Giving back to the community has never looked as glamorous as it does with these events, which include the best galas and banquets here in Hawai‘i. As 2024 comes to a close, and we approach 2025, Modern Luxury has curated a list of philanthropic events to add to your social calendar for the upcoming year.
Winter 2025
SONY OPEN
January 6-12
The week-long Sony Open tournament is Hawai‘i’s largest charity golf event, bringing some of the best in the sport together. The tournament proceeds have benefited many local non-for-profit organizations raising over $25 million to date for over 350 local non-for-profits. The event not only has Hawai‘i’s natural beauty as its backdrop for the tournament but is one of the most international events on the PGA tour, reaching over 260 countries on broadcast networks. Waialae Country Club, sonyopeninhawaii.com
HEART BALL
February 22
Be a part of the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball. The ball celebrates the association’s success and its impact. For over 100 years, the American Heart Association has worked to save lives and make life-changing discoveries. Join them to raise money for the hearts of our community. Alohilani Resort Waikiki, ahahonolulu.ejoinme.org/myevents/20242025heartofhawaii
The annual HUGS Gala, May 24, supports seriously ill children and families in Hawai‘i PHOTO BY: JOE CASTANEDA
PINK TIE BALL
March 8
Be a part of a beautiful night filled with hope and giving. Put on by Susan G. Komen, the event features extraordinary cuisine, music, and cocktails, bringing the community, including leaders and philanthropists, together to raise money for Breast Cancer. Funds raised from the ball go towards Susan G. Komen’s vision of a world without Breast Cancer. Alohilani Resort Waikiki, komen.org/community/hawaii
OPERA BALL
April 5
Enjoy an evening with Hawai‘i Opera Theatre for their annual fundraising gala. The night will consist of cocktails, silent auctions, dinner, and amazing live performances. With the theme of the night being Mars Fever, it is set to be out of this world. The event helps Hawai‘i Opera Theatre’s mission of bringing professional music education programs to schools within the islands of Hawai‘i. Sheraton Waikiki, hawaiiopera.org/ob25
Make-A-Wish Kid Vivienne, and Trini Kaopuiki Clark at the annual Jingle Rock Run fundraiser, Dec. 15. PHOTO BY: RAYEN WATANABE
TEA & CHAMPAGNE
April 19
Join The Women’s Fund of Hawai‘i as they host their annual Tea & Champagne Fundraiser. Enjoy the evening with tea, Champagne, and delicious desserts dressed in your finest cocktail attire to learn all about The Women’s Fund and the amazing work that they do. Everything raised will be put toward their mission of providing funding to organizations with programs that make sure women and girls in Hawai‘i are safe, empowered, secure and participating within their community. Sheraton Waikiki, teaandchampagne.swell.gives
THE IMUA FAMILY SERVICES ANNUAL GALA CELEBRATION & FUNDRAISER
April 19
Celebrate and experience all different types of cultures this spring as the festival brings out world-class entertainment from around the world right to the island of Maui. The event helps to bring funds to support Imua’s work helping children with cognitive or developmental delays or disabilities on the island of Maui. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, discoverimua.com/gala
THE COLOR FESTIVAL HAWAII
April 26
Featuring live music and DJs, the Color Festival put on by Imua is an event for the entire family to participate in. This radiant event highlights the inclusivity of the community and the diversity and spectrum of colors among it. Enjoy music artists, food trucks, and of course, the throwing of colors in this vibrant celebration. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, discoverimua.com/color
WISH! In the Wild
May 3
Step into the wild as you support Make-A-Wish this year at the annual Wish! Gala. Enjoy their theme of WISH! In the Wild while helping to fulfill the foundation’s mission of granting children who are battling illnesses with life-changing illnesses. This is a deeply heartwarming event that supports a truly wonderful and meaningful cause. Sheraton Waikiki, wish.org/hawaii
HUGS GALA
May 24
To help support Hawai‘i’s families, Hugs is putting together the Giddyup for Hugs Gala this year. Guests will be encouraged to wear western or cowboy attire and have access to a buffet dinner, silent auction and ticker drawings. The net proceeds from this western or cowboy event will be used to help support many of Hawai‘i’s seriously ill children and families. Ko’olau Ballrooms, hugshawaii.org
Maui Arts & Cultural Center welcomes all to celebrate inclusivity of the community at its annual fundraiser. PHOTO BY J. ANTHONY MARTINEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
THE HOPE GALA HONOLULU
June 7
In support of Clarence T.C. Ching Hope Lodge, the American Cancer Society puts on the Hope Gala annually. This summer gala raises money to offer a home away from home, and to be able to provide the support of free lodging to those who travel across the Pacific to the island of O‘ahu to access treatment for cancer. The Royal Hawaiian, honolulu.acsgala.org
THE HAWAII CHILDREN’S CANCER FOUNDATION GALA
June TBA
Don’t miss out on the opportunity this June to take part in the Hawai‘i Children’s Cancer Foundation gala. The foundation is having its gala at Murphy’s Bar and Grill and will be a night to remember. The money raised will be going toward supporting and advocating for the needs of children with cancer and their families. hccf.org
ANNUAL ALL-STAR AFFAIR: A NIGHT AMONG THE ALL-STARS
August 15
This event is an unforgettable night including music, cocktails and a dinner. The money that is raised from the gala goes toward helping and supporting the students who are a part of the After-School All-Stars program. Their program provides free afterschool programs to middle schoolers to keep them safe and successful in school and life. The Royal Hawaiian, asashawaii.org/gala
MADE IN HAWAII FESTIVAL
August 15-17
Showcasing some of Hawai‘i’s most beloved products, the Made in Hawai‘i Festival brings the community together for a wonderful three-day event. Hundreds of vendors highlighting the state’s most talented artisans, and chefs will present throughout the festival. Take part in some wonderful shopping, fashion shows and chef demos throughout the weekend. Hawai‘i Convention Center, madeinhawaiifestival.com
MAUI CALLS
August TBA
Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s signature event is a gala that goes unmatched. The gala fundraises money for the Art and Cultural Center’s programs of live performances, inspiring visual arts, and arts-based education. The event starts with a fresh flower Lei greeting and live music continues through the night with exquisite appetizers from some of Maui’s best restaurants and premium wine from around the world served during the opportunity to bid on items in both live and silent auctions. mauiarts.org/mauicalls
HAWAII LINE DANCE FESTIVAL
September 12-13
Put on by Catholic Charities Kaua‘i, guests enjoy lots of dancing, food, and performances. During this two-day fundraiser, the money raised from having an amazing time and a lot of entertainment will help Catholic Charities Kaua‘i serve those in need. Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, hawaiildf.com
EYE BALL
September TBA
This eye-opening fundraising gala, put on by Project Vision Hawai‘i, raises money to help provide free vision screenings and other services to underserved communities in Hawai‘i. Along with the elegant theme, Paris, there will be live music, dancing, auctions, fabulous food, and beverages. projectvisionhawaii.org
HAWAI‘I INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
October TBA
The Hawai‘i International Film Festival takes pride in showcasing and celebrating international films in the Asia-Pacific region. The festival includes approximately 150 films chosen from over 2,000 while also conducting panels, workshops and award presentations. hiff.org
OVER THE EDGE
October TBA
Fundraising has never been more fun than with Over The Edge. Feel the adrenaline rush and help to raise money for The Special Olympics by rappelling 40 stories down from a building. Helping raise money to provide children and adults the opportunity to compete in the Special Olympics with no cost to them or their friends and family. sohawaii.org
HAWAI‘I FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
October-November TBA
Known as the largest food and wine festival in Hawai‘i, the event is a three-week experience that spans across three islands. This festival brings in internationally renowned chefs, culinary personalities, sommeliers, mixologists, and wine and spirit producers, who are invited to participate in events every year. The Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival donates to organizations that support sustainability, culinary education, and programs within Hawai‘i. hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com
HE MAKANA O NĀ MELE
November TBA
Spend the night watching performances by the Hawaii Youth Symphony’s student ensemble and world-renowned guest artists. Don’t miss this evening that celebrates music education and youth development excellence. hiyouthsymphony.org/namele
Winter 25
FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY GALA
December TBA
On a date that holds great significance, the For Love Of Country Gala will be held inside the historic Hangar 79. The event raises funds for the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s mission of preserving the grounds and honoring those who defended our freedom while also educating and inspiring the next generation. The evening will consist of a truly divine culinary experience along with a selection of impeccable wines provided by Baldacci family vineyards. pearlharboraviationmuseum.org/events
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
December TBA
Shop and support the YWCA at the same time. The pop-up offers an array of clothing from pre-owned dresses, to handbags. Make sure to attend this event in the Lobby of YWCA O’ahu Laniakea. YWCA’s Dress For Success pop-up uses 100% of their proceeds to support their programs. ywcaoahu.org
KAMA‘ĀINA CHRISTMAS
December TBA
Take part in an exceptional in-gallery dining experience this December. This black-tie affair takes place amongst the Honolulu Museum of Art’s wonderful art collection. Enjoy your time gazing at the gallery’s finest works alongside fellow art lovers while you listen to exceptional live music, and take part in auctions throughout the night. honolulumuseum.org
THE NUTCRACKER
December TBA
Nothing is more festive than a night at the ballet. Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker, held by Ballet Hawaii, Honolulu tells the timeless and traditional story while also incorporating Hawai‘i influences. The holiday tradition is set in the 1858 Kingdom of Hawai‘i and will be accompanied by the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than with this wonderful performance. Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, ballethawaii.org/the-nutcracker-2024
JINGLE ROCK RUN
December TBA
Celebrate this holiday season by giving the gift of hope with Make-AWish. The charity works with children battling chronic illnesses and is hosting its annual holiday fundraiser: a 2.5-mile Community walk/run. Live entertainment will be present throughout the route, so grab a group of family and friends, dress up in your most festive attire, and show your support! Ko Olina Resort, wish.org/hawaii/jingle-rock-run-2024
Photography by: COVER/HEART BALL PHOTO BY SHANEIKA AGUILAR
