Make your way to the beautiful west side of Oahu to experience any of these annual events. Here are our favorite picks throughout the year.
Feature image courtesy of Ko Olina Children’s Festival Facebook
March
This state and local holiday celebrates the birthdate of the adopted son of King Kalakaua and the nephew of Kalakaua’s wife, Queen Kapiolani, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianiole. He became Hawaii’s first delegate to the U.S. Congress, when the islands were still just a territory, and served 10 terms before his death in 1922. Among his accomplishments, he created the Hawaiʻian Homesteads program to help landless Native Hawaiʻians. Every island has some commemoration
April
Trade your bathing suit for a superhero fit and enjoy a family-friendly afternoon at the Annual Ko Olina Children’s Festival. The festival includes activities, movies, performances and more. All revenue from ticket sales go to Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.
June
Obon season (June through August) — Almost every weekend throughout summer, a different Japanese Buddhist temple welcomes back spirits of ancestors with an evening of taiko drumming and dances in which the public can join in. Don’t care to dance? Enjoy pancake-battered hot dogs, saimin, and other island-style goodies in a festival-like setting. Local newspapers start listing the schedule in late May.
June 11, King Kamehameha Day — Another islandwide official holiday, in this case honoring the memory of the unifier of all the islands, reigning from 1810 to 1819. The date of parades and other celebrations may move to the nearest weekend. In Honolulu, don’t miss the massive Floral Parade with lei-adorned horses and riders in long skirts that starts near Iolani Palace downtown and ends in Waikiki at Kapiolani Park. Smaller but still colorful parades take place in Kamehameha’s birthplace of North Kohala, plus Kailua-Kona and Hilo on the the Big Island; Lahaina, Maui; Lihue, Kauaʻi; and Kaunakakai, Molokai. Yards-long leis are also draped on the iconic statues of him in his hometown of Kapaau (North Kohala) and in Hilo’s Wailoa Park, and in front of Aliiolani Hale (across from Iolani Palace) in Honolulu.
July
Celebrating Independence Day? The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, an immaculate five-star hotel, will host a private fireworks show right along the shore. Picnic on the sand or go for a night swim while beautiful fireworks illuminate the night sky.
September
Attend Ho‘ōla Nā Pua’s Now Annual Denim and Diamonds event, a fundraiser that cleverly joins country and elegance. There will be live music, a live auction and food prepared by a surprise celebrity chef.
October
Encourage your family to stay active on vacation by participating in the Race Ko Olina. It features fitness challenges for both kids and adults.
November
Bring your family to a special Thanksgiving brunch or traditional family dinner at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. If you feel led to give back in the spirit of the holidays, Ko Olina Charities prepares and serves more than 4,000 holiday meals to those less fortunate at shelters, beach parks, churches and transitional homes throughout Leeward Oahu. You can support their annual Thanksgiving Outreach by contacting charities@koolina.com.
December
Mele Kalikimaka! Kick off the holidays with a special holiday luau that runs throughout December at Paradise Cove. Watch hula and fire knife performances, eat delicious Hawaiian food like lomi lomi salmon and kalua pig and see Santa on stage.
