Discover the island’s rich culture and diversity at one of the many festivals and events occurring throughout the year. O‘ahu’s festivals and events provide visitors and locals with an opportunity to embrace the island’s multicultural heritage, deep traditions and customs that are special to O‘ahu. Whether it is a cultural festival highlighting Hawai‘i’s diverse people and their origins, an energetic concert series, or a culinary event featuring the island’s top chefs, there is something for everyone. Below is a listing of notable festivals and events (all are subject to change without notice).
Music & Entertainment
April 2017
Biggest Little Airshow in Hawai‘i
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s popular remote control Biggest Little Airshow
in Hawai‘i, sponsored by Aloha Petroleum is back for its 10th year. A family favorite, the airshow features open cockpits, hangar tours, restored World War II aircraft and remote control flying by some of the best pilots and aircraft from the mainland. For two days, Ford Island will come alive with remote control flying, hands-on modeling stations and a Kids Zone with rides, food, drinks, retail, music, entertainment and activities. www.pacificaviationmuseum.org
May 2017
Mele Mei
Mele Mei is an annual celebration of Hawai‘i’s music, hula and culture. Music and hula events are held from April through June at various hotels, venues, on the beach and statewide. From ‘ukulele to steel guitar, traditional Hawaiian music to slack key, island reggae to rock and everything in between, Mele Mei has something for everyone. www.melemei.com
May 6-7, 2017
Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival
Experience the finest of Hawai‘i’s contemporary culture at the Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival. Held on the Frank F. Fasi Grounds at Honolulu Hale, the free event celebrates and honors books, storytelling and music in a way that is fun, accessible and memorable for people of all ages, backgrounds and tastes. www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.com
May-October 2017
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
Slack key guitar originated in Hawai‘i in the 19th century with Hawaiian “paniolo” (cowboys), and continues to gain popularity. The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, founded in 1982, celebrates its cultural importance and perpetuates and preserves the unique acoustic guitar art form of “ki ho’alu,” which means “loosen the key.” There are now six Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar festivals that take place throughout the island of O‘ahu featuring performances by well-known slack key musicians. www.slackkeyfestival.com
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “Kapolei Style” May 27, 2017: 12 - 6 p.m. at Ka Makana Ali‘i Shopping Center
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “North Shore Style” July 4, 2017: 2 - 8 p.m. at Turtle Bay Resort
35th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “Waikiki Style” Aug. 13, 2017: 12 - 6 p.m. at Kapi‘olani Bandstand & Park
2nd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “Kailua Style” September 2017 (date TBD) at Kailua Town Center
6th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “Westside Style” Oct. 22, 2017: 12 - 5 p.m. Hoalauna Park
3rd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “Windward Style” Dec. 3, 2017: 12 - 6 p.m. at Windward Mall
July 4, 2017
Ala Moana Center Fireworks
For the 26th consecutive year, Ala Moana Center will present locals and visitors with one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks shows in the country. In addition to the fireworks, Ala Moana Center will offer a weekend’s worth of live entertainment and a mall-wide shopping savings pass. www.alamoanacenter.com
July 16, 2017
47th Annual ‘Ukulele Festival Hawaii
Local ‘ukulele legend Roy Sakuma and his sponsors help to keep the instrument alive with the largest festival of its kind in the world, attracting thousands each year. A free five-hour concert showcases the finest ‘ukulele players from around the world, along with national celebrities, Hawai‘i’s top entertainers, and an ‘ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students. The festival benefits ‘Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a nonprofit organization. www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org