Annual Events on Oʻahu
With its central beachfront location, walkable streets, and easy access to dining, shopping, and transportation, Waikīkī makes the ideal home base for enjoying events across Oʻahu throughout the year. Many festivals, performances, community celebrations, and sporting events take place right in Waikīkī or just a short distance away. Even when an event is held elsewhere on the island, staying in Waikīkī allows you to return to the comfort and convenience of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic oceanfront neighborhood.
January
Sony Open in Hawaii
The Sony Open in Hawaii welcomes some of the world’s top golf professionals to Oʻahu each January. This major PGA TOUR event features championship play and supports local charities.
📍 Location: Waialae Country Club (Kāhala, just east of Waikīkī)
March
Honolulu Festival
A celebration of cultures from across the Pacific Rim, featuring dance, music, art, and a large parade through Waikīkī, ending with fireworks over Waikīkī Beach.
📍 Location: Waikīkī & Hawaiʻi Convention Center (short walk from central Waikīkī)
April
Waikiki SPAM JAM
A lively block party on Kalākaua Avenue celebrating Hawaiʻi’s longtime love for SPAM. Features creative dishes from local restaurants, music, and hula performances.
📍 Location: Kalākaua Avenue (Waikīkī)
May
Lei Day Celebration
A celebration of Hawaiian culture, craftsmanship, music, hula, and the artistry of lei-making, held each year on May 1st.
📍 Location: Kapiʻolani Park (Waikīkī)
June
King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade
A colorful parade honoring King Kamehameha I, featuring pāʻu riders, floral floats, marching bands, and cultural groups.
📍 Location: Downtown Honolulu to Waikīkī (Kalākaua Avenue parade route)
July
Prince Lot Hula Festival
Hawaiʻi’s largest non-competitive hula gathering, celebrating Hawaiian music, dance, and cultural heritage.
📍 Location: Honolulu (accessible from Waikīkī)
August
Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest
A celebration of ocean sports honoring Duke Kahanamoku, featuring surfing, swimming, paddleboard racing, and more.
📍 Location: Waikīkī Beach
Okinawan Festival
A vibrant celebration of Okinawan culture, food, music, and dance.
📍 Location: Hawaiʻi Convention Center (short walk from Waikīkī)
September
Aloha Festivals
A multi-week celebration of Hawaiian culture, featuring parades, music, and traditional ceremonies.
📍 Location: Waikīkī (various venues along Kalākaua Avenue)
October–November
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
A culinary celebration featuring world-renowned chefs and Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients.
📍 Location: Multiple venues in Honolulu & Waikīkī
November–December
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
Elite surfers compete at iconic breaks on Oʻahu’s North Shore.
📍 Location: Haleʻiwa, Sunset Beach & Banzai Pipeline (North Shore, ~1 hour drive)
Although the competition takes place on the North Shore, most visitors stay in Waikīkī and simply drive up for the day, returning to dining, shopping, and nightlife afterward.
December
Honolulu Marathon
One of the largest marathons in the U.S., featuring a scenic 26.2-mile route through Honolulu.
📍 Location: Waikīkī & Honolulu
