshops at beaches and parks. The blend of international and local artists creates a new experience every time.
Listen for the sounds of slack key guitar, ukulele, or vocalists singing in Hawaiian. These events offer a relaxed outdoor atmosphere where music brings everyone together.
For upcoming concerts, check the festival details at Hawaii Music Festival.
Food and Culinary Experiences in the Open Air
Eating in Hawaii becomes an adventure at outdoor festivals and events. These gatherings mix fresh local flavors with open-air island vibes.
Waikiki Spam Jam
Every spring, the Waikiki Spam Jam takes over Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Local restaurants set up stalls and create unique dishes from Spam, turning this classic ingredient into everything from sushi to burgers.
People crowd the street, tasting samples while enjoying live music and hula performances. The energetic crowd wears aloha shirts and Spam-themed hats.
Families, visitors, and locals join in for a fun and casual night out under the stars. About a dozen food booths serve menus that go far beyond simple Spam musubi.
Some vendors offer Spam poke bowls, blending tradition with new flavors. Entry is free, but it’s smart to bring cash for food and souvenirs.
Profits from the event help support local charities. More details are available at the Waikiki Spam Jam.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival stands as one of the biggest annual food festivals in the islands. Top chefs from Hawaii and beyond come together to showcase the best of local cuisine.
Tasting events happen outdoors, offering poke, farm-fresh salads, grilled seafood, and specialty desserts. Wine and beer tastings pair with every course.
Live entertainment, chef demos, and interactive stations make the experience lively and hands-on. If you want to sample a wide range of dishes, this festival is a great choice.
You can read more about the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival and its featured chefs, events, and open-air settings.
Outdoor Sporting Events and Competitions
Sports lovers will find plenty of excitement at Hawaii’s outdoor events. From marathon courses along the ocean to world-famous surfing, you can experience some of the most anticipated competitions in the islands.
Honolulu Marathon
The Honolulu Marathon brings together thousands of runners from around the world every December. The marathon is famous for its scenic course that starts near Ala Moana Beach Park and finishes at Kapiolani Park.
The early morning start lets you watch the sunrise over the ocean as you run. There’s no time limit, so everyone—from serious athletes to casual walkers—can cross the finish line.
People line the roads to cheer, and live music adds energy along the route. You’ll see runners and entire families walking together, creating a city-wide celebration.
Local vendors offer island snacks and drinks at the finish. The Honolulu Marathon is more than a race—it’s a major Oahu event that brings the community together.
Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a surfing competition at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu. Organizers named the event after legendary lifeguard and surfer Eddie Aikau, who inspired many with his courage and love for the ocean.
The contest only runs when waves reach at least 20 feet high, making it rare and thrilling. Each winter, fans wait for the announcement that conditions are right.
Surfers from around the world travel to Oahu to ride some of the biggest waves. When the event happens, fans pack the beach to cheer on their favorite surfers and honor Eddie’s spirit.
Invited surfers catch as many quality waves as possible during timed intervals. The competition is intense and risky, making it exciting to watch.
You can find more details about top surfing events in Hawaii, including the Eddie, in this guide to major Hawaii spectator sports.
Annual Wahiawa Pineapple Run
I look forward to the Annual Wahiawa Pineapple Run each spring. This 10K run winds through the heart of Wahiawa, passing pineapple fields and local neighborhoods.
The event stands out for its beautiful scenery and its celebration of central Oahu’s agricultural and local culture. Runners of all ages join in, and the atmosphere always feels festive.
At the finish line, organizers hand out fresh slices of pineapple. This treat tastes especially refreshing after the run.
Families often join together, turning the event into a community celebration. Local schools and organizations bring extra energy by getting involved.
If you want to participate or watch unique sporting events in Hawaii, the Wahiawa Pineapple Run is a fun and welcoming choice.
Seasonal and Unique Cultural Celebrations
Hawaii’s outdoor festivals showcase the islands’ rich traditions and pride. These yearly celebrations honor Hawaiian heritage with parades, music, food, crafts, and joyful gatherings.
King Kamehameha Celebration
The King Kamehameha Celebration is one of Hawaii’s largest and most colorful events. Every June, flower-covered floats and riders in traditional Hawaiian clothing fill Honolulu’s streets.
The draping of bright lei over the King Kamehameha statue is the highlight for many. Families and visitors watch hula performances and enjoy local food at nearby parks.
Live music, a floral parade, and historic reenactments bring Hawaiian culture to life. Each island may have different activities, but everyone honors King Kamehameha and Hawaii’s royal history.
Prince Kuhio Day
Every March, Hawaii honors Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole on Prince Kuhio Day. He worked for Native Hawaiian rights and is known as the “people’s prince.”
People celebrate with canoe races, concerts, and parades across the islands. At local parks, I can join workshops on Hawaiian arts and crafts or listen to kūpuna (elders) share stories.
Schools and some workplaces close for this public holiday. Locals often prepare foods like laulau and poke to share with loved ones.
You can find more about Hawaiian cultural celebrations.
Made in Hawaii Festival
The Made in Hawaii Festival offers a hands-on Hawaiian experience. Each August in Honolulu, over 400 vendors showcase locally made products.
I shop for unique crafts, taste fresh foods, and try snacks I can’t find elsewhere. Live cooking demos highlight island cuisine, and musicians play slack key guitar and ukulele.
I meet artists and food producers at the festival. This event supports Hawaiian businesses and celebrates creativity.
The festival connects the community with local traditions and new ideas. Learn more about it from this list of top Hawaiian festivals.
Outdoor Activities and Adventures Around Hawaii
Hawaii offers adventure on land and sea. The islands are full of places to swim, surf, hike, and explore nature.
Beautiful Beaches and Water Sports
Hawaii’s beaches are always a highlight. The sand feels soft, and the ocean water stays warm year-round, making swimming a must.
On Oahu, Waikiki Beach is famous for learning how to surf. I often see beginner surfers and instructors in the mornings.
For calm snorkeling, Hanauma Bay lets me see colorful fish and sometimes sea turtles. Maui’s Kaanapali Beach is great for paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing.
On the Big Island, I enjoy snorkeling near Kailua-Kona, where coral reefs attract many bright fish. For more adventure, I can book boat tours or try guided shark diving and dolphin swims.
Here are some top water activities:
- Surfing at Waikiki Beach
- Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
- Paddleboarding at Kaanapali Beach
- Kayaking along the coast
- Parasailing over the ocean
- Whale watching in winter
Find more ideas for water adventures on this Hawaii outdoor activities list.
Hiking Excursions and Scenic Trails
Hiking lets me see the wild side of Hawaii. Each island has famous trails with unique views.
I like the Diamond Head hike on Oahu for its great view of Honolulu. Maui’s Pipiwai Trail takes me past waterfalls and bamboo forests to Waimoku Falls.
Some hikes are short and easy, while others take all day. On Kauai, the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast is challenging but offers stunning ocean views.
If I want a rainforest walk, the Manoa Falls Trail is simple and ends at a waterfall surrounded by tropical plants.
Top hiking activities include:
| Trail Name | Island | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond Head | Oahu | Crater and ocean view |
| Pipiwai Trail | Maui | Waterfalls, bamboo |
| Kalalau Trail | Kauai | Sea cliffs, coastline |
| Manoa Falls | Oahu | Rainforest, waterfall |
You can read more about scenic walkways and hikes at the Hawaii Guide for adventurers.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Gatherings and Annual Events
Hawaii hosts lively gatherings for families and friends. These events feature local food, music, and fun activities for all ages.
Honolulu City Lights
Every December, I visit Honolulu City Lights in downtown Honolulu. The event begins with a huge tree lighting ceremony outside Honolulu Hale, the city hall.
Music, food booths, and a festive spirit fill the area. Families take photos with the giant Shaka Santa and Mrs. Claus statues.
Kids enjoy amusement rides and Christmas displays. Inside Honolulu Hale, decorated Christmas trees and wreaths made by local groups fill the halls.
Light displays make the night bright and welcoming. Local food trucks line the street, offering snacks and meals.
The parade down King Street features holiday floats, marching bands, and performers. Honolulu City Lights is a cheerful way to start the holiday season in the city.
Pan-Pacific Festival
The Pan-Pacific Festival in Waikiki brings together cultures from across the Pacific Rim. During the weekend, music, dance, and food fill the streets.
Live performances feature groups from Hawaii, Japan, Korea, and many Pacific Islands. Dance groups in colorful costumes fill Kalakaua Avenue.
I visit Hawaiian craft booths and food stalls serving local and international dishes. The Pan-Pacific Parade marches through Waikiki with dancers, musicians, and floats.
The festival builds bridges between cultures through special events and community activities. Families can celebrate diversity and try something new together.
4th of July Celebrations
I always look forward to 4th of July celebrations in Hawaii. The biggest fireworks show happens at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu.
Families gather early, setting up tents and picnic blankets on the grass and sand. Food vendors, games, and live music fill the afternoon.
Other islands hold parades and fireworks, too. Everyone comes together to watch the sky light up over the ocean as the sun sets.
These events are safe and friendly for all ages. I enjoy celebrating with friends, family, and people from across the islands.
For more outdoor community gathering ideas and family fun, check this list of outdoor community event ideas.
Major Sporting and Pop Culture Events
Hawaii’s calendar is full of energetic sporting competitions and fan conventions. From golf and surfing to comic and anime gatherings, there’s always something exciting happening, especially on Oahu.
Sony Open
The Sony Open is one of Hawaii’s biggest golf events each year. Top PGA Tour players come to the Waiʻalae Country Club in Honolulu every January.
Thousands of fans and tourists attend the tournament. Local families, golf lovers, and visitors get an up-close look at the action.
The Sony Open often marks the start of the new golf season for many pros. The tournament’s beautiful ocean views and sunny weather make it popular on TV.
The Sony Open raises money for several charities in Hawaii. You can find more event information at the Hawaiian Islands Sports & Sporting Events page.
Great Aloha Run
Every February, I join the Great Aloha Run. This 8.15-mile community road race starts at Aloha Tower and ends inside Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.
People of all ages run, jog, or walk the course. Many join with family, friends, or coworkers.
The race feels like a big Hawaiian block party. Fun outfits, music, and cheering crowds fill the route.
The event raises money for local charities and brings the community together. The Oahu Events Calendar has more details.
Kawaii Kon
Kawaii Kon is Hawaii’s largest anime and pop culture convention. The event takes place at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu.
Fans of anime, manga, video games, and cosplay gather to celebrate together. People dress as their favorite characters and join costume contests or workshops.
Art displays, vendor booths, and autograph sessions with special guests fill the convention. Families and friends enjoy panels and gaming tournaments.
Kawaii Kon creates a friendly and creative community. The event offers a different kind of excitement compared to traditional Hawaiian outdoor activities.
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing amazes me every winter on Oahu’s North Shore. This series features three major surfing competitions at famous spots like Haleʻiwa, Sunset Beach, and the Banzai Pipeline.
Big, powerful waves make these beaches world-famous. Top surfers from around the world come here to compete.
Spectators watch incredible surfing and feel the excitement of the crowds and media teams. The event celebrates Hawaii’s deep surfing history and attracts pros aiming for one of the sport’s greatest prizes.
Surfing fans, both local and visiting, consider the Triple Crown a must-see highlight of the season. Local guides like Go Hawaii offer more details on its schedule and locations.
Regional Highlights: Exploring Oʻahu and Beyond
Hawaii offers unique outdoor festivals and events filled with local culture, music, and food. From busy street fairs on Oʻahu to time-honored traditions on the Big Island, every event has something special.
Oahu’s Diverse Event Scene
Oʻahu is my favorite place for outdoor events because it has something for everyone. Music lovers, sports fans, and families always find something exciting to do.
The North Shore hosts top surf competitions in winter. World-class athletes and crowds gather at famous beaches.
Downtown Honolulu comes alive during music festivals, food fairs, and art walks. I enjoy night markets where I try local snacks and listen to live bands.
Every season brings a new reason to celebrate. Traditional Hawaiian festivals feature hula performances and local crafts, highlighting the island’s rich culture.
If you want to plan your trip around special events, check the Oahu events calendar for everything from athletic races to cultural parades.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
On the Big Island, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival stands out as a true highlight for me. This event honors over 150 years of coffee farming heritage in Hawaii.
Every November, coffee farms in Kona invite visitors for tastings, tours, and workshops. I can stroll through coffee fields and watch roasting demonstrations.
I meet local farmers and enjoy parades, pageants, and art exhibits. The festival also features live music for all ages.
Hands-on activities teach me how coffee goes from bean to cup. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival offers a fun way to experience the traditions and flavors of world-famous Kona coffee.
