Experience Hawaii’s Festivals the Whole Family Will Love

Celebrations For Everything and Everyone: Experience Hawaiʻi’s Festivals the Whole Family Will Love

Attending one or more of Hawai‘i’s many annual festivals is a great way for clients to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. Especially appealing are our many festivals the whole family can enjoy with something appealing for everyone. These family-friendly fests also offer great opportunities for clients to learn about and take home a better understanding of Hawai‘i’s history and culture. Often packed with a variety of activities, including exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, music, dance, craft fairs, parades, food and drink tastings, and more, Hawaiʻi’s family-friendly festivals are rewarding experiences for clients to enjoy whether they travel solo or bring their families. From signature annual events to vibrant parades, read on to learn more about the biggest and best festivals for family fun in 2024.

Island of Hawai‘i
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will host its 63rd annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival in June, bringing together Hawaiian cultural practitioners from the community to share their ʻike (knowledge) and skills. Festivalgoers enjoy an array of participatory activities, including hula, canoe rides, a hukilau (fishnet pulling), lei-making, weaving, ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamping), food tastings and more. Clients on island will also enjoy Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site’s 51st anniversary Hoʻokuikahi i Pu‘ukoholā Heiau Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival set for August. Two days of all-day activities begin with a hoʻokupu (ceremonial offering) ceremony at sunrise, followed by multiple Hawaiian cultural workshops and demonstrations, including coconut frond and lauhala (pandanus leaf) weaving, ‘ohe kapala, lei-making, quilting and more, including live Hawai‘i music performances. Both festivals are free and open to the public.

Kaua‘i
Honor Kauaʻi’s sugar history at the Kōloa Plantation Days Festival in July. The 10-day event celebrates the many ethnic groups that emigrated to the island — and, in particular, the west-side town of Kōloa — to work on its sugar plantations, Founded in 1835, Kōloa Plantation was Hawaiʻi’s first sugar plantation. Kōloa Plantation Days Festival’s packed schedule features more than 20 family-friendly events showcasing the area’s social and natural history, and diverse cultural traditions, including a town parade, hikes and tours, sports events, cultural and historical exhibits, storytelling, craft fairs, food events and more.

O‘ahu
Held annually in September, Aloha Festivals is a celebration of Hawaiian culture, history, music, dance and arts, with its biggest events held on the island of O‘ahu. These include Aloha Festivals’ Royal Court Investiture; Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a, one of the state’s largest annual block parties, featuring local food, music and entertainment; and its annual Floral Parade, a colorful procession of horseback riders, hula dancers, marching bands and floats bedecked with flowers. Aloha Festivals is one of Hawaiʻi’s premier cultural showcases perpetuating traditions of Hawaiian culture.

Maui
The annual Maui AgFest and 4-H Livestock Fair, held in June, aims to raise awareness of Maui agriculture and the island’s farmers, ranchers and food producers, as well as chefs using local-grown and raised ingredients in their menus. The festival’s events include the Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast, Grand Taste cooking competition featuring Maui’s best chefs, a Keiki Zone, and the Maui 4-H Livestock Show and Auction. AgFest’s mission is sharing knowledge with residents and visitors about Maui agriculture past and present, providing opportunities to meet the island’s farmers and ranchers, and, of course, tasting some great local eats made with local ingredients.