NEWS - Hawaii's eight major islands eagerly anticipate and prepare for 2023 events - and they welcome you to celebrate with them! Plan your Hawaiian itinerary for this year's trip to coincide with these islands' hottest local events.
Hawai'i
Although it's the youngest island, Hawai'i is also the largest in the archipelago. Also known as the "Big Island," you can best experience Hawai'i's sights, sounds, and delicacies at local festivities.
1. Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
The 27th Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival will occur on February 4, 2023. Here, you'll experience different mini-events, such as the cherry blossom viewing, Taiko drum listening, the cherry blossom art show, and other cultural activities.
This event is active from 9 AM to 3 PM and will happen at 67-1175 Hawaii Belt Road Waimea (Kamuela), HI 96743. Contact Morty Carter by phone by calling: 808-961-8706 or emailing: [email protected]
2. Hawaii Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival
The 6th annual Hawaii Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival will be happening on the Big Island on June 9-11, 2023. This event will take place in the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel at 75-5660 Palani Road Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.
This event provides different ways to indulge in Hawaii's history and culture. It's a melting pot of activities that can satiate the senses.
For instance, you can marvel at the different Hawaiian styles over the years. You can also savor different delicacies as different chefs from the Island of Hawai'i converge on this location.
Kauai
Also called the Garden Island, Kauai is the oldest island in the Hawaiian region. As its name implies, it prides itself in being draped with the color green, thanks to well-kept preserves of forests and florae.
But the island and its locals aren't shy of providing events to residents and visitors alike.
1. Kauai Brewer's Festival
Tired of your local beer brews? Head to the Kauai Brewer's Festival on April 15, 2023. This event will take place at the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center at 4475f Nuhou St, Lihue, HI 96766.
Guests can enjoy different beer flavors in this live beer-tasting event. Various live bands and music artists will strut their stuff on stage as you enjoy this beer festival. You can also take on other people in beer-related games, such as dunk tank and beer pong.
Note: The Kauau Brewer's Festival is strictly for adults 21 years old and over. Underage individuals who attempt to enter the festival may face government charges and fines.
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2. Heiva I Kauai
Do you have what it takes to beat the competition in Tahitian dance and drums? If so, travel to Kauai on August 5-6, 2023 for the Heiva I Kauai.
Go to Kapaa Beach Park located at 4-1464 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, HI 96746 on those dates. Aside from the competition, experience other activities like a fire dance exhibition and dance numbers from local talents like the Te Vai Ura Nui.
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Here's a glimpse of what to expect in the Heiva I Kauai festival courtesy of TikTok user hokulvni_:
@hokulvni_ Heiva I Hawaii 2020 Overall Vahine ♥️ #fyp #foryoupage #dance #oritahiti #tahitian #faarapu #competition #hawaii ♬ original sound - Hokulani
3. Makai Music & Art Festival
Book your trip to the island of Kauai on June 7, 2023, and you can experience the Makai Music & Art Festival. Admission is free, and you'll be able to sit down and watch performers take center stage. Different talents will strut their stuff as they show the island's history and culture through artistic and musical performances.
You can experience the Makai Music & Art Festival by traveling to the Makai Lawn on the event date. Contact Kathleen Schaab by phone by dialing 818-318-7338 or by email at [email protected] for concerns and inquiries about this occasion.
O'ahu
O'ahu is quite famous for its passion for being lively. It also means that this Hawaiian island doesn't lack exciting events.
1. Duke's Oceanfest
Book your Hawaiian trip this August 2023 in O'ahu, particularly on the 19th and 27th of that month. During these dates, you can compete in different watersports like surfing, swimming, and paddleboard racing.
Also, you'll take part in supporting Duke's Oceanfest non-profit organization to provide resources to enrich the lives of the state's scholar-athletes. Contact the event's committee by emailing them at [email protected] for inquiries and concerns about this affair.
Watch this video to see a glimpse of what to expect in this year's Duke's Oceanfest event:
2. Okinawa Festival
Don't confuse this festival with a place in Japan with the same name. The Okinawa Festival started in 1982 when the Hawaii United Okinawa Association decided to bring together the locals and the locals-at-heart to share the island's food and culture.
Different exciting activities are in store for guests near and far. For example, the 2022 event allowed event-goers to eat, drink, and be merry by sampling the island's many delicacies. Booking a ticket to join this festival also helps the non-profit organization that developed the Okinawa Festival.
The 2023 Okinawa Festival is going to happen on September 4, 2023. You can also contact the event's administrators for concerns and inquiries by calling them at 808-676-5400 or by emailing them at [email protected].
Watch this clip of last year's Okinawa Festival to know what to expect for 2023's festivities:
Related Read: Churro Craze: How Disneyland's Iconic Snack Became A Fan Favorite
Maui
Maui is the 2nd largest island in Hawaii. Nicknamed "The Valley Isle," many people know it for its beaches that stretch across the 120-mile shoreline. It's also home to two dormant volcanoes and different festivities throughout the year.
1. Spring Pops With Kalani Pe'a
Happening on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 3 PM, three-time Grammy award winner, and Hawaiian singer and songwriter Kalani Pe'a is going to sing at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Accompanying his songs is a full orchestra backup to tickle your ears with songs from the artist's cultural background.
Interested on-goers can purchase tickets in advance through the event's online portal. Contact the event organizers by calling them at 808-242-7469 for concerns and inquiries about the show. Customer service representatives will be ready and waiting to take your call every Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
2. The Kapalua Food and Wine Festival
Whet your appetite on June 8-11, 2023 as you visit the island of Maui for the Kapalua Food and Wine Festival. This occasion brings together different chefs and vendors across Hawaii into one place.
For instance, the 2022 Kapalua Food and Wine Festival had the Hartford Court Winery Winemaker for event-goers to sample the establishment's luxurious vintage wines and spirits. There was also the Walkabout Tasting Gala, wherein visitors were able to sample different food options ranging from delectable shrimp to pickled rainbow carrots.
At the time of writing, the committee behind the Kapalua Food and Wine Festival didn't divulge a specific date for this year. But interested individuals can contact the staff by sending an email through the event's Contact Us page.
Lanai
Situated in Maui county, Lanai is the 6th largest island in Hawaii. It's the home to many small fishing villages, which also means that you can expect food-related occasions throughout the year.
1. Lanai Pineapple Festival
The Lanai Pineapple Festival should take place around July 2023. But the organizers didn't reveal an official date for the affair at the time of writing.
Nonetheless, expect to see different pineapple-themed mini-events at the site of the festival. These events may include a pineapple-cooking contest, along with different pineapple-themed arts, crafts, and food creations.
2. King Kamehameha Day
The 2023 King Kamehameha Day is a state holiday wherein it celebrates and honors King Kamehameha V, the father of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The date also rejoices and pays tribute to the king's grandfather.
On June 11, 2023, you can enjoy different revelries, such as the King Kamehameha Celebration Pāʻū Parade and the Kamehameha Paniolo Heritage Rodeo.
Here's what Olympic athlete Duke Kahanomoku has to say about celebrating King Kamehameha Day:
@pbsamericanmasters Happy King Kamehameha Day! Today, we’re celebrating great Hawaiians like Olympic athlete Duke Kahanamoku! 🎥: @sonofoahu #hawaii #kingkamehameha #waterman #pbs ♬ original sound - pbsamericanmasters
Moloka'i
Moloka'i is the fifth largest Hawaiian island, and its 38-mile length has tall sea cliffs and white sandy beaches. It also has the world's longest continuous fringing reef, which is also a habitat for different aquatic species. Above ground, you can enjoy different activities throughout the year while you're staying in Moloka'i.
1. 2023 Moloka'i 2 O'ahu Paddleboard World Championship
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If you think you have the courage, stamina, and skill to beat dozens of paddle boarders from Moloka'i to O'ahu, this event can help you test your limits. It's going to happen on July 30, 2023. Interested participants can start registering as early as February 15.
2. Na Wahine O Ke Kai
The Na Wahine O Ke Kai canoe race committee decided to cancel the 2022 event as COVID was still circulating throughout the island. In 2023, the event makes a grand return, thanks in part to the people's persistence to prevent the spread of the virus.
Canoe racers should expect the racing day to be on September 24, 2023. Also, this event is open to all women canoe paddlers. If you decide to participate, prepare your canoeing skills as you start from the Hale Lono Harbor at Moloka'i and finish in O'ahu.
Call: 808-259-7112 for concerns and inquiries about the event. You can also email the staff at [email protected].
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