Maui & O‘ahu’s Can’t-Miss Events

From food festivals and golf tournaments to vibrant cultural parades, Maui and O‘ahu roll out dozens of standout annual events designed to deliver indelible moments. Whether you’re craving the thrill of world‑class competitions, the signature flavors of Hawai‘i, or the richness of Native Hawaiian traditions, the islands’ yearly calendar is packed with experiences that can turn a great trip into an extraordinary one.*

 

SPRING

With spring comes blossoming flowers and a thriving agricultural scene. Dedicate some time to the season’s best nature-focused events.

EAST MAUI TARO FESTIVAL (APRIL)

Centered around taro, a Hawaiian food staple, the East Maui Taro Festival showcases the many traditional and modern ways this versatile plant can be used. Some variants include a fabric dye, a poultice for sores, and an ingredient in the classic poi (an edible purple paste). Sip a taro bubble tea and taste one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved, naturally purple treats.

MAUI MARATHON (APRIL) 

The annual Maui Marathon is one to put on your radar. The race takes place each April and follows a scenic out‑and‑back course along the Honoapi‘ilani Highway (Route 30). Expect turquoise ocean views along key stretches of the route, and pop‑up wellness activations bring an extra buzz for both runners and spectators throughout the weekend. If you’re not planning to lace up, consider joining the cheering crowds and soaking up the race-day energy.

LEI DAY CELEBRATION (MAY)

While there are many Lei Day (or May Day) celebrations throughout the state, the one at Kapi‘olani Park on O‘ahu has been held for nearly a century. It includes hula performances, a lei-making contest, and the procession of a traditional lei court comprising a “royal family,” including a king, queen, princesses, and princes. Each member is chosen for their Hawaiian cultural skills and personality. 

SHINNYO LANTERN FLOATING CEREMONY (MAY)

Send a glowing lantern out into the Pacific Ocean at this Memorial Day event at Ala Moana Beach Park on O‘ahu. These lanterns act as a physical remembrance of those who have passed away.

SUMMER

Summer brings countless sunny days, along with some of the islands’ best cultural festivals.

KING KAMEHAMEHA FLORAL PARADE (JUNE)

This beloved ceremony is held on O‘ahu in honor of King Kamehameha I, the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands and the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. The King Kamehameha Floral Parade features flower-bedecked floats and traditional pa‘u riders (female horseback riders in colorful skirts) on bloom-accented horses, representing the Hawaiian royal court.

WAILUKU FILM FESTIVAL (JUNE)

Launching in 2026, the four-day Wailuku Film Festival is set to be an incredible showcase of Native and local films. Enjoy curated screenings, workshops, and creator panels at this Maui event.

HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR FESTIVAL, MAUI-STYLE (KĪ HŌ‘ALU GUITAR FESTIVAL) (JUNE)

The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival on Maui showcases the slack key guitar, a method of tuning and guitar playing that originated in the Hawaiian Islands. To enjoy this free, three-hour-plus concert, just bring a beach mat or chair to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s grassy field.

MAKAWAO RODEO (JULY)

Held on Maui, Hawai‘i’s largest paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) festival features bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more. Its blend of western rodeo culture and Hawaiian heritage makes it a fun and unique way to celebrate the Fourth of July.

PRINCE LOT HULA FESTIVAL (JULY)

The Prince Lot Hula Festival in Honolulu honors Prince Lot Kapuāiwa—who later became King Kamehameha V—and celebrates one of Hawai‘i’s most cherished cultural traditions. The noncompetitive hula event is a free, family-friendly festival that typically takes place each July at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds. Over two-days, multiple hālau hula (hula schools) take the stage to share mele (song), dance, and storytelling.   

 

FALL

As the weather starts to cool a bit, some of O‘ahu and Maui’s most popular events come to life—from mural painting festivals to foodie feasts.

WORLD WIDE WALLS (SEPTEMBER)

Talented artists from across the islands and around the globe flock to O‘ahu to participate in this weeklong festival, painting beautiful murals all around the island (though primarily in Honolulu).

HAWAI‘I FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL (OCTOBER-NOVEMBER)

This multivenue festival is held on Maui, O‘ahu, and the Big Island, showcasing the best of the islands’ agriculture and culinary scenes. Events include food tastings, wine seminars, cooking classes, and local celebrity chef appearances.

WINTER

The weather stays warm on O‘ahu and Maui in the winter, so outdoor events—from sports tournaments to cultural events—continue in full swing.

VANS PIPE MASTERS (DECEMBER) 

Each December, the world‑renowned Vans Pipe Masters transforms O‘ahu’s North Shore into the epicenter of competitive surfing. Held at ‘Ehukai Beach Park (Banzai Pipeline), the event has crowned icons like Carissa Moore, John John Florence, and Kelly Slater.

MAUI WHALE FESTIVAL (FEBRUARY)

Winter on Maui is whale‑watching season, marked each year by the beloved Maui Whale Festival. This annual celebration honors the migration of humpback whales that travel to Maui’s protected waters during the winter months. Expect lively community events, educational exhibits, and family‑friendly festivities, including the long‑running Whale Day gathering in Kīhei. 

THE HONOLULU FESTIVAL (MARCH)

The Honolulu Festival on O‘ahu brings Asian and Pacific cultures into the spotlight, with a particular emphasis on Japanese culture. Attendees can expect multiple shows and a variety of food vendors serving up traditional dishes like poke bowls and musubi—a popular Hawaiian snack typically made with a slice of pan-seared spam atop rice and wrapped in nori (seaweed). Don’t forget to stick around for the fireworks finale.

Hawai‘i-based travel writer and editor Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. Her work has been featured in Time Out, Tripadvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet.

WHERE TO STAY: 

Experience the sun and surf that can only be found on Maui and Oahu. Walk the blue ocean waters just off the beach at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club and Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club. And you’ll never be far from authentic Hawaiian fun and flavors at The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas North, or The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas. No matter which resort you choose, you’ll make meaningful vacation memories.