Hawaii Summer Events!
It's that time of year again. Before you know it schools will be closed and the annual summer holiday season will be in full swing. If you're thinking about an Hawaiian holiday, here's an update of what's going on across the Hawaiian Islands during summer 2025.
Maui Summer Events
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
Dates: July 10–13, 2025
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 Film Festival
Dates: June–July 2025 (to be confirmed)
Location: Wailea and other locations
Among the many highlights is the festival's "Cinema Under the Stars," including film premiers, director panels, and awards at open-air venues.
Maui Brewers Festival
Date: 17th May, 2025
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
June–August 2025
Locations: Various temples around Maui
Highlights: Participate in Japanese Bon dancing, welcoming ancestors with lanterns, taiko drumming, and cultural festivals.
July 4th 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
Date May 31, 2025
Location: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Western Week Parade and Block Party
Date May 17, 2025
Place: Honoka
Honor the day with a festive celebration that includes parades, live entertainment, talent performances, and local vendors.
King Kamehameha Day celebrations
Date June 7, 2025
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
Date: July 4, 2025
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
Date: August 28, 2025 - Monday, September 1, 2025
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
Date: Monday, May 26, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at
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
Dates: June 13–15
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 2025
August 16–24, 2025
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
Dates: June 13–14
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
Date: July 26
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
Dates: July 18–28
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 summer 2025!
