FESTA ITALIANA
Hawai‘i’s annual Italian festival offers a taste of authentic flavors and cultural experiences from local restaurants and businesses that blend Hawaiian and Italian influences amid music and lively celebrations. For those seeking an elevated experience, a VIP Passaporto Italiano event at Velocity Honolulu is also available. Kalākaua Ave., festaitalianahawaii.com
Get a taste of Italy at Festa Italiana 9/6. PHOTO: BY ROUZES/GETTY IMAGES
COMIC CON HONOLULU
This convention celebrates fandoms of comics, games, TV, and film, featuring guests from those entertainment industries along with local artists and vendors. Hawai‘ i Convention Center, comicconhonolulu.com
ROYAL COURT INVESTITURE & OPENING CEREMONY
The Aloha Festivals starts with a stately ceremony honoring Hawai‘i’s royal heritage. Aloha Festivals Royal Court will wear regalia representing the islands’ noble rulers of years past. The Opening Ceremony will feature hula and musical performances for a special evening after the Investiture. Royal Court Investiture: Helumoa Gardens at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, A Luxury Collection Resort; Opening Ceremony: The Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center, alohafestivals.com
HAWAI‘I LINE DANCE FESTIVAL
This 2-day fundraising event for the Kauai Veterans Center through line dance features open line dancing, workshops, performances, food, and lots of fun! hawaiildf.com
35TH ANNUAL HONOLULU RAINBOW FILM FESTIVAL
Through the medium of film, this festival celebrates the local lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, mahu and aikane community in honor of Hawai‘i LGBT pioneer Adam Baran. Catch films in person and online. Doris Duke Theatre in the Honolulu Museum of Art, filmfreeway.com/honolulurainbowfilmfestival
DENIM & DIAMONDS
Ho’ōla Nā Pua (A New Life for Our Children) is committed to preventing sex trafficking and supporting affected youth. This highly anticipated inaugural philanthropic event promises an enjoyable evening with a live auction, live music, and gourmet cuisine presented by a surprise celebrity chef. The Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute, hoolanapua.org/denim-diamonds
70TH ANNUAL WAIKĪKĪ HO‘OLAULE‘A
Kalākaua Avenue comes alive for an open-air celebration of Hawaiian cuisine and culture. Sample local flavors and browse handmade crafts and enjoy musical performances and hula showcasing the islands’ vibrant traditions. alohafestivals.com
Enjoy The Floral Parade in O‘ahu during the Aloha Festivals 9/28. PHOTO BY DANIELA DUNCAN/GETTY IMAGES
76TH ANNUAL FLORAL PARADE
Aloha Festivals officially ends with a colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Waikīkī at the Annual Floral Parade. Watch floats adorned with vibrant floral arrangements and equestrians exhibiting the pāʻū riding tradition. From Ala Moana Park through Kalākaua Ave. to Kapi‘olani Park, alohafestivals.com
HAWAIʻI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Shining a spotlight on the incredible international achievements in the Asia-Pacific region in film, the HIFF44, presented by Halekulani, recognizes new and emerging talent. Enjoy films from 40-plus countries, industry panels and career development workshops. hiff.org
6TH GRAND LANAI RESTAURANT WEEK
Join foodies for a delightful week of prix fixe menus and special culinary creations at all eight restaurants on the third level. Don’t miss the special ticketed event, Taste of the Grand Lānai, to kick off the week. International Market Place, shopinternationalmarketplace.com
HONOLULU PRIDE 2024
Celebrated in October to coincide with LGBT History Month, dozens of community events, parties, cultural and educational gatherings, and more are planned for this annual fest rooted in pride. hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com
Support the Special Olympics with the Over The Edge fundraiser 10/19. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS HAWAII
OVER THE EDGE
It’s a tall order to rappel 40 stories down a building. However, supporters of the Special Olympics Hawai‘i’s 15th Annual fundraiser will do just that to raise funds and awareness. sohawaii.org
22ND THE JOY OF SAKE
Celebrates Hawaiʻi’s 150-year love affair with sake. This annual sake celebration has become the largest in the U.S., featuring over 500 sakes with traditional and contemporary sake appetizers from top Hawaiʻi chefs. Hawaiʻi Convention Center, joyofsake.com/honolulu
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