Humpback whales and Canadians are not the only snowbirds in Hawaii: Several species of actual birds make the long journey every year from Alaska, Siberia and other chilly northern regions to rest in Hawaii for the winter. Like a lot of seasonal visitors, they often look different by the time they leave, whether it’s putting on pounds or changing their plumage. November is typically too early to spot whales, but kolea (Pacific golden plovers), ulili (wandering tattlers) and lesser scaup (a species of duck) have already made their presence known. Look for them and native birds on one of Hawaii’s birding trails, or while you’re out and about enjoying one of the special events below.
Feature Photo: Kalakaua Festival, Courtesy of Millwood Ohana Productions on Facebook
Oahu
Makahiki, the Hawaiian season of sports and festivities dedicated to the god of agriculture, peace and music (among other good things) typically begins by mid-November and ends by mid-March. Waimea Valley starts early with its Makahiki Festival and Te Moana Nui Games on Nov. 2. Held in the North Shore valley’s Upper Meadow, the event begins with cultural ceremonies at 9 a.m., followed by games, a Makahiki market, live music and hula starting at 10 a.m. Admission is $10.
Here are more noteworthy events around the island this November:
November 9
The Kalākaua Festival — named for its venue on Waikiki’s main drag, in turn named for the last king of Hawaii — offers keiki rides, handmade products from more than 140 local vendors, and food from 4 to 10 p.m. Kalakaua Avenue will host booths in a pedestrian zone between Seaside Avenue and Uluniu. Proceeds benefit Make-a-Wish Hawaii.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Waikiki’s annual events.
November 23
Every year, Ko Olina Charities partners with Ko Olina resorts, UPS and Leeward Community College’s Culinary Program to prepare and serve more than 4,000 Thanksgiving meals to people in need throughout Oahu’s West Side. You can support their annual Thanksgiving Outreach by donating via Paypal.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Ko Olina’s annual events.
November 11
There’s nothing like watching over 80 military and other flag-waving units march in the annual Wahiawa Lions Veterans Day Parade, which begins at Wahiawa District Park at 10 a.m. After honoring the veterans, stay to enjoy the Veterans Day Festival in the park with live music by Melveen Leed, Kapena and more, plus food and craft vendors. The $5 festival admission benefits Wahiawa Kokua for Maui.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of North Shore annual events.
Maui
As Lahaina slowly starts to rebuild, visitors can help restore other parts of the Valley Isle while learning about Maui’s distinctive ecosystem and culture. Among Hawaii Land Trust’s volunteer opportunities this month are removing invasive species at Nuu Refuge in South Maui’s remote Kaupo on Nov. 24 and working in the taro patches at Waihee Coastal Dunes and Wetland Refuge near Wailuku on Nov. 16. Closer to the resorts of West Maui, you can help plant 2,400 native trees and shrubs above Honolua Bay on Nov. 2 as part of Aloha Puu Kukui’s Arbor Day celebration.
Here are more special events on Maui this month:
November 28
Thanksgiving is often recognized for the delicious meal it yields, but why not make it even more memorable with a luau setting? Te Au Moana puts on a Thanksgiving Day Luau at the Wailea Beach Resort each year, with a multi-course, family-style dinner complete with elevated classics like a citrus herb roasted turkey, as well as some other options like grilled kalbi short ribs.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of South Side annual events.
November 1 & 2
Get your steps in and your holiday shopping done early at the 11th annual Hawaiian Airlines Maui County Festival at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. More than 140 artists, artisans and chefs from Maui, Lanai and Molokai — the populated islands of Maui County — will sell their wares at the two-day event. Entry on Friday, Nov. 1, costs $45, while it’s just $5 the following day (free for ages 12 and under both days.)
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Central and East Side annual events.
November 25-27
Calling all basketball fans: A beach vacation doesn’t have to mean a hiatus from watching the game. The 40th annual Maui Invitational, an early-season college tournament, returns to Lahaina Civic Center this year with Auburn, Colorado, Dayton, Iowa State, Memphis, Michigan State, North Carolina and UConn hoopsters.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of West Side annual events.
Hawaii Island
There’s no need to wait till Black Friday to do some holiday shopping. Support local artisans and merchants at the Big Island Holiday Market on on Nov. 23 and you’ll also enjoy live music, food vendors and seasonal cheer. The event by Elevate Local Shops takes place from noon to 6 p.m. on the spacious grounds of Kona Brewing Hawaii, which also has fun logo items and specialty brews for sale in its Growler Shack. After Thanksgiving, head to the east side for the Downtown Hilo Christmas Lights Parade Nov. 30. While in Hilo, check out Big Island Candies (with a reviving free sample of chocolate and coffee) and nearby shops for more locally made gifts.
Here are more events across Hawaii Island this month:
November 1-10
This 10-day festival celebrating Kona’s renowned coffee features tastings, farm tours, cultural events and a coffee cherry-picking contest. Attendees can also enjoy live performances, art exhibits, and educational seminars, all while exploring coffee’s rich heritage here due to ideal growing conditions — volcanic soil, elevation and climate.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Kona annual events.
November 7-10
Based in Honolulu, this annual festival also visits several Neighbor Islands to introduce new features, documentaries and shorts highlighting Asia, the Pacific and Hawaii. Purchase individual tickets or buy a $50 pass to watch all six presentations at Hilo’s Palace Theater. (Staying at a Kohala resort? You can also catch the same half-dozen festival selections Nov. 2-3 at Kahilu Theater in Waimea.)
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Hilo annual events.
November 28
Worried about missing out on a plate of delicious turkey and perfectly tart cranberry sauce? Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Thanksgiving Day Luau serves all the classic holiday dishes along with island favorites, accompanied by exciting Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance performances. It definitely beats falling asleep in front of the TV with a football game on.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Kohala Coast annual events.
Kauai
If you’ve ever driven up to Kokee State Park, you’ll understand why Queen Emma’s journey there on horseback in 1871, with 100 people in her retinue, still inspires awe. The 36th annual Emmalani Festival on Nov. 2 re-enacts some of the pageantry in the park, including Hawaiian protocol to mark the arrival of the queen on horseback at 10 a.m., plus hula, lei-making, live music and food throughout the day. It’s free to attend, but VIP tickets with shuttle from Kekaha, covered seating and/or dinner are also available online.
Here are a few more notable events this November:
November 2
Help care for one of the most serene settings on the Garden Isle, where 88 miniature Buddhist shrines dot a winding uphill path in Lawai Valley. A short drive from Poipu, Lawai International Center invites volunteers to register for a half-day of light gardening on the grounds, which include a small wooden temple built in the style of the 13th century, followed by a free lunch. Caring Days take place the first Saturday of each month; free private tours (donations appreciated) can be scheduled on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Poipu annual events.
November 28
Start off your Thanksgiving morning with a 5K Turkey Trot on Hokuala resort completely at your own pace — walk if you want to soak in the views, or choose to run if you’re looking for that extra endorphin boost. For a little more competition, be one of 40 golfers to participate in the Kiele Club 9-Hole Turkey Shoot on Hokuala’s Ocean Course.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Lihue annual events.
November 8-10
Beauty is all around you on the North Shore, and sometimes it’s even indoors. Featuring the first showing on Kauai of original works by North Shore visual artists in a variety of media, the 15th annual Princeville Community Fine Arts Exhibit includes a gala opening 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and exhibition hours from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10. Admission is free.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of North Shore annual events.
