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HAWAI‘I’S WORLD CLASS EVENTS CALENDAR
July – December 2016
Please note that events are subject to change without notice. For the most complete and updated Hawai‘i
calendar, please visit GoHawaii.com/Events.
JULY 2016
♦ July 16-17, 2016
Hale‘iwa Arts Festival Summer ArtFest (O‘ahu) – View and purchase the original
works and limited editions of more than 100 juried artists. Both traditional and
contemporary art, using oil, acrylic, ceramic, photography, sculpture, watercolor,
jewelry, and glass, are all a part of this amazing festival. History tours, art
demonstrations and displays, musicians, storytellers, and dancers are also present.
HaleiwaArtsFestival.org
♦ July 16-17, 2016
Prince Lot Hula Festival (O‘ahu) – This event, named in honor of the beloved
Kamehameha V, brings the community together at Moanalua Gardens for a hula
exhibition showcasing new and experienced hälau (hula school). The festival offers a full
day of Hawaiian culture with food and refreshments, traditional games, lomilomi
massages, and arts and crafts like lauhala weaving, kapa, and ipu making.
MoanaluaGardensFoundation.org
♦ July 17, 2016
‘Ukulele Festival (O‘ahu) – This concert at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand is by far the
largest of its kind in the world, attracting an audience of thousands. The free concert
showcases the finest ‘ukulele players, including national celebrities, Hawai‘i’s top
entertainers, and an ‘ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students mostly comprised of
children. The festival also offers food booths and informational displays.
UkuleleFestivalHawaii.org
♦ July 30–August 6, 2016
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (Hawai‘i Island) – Holding its 57th annual
tournament, the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament combines five days of
fishing off the beautiful Kona Coast with several other social and cultural events
throughout the week. More than 30 teams from around the world are expected to
compete for the coveted Governor’s Trophy. HIBTFishing.com.
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♦ TBD
Köloa Plantation Days (Kaua‘i) – Held in the area where Hawai‘i’s first sugar
plantation was founded in 1835, Köloa Plantation Days comprises a lively, familyoriented slate of events that showcase the area’s social and natural history and diverse
cultural traditions. Bring the family to enjoy sporting activities and entertainment in the
Po‘ipü and Köloa area resorts. KoloaPlantationDays.com
♦ TBD
The Joy of Sake (O‘ahu) – This is the largest sake-tasting event held outside of Japan,
with over 270 sakes on display. The samples guests enjoy are also submitted as entries to
the U.S. National Sake Appraisal, a rigorous blind tasting with ten judges from Japan
and the U.S. Honolulu’s finest restaurants are also represented as local chefs prepare
sushi and other tantalizing dishes to complement the sake. JoyofSake.com
♦ TBD
Kaua‘i Hospice Concert in the Sky – This annual event is a fundraiser for Kaua‘i
Hospice, and touts the largest display of aerial fireworks on the island along with hula,
local music, rides, games, local products for sale, and an auction. Top hotels and
restaurants provide great food for this highly anticipated event. KauaiHospice.org
♦ TBD
Parker Ranch Rodeo (Hawai‘i Island) – In celebration of Independence Day, this annual
ranch rodeo includes children’s activities, food, and traditional rodeo events like team
roping, bull riding, and barrel racing. ParkerRanch.com
♦ TBD
Korean Festival (O‘ahu) – Held at Kapi‘olani Park, this festival offers residents and
visitors an inside look at the Korean culture from kim chee to Korean fan and drum
dances. Enjoy taekwondo (Korean martial arts) performances, along with food, art, and
entertainment. KoreanFestivalHI.com
AUGUST 2016
♦ August 6-7, 2016
Heiva I Kaua‘i Iorana Tahiti (Kaua‘i) – This international Tahitian dance competition
held at Kapa‘a Beach Park features solo and group performances, in addition to traditional
and contemporary Tahitian style drumming. Multi-cultural workshops and exhibitions,
Tahitian dance, and singing are also featured. HeivaIKauai.com
♦ August 19-21, 2016
Made In Hawai‘i Festival (O‘ahu) – Popular among visitors and residents alike, more
than 400 exhibitors offer all things Hawai‘i made including art, clothing, food, home
furnishings, jewelry, toys, fresh produce, plants, and Hawaiian handicrafts. Attendees
enjoy free cooking demonstrations and live musical performances. The event is held at
the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena. MadeInHawaiiFestival.com
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – July–December 2016
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♦ August 20-28, 2016
Duke’s OceanFest (O‘ahu) – The weeklong Duke’s OceanFest will feature a variety of
ocean sports events and a beach volleyball tournament in honor of the legend, Duke
Kahanamoku. The fest will also raise funds for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku
Foundation’s (ODKF) college scholarships and athletic grants program. The week’s
festivities culminate with the Duke’s Statue lei draping ceremony to commemorate the
anniversary of his birthday. DukesOceanFest.com
♦ TBD
Hawai‘i Island Festival – 30 Days of Aloha (Hawai‘i Island) – Hawai‘i Island celebrates
Hawaiian culture and tradition with an entire month of activities and events featuring
music, dance, and more. Signature events include a Ms. Aloha Nui pageant, a poke
contest, and the Kindy Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling contest. HawaiiIslandFestival.org
♦ TBD
Nä Hula Festival (O‘ahu) – Celebrating the artistry and grace of hula, Hawai‘i’s longest
running non-competitive hula event is held annually at Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand. Put
together by the Department of Parks and Recreation, the event brings respected kumu
hula (hula teachers) from the community to hö‘ike (showcase) their students.
Honolulu.gov/Parks
SEPTEMBER 2016
♦ September 3-4, 2016
Okinawan Festival (O‘ahu) – From its humble beginnings to its status as one of
Hawai‘i’s premier ethnic festivals, the annual festival continues to share the Okinawan
culture with the public through intriguing exhibits and demonstrations, exciting cultural
performances, and delicious traditional delicacies such as pig’s feet soup and andagi
(Okinawan doughnut). OkinawanFestival.com
♦ September 4, 2016
The Kaua‘i Marathon – This 26.2-mile race promises to keep runners inspired as the
course features sparkling blue waters, pristine white sand beaches, and lush rainforests
of Kaua‘i. Proceeds from the event are donated to local charities.
TheKauaiMarathon.com
♦ September 17 & 24, 2016
Aloha Festivals (O‘ahu) – Preserving the unique island traditions, Aloha Festivals is a
cultural celebration of Hawai‘i’s music, dance and history, featuring pageantry, parades,
street parties, concerts, and family activities. Some of the highlights include the Waikïkï
ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) and the floral parade. AlohaFestivals.com
♦ September 18, 2016
Maui Marathon and Half-Marathon – Recognized as one of the 10 most scenic
marathons in the country, this road race sends runners across Maui’s mountains and
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seaside highways, and at times within 50 feet of the Pacific Ocean.
MauiMarathonHawaii.com
♦ September 18-24, 2016
Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival – Named in honor of the highly treasured, light violet
Mokihana flower and green berry found only in Kaua‘i’s forests, the festival is a great
opportunity to experience the rich Hawaiian heritage of the island through folk crafts,
music, and dance. MalieFoundation.org
♦ September 24-25, 2016
Hawai‘i Island Festival of Birds – The festival is a benefit fundraiser for the Hawai‘i
Island Birding Trail. The trail is a 90-mile trail beginning at Kaloko all the way through
to Hilo. HawaiiBirdingTrails.com
♦ September 25, 2016
Na Wahine O Ke Kai (Moloka‘i, O‘ahu) – Founded in 1979, this prestigious women’s
Moloka‘i to O‘ahu canoe race has flourished over the years and attracted paddlers from all
over the world. Celebrate and honor their endurance, devotion and sportsmanship, as
more than 70 women’s teams race to cross the challenging Kaiwi Channel.
NaWahineOKeKai.com
♦ September 25, 2016
Honolulu Century Ride (O‘ahu) – Hawai‘i’s premier bicycling event features one of the
most beautiful routes in the world. Riders cycle from Waikïkï and skirt by scenic
Diamond Head and through Kähala before heading up to O‘ahu’s eastern and
windward shores and back. HBL.org
♦ TBD
He Hali‘a Aloha No Ka Queen Lili‘uokalani Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – Hula hälau
(hula schools) from around the world come together to present memorable
performances in celebration of Queen Lili‘uokalani’s birthday, in the beautiful
surroundings of her historical namesake Japanese-styled gardens in central Hilo. For
more information, call 808-961-8706.
♦ TBD
Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals – This long-standing festival is celebrated throughout the state to
perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and sense of aloha. The festivities include a royal court
presentation, parade, and ho‘olaule‘a (celebration).
♦ TBD
Festivals of Aloha (Maui, Läna‘i and Moloka‘i) – The islands of Maui Nui honor the
Hawaiian culture with a festive lineup of events that include a parade and ho‘olaule‘a
(celebration), fishing tournament, keiki (child), mu‘umu‘u (woman’s gown) and aloha
shirt contest, with lots of music, food, and dance. FestivalsofAloha.com
♦ TBD
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – July–December 2016
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Parker Ranch Round Up Rodeo (Hawai‘i Island) – This annual event-filled weekend is
held as a scholarship fundraiser for school-age children of Parker Ranch employees. The
weekend opens with an array of rodeo events, including roping, bull riding, and barrel
racing. The second day begins with a live horse auction, which is followed by the highly
anticipated rodeo. ParkerRanch.com
♦ TBD
The Joy of Food and Wine (O‘ahu) – A food lover’s and wine connoisseur’s delight held
at the luxurious Halekulani Hotel in Waikïkï, this event features a collection of the world’s
finest wines paired with exquisite French culinary creations. Halekulani.com
OCTOBER 2016
♦ October 1-2, 2016
Coconut Festival (Kaua‘i) – This annual event held in Kapa‘a Beach Park highlights the
cultural, social, and historical importance of the coconut. There is something for
everyone at the festival with entertainment, cultural displays, cooking demonstrations,
and unique coconut foods. KBAKauai.org
♦ October 8, 2016
Ironman World Championship (Hawai‘i Island) – Witness 1,700 of the strongest
triathletes compete in one of the biggest challenges that sports has to offer, the Ironman
World Championship in Kona. The endurance test includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike
ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run through tough ocean waves and challenging lavacovered terrain. This event truly defines the sport where “average” people get to compete
alongside the best in the world. IronMan.com
♦ October 14-15, 2016
Ragnar Relay Hawaii (Hawai‘i Island) – The 200-ish mile relay adventure begins in the
rainforest climate of Puna with its turquoise waves and black sand beaches at Isaac Hale
Park and rounds the greener side of the island to upcountry Waimea. Quad-burning
climbs through the lava fields on the west side of the island will be rewarded with an
ocean-side finish at Hapuna Beach Prince Resort as teams cross under the iconic Ragnar
arch together. RagnarRelay.com
♦ October 14-30. 2016
Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (Hawai‘i Island, O‘ahu and Maui) – Featuring an
exciting roster of internationally renowned master chefs, culinary personalities, and
wine and spirit producers, this prestigious event is co-chaired by two of Hawai‘i’s own
James Beard award-winning chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong. Each festival event
features dishes that showcase the state’s bounty of local produce, seafood, beef, and
poultry. HawaiiFoodandWineFestival.com
♦ October 15, 2016
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – July–December 2016
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Matsuri Kauai Festival – Presented by the Kauai Japanese Cultural Society, this festival
will feature karaoke singers, martial arts, drumming, origami, and more. Enjoy
Hawaiian music, hula, and Japanese dance performances from locals and visitors.
KauaiJCS.org
♦ October 22, 2016
XTERRA Kapalua Trail Run – 5/10km (Maui) – Friends and family can experience the
famous world championship XTERRA run course featuring an off-road thriller on a trail
winding through Maui’s forests, dodging cacti, and past stunning oceanfront scenery.
XterraPlanet.com
♦ October 23, 2016
XTERRA World Championship Off-Road Triathlon (Maui) – This extreme sport triathlon
tests the endurance of qualified athletes from more than 20 countries through a Maui course
noted for its rough terrain and climate. The course begins with a 1.5K swim, followed by a
30K bike ride around Heartbreak Hill, and ends with an 11K trail run to Wailea Beach.
XterraPlanet.com
♦ TBD
Na Lima Hana (Kaua‘i) – Hawaiian crafts and displays will be on display along with
demonstrations and workshops at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Guests can
also learn the healing and meditative practices of various cultures including Hawaiian,
Indian, Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino through a variety of health and wellness classes.
NaLimaHana.net
♦ TBD
Eo e Emalani i Alaka‘i (Kaua‘i) – Each year, kumu hula (hula masters) and their dancers
honor Hawai‘i’s beloved Queen Emma with inspiring performances that make for a
truly authentic and powerful Hawaiian cultural experience. Queen Emma made many
contributions to her people and the land, and this event pays tribute to her humanitarian
spirit. Kokee.org
♦ TBD
Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range (Hawai‘i Island) – Indulge your appetite as
local chefs invent mouth-watering dishes that showcase Hawai‘i’s diverse agriculture.
Chefs create dishes using locally grown, range-fed meats complemented by fresh
Hawai‘i Island vegetables. TasteOfTheHawaiianRange.com
♦ TBD
Maui ‘Ukulele Festival – The annual festival is a full afternoon of ‘ukulele music at the
first-class venue, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Bring your lawn chairs or roll out a
blanket on the lawn and enjoy some of the islands’ favorite ‘ukulele players.
UkuleleFestivalHawaii.org
♦ TBD
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – July–December 2016
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Moloka‘i Hoe (Moloka‘i, O‘ahu) – This men’s event attracts more than 1,000 canoe
paddlers from around the world for a treacherous race across the Kaiwi Channel. It
starts at Hale O Lono Harbor on Moloka‘i crossing 41 miles of open-ocean and finishes
at Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Waikïkï. MolokaiHoe.com
NOVEMBER 2016
♦ November 4-13, 2016
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – Hawai‘i’s longest-running food
festival features more than 50 events in Kona including coffee plantation and mill tours,
a Grand Parade, the Miracle Mile Race, golf tournament, art exhibits, and recipe contest.
KonaCoffeeFest.com
♦ November 12, 2016
Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run (Kaua‘i) – This is Kauai‘i’s premier 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
Run, and non-competitive 5K walk. All proceeds from this event will go toward local
scholarships for the University of Hawai‘i located at the Kaua‘i Community College and
the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA). OldKoloaSugarMillRun.org
♦ November 21-23, 2016
EA Sports Maui Invitational (Championship Round) – Hosted by Chaminade
University of Honolulu, the EA Sports Maui Invitational is considered the best earlyseason college basketball tournament with the nation’s top ranked programs competing
in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Lahaina Civic Center. MauiInvitational.com
♦ November-December
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (O‘ahu) – The most successful professional surfing series
in the world takes place on O‘ahu’s North Shore with three competitions each for men
and women:
Men:
♦ Reef Hawaiian Pro at Hale‘iwa’s Ali‘i Beach
♦ Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach
♦ Billabong Pipeline Masters at Banzai Pipeline
Women:
♦ Cholos Women’s Hawaiian Pro at Hale‘iwa’s Ali‘i Beach
♦ O’Neil Women’s World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach
♦ Vans Duel For the Jewel at Banzai Pipeline
For more information, visit TripleCrownOfSurfing.com.
♦ TBD
Moku O Keawe International Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – This festival features hula
hälau (hula schools) from around the world showing their interpretation of hula along
with workshops and various cultural classes at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and
Spa. MOKIF.com
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – July–December 2016
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♦ TBD
Hawai‘i International Film Festival (O‘ahu) – With more than a dozen screening sites
on six islands, Hawai‘i’s premier film festival presents feature films, documentaries, and
short subjects as well as seminars, workshops, special award presentations, and
receptions. HIFF.org
DECEMBER 2016
♦ December 4, 2016
XTERRA Trail Running World Championship (O‘ahu) – This half-marathon event
features an off-road course across hills, flat valley trails, and streams throughout Kualoa
Ranch. As participants work their way to the finish line, they’ll be treated to picturesque
views of Ka‘a‘awa Valley and the white sandy beaches on O‘ahu’s northeast shore.
XterraPlanet.com
♦ December 11, 2016
Honolulu Marathon (O‘ahu) – One of the world’s largest and most festive road races,
the Honolulu Marathon’s 26.2-mile scenic course includes spectacular views alongside
world famous Waikïkï Beach and Diamond Head. HonoluluMarathon.org
♦ TBD
Festival of Lights/Lights on Rice Parade (Kaua‘i) – The island of Kaua‘i kicks off the
holidays with the annual lighting of Christmas decorations on the grounds of the
Historic County Building. Live local entertainment, Christmas caroling, and a float
parade down Rice Street are some of the night’s activities. LightsOnRice.org
♦ TBD
Hawai‘i Bowl (O‘ahu) – One of college football’s most exciting bowl games kicks off at
Aloha Stadium just before Christmas. The game continues to be the first non-all-star
post-season game in Hawai‘i since December 2000 when the O‘ahu Bowl and the Aloha
Bowl were played in Honolulu. SheratonHawaiiBowl.com
♦ December 1, 2016 – February 29, 2017 (holding period)
The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau (O‘ahu) – In the ultimate challenge of man
versus the sea, a selective group of the world’s big wave surfers compete, only when
wave conditions reach 20-foot plus at Waimea Bay on the renowned North Shore of
O‘ahu. Challengers compete while honoring the legacy of Hawai‘i waterman Eddie
Aikau. QuiksilverLive.com/EddieAikau
♦ TBD
Honolulu City Lights (O‘ahu) – The Christmas spirit comes alive in downtown
Honolulu with the annual Honolulu City Lights celebration. Every year, Honolulu Hale
and the Civic Center grounds are transformed into a spectacular Christmas display that
features various themed Christmas trees and wreaths, gingerbread houses, and gigantic
statues of Mr. and Mrs. Claus – Hawaiian style. The opening night kicks off the month
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – July–December 2016
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long celebration with various food booths, keiki (child) rides, the annual tree-lighting
ceremony, electric light parade, and entertainment. Honolulu.gov
♦ TBD
Diamond Head Classic (O‘ahu) – This collegiate basketball tournament takes court at
the University of Hawai‘i’s Stan Sheriff Center featuring an eight-team, 12-game bracket
format. The tournament is a partnership between the University of Hawai‘i and ESPN.
DiamondHeadClassic.com
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Disclaimer: Events listed in this calendar are subject to change without notice. For a complete
listing of events, please visit GoHawaii.com/Event.
Special note to media: The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) recognizes the use
of the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language;
and the kahakö [ä] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Läna‘i). However, HVCB
respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.
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