Summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in vibrant festivals that bring people together to celebrate music, culture, art, and community. Here’s a roundup of some fun events to consider attending this summer!
BIG ISLAND
King Kamehameha Day at Hulihe‘e Palace
King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade
On June 8, 2024, come watch the annual King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade in Historic Kailua Village. Starting on Ali’i drive, the community will gather to honor King Kamehameha I. He established the first capital of the united Hawaiian Kingdom here in Kailua-Kona at Kamakahonu. The floral parade will feature hula halau, equestrian units, marching bands, a horse-drawn carriage and more. Enjoy live music, local artists and vendors set up at Hulihe‘e Palace. For more parade information visit: https://sfca.hawaii.gov/resources/king-kamehameha-celebration-commission
Ka’u Coffee Festival
Toast the roast at the 14th Ka‘u Coffee Festival, June 1 thru 8 and discover what makes the rural Ka’u area so special. The Ka’u Coffee Recipe Contest and Pa‘ina & Open House starts on June 1 and continues with Ka’u Coffee Farm Tours June 5, Kaʻū Mountain Hike & Lunch June 6, Ka‘u Coffee & Cattle Day and Kaʻu Stargazing June 7 and the Ka‘u Coffee Ho‘olaue‘a and Coffee Experience June 8. Enjoy a full day of live music, hula, local food and crafts, educational displays, keiki activities, guided coffee tastings at the Ho‘olaue‘a. Many events are free, while others require a nominal fee and reservations.For more information visit: http://kaucoffeefestival.com
Street Eats, A Kailua Village Food Truck Festival
Photo credit Historic Kailua Village
The food truck festival is held in Historic Kailua Village and features food trucks and local food vendors from around the island. This event in the summer is held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at noon.
5th Annual Experience Volcano Festival
July 27- July 28, 2024
The Experience Volcano Festival is a celebration of the culture, people and traditions that make the diversity of the Volcano Area so unique. This festival showcases music, Hawaiian culture, art, tours, family activities, food trucks and much more!
OAHU
King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade
Photo credit Go Hawai’i
Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 9 am
Every year, during the month of June, Hawaii honors King Kamehameha I. King Kamehameha Day takes place on June 11, which is also a state holiday, recognizing the respected leader, warrior, and diplomat that united the Hawaiian Islands. One popular feature of King Kamehameha Day is the always popular King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade which starts at Iolani Palace and winds its way through town to Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. The parade fills the streets with dazzling floral floats, marching bands, horse riders as well as vehicles carrying local celebrities and politicians. The fun continues with an exciting live music celebration at the park bandstand. For more information visit, https://sfca.hawaii.gov/resources/king-kamehameha-celebration-commission
Prince Lot Hula Festival
Held on the sacred grounds of Iolani Palace, the 41st Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival will make its return on Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The two-day hula event spotlights some of Hawaii’s premiere halau in the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawaii and honors Prince Lot Kapuaiwa who is credited for bringing back the lost art of hula. Don’t forget to grab your beach chairs and mats to enjoy the lively festivities.
For more information, visit http://moanaluagardensfoundation.org
Duke’s Oceanfest: Waikiki’s Premier Ocean Sports Festival
Photo credit Duke’s Ocean Fest
August 17- August 25, 2024.
Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing and a true Hawaiian legend is known for spreading the sport of surfing and the spirit of aloha around the world. The Duke’s Oceanfest celebrates Kahanamoku’s life and accomplishments with a week-long festival that includes various ocean sports. The event features longboard surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, tandem surfing, surf polo, beach volleyball, and stand-up paddling. The festival is held at various locations throughout Waikiki. For more information, visit http://dukesoceanfest.com.
MAUI
8th Annual World Whale Film Festival
June 6, 2024 4:30PM-9:00PM
Pacific Whale Foundation is thrilled to extend an invitation to support the upcoming World Whale Film Festival, an event dedicated to celebrating marine conservation efforts and indigenous ecological knowledge. Through captivating storytelling and visual arts, the festival aims to raise awareness about the vital role of oceans and the profound wisdom of indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the environment for generations. The annual festival takes place during World Ocean month, beginning June 6, and includes in-person and online events. Learn more at www.pacificwhale.org/filmfest
Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pau Parade & Hoolaulea
June 15, 2024 9:00am-5:00pm
Hoolaulea opens at 9am at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center and continues from 9am-5pm and will feature hula, Hawaiian music, food, keiki activities, exhibits and Maui made crafters and artisans. Pau Parade begins at 9:45am. This year the route will be along Ka’ahumanu Ave. in Central Maui.
Photo credit Go Hawai’i
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