Contemporary local culture is a fusion of traditional Hawaiian culture and the many other ethnic groups that make up Hawaiʻiʻs population. This fusion has influences all things from dance, food, music, and sport.

Year Round

Aliʻi Sunday

Eight Sundays throughout the year designated to honor the Hawaiian Aliʻi. Aliʻi Sundays are held at Kawaiahaʻo Church.

Classes at ʻIolani Palace

Learn about traditional Hawaiian crafts or ʻIolani Palace history.

Aupuni Art Place

Enjoy art and culture classes at Nā Mea Hawaiʻi/Native Books in Ward Warehouse.

Hawaiian Music Concerts

A calendar of performances and concerts in Hawaiʻi, on the continent and all over the world, presented by Hawaiʻi’s top entertainers.

Spring

Kamehameha Schools Hoʻolauleʻa

This annual fundraiser supports the Kamehameha Schools and includes an extensive assortment of crafts, food and entertainment.

Holokū Ball

A long-standing tradition of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu, the ball is held annually in March as a fundraiser for scholarships.

Prince Kūhiō Day

March 26 is the Prince Kūhiō Day state holiday. The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs sponsors a parade and other events in celebration.

Ritz Carlton Celebration of the Arts Festival

Held in March or April, this Festival in Kapalua, Maui, celebrates the most respected Hawaiian artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers. Hands-on art, demonstrations, films, cultural panels, music and dance are just part of the weekend.

Merrie Monarch Festival

The Merrie Monarch honors the legacy left by King David Kalākaua with a week-long festival featuring an internationally acclaimed hula competition, a crafts fair, an art show, hula shows, and a grand parade through Hilo town.

Maoli Arts Month

Held annually in May, Maoli Arts Month celebrates Native Hawaiian arts at venues throughout Oʻahu.

Hawaii Book & Music Festival

Held every May on the grounds of Honolulu Hale, this Festival brings in national and local authors for readings and audience Q&A, as well as featuring some of the best musicians in Hawaiʻi.

ʻŌʻō Awards

The ʻŌʻō Awards are an annual dinner celebrating Hawaiians in business.

Kamehameha Song Contest

The Kamehameha Schools song contest is a 90 year old tradition of the school held each spring, and broadcast live.

Na Hōkū Hanohano Music Awards

This music award show held in May celebrates achievements in the Hawaiian recording industry.

Summer

King Kamehameha Celebration

The King Kamehameha Celebration was established by King Kalākaua to honor Kamehameha I. Kamehameha Day, June 11, is a state holiday.

King Kamehameha Hula Competition

Held in June on Oʻahu, the competition features performers from all over the world.

Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition

Honoring Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch, the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition is held annually at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena in July. It features youngsters 6 to 12 years of age in hula ʻauana and hula kahiko categories.

Ke Kani o Ke Kai

Each summer, the Waikīkī Aquarium puts on a summer concert series featuring Native Hawaiian musicians.

Prince Lot Hula Festival

The largest non-competitive hula event in Hawaiʻi, the festival is held each year to honor Prince Lot Kapuaʻiwa who revived the once banned hula during his reign as Kamehameha V beginning in 1863.

Moonlight Mele on the Lawn

Each summer the Bishop Museum opens the museum in the evenings for a concert series of Hawaiian music.

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Awards Dinner

Each year, Bishop Museum awards outstanding community leaders for their service.

Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea

Celebrated annually on July 31, Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea was first established in 1843 to celebrate the return of the Hawaiian kingdom after being seized by Great Britain, and is now commemorated each year with a festival at Thomas Square in Honolulu.

Mākeke and White Elephant Sale

This bi-annual event includes crafts and other booths from Hawaiian practitioners and organizations. It is held on the grounds of Kawaiahaʻo Church.

ʻIolani Palace Royal Garden Party

This annual fundraiser supports the ʻIolani Palace.

Aloha Festivals

A state-wide event held each fall, the Aloha Festivals showcase Hawaiian cultural heritage. Events include a hoʻolauleʻa and parade.

Queen Emma Summer Palace Annual Book Fair

Held each fall, this event includes a day of crafts and booths on the Palace grounds.

Queen Emma Summer Palace Annual Day

Held also in the fall, the Annual Day includes wine and food booths, lei making and other activities that celebrate the history of the Palace.

Lā Kuʻokoʻa

Hawaiian Independence Day, this was a National Holiday of the Hawaiian Kingdom. This day is celebrated by groups across Hawaiʻi.

Winter

Makahiki

Native Hawaiians traditionally celebrated the season of Lono with games and cultural festivities. Makahiki is celebrated throughout the islands.