It’s June in the islands of aloha — here’s what not to miss!
Two traditions can be found across Hawaii. On or around June 11 — the state holiday of King Kamehameha Day — look for horseback riders in long flowing pa‘u skirts and traditional lei leading parades that commemorate the uniter of the Hawaiian Islands. From mid-June through August, Buddhist temples across each island take turns hosting bon dances — festive affairs that include taiko drumming and tasty homemade food as well as circular group dances — to mark the Obon season when ancestral spirits are said to return.
Feature photo courtesy of Na Kamehameha Pa’u Parade and Ho’olaulea on Facebook.
Oahu
Honolulu’s King Kamehameha Day observances include a tribute at his statue in front of Ali‘iolani Hale at 9 a.m. on June 11, but the major festivities take place the weekend following the state holiday. On June 13, the Royal Hawaiian Band will perform at 2:30 p.m. before a series of royal societies and other groups drape the statue with 20- to 30-feet lei in a ceremony that runs till 5 p.m. On June 14, the 108th King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade departs Iolani Palace at 9 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. at Kapiolani Park, where a ho‘olaulea (celebration) with live entertainment and vendors takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here are highlights of events around Oahu in June:
June 13–15
The Pan Pacific Festival is an easy way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian and Japanese culture in and around Waikiki. The June 13–15 lineup of events include a Hula Festival with performances by Japanese and Hawaiian halau (schools) at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound in Waikiki, a Performing Arts Showcase at the Center Stage at Ala Moana Center and the International Market Place in Waikiki. There’s also a Ho‘olaulea (celebration) on Kalakaua Avenue with Hawaiian music and bon dances at 7 p.m. June 13, and a parade at 5 p.m. June 15 from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park.
June 21–22
The 26th annual Haleiwa Arts Festival highlights the work of visual and performing artists in historic Haleiwa Town. Meet artists while browsing their booths of paintings, sculptures and photography, enjoy live performances of music and dance and savor local food and drink at the festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 21–22.
June 13
Wet ’n’ Wild in Kapolei hosts a special Adult Swim Neon Night June 13. The neon-themed party from 6 to 11 p.m. includes water rides, DJ, dancing, food and drink, glow foam and a performance by hip-hop recording artist Mike Jones.
Maui
Ten days after King Kamehameha Day, Maui celebrates the monarch and his illustrious family with the Na Kamehameha Pa‘u Parade and Ho‘olaulea on June 21. The parade starts at 9:45 a.m. on Ka‘ahumanu Avenue in Kahului, while the ho‘olaulea (celebration) offering children’s activities, exhibits and Hawaiian music and hula runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center.
Here’s what else to watch or nosh on the Valley Isle this month:
World Oceans Day - South Side
June 8
Maalaea is Maui’s hub for observance of World Oceans Day June 8. The Pacific Whale Foundation’s For Da Keiki in Maalaea Harbor will feature educational games, face painting, live music and raffle prizes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while Maui Ocean Center will offer art activities, coral feeding, shark tooth digs and marine talks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June 28
Head upcountry for the 57th annual Makawao Parade at 9 a.m. June 28. The parade of horseback riders and classic cars and trucks begins in the historic paniolo (cowboy) town of Makawao and ends at the Oskie Rice Event Center. The center then hosts a country concert with food for sale and other vendors.
June 9–13
Spectra Fest — a celebration of art, culture and community — comes to Lahaina June 9–13. While many of the activities involve Lahaina Intermediate School students and their families, the public can enjoy a Hawaii International Film Festival screening of Maui-themed shorts at 5:30 p.m. June 11 and the Finale Community Celebration with live music and a marketplace at noon at the Branches, the outdoor venue at the Royal Lahaina Resort.
Hawaii Island
The birthplace and childhood home of King Kamehameha, North Kohala understandably celebrates his holiday on June 11 with special aloha-filled pomp and circumstance. Chants, hula and other protocol begin at 5:30 a.m. near his statue in Kapa‘au, followed by a procession of royal societies at 8 a.m., reverent lei-draping at and a floral parade at 9 a.m. and a ho‘olaulea with food, music and hula from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in — where else — Kamehameha Park.
Here are more highlights for June on Hawaii Island:
June 6–8
Now in its eighth year, the Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival has become a worthy rival to Hilo’s Merrie Monarch Festival for lovers of Polynesian culture with four signature events, each worth a spot on any itinerary, plus a vibrant weekend marketplace, all at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort. The opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m. June 6 includes a hula ho‘ike (recital) from seven halau and cultural performances from groups representing Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Tahiti. On June 7, seven Hawaiian and Polynesian designers present the Wearable Arts Fashion Show at 11:30 a.m., while the flames rise high in the Le Kaua Ailao World Fireknife Competition at 5:30 p.m. Sample the wares of 18 top chefs and three expert mixologists competing in the Taste of Pacific & Asia at 10 a.m.
King Kamehameha Day Celebration - Hilo
June 10 & 11
Hilo has its own King Kamehameha statue, which will be draped with lei in a special ceremony at 5 p.m. June 10. Return the next day to 744 Kamehameha Ave. for a King Kamehameha Day celebration with live music, hula from four halau and local craft and food vendors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June 14–15
Some of the biggest names in Hawaiian music and dance will perform at the Waikoloa Music & Cultural Festival June 14–15 at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Musical acts include Ho‘okena, Na Palapalai, Raiatea Helm, Edward Ka‘apana & the Ki Ho‘alu Masters Kanikapila, Robi Kahakalau and many more, with hula by Halau O Kekuhi and Halau Manaola. The event includes food, drink, cultural experiences and a marketplace at the Waikoloa Bowl, plus festivities at Queens’ MarketPlace and throughout the resort.
Kauai
James Beard Award-winning chef Sam Choy is the mastermind behind the annual Kauai Poke Fest June 13–14 at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, which showcases more than 1,000 pounds of premium ahi tuna in a delectable variety of diced preparations. New for the fifth edition this year is a Master Chefs’ Table on June 13 with five courses from Choy and other elite chefs, followed by the main festival June 14 that includes a pro-am poke competition and tastings, live Hawaiian entertainment, a poke-making demonstration by Choy and other food and drink. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits.
Here are other fun events on Kauai this month:
June 7
Ever wonder what it would be like to run or walk rather than drive over the scenic one-lane bridges of the North Shore? The Hanalei Canoe Club’s 43rd annual Ha‘ena to Hanalei event on June 7 offers the opportunity for an 8-mile run or walk, a half–marathon, a 5K run and a 1-mile youth run. Rise and shine: Shuttle buses to the starting line at Ke‘e Beach begin leaving the Hanalei Pier at 4:30 a.m., with the first walkers on the course at 6 a.m.
June 14
The Garden Island’s annual King Kamehameha Day Floral Parade with lei-adorned horseback riders and colorful floats departs Vidinha Stadium at 9 a.m. June 14, then heads up to Rice Street to the Historic County Building. A ho‘olaulea follows with crafts, food and live entertainment until 2 p.m.
June 13–28
Kauai’s Bon dances, hosted by six Buddhist temples, include four on the West Side. The season starts June 13–14 at Waimea Shingon Mission, continues at Lihue Hongwanji Mission June 20–21 and moves June 27–28 to Hanapepe’s Kauai Soto Zen Temple, which is renowned as the originator of the “flying saucer,” a kind of grilled ground beef turnover.
