Emma Robinson Emma Robinson | July 15, 2021 | Lifestyle, Feature,
Festivals make their return to Hawai'i’s social scene as more and more gatherings are being planned across the islands. Here are the 11 festivals you don't want to miss this year.
This October, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival returns with a series of events throughout Kaanapali, O'ahu and the Island of Hawai'i. Following the theme Taste Our Love for the Land, these culinary celebrations will feature Hawai'i’s local agriculture and fishing industries to deepen attendees’ love of Hawaiian culture. While enjoying delicious fare from 67 world-class chefs, guests will also have the opportunity to be educated on Hawai'i’s natural resources and the importance of malama 'aina. 3538 Waialae Ave., Ste. 202, Honlulu
Presented by the Hawaii Food Industry Association, Made in Hawaii Festival is back and better than ever. With 400 exhibitors, live-action cooking demos and entertainment, festival goers will get the chance to explore some of Hawai'i’s most unique businesses while enjoying live performances. Mauka Ewa Parking Structure, Level 4, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i
For over 20 years, the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i has graced the waves of Hawai'i’s waters every Memorial Day. This year, the festival commenced virtually with a special television broadcast and an opportunity for viewers to participate in an art installation through online submissions. While we hope to see the 7,000 candle-lit lanterns float on the waters once again in 2022, Buddhist community Shinnyo-en encourages islanders to conitue to share their light and to inspire hope and a brighter future. 2348 S. Beretania St., Honolulu
Save the date—and your appetite!—for 2022 as the 41st annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival commences at Maui’s Kapalua Resort. This gourmet experience will showcase the finest food and wine while paying homage to Hawai'i and all of its culinary appeal. As this year’s festival showed urban drinks and Italian eats from Taverna, mouthwatering fish from Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar and more, hopes for next year’s celebrations are high as islanders’ tastebuds anticipate what’s next. 6001 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina
Hawai'i International Film Festival
For over 40 years, Hawai’i International Film Festival has showcased cinematic art to film enthusiasts from the world over. The premier film festival attracts over 50,000 annually, giving a voice to Hawai'i’s most talented filmmakers through narrative features, documentaries and short films. This November, the festival opens its 41st iteration with a special focus on contemporary Asian, Pacific and North American cinema, as well as films produced in Hawai'i, outdoor screenings and more. 680 Iwilei Road Ste. 100, Honolulu
Mark your calendars for July 18: You won’t want to miss the beautiful tunes of the 51st annual Ukulele Festival Hawaii. This year, the beloved celebration will pivot to an all-virtual format, giving viewers the chance to take in performances from the comfort of their own homes. In addition, the event welcomes two new festival organizers, husband-and-wife team Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel. With a background in virtual music events and classes, this duo will bring out all the stops with a star-studded lineup and a program to honor the last 50 years of the festival. 3555 Harding Ave., Ste. 1, Honolulu
See also: Ukulele Festival Hawaii Celebrates Its 51st Iteration Virtually
It’s time to start whipping out your surfboards. Duke’s OceanFest takes over the shores of Waikiki Aug. 21 to 29. In honor of legendary athlete Duke Kahanamoku, this action-packed event features a variety of lifestyle sports, including surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, surf polo and more. In addition to its athletic happenings, the festival also celebrates Kahanamoku in other ways, such as a lively oceanfest opening ceremony, a sunrise lei draping on the DukeKahanamoku Statue and a movie night. Don’t skip on your chance to make a splash and show what you're made of on the waves at this fun-filled summer event. 4348 Waialae Ave., Ste. 483, Honolulu
Every March, Honolulu Festival joins together the vibrant cultures of Asia, the Pacific and Hawai'i to create a cultural experience unlike any other. This three-day spectacular attracts thousands of visitors each year, along with talents from variouscountries and regions like Japan, Australia, Tahiti and more. With live performances, traditional art demonstrations, education programs and activities, and an extravagant parade down Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu Festival is a one-of-a-kind Hawaiian celebration. Though this year’s festivities were held via TV broadcast, we standby and wait to see if the cultural exchange will take place in-person once again in 2022. 1801 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
Grab your hula skirts for the 59th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in spring 2022. This weeklong spectacular brings locals and visitors together to learn about the history and culture of Hawai'i through art, hula performances, a cultural parade and more. 2021’s festivities took place virtually via TV broadcast and other streaming platforms, and it has yet to be announced whether celebrations will take place in person in 2022. Regardless, Merrie Monarch Festival will proudly continue its legacy honoring Hawai'i cultural practices and values. 865 Pi’ilani St., Hilo
Since 1983, the world’s most talented professional surfers and watersports enthusiasts have gathered on the North Shore of O'ahu for the Vans Triple Crown. This prestigious competition unites the surfing community with a bit of friendly competition as athletes go head-to-head against O'ahu’s most monstrous waves. With events held on three of the island’s most iconic surf breaks—Haleiwa, Sunset and Pipeline, the Vans Triple Crown puts surfers to the test, giving bystanders their fair share of entertainment. This year’s competition was held virtually as contenders were asked to submit footage of their best waves from each break to be in the running for the Triple Crown title. What’s in store for 2022 is currently unknown, but the surfing community hopes to see celebrations take place along O'ahu's shores once again.
Anticipation is brewing throughout the islands for the 50th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Originating in 1970, Kona Coffee is Hawaii's oldest food festival and has gifted attendees with Kona's rich coffee history and exciting events from beauty pageants, art exhibits, and half marathons every November. As part of the festival's 50th celebration, Kona will also offer a Kona Coffee Cookbook which will feature 300 delicious recipes from Kona's Coffee Country Kitchens.
Photography by: By Maxime Bhn/Unsplash; courtesy of brands
