Calendar of Events

Please note that, as with any schedule of upcoming events, the following information is subject to change; always confirm the details before you plan your trip around an event.

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

January

Rockstar Games Pipeline Pro, Banzai Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu. Competition is judged on the best wave selection and maneuvers on the wave. Call tel. 732/528-0621 (www.usbatour.org). January or February.

PGA Mercedes-Benz Championship, Kapalua Resort, Maui. Top PGA golfers compete for $1 million. Call tel. 808/669-2440 (www.kapaluamaui.com). January 5 to 11, 2009.

Sony Open, Waialae Country Club, Oahu. A $1.2-million PGA golf event featuring the top men in golf. Call tel. 808/792-9300. Early to mid-January.

Pacific Islands Arts Festival at Thomas Square, across from Honolulu Academy of the Arts, Honolulu, Oahu. Over 100 artists and handicraft artisans, entertainment, food, and demonstrations fill the day. Admission is free. Call tel. 808/696-6717. Mid-January.

Ka Molokai Makahiki, Kaunakakai Town Baseball Park, Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai, Molokai. Makahiki, a traditional time of peace in ancient Hawaii, is re-created with performances by Hawaiian music groups and hula halau (schools), ancient Hawaiian games, a sporting competition, and Hawaiian crafts and food. It's a wonderful chance to experience the Hawaii of yesteryear. Call tel. 800/800-6367 or 808/553-3876 (www.molokai-hawaii.com). Late January.

Hula Bowl Football All-Star Classic, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. An annual all-star football classic featuring America's top college players. Call tel. 800/971-1232 (www.hulabowlhawaii.com). Ticket orders are processed beginning April 1 for the next year's game. Mid- to late January.

Chinese New Year, Maui. Lahaina town rolls out the red carpet for this important event with a traditional lion dance at the historic Wo Hing Temple on Front Street, accompanied by fireworks, food booths, and a host of activities. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9175. Also on Market Street in Wailuku; call tel. 808/244-3888. On Oahu, a big celebration takes place in Honolulu's Chinatown; call tel. 808/533-3181. Chinese New Year can fall in January or February; in 2009, January 26 ushers in the year of the ox.

Narcissus Festival, Honolulu, Oahu. Taking place around the Chinese New Year, this cultural festival includes a queen pageant, cooking demonstrations, and a cultural fair. Call tel. 808/533-3181.

February

Wendy's Champions Skins Game at Wailea, Wailea Golf Courses, Maui. Longtime golfing greats participate in this four-man tournament for $770,000 in prize money. Call tel. 808/875-7450 (www.seniorskinswailea.com). Early February.

Waimea Town Celebration, Waimea, Kauai. This annual 2-day party on Kauai's west side celebrates the Hawaiian and multiethnic history of the town where Captain Cook first landed. This is the island's biggest event, drawing some 10,000 people. Top Hawaiian entertainers, sporting events, rodeo, and lots of food are on tap during the weekend celebration. Call tel. 808/338-1332 (www.wkbpa.org/events.html). Weekend after Presidents' Day weekend.

Sand Castle Building Contest, Kailua Beach Park, Oahu. Students from the University of Hawaii School of Architecture compete against professional architects to see who can build the best, most unusual, and most outrageous sand sculpture. Call tel. 808/956-3518.

Punahou School Carnival, Punahou School, Honolulu, Oahu. This event has everything you can imagine in a school carnival, from high-speed rides to homemade jellies. All proceeds go to scholarship funds for Hawaii's most prestigious high school. Call tel. 808/944-5753. Early to mid-February.

Buffalo's Big Board Classic, Makaha Beach, Oahu. This contest involves traditional Hawaiian surfing, long boarding, and canoe-surfing. Call tel. 808/951-7877. Depending on surf conditions, it can be held in February or March.

March

Kona Brewers Festival, King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel Luau Grounds, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. This annual event features microbreweries from around the world, with beer tastings, food, and entertainment. Call tel. 808/334-1133 (www.konabrewersfestival.com). March 14, 2009.

St. Patrick's Day Parade, Waikiki (Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park), Oahu. Bagpipers, bands, clowns, and marching groups parade through the heart of Waikiki, with lots of Irish-style celebrating all day. Call tel. 808/536-4612 (O'Toole's Pub). March 17.

Kona Chocolate Festival, Kona, Big Island. A 3-day celebration of the chocolate (cacao) that is grown and produced in Hawaii. Days 1 and 2 are filled with symposiums and seminars on chocolate and its uses. Day 3 features a gala party with samples of chocolate creations by Big Island chefs, caterers, and ice-cream and candy makers. A chocoholic's dream! For information and tickets, call tel. 808/324-4606 (www.konachocolatefestival.com). Mid- to late March.

Prince Kuhio Day Celebrations, all islands. On this state holiday, various festivals throughout Hawaii celebrate the birth of Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, who was born on March 26, 1871, and elected to Congress in 1902. Kauai, his birthplace, stages a huge celebration in Lihue; call tel. 808/240-6369 for details. Molokai also hosts a 2-day celebration; call tel. 808/553-3876 to learn more. March 26.

April

East Maui Taro Festival, Hana, Maui. Taro, a Hawaiian staple food, is celebrated through music, hula, arts, crafts, and, of course, food. Call tel. 808/264-3336 (www.tarofestival.org). Varying dates in April.

Buddha Day, Lahaina Jodo Mission, Lahaina, Maui. Each year on the first Saturday in April, this historic mission holds a flower festival pageant honoring the birth of Buddha. April 4, 2009.

Celebration of the Arts, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Kapalua Resort, Maui. Contemporary and traditional artists give free hands-on lessons during this 4-day festival, which begins the Thursday before Easter. Call tel. 808/669-6200 (www.celebrationofthearts.org). April 9 to 12, 2009.

Easter Sunrise Service, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu, Oahu. For a century, people have gathered at this famous cemetery for Easter sunrise services. Call tel. 808/566-1430. April 12, 2009.

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, Hilo, Big Island. Hawaii's biggest hula festival features 3 nights of modern (auana) and ancient (kahiko) dance competition in honor of King David Kalakaua, the "Merrie Monarch" who revived the dance. It takes place the week after Easter, but tickets sell out by January 30 -- reserve early. Call tel. 808/935-9168 (www.merriemonarchfestival.org). April 13 to 20, 2009.

May

Outrigger Canoe Season, all islands. From May to September, canoe paddlers across the state participate in outrigger canoe races nearly every weekend. Call tel. 808/383-7798, or go to www.y2kanu.com for this year's schedule of events.

Lei Day Celebrations, various locations on all islands. May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, celebrated with lei-making contests, pageantry, arts and crafts, and the real highlight, a Brothers Cazimero concert at the Waikiki Shell (call tel. 808/597-1888, ext. 232, for the show). Call tel. 808/692-5118 or go to www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/leiday for Oahu events. Call tel. 808/886-1655 for Big Island events, tel. 808/224-6042 for Maui events, or tel. 808/245-6931 for Kauai events. May 1.

World Fire-Knife Dance Championships & Samoa Festival, Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Oahu. Junior and adult fire-knife dancers from around the world converge on the center for one of the most amazing performances you'll ever see. Authentic Samoan food and cultural festivities round out the fun. Call tel. 808/293-3333 (www.polynesianculturalcenter.com). Mid-May.

Lantern Floating Hawaii, Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu, Oahu. The Shinnyo-en Temple's ceremonial floating of some 700 lanterns takes place at sunset, representing an appeal for peace and harmony. Hula and music follow the ceremony. Call tel. 808/947-2814 (www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com). Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu, Oahu. The armed forces hold a ceremony recognizing those who died for their country, beginning at 9am. Call tel. 808/532-3720. Memorial Day (last Mon in May).

June

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului, Maui. Great music performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It's 5 hours long and absolutely free. Call tel. 808/226-2697 (www.slackkeyfestival.com). Late June.

King Kamehameha Celebration, all islands. This state holiday (officially June 11, but celebrated on different dates on each island) features a massive floral parade, hoolaulea (party), and much more. Call tel. 808/586-0333 for Oahu and Kauai events, tel. 808/886-1655 for Big Island events, tel. 808/667-9194 for Maui events, or tel. 808/553-3876 for Molokai events; or visit www.state.hi.us/dags/kkcc. Most events in 2009 will be held June 13 to 14.

Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Big Island. One of the Big Island's best food-and-wine festivals features Hawaii's top chefs (and a few mainland chefs) showing off their culinary talents, wines from around the world, and an excellent jazz concert with fireworks. Not to be missed. Call tel. 808/886-1234 (www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or www.dolphindays.com). Mid-June.

Maui Film Festival, Wailea Resort, Maui. Five days and nights of screenings of premieres and special films, along with traditional Hawaiian storytelling, chants, hula, and contemporary music. It begins the Wednesday before Father's Day. Call tel. 808/572-3456 (www.mauifilmfestival.com). June 10 to 14, 2009.

King Kamehameha Hula Competition, Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Oahu. This is one of the top hula competitions in the world, with dancers from as far away as Japan. It's held the third weekend in June. Call tel. 808/586-0333 (www.hawaii.gov/dags/king_kamehameha_commission). June 20 to 21, 2009.

Flavors of Honolulu, Civic Center Grounds, Honolulu, Oahu. Formerly known as the Taste of Honolulu, Hawaii's premier outdoor food festival features samples from 25 restaurants, entertainment, beer and wine tasting, cooking demos, and a gourmet marketplace. Proceeds go to Abilities Unlimited. Call tel. 808/532-2115 (www.abilitiesunlimitedhi.org). Late June.

Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, Kapalua Resort, Maui. Famous wine and food experts and oenophiles gather at the Ritz-Carlton hotel for formal tastings, panel discussions, and samplings of new releases. Call tel. 800/KAPALUA (www.kapaluaresort.com). Late June or early July.

July

Makawao Parade & Rodeo, Makawao, Maui. The annual parade and rodeo event has been taking place in this upcountry cowboy town for generations. See www.visitmaui.com. July 4.

Lanai Pineapple Festival, Lanai City, Lanai. This festival on the first Saturday in July celebrates Lanai's history of pineapple plantations and ranching, including a pineapple-eating contest, a pineapple-cooking contest, entertainment, arts and crafts, food, and fireworks. Call tel. 808/565-7600 (www.visitlanai.net). July 4, 2009.

Fourth of July Fireworks, Desiderio and Sills Field, Schofield Barracks, Oahu. A free daylong celebration, with entertainment, food, and games, ends with a spectacular fireworks show. Call tel. 808/655-0110.

Bon Dance & Lantern Ceremony, Lahaina, Maui. This colorful Buddhist ceremony honors the souls of the dead. Call tel. 808/661-4304. Usually early July.

Quiksilver Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race, starts on Molokai and finishes on Oahu. Some 70 participants from an international field journey to Molokai to compete in this 32-mile race, considered to be the world championship of long-distance paddleboard racing. The race begins at Kaluakoi Beach on Molokai at 7:30am and finishes at Maunaloa Bay on Oahu around 12:30pm. Call tel. 808/638-8208. Mid- to late July.

Ukulele Festival, Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Waikiki, Oahu. This free concert features a ukulele orchestra of some 600 students, ages 4 to 92. Hawaii's top musicians all pitch in. Call tel. 808/732-3739 (www.roysakuma.net). Late July.

Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Oahu. More than 500 keiki (children) representing 22 halau (hula schools) from the islands compete in this dance fest. The event is broadcast a week later on KITV-TV. Call tel. 808/521-6905. Late July.

Hawaii State Farm Fair, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. The annual state fair is a great one: It features displays of Hawaii agricultural products (including orchids), educational and cultural exhibits, entertainment, and local-style food. Call tel. 808/682-5767 (www.ekfernandez.com). Late July or early August.

Transpac Yacht Race. This international yacht race is held during July in odd-numbered years only (2009, 2011, and so on). Sailors from the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Hawaii race from Long Beach to Honolulu. They then participate in a series of races around the state. Call tel. 808/944-9666 (www.transpacificyc.org).

August

Hawaii International Jazz Festival, Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu, Oahu. This festival includes evening concerts and daily jam sessions, plus scholarship giveaways, the University of Southern California jazz band, and many popular jazz and blues artists. Call tel. 808/941-9974. Early August.

Maui Onion Festival, Whalers Village, Kaanapali, Maui. Everything you ever wanted to know about the sweetest onions in the world. Food, entertainment, tasting, and the Maui Onion cook-off. Call tel. 808/661-4567 (www.whalersvillage.com/onionfestival.htm). Early August.

Hawaii State Windsurfing Championship, Kanaha Beach Park, Kahului, Maui. Top windsurfers compete. Call tel. 808/877-2111. Early August.

Tahiti Fete, War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui. An annual festival with Tahitian dance competition, arts and crafts, and food. Call tel. 808/244-8088.

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site Anniversary Celebration, Kawaihae, Big Island. This is a weekend of Hawaiian crafts, workshops, and games. Call tel. 808/882-7218. Mid-August.

Duke's OceanFest Hoolaulea, Waikiki, Oahu. Nine days of water-oriented competitions and festivities celebrate the life of Duke Kahanamoku. Events include the Hawaii Paddleboard Championship, the Pro Surf Longboard Contest, the International Tandem Surfing Championship, the Corona Extra Duke Volleyball Classic, a Surf Polo Tournament, and a Hawaiian luau (the luau is $60 at the door). Call tel. 808/545-4880 (www.dukefoundation.org). Mid-August.

Admissions Day, all islands. Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959. On the third Friday in August, the state takes a holiday (all state-related facilities are closed). August 21, 2009.

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival Gabby Style, Queen Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Honolulu, Oahu. The best of Hawaii's folk music -- slack-key guitar -- performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It takes place from noon to 6pm and is absolutely free. Call tel. 808/226-2697 (www.slackkeyfestival.com). Third Sunday in August.

September

Waikiki Roughwater Swim, Waikiki, Oahu. This popular 2.4-mile, open-ocean swim goes from Sans Souci Beach to Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki. Early registration is encouraged, but last-minute entries on race day are allowed. Visit www.waikikiroughwaterswim.com for more info. Labor Day.

Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race, Kailua-Kona to Honaunau, Big Island. It's the world's largest long-distance canoe race, with hundreds participating. Call tel. 808/331-8849 (www.kaiopua.org). Labor Day weekend.

Parker Ranch Rodeo, Waimea, Big Island. This is a hot rodeo competition in the heart of cowboy country. Call tel. 808/885-7311 (www.parkerranch.com). Labor Day weekend.

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Kona, Big Island. The best of Hawaii's folk music (slack-key guitar) performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It's 5 hours long and absolutely free. Call tel. 808/239-4336 (kahokuproductions@yahoo.com). Early September.

Aloha Festivals, various locations on all islands. Parades and other events celebrate Hawaiian culture and friendliness throughout the state. Call tel. 808/589-1771 (www.alohafestivals.com).

Aloha Festivals' Poke Contest, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Big Island. Top chefs from across Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, as well as local amateurs, compete in making this Hawaiian delicacy, poke (pronounced "po-kay"): chopped raw fish mixed with seaweed and spices. Here's your chance to sample poke at its best. Call tel. 808/880-3424 (www.pokecontest.com).

A Taste of Lahaina, Lahaina Civic Center, Maui. Some 30,000 people show up to sample 40 signature entrees from Maui's premier chefs during this weekend festival, which includes cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and live entertainment. The event begins Friday night with Maui Chefs Present, a dinner/cocktail party featuring about a dozen of Maui's best chefs. Call tel. 888/310-1117 (www.visitmaui.com). Second weekend in September.

Maui County Fair, War Memorial Complex, Wailuku, Maui. The oldest county fair in Hawaii features a parade, amusement rides, live entertainment, and exhibits. Call tel. 808/270-7626 (www.calendarmaui.com). Last weekend in September.

October

Emalani Festival, Kokee State Park, Kauai. This festival honors Her Majesty Queen Emma, an inveterate gardener and Hawaii's first environmental queen, who made a forest trek to Kokee with 100 friends in 1871. Call tel. 808/245-3971. Second Saturday in October.

Aloha Classic Wave Championships, Hookipa Beach Park, Maui. The top windsurfers in the world gather for this final event in the Pro Boardsailing World Tour. If you're on Maui, don't miss it -- it's spectacular to watch. Call tel. 808/298-3560 (www.alohaclassicwindsurfing.com). Depending on weather, it can be held in October or November.

Ironman Triathlon World Championship, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Some 1,500-plus world-class athletes run a full marathon, swim 2 1/2 miles, and bike 112 miles on the Kona-Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Spectators can watch the action along the route for free. The best place to see the 7am start is along the seawall on Alii Drive, facing Kailua Bay; arrive before 5:30am to get a seat. The best place to see the bike-and-run portion is along Alii Drive (which will be closed to traffic; park on a side street and walk down). To watch the finishers come in, line up along Alii Drive from Holualoa Street to the finish at Palani Road/Alii Drive; the first finisher can arrive as early as 2:30pm, and the course closes at midnight. Call tel. 808/329-0063 (www.ironman.com/worldchampionship).

Hana Hoohiwahiwa O Kaiulani, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Waikiki, Oahu. This hotel commemorates the birthday of its namesake, Princess Victoria Kaiulani, with a week of special activities: complimentary hula lessons, lei-making, ukulele lessons, and more. The crowning touch is the Princess Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival, which showcases performances by over 200 keiki (children) from halau (hula schools) on the island of Oahu. Admission is free. Call tel. 808/931-4524. Mid-October.

Halloween in Lahaina, Maui. There's Carnival in Rio, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and Halloween in Lahaina. Come to this giant costume party (some 20,000 people show up) on the streets of Lahaina; Front Street is closed off for the festivities. Call tel. 808/667-9175 (www.visitmaui.com). October 31.

November

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival, Kauai Marriott Resort, Lihue, Kauai. The best of Hawaii's folk music (slack-key guitar) performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It's 5 hours long and absolutely free. Call tel. 808/226-2697 (kahokuproductions@yahoo.com). Mid-November.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Celebrate the coffee harvest with a bean-picking contest, lei contests, song and dance, and the Miss Kona Coffee Pageant. Call tel. 808/326-7820 (www.konacoffeefest.com).

Hawaii International Film Festival, various locations throughout the state. This cinema festival with a cross-cultural spin features filmmakers from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the United States. Call tel. 808/550-8457 (www.hiff.org). First 2 weeks in November.

Invitational Wreath Exhibit, Volcano Art Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island. Thirty-two artists, including painters, sculptors, glass artists, fiber artists, and potters, produce both whimsical and traditional "wreaths" for this exhibit. Park entrance fees apply. Call tel. 866/967-7565 or 808/967-7565 (www.volcanoartcenter.org). Mid-November to early January.

Triple Crown of Surfing, North Shore, Oahu. The world's top professional surfers compete in events for more than $1 million in prize money. Call tel. 808/739-3965 (www.triplecrownofsurfing.com). Held between mid-November and mid-December, whenever conditions are best.

December

Na Mele O Maui, Kaanapali, Maui. A traditional Hawaiian song competition for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, held in the ballroom of one of the Kaanapali Resort hotels. Admission is $2. Call tel. 808/661-3271 (www.kaanapaliresort.com). First Friday in December.

Billabong Pro Maui, Honolua Bay at Kapalua Resort, Maui. The final Triple Crown women's surfing contest of the year, bringing together the best of the women's international surfing community. Call tel. 808/669-2440 (www.kapalua.com). Early December.

Festival of Lights, all islands. On Oahu, the mayor throws the switch to light up the 40-foot-tall Norfolk pine and other trees in front of Honolulu Hale, while on Maui, marching bands, floats, and Santa roll down Lahaina's Front Street in an annual parade. Molokai celebrates with a host of activities in Kaunakakai; on Kauai, the lighting ceremony takes place in front of the former county building on Rice Street, in Lihue. Call tel. 808/523-4385 on Oahu, tel. 808/667-9175 on Maui, tel. 808/552-2800 on Molokai, or tel. 808/828-0014 on Kauai. Early December.

Old-Fashioned Holiday Celebration, Lahaina, Maui. This day of Christmas carolers, Santa Claus, live music and entertainment, a crafts fair, holiday baked goods, and activities for children takes place in the Banyan Tree Park on Front Street. Call tel. 888/310-1117 (www.visitlahaina.com). Second Saturday in December.

Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu, Oahu. This is one of the largest marathons in the world, with more than 30,000 competitors. Call tel. 808/734-7200 (www.honolulumarathon.org). Second Sunday in December.

Aloha Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. A Pac 10 team plays a Big 12 team in this nationally televised collegiate football classic. Call tel. 808/483-2500. Christmas Day.

First Light, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului, Maui. Major films are screened at this festival; past selections have included The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Mystic River, The Aviator, Hotel Rwanda, and many others. Not to be missed. Call tel. 808/573-3456 (www.mauifilmfestival.com). Late December and early January.

Daylight Saving Time

Since 1966, most of the United States has observed daylight saving time from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. In 2007, these dates changed, and now daylight saving time lasts from 2am on the second Sunday in March to 2am on the first Sunday in November. Note that Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time. So when daylight saving time is in effect in most of the U.S., Hawaii is 3 hours behind the West Coast and 6 hours behind the East Coast. When the U.S. reverts to standard time in November, Hawaii is 2 hours behind the West Coast and 5 hours behind the East Coast.