Experience the vibrant culture of Hawai’i through a series of exciting events this Fall.
The calendar is packed with celebrations including a lively block party and several paying homage to local traditions. Add a Pride parade, the women’s Ironman World Championship, and festivals dedicated to music, film, food, wine, and the rich traditions of coffee growing.
Special Events in Hawai’i: Worth the Trip
Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a
September 23, 2023, O‘ahu
69th Annual: Hawai‘i’s largest block party! Kalākaua Avenue is transformed as part of the Aloha Festival celebrations. Booths showcase Hawai‘i cuisine, crafts, local flavors, artisan crafts, and entertainment from top local artists.
Mokihana Festival
September 25-30, 2023, Kauai
39th Annual: A week of homage to local culture with music, hula competitions, and craft fairs celebrating the island’s traditions. This year also Year of Na Mele O Hawai’i – Songs and Chants of Hawai’i.
Annual Floral Parade
September 30, 2023, Oahu
75th Annual: Aloha Festivals officially end with this procession of floats decorated with beautiful fresh flowers and people on horseback showcasing the traditional art of pāʻū riding.
Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival
October 1-15, 2023, Maui | October 20-21, 2023, Big Island | November 2-5, 2023, Oahu
13th Annual: Three weekends of culinary indulgence as Michelin-starred chefs, winemakers, and mixologists showcase their talents across indigenous and world cuisines.
Ironman World Championships
October 14, 2023, Big Island
This VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona is the women’s event, hosting triathletes from all over the world to test their stamina over a 140.6-mile course.
Kaua’i Chocolate & Coffee Festival
October 15, 2023, Kaua’i
What’s not to love about a festival celebrating chocolate and coffee and more local specialties? Growers and producers gather to showcase their tempting treats.
Honolulu Pride Parade & Festival
October 21, 2023, Honolulu
Central to Honolulu Pride Month, the parade starts from Magic Island at 9 a.m. and makes its way to the Waikiki Shell for the festival with local and national singers, musicians, performers, and DJs.
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival — Kona Style
October 29, 2023, Big Island
26th Annual: This indigenous guitar art form originated on Hawai‘i island in 1832 and celebrates its 191-year-old birthday in 2023. Performers include Master Slack Key Guitarist Ledward Kaapana, Sonny Lim, Stephen Inglis, and Bobby Moderow. Also: food trucks and island crafters.
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival
November 2-5, 2023, Hilo
A leading cultural event in the state. More than 150 cinematic works (including Asia-Pacific Rim, documentaries, and short films) from around the world are screened over a two-week period including acclaimed films from the Sundance, Cannes, and Toronto film festivals.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
November 3-12, 2023, Big Island
53rd Annual: Tastings, farm tours, and parades are just the beginning as the Big Island celebrates its famous Kona coffee and growing traditions.
Full Calendars of Events
Hawaiʻi
- Hawaiʻi – Big Island
- (Pair your travel with Big Island itineraries from Slow Down See More)
- Kauaʻi
- Pair your travel with Kauaʻi itineraries from Slow Down See More)
- Maui
- Pair your travel with Maui itineraries from Slow Down See More)
- Oʻahu & Honolulu
- Pair your travel with Oʻahu and Honolulu itineraries from Slow Down See More)