Experience the spirit of Hawai’i through events and celebrations this Winter.

The calendar is packed with seasonal festivals and markets as well as exhibitions highlighting local themes, including the beauty of the Big Island’s flora and fauna. Also enjoy Japanese Art, theater, and a thoughtful message through the David Hockney retrospective. Add a serve of pop culture at Pop Con 2024, and spread the love in February at the Kaua’i Quilt Show.

Special Events in Hawai’i: Worth the Trip

Festival of Lights
Now through January 1, 2024, Kaua’i

27th Annual: See millions of lights illuminating the park at Lihue’s Historic County Building as Elizabeth Freeman presents her holiday art inspirations, created with local artisans using recycled/reclaimed materials. Think coconut palm trees wrapped in  lights, and snowfall and meteor light projections.

David Hockney: Perspectives Should be Reversed
Now though March 10, 2024, O’ahu

From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his Family Foundation, this retrospective Hockney exhibition at HoMa features more than 100 prints, collages, photographic and iPad drawings in a variety of media spanning six decades.

Culture to Canvas
Now through October 24, 2024, Kaua’i

Inspired by Kaua’i’s wahi pana, or special, celebrated places, this lovely opportunity to paint and sip is presented in collaboration with native Hawai’ian artist and kumu hula, Kehaulani Kekua.

Naoko Tosa’s New Media Art: Reconceptualizing Traditional Japanese Theater
December 2, 2023-January 6, 2024, Big Island

East Hawai’i Cultural Center’s newest exhibition is inspired by traditional Japanese visual and performing arts, including ink monochrome painting, decorative painting, classical theater of the imperial and samurai classes, and the drama of Kabuki.

Honolulu Marathon
December 10, 2023, O’ahu

51st Annual: The fourth largest marathon in the United States, this course is 26.2 miles long from Ala Moana Boulevard to Kapiolani Park beside the ocean.

Leilani Christmas Market
December 10, 2023, Big Island

Handmade gifts created locally for the holiday season include arts and crafts, holiday treats, and plants. Enjoy lunch and the sounds of Leilani’s Puna Dirt Road Band.

Hawaii Nei
Now through December 14, 2023, Big Island

15th Annual:  Celebrating the island’s flora and fauna, this multi-media art exhibition is hosted by the Three Mountain Alliance, the Hawai’i Island Art Alliance, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the Wailoa Center.

Lōkahi – A Celebration of Maui
December 17, 2023, Maui

Lōkahi is the Hawai’ian word for people coming together to take care of one another and this musical event reflects that spirit. Featuring Lukas Nelson, Jack Johnson, Nathaniel Rateliff, Paula Fuga, Lily Meola, with family and  friends Donavon Frankenreiter, Promise Of The Real, and more.

Hawaii Pop Con 2024
January 6-7, 2024, Honolulu

Major gathering for fans of comics, movies, anime and all pop cultures, with 200+ local and international exhibitors.

Full Bleed Art at the Edges: Anime, Manga and Urban Art
February 2-March 21, 2024, Big Island

Artists present new visions and inspirations of urban art through styles of graffiti, anime and manga.

​Kaua’i Quilt Show 2024
February 9-21, 2024, Kaua’i

Lovingly made by quilters around the island, over 70 quilts will be on display, many for sale. Not just beautiful objects, they tell visual stories, record history and reflect the spirit of their makers.

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)