Hawaii Calendar of Events

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Please note that, as with any schedule of upcoming events, the following information is subject to change; always confirm the details before you plan your trip around an event.

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those mentioned here, check www.calendar.gohawaii.com for a list of events throughout the islands, or http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

January

Rockstar Games Pipeline Pro 2008, Banzai Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu. Competition is judged on the best wave selection and maneuvers on the wave. Call tel. 732/528-0621; www.usbatour.org. Early January.

PGA Kapalua Mercedes Championship, Kapalua Resort, Maui. Top PGA golfers compete for $1 million. Call tel. 808/669-2440; www.kapaluamaui.com. December 31, 2007, to January 6, 2008.

Sony Open, Waialae Country Club, Oahu. A $1.2-million PGA golf event featuring the top men in golf. Call tel. 808/792-9300. Early to mid-January.

Pacific Islands Arts Festival at Thomas Square, across from Honolulu Academy of the Arts, Honolulu, Oahu. Over 100 artists and handicraft artists, entertainment, food, and demonstrations fill the day. Admission is free. Call tel. 808/696-6717. Mid-January.

Ka Molokai Makahiki, Kaunakakai Town Baseball Park, Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai, Molokai. Makahiki, a traditional time of peace in ancient Hawaii, is re-created with performances by Hawaiian music groups and hula halau, ancient Hawaiian games, a sporting competition, and Hawaiian crafts and food. It's a wonderful chance to experience the Hawaii of yesteryear. Call tel. 800/800-6367 or 808/553-3876; www.molokai-hawaii.com. Late January.

Ala Wai Challenge, Ala Wai Park, Waikiki, Oahu. This all-day event features ancient Hawaiian games, like ulu maika (bowling a round stone through pegs), oo ihe (spear throwing at an upright target), huki kaula (tug of war), and a 1/4-mile outrigger canoe race. It's also a great place to hear Hawaiian music. Call tel. 808/923-1802; www.waikikicommunitycenter.org. Last weekend in January.

Hula Bowl Football All-Star Classic, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. An annual all-star football classic featuring America's top college players. Call tel. 800-971-1232; www.hulabowlhawaii.com. Ticket orders are processed beginning April 1 for the next year's game. Mid- to late January.

February

NFL Pro Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. The National Football League's best pro players square off in this annual gridiron all-star game. Call tel. 212/450-2000 or 808/486-9555; www.nfl.com. Early February (a week after the Super Bowl).

Chinese New Year, Maui. Lahaina town rolls out the red carpet for this important event with a traditional lion dance at the historic Wo Hing Temple on Front Street, accompanied by fireworks, food booths, and a host of activities. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9175. Also on Market Street in Wailuku; call tel. 808/244-3888. On Oahu a big celebration takes place in Chinatown; call tel. 808/533-3181 for details. February 7, 2008, starts the year of the rat.

Narcissus Festival, Honolulu, Oahu. Taking place around the Chinese New Year, this cultural festival includes a queen pageant, cooking demonstrations, and a cultural fair. Call tel. 808/533-3181 for details.

Waimea Town Celebration, Waimea, Kauai. This annual 2-day party on Kauai's west side celebrates the Hawaiian and multiethnic history of the town where Captain Cook first landed. This is the island's biggest event, drawing some 10,000 people. Top Hawaiian entertainers, sporting events, rodeo, and lots of food are on tap during the weekend celebration. Call tel. 808/338-1332; www.wkbpa.org/events.html. Weekend after Presidents' Day Weekend.

Sand Castle Building Contest, Kailua Beach Park, Oahu. Students from the University of Hawaii School of Architecture compete against professional architects to see who can build the best, most unusual, and most outrageous sand sculpture. Call tel. 808/956-956-3518.

Punahou School Carnival, Punahou School, Honolulu. This event has everything you can imagine in a school carnival, from high-speed rides to homemade jellies. All proceeds go to scholarship funds for Hawaii's most prestigious high school. Call tel. 808/944-5753. Early to mid-February.

The Great Aloha Run, Oahu. Thousands run 8.25 miles from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium. Call tel. 808/528-7388. Presidents' Day (third Mon in Feb).

Buffalo's Big Board Classic, Makaha Beach, Oahu. This contest involves traditional Hawaiian surfing, long boarding, and canoe-surfing. Call tel. 808/951-7877. Depending on surf conditions, it can be held in February or March.

March

Daylight saving time begins. Since 1966, most of the United States has observed daylight saving time from 2am on the first Sunday of April to 2am on the last Sunday of October. In 2007, these dates changed, and now daylight saving time lasts from 2am on the second Sunday in March to 2am on the first Sunday in November. Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time. So beginning on March 9, 2008, Hawaii is 3 hours behind the West Coast and 6 hours behind the East Coast.

Kona Brewer's Festival, King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel Luau Grounds, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. This annual event features microbreweries from around the world, with beer tastings, food, and entertainment. Call tel. 808/334-1133. Second Saturday in March.

Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, Waikiki (Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park), Oahu. Bagpipers, bands, clowns, and marching groups parade through the heart of Waikiki, with lots of Irish-style celebrating all day. Call tel. 808/536-4612 (O'Toole's Pub). March 17.

Annual Kona Chocolate Festival, Kona, Big Island. A 3-day celebration of the chocolate (cacao) that is grown and produced in Hawaii. Days 1 and 2 are filled with symposiums and seminars on chocolate and its uses. Day 3 features a Gala party with samples of chocolate creations by Big Island chefs, caterers, and ice cream and candy makers. A chocoholic's dream! For information and tickets, call tel. 808/324-4606 or visit www.konachocolatefestival.com. Mid- to late March.

Prince Kuhio Day Celebrations, all islands. State holiday. Various festivals throughout the state celebrate the birth of Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, who was born on March 26, 1871, and elected to Congress in 1902. Kauai, his birthplace, stages a huge celebration in Lihue; call tel. 808/240-6369 for details. Molokai also hosts a 2-day-long celebration; call tel. 808/553-3876 to learn more. March 26.

April

East Maui Taro Festival, Hana, Maui. Taro, a Hawaiian staple food, is celebrated through music, hula, arts, crafts, and, of course, food. Call tel. 808/264-3336; www.tarofestival.org. Generally late April.

Buddha Day, Lahaina Jodo Mission, Lahaina, Maui. Each year this historic mission holds a flower festival pageant honoring the birth of Buddha. First Saturday in April.

Annual Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Celebration of the Arts, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui. Contemporary and traditional artists give free hands-on lessons. Call tel. 808/669-6200. The 4-day festival begins the Thursday before Easter (Mar 20-23, 2008).

Annual Easter Sunrise Service, National Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu, Oahu. For a century, people have gathered at this famous cemetery for Easter sunrise services. Call tel. 808/566-1430. March 23, 2008.

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, Hilo, Big Island. Hawaii's biggest hula festival features 3 nights of modern (auana) and ancient (kahiko) dance competition in honor of King David Kalakaua, the "Merrie Monarch" who revived the dance. Tickets sell out by January 30, so reserve early. Call tel. 808/935-9168; www.merriemonarchfestival.org. The week after Easter (Mar 23-30, 2008).

David Malo Day, Lahainaluna High School, Lahaina, Maui. This daylong event with hula and other Hawaiian cultural celebrations commemorates Hawaii's famous scholar and ends with a luau. Call tel. 808/662-4000. Mid-April.

May

Outrigger Canoe Season, all islands. From May to September, canoe paddlers across the state participate in outrigger canoe races nearly every weekend. Call tel. 808/383-7798, or go to www.y2kanu.com for this year's schedule of events.

Annual Lei Day Celebrations, various locations on all islands. May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, celebrated with lei-making contests, pageantry, arts and crafts, and the real highlight, a Brothers Cazimero concert at the Waikiki Shell. Call tel. 808/692-5118 or visit www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/leiday for Oahu events (tel. 808/597-1888, ext. 232, for the Brothers Cazimero show; tel. 808/886-1655 for Big Island events; tel. 808/224-6042 for Maui events; or tel. 808/245-6931 for Kauai events). May 1.

World Fire-Knife Dance Championships and Samoan Festival, Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Oahu. Junior and adult fire-knife dancers from around the world converge on the center for one of the most amazing performances you'll ever see. Authentic Samoan food and cultural festivities round out the fun. Call tel. 808/293-3333; www.polynesianculturalcenter.com. Mid-May.

International Festival of Canoes, West Maui. Celebration of the Pacific islands' seafaring heritage. Events include canoe paddling and sailing regattas, a luau feast, cultural arts demonstrations, canoe-building exhibits, and music. Call tel. 888/310-1117; www.MauiCanoeFest.com. Mid- to late May.

Memorial Day, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, Honolulu, Oahu. The armed forces hold a ceremony recognizing those who died for their country, beginning at 9am. Call tel. 808/532-3720. Memorial Day (last Mon in May).

June

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului, Maui. Great music performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It's 5 hours long and absolutely free. Call tel. 808/242-SHOW or 808/226-2697, or e-mail kahokuproductions@yahoo.com. June 22, 2008.

King Kamehameha Celebration, all islands. This state holiday features a massive floral parade, hoolaulea (party), and much more. Call tel. 808/586-0333 for Oahu and Kauai events, tel. 808/886-1655 for Big Island events, tel. 808/667-9194 for Maui events, or tel. 808/553-3876 for Molokai events; or visit www.state.hi.us/dags/kkcc. June 6 and 7, 2008, on Oahu; each island celebrates on different dates.

Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Big Island. One of the Big Island's best food and wine festivals features Hawaii's top chefs (and a few mainland chefs) showing off their culinary talents, wines from around the world, and an excellent jazz concert with fireworks. Not to be missed. Call tel. 808/886-1234 or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or www.dolphindays.com. Mid-June

Maui Film Festival, Wailea Resort, Maui. Five days and nights of screenings of premieres and special films, along with traditional Hawaiian storytelling, chants, hula, and contemporary music. Call tel. 808/572-3456; www.mauifilmfestival.com. June.

King Kamehameha Hula Competition, Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Oahu. This is one of the top hula competitions in the world, with dancers from as far away as Japan. Call tel. 808/586-0333 or visit www.hawaii.gov/dags/king_kamehameha_commission for information. Third weekend in June (June 21-22, 2008).

July

Makawao Parade and Rodeo, Makawao, Maui. The annual parade and rodeo event have been taking place in this upcountry cowboy town for generations. www.visitmaui.com. July 4.

Lanai Pineapple Festival, Lanai City, Lanai. Celebrates Lanai's history of pineapple plantations and ranching, and includes a pineapple-eating contest, a pineapple-cooking contest, entertainment, arts and crafts, food, and fireworks. Call tel. 808/565-7600 or visit www.visitlanai.net. First Saturday in July (July 5, 2008).

Kapalua Wine and Food Festival, Kapalua, Maui. Famous wine and food experts and oenophiles gather at the Ritz-Carlton and Kapalua Bay hotels for formal tastings, panel discussions, and samplings of new releases. Call tel. 800/KAPALUA or go to www.kapaluaresort.com. Early July.

Fourth of July Fireworks, Desiderio and Sills Field, Schofield Barracks, Oahu. A free daylong celebration, with entertainment, food, and games, ends with a spectacular fireworks show. Call tel. 808/655-0110.

Prince Lot Hula Festival, Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu, Oahu. Authentic ancient and modern hula, as well as demonstrations and arts and crafts, are some of the things you'll encounter at this festival. It's a good alternative to April's much better-known (and much more crowded) Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Call tel. 808/839-5334 or visit www.mgf-hawaii.org. Third Saturday in July (July 19, 2008).

Ukulele Festival, Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Waikiki, Oahu. This free concert features a ukulele orchestra of some 600 students (ages 4-92). Hawaii's top musicians all pitch in. Call tel. 808/732-3739; www.roysakuma.net. Late July.

Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Oahu. More than 500 keiki (children) representing 22 halau (hula schools) from the islands compete in this dance fest. The event is broadcast a week later on KITV-TV. Call tel. 808/521-6905. Late July.

Hawaii State Farm Fair, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. The annual state fair is a great one: It features displays of Hawaii agricultural products (including orchids), educational and cultural exhibits, entertainment, and local-style food. Call tel. 808/682-5767 or visit www.ekfernandez.com. Late July or early August.

August

Hawaii International Jazz Festival, The Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu, Oahu. This festival includes evening concerts and daily jam sessions, plus scholarship giveaways, the University of Southern California jazz band, and many popular jazz and blues artists. Call tel. 808/941-9974 or visit www.hawaiijazz.com. August 9 and 10.

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site Anniversary Celebration, Kawaihae, Big Island. This is a weekend of Hawaiian crafts, workshops, and games. Call tel. 808/882-7218. Mid-August (Aug 16-17, 2008).

Admissions Day, all islands. Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959. The state takes a holiday (all state-related facilities are closed) on the third Friday in August (Aug 15, 2008).

September

Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race, Kailua-Kona to Honaunau, Big Island. The world's largest long-distance canoe race takes places over Labor Day weekend, with hundreds participating. Call tel. 808/331-8849 or visit www.kaiopua.org.

Parker Ranch Rodeo, Waimea, Big Island. This is a hot rodeo competition in the heart of cowboy country. Call tel. 808/885-7311 or go to www.parkerranch.com. Labor Day Weekend (Aug 30-Sept 1, 2008).

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Kona, Big Island. The best of Hawaii's folk music (slack-key guitar) performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It's 5 hours long and absolutely free. Call tel. 808/239-4336 or e-mail kahokuproductions@yahoo.com. September 7, 2008.

Aloha Festivals, various locations statewide. Parades and other events celebrate Hawaiian culture and friendliness throughout the state. Call tel. 808-589-1771 or visit www.alohafestivals.com for a schedule of events.

Aloha Festivals Poke Recipe Contest, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Kohala Coast, Big Island. Top chefs from across Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, as well as local amateurs, compete in making this Hawaiian delicacy, poke (pronounced po-kay): chopped raw fish mixed with seaweed and spices. Here's your chance to sample poke at its best. Call tel. 808/880-3424 or visit www.pokecontest.com.

A Taste of Lahaina, Lahaina Civic Center, Maui. Some 30,000 people show up to sample 40 signature entrees from Maui's premier chefs during this weekend festival, which includes cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and live entertainment. The event begins Friday night with Maui Chefs Present, a dinner/cocktail party featuring about a dozen of Maui's best chefs. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or go to www.visitmaui.com. Second weekend in September (Sept 13-14, 2008).

LifeFest Kapalua, Kapalua, Maui. An all-new health-and-wellness 3-day event featuring lectures and panel presentations by leaders in the health-and-wellness field (Dr. Deepak Chopra, Bob Greene, Dr. Julian Whitaker, and others), plus ocean sporting events, fitness activities, a health-and-wellness expo, and sumptuous culinary gala dinners. Call tel. 800/KAPALUA; www.lifefestkapalua.com. Early September.

Na Wahine O Ke Kai, Molokai to Oahu. Women's 32-mile canoe race. Watch the sunrise and the start of the race beginning at 7am on Sunday morning. The finish line fronts the shores of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Call tel. 808/259-7112; www.nawahineokekai.com. Mid-September.

Maui County Fair, War Memorial Complex, Wailuku, Maui. The oldest county fair in Hawaii features a parade, amusement rides, live entertainment, and exhibits. Call tel. 808/270-7626 or visit www.calendarmaui.com. Last weekend in September.

October

Emalani Festival, Kokee State Park, Kauai. This festival honors Her Majesty Queen Emma, an inveterate gardener and Hawaii's first environmental queen, who made a forest trek to Kokee with 100 friends in 1871. Call tel. 808/245-3971. Second Saturday in October.

Aloha Classic World Wavesailing Championship, Hookipa Beach, Maui. The top windsurfers in the world gather for this final event in the Pro Boardsailing World Tour. If you're on Maui, don't miss it -- it's spectacular to watch. Call tel. 808/298-3560; www.alohaclassicwindsurfing.com.

Hamakua Music Festival, Hamakua, Big Island. This event features a surprisingly eclectic mix of well-known musicians, ranging from blues and jazz to rock 'n' roll, Hawaiian, and even classical. At press time, the festival was in the midst of reorganization, so first call tel. 808/775-3378 or check at www.hamakuamusicfestival.org.

Ironman Triathlon World Championship, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Some 1,500-plus world-class athletes run a full marathon, swim 2 1/2 miles, and bike 112 miles on the Kona-Kohala coast of the Big Island. Spectators can watch the action along the route for free. The best place to see the 7am start is along the seawall on Alii Drive, facing Kailua Bay; arrive before 5:30am to get a seat. The best place to see the bike-and-run portion is along Alii Drive (which will be closed to traffic; park on a side street and walk down). To watch the finishers come in, line up along Alii Drive from Holualoa Street to the finish at Palani Road/Alii Drive; the first finisher can come as early as 2:30pm, and the course closes at midnight. Call tel. 808/329-0063 or visit www.ironman.com. October. (As we went to press, they did not have a confirmed date, so check the website.)

Halloween in Lahaina, Maui. There's Carnival in Rio, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and Halloween in Lahaina. Come to this giant costume party (some 20,000 people show up) on the streets of Lahaina; Front Street is closed off for the festivities. Call tel. 808/667-9175 or go to www.visitmaui.com. October 31.

November

Daylight saving time ends. Beginning in 2007, most of the U.S. will revert to standard time on the first Sunday in November. Since Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time, starting on November 4, 2008, Hawaii will be 2 hours behind the West Coast and 5 hours behind the East Coast.

Hula O Na Keiki, Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, Ka'anapali, Maui. This solo hula competition for children ages 5 to 17 is in its 18th year. A weekend festival of Hawaiian dance, arts and music. Call tel. 808/661-0011; www.kbhmaui.com. Early November.

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival, Kauai Marriott Resort, Lihue, Kauai. The best of Hawaii's folk music (slack-key guitar) performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It's 5 hours long and absolutely free. Call tel. 808/226-2697 or e-mail kahokuproductions@yahoo.com. November 16, 2008.

Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Celebrate the coffee harvest with a bean-picking contest, lei contests, song and dance, and the Miss Kona Coffee pageant. Call tel. 808/326-7820 or go to www.konacoffeefest.com for this year's schedule.

Hawaii International Film Festival, various locations throughout the state. This cinema festival with a cross-cultural spin features filmmakers from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the United States. Call tel. 808/550-8457 or visit www.hiff.org. First 2 weeks in November.

Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, Volcano Art Center, Volcano National Park, Big Island. Thirty-two artists, including painters, sculptors, glass artists, fiber artists, and potters, produce both whimsical and traditional "wreaths" for this exhibit. Park entrance fees apply. Call tel. 866/967-7565 or 808/967-7565; www.volcanoartcenter.org. Mid-November through the first of January.

Triple Crown of Surfing, North Shore, Oahu. The world's top professional surfers compete in events for more than $1 million in prize money. Call tel. 808/739-3965; www.triplecrownofsurfing.com. Held between mid-November and mid-December, whenever conditions are best.

December

Festival of Trees, Honolulu, Oahu. This downtown display of one-of-a-kind decorated trees, wreaths, and decorations benefits Queen's Medical Center. Call tel. 808/667-9194; www.visitlahaina.com. The lighting takes place the first or second week of December.

Na Mele O Maui, Ka'anapali, Maui. Traditional Hawaiian song competition for children in kindergarten through twelfth grade. $2 admission. Takes place in the ballroom of one of the Kaanapali resort hotels. Call tel. 808/661-3271; www.kaanapaliresort.com. First Friday in December.

Old-Fashioned Holiday Celebration, Lahaina, Maui. This day of Christmas carolers, Santa Claus, live music and entertainment, a crafts fair, Christmas baked goods, and activities for children takes place in the Banyan Tree Park on Front Street. Call tel. 888/310-1117; www.visitlahaina.com. Second Saturday in December (Dec 8, 2007).

Billabong Pro Maui, Honolua Bay at Kapalua Resort, Maui. The final triple Crown women's surfing contest of the year, bringing together the best of the women's international surfing community. Call tel. 808/669-2440 or visit www.kapalua.com.

Festival of Lights, all islands. On Oahu, the mayor throws the switch to light up the 40-foot-tall Norfolk pine and other trees in front of Honolulu Hale, while on Maui, marching bands, floats, and Santa roll down Lahaina's Front Street in an annual parade. Molokai celebrates with a host of activities in Kaunakakai; on Kauai the lighting ceremony takes place in front of the former county building on Rice Street, Lihue. Call tel. 808/523-4385 on Oahu, tel. 808/667-9175 on Maui, tel. 808/552-2800 on Molokai, or tel. 808/828-0014 on Kauai. Early December.

Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu, Oahu. This is one of the largest marathons in the world, with more than 30,000 competitors. Call tel. 808/734-7200; www.honolulumarathon.org. Second Sunday in December (Dec 14, 2008).

Aloha Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. A Pac-10 team plays a Big 12 team in this nationally televised collegiate football classic. Call tel. 808/483-2500. Christmas Day.

Rainbow Classic, University of Hawaii, Manoa Valley, Oahu. Eight of the best NCAA basketball teams compete at the Special Events Arena. Call tel. 808/956-7523. The week after Christmas.

First Light, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Maui. Major films are screened at this festival (past films have included The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Mystic River, Aviator, Hotel Rwanda, and many others). Not to be missed. Call tel. 808/573-3456 or visit www.mauifilmfestival.com. End of December and early January.