Surf’s up! The North Shore of Oahu is a popular spot for surfing competitions, ocean festivals and family-friendly cultural events. Here are the most popular and large North Shore annual events that take place throughout the year.
Photo: Courtesy of The Eddie Aikau Instagram
January
See some of the island’s top watermen in the Da Hui Backdoor Shoot. In memory of Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian waterman, four-man teams will compete in a variety of sports including bodyboarding, shortboard surfing, longboarding and more.
March
Stretch out your legs and join the Loko Ea 8K/15K Run & Walk, which takes you through a scenic beach route through historic Haleiwa and Puaene Point’s private grounds.
March 26, Prince Kuhio Day — 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.
April
Give back to nature for Earth Day by volunteering at Waimea Valley and then checking out various arts and crafts, food, hula performances and Hawaiian games at this great North Shore annual event.
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
Looking for artistic inspiration? Make sure to stop by the annual Haleiwa Arts Festival showcasing and celebrating visual, performance and cultural arts from nearly 150 local artists.
If you’re on this side of the island during Fourth of July, there is a spectacular fireworks show accompanied with live musical performances at Turtle Bay Resort. Also in Haleiwa town, the North Shore Chamber of Commerce is hosting an annual fireworks festival with vintage car shows, live musical entertainment, hula, bounce houses, food eating contests, face painting and of course, evening fireworks at 8 p.m.
August
There’s no better place to honor and celebrate the ocean than on the beach! The annual North Shore Ocean Fest makes this possible for locals and visitors. Enjoy an afternoon full of ocean education, activities, music, food and more.
October
Stop by the HIC Pro Sunset Beach and be amazed as surfers catch some of the biggest waves of the year and compete for top titles.
Another surf championship include the Annual North Shore Menehune Surf Championships, which take place mid October at Haleiwa Alii Beach Park.
November
There’s nothing like watching over 80 military units march in the annual Wahiawa Lions Veteran’s Day Parade. Be sure to stop by the parade and honor the veterans.
In honor of Arbor Day, you can pick up a free plant at Waimea Valley. The Makahiki Festival, or Hawaiian New Year, will often take place around the same weekend, with festivities like Te Moana Nui games, keiki games, live music, hula performances and more.
December
If you’re vacationing on Oahu in December, January or February, make sure to check out the annual Eddie Aikau Big Wave Challenge. With only the best surfers from around the world competing, the contest only runs if the waves consistently reach 20-feet.
Hawaii’s Christmas has its own unique charm, albeit without the cold weather and snow. Say “Mele Kalikimaka” to marching bands, parade horses, beauty clubs and car clubs, which will make their way through the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Haleiwa.
Celebrate the new year at Turtle Bay Resort’s annual New Year’s Eve Soirée. The open-air lobby bar will be filled with live music and entertainment, including Cirque du Soleil-style performers and fire knife dancers. You can also order tasty dishes, fun cocktails and wines, too. Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
