Hawaii Annual Summer Events

Hawaii Summer Events!

You can never plan too far ahead for a big family summer holiday. Once you get past the holidays, the year seems to fly by and that summer break comes up fast! If you're thinking about an Hawaiian vacation, here are events and activities that take place across the Hawaiian Islands from May to September. 

Maui Summer Events 

Kapalua Wine & Food Festival

• When: Early July
• Location: Kapalua Resort
• Highlights of the 44th festival include world-class vintners, star chefs Maneet Chauhan and Rick Moonen, and gourmet events set amidst Maui's breathtaking landscapes.

Maui Brewers Festival

• When: Usually May
• Location: Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului
• Highlights include tastings of craft beers, local foods, and live performances, all proceeds going to the Maui Food Bank.

Obon Festivals

• When: June–August 
• Locations: Various temples around Maui 
• Highlights: Participate in Japanese Bon dancing, welcoming ancestors with lanterns, taiko drumming, and cultural festivals. 

July 4^th Fireworks

• Annual celebrations take place in Kaanapali and Waliea, and feature live bands, local food, drink specials, and fun festivities for all! Check the calendar in your area to see when and where the celebrations are being held, grab the family and beach towels and find a spot to enjoy the show.

Big Island Summer Events 

Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival

• When: Usually End of May
• Location: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Western Week Parade and Block Party

• When: Mid-May
• Place: Honoka 
• Honor the day with a festive celebration that includes parades, live entertainment, talent performances, and local vendors.

King Kamehameha Day celebrations

• When: June 11th
• Locations like Hilo, Kailua-Kona
• Pay tribute to King Kamehameha I with flower parades, lei draping ceremonies, and island-wide cultural celebrations

Turtle Independence Day Celebrations

• When: July 4th
• Location: Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection
• Witness the release of baby honu (sea turtles) into the ocean, the ceremonial act that signifies ocean conservation.

4th of July Celebrations

• Locations like the Kailua-Kona, the Waikoloa Beach Resort
• Enjoy parades, live music, and spectacular firework displays at numerous locations throughout the island. Kanikapila Monthly Concert Series Date: Every 3rd Saturday of the Month Area: Waikoloa Beach Resort Expect free live performances of regional artists in an informal, family-oriented atmosphere.

Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Races

• When: End of August
• Location:  Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi
• Taking place in Kailua-Kona around Labor Day, you can watch as the participants race the 18-mile Wa’a Kaukahi race between Kailua Bay and Honaunau Bay. Extremely competitive, the race is the longest of the season, and spectators can watch it from many points along the Kona Coast.

Oahu Summer Events 

Lantern Floating Ceremony

• When: May 31st
• Location: Ala Moana Beach Park
• Highlights: On Memorial Day, enjoy the magical sight when thousands of lanterns are set afloat in Ala Moana Beach Park. Rooted in Japanese tradition, the ceremony gives people a moment to remember, reflect, and offer gratitude to those who have gone before us. A true cultural experience, you don’t want to miss this delightful event this holiday.

Pan-Pacific Festival

• When: Mid-June
• Location: Waikīkī
• Highlights: Originally founded to celebrate, share, and experience traditional Japanese culture, the festival's scope has grown to include other cultures reflecting Hawaii's rich cultural tapestry.

Duke’s OceanFest 

• When: Mid-Late August
• Location: Waikīkī
• Highlights: Weeklong festival honoring Duke Kahanamoku—Olympic champion, surfing pioneer, and ambassador of Aloha.

  • Surfing Competitions: Longboard, tandem, adaptive, and keiki (kids) divisions

  • Duke’s Waikīkī Ocean Mile Swim: Open-ocean race for all levels

  • Beach Volleyball: High-energy matches steps from the surf

  • Dog Surfing Contest: Yes—surfing dogs. It’s a crowd favorite

  • Paddleboard & SUP Races: Endurance and speed meet ocean tradition

  • Cultural Showcases: Hula, live music, and local performances daily

Kauai Summer Events 

Kauai Poke Fest

• When: Mid-June
• Location: Koloa Landing Resort, Poipu
• Highlights: As one of the top-rated food festivals in the country, the festival covers activities such as poke-making competitions between professional chefs and amateur cooks, live performances, and poke-makin' class with celebrity chef Sam Choy.

Hanalei Bay Swim Challenge

• When: End of July
• Location: Hanalei Bay
• Highlights: An open-water swim competition attracting participants of all ages and skill levels, set against the stunning backdrop of Hanalei Bay

Kōloa Plantation Days Festival

• When: End of July
• Location: Koloa & Poipu
• Highlights: A ten-day festival honoring the area's multicultural heritage with events like a heritage craft fair, storytelling sessions, historical exhibits, plantation cooking demonstrations, and a parade. 

Finding the Perfect Hawaiian Vacation Home

Searching for the perfect Hawaii vacation home for your Hawaiian Holiday? We have you covered.

From Kauai to Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, Exotic Estates offers a wide variety of private vacation homes to choose from.  Enjoy your Hawaiian summar holiday!