hawai‘i’s world class events calendar july – december...

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HAWAI‘I’S WORLD CLASS EVENTS CALENDAR July – December 2017

Please note that events are subject to change without notice. For the most complete and updated Hawai‘i calendar, please visit GoHawaii.com/Events. JULY 2017

♦ July 4, 2017 Parker Ranch Rodeo (island of Hawai‘i) – In celebration of Independence Day, this annual ranch rodeo includes children’s activities, food, and traditional rodeo events like team roping, bull riding, and barrel racing. ParkerRanch.com

♦ July 4, 2017 Kaua‘i Hospice Concert in the Sky – This annual event is a fundraiser for Kaua‘i Hospice, and touts the largest display of aerial fireworks on the island along with hula, local music, rides, games, local products for sale, and an auction. Top hotels and restaurants provide great food for this highly anticipated event. KauaiHospice.org

♦ July 15-16, 2017 Hale‘iwa Arts Festival Summer ArtFest (O‘ahu) – View and purchase the original works and limited editions of more than 100 juried artists. Both traditional and contemporary art, using oil, acrylic, ceramic, photography, sculpture, watercolor, jewelry, and glass, are all a part of this amazing festival. History tours, art demonstrations and displays, musicians, storytellers, and dancers are also present. HaleiwaArtsFestival.org

♦ July 15-16, 2017 Prince Lot Hula Festival (O‘ahu) – This event, named in honor of the beloved Kamehameha V, brings the community together at ‘Iolani Palace for a hula exhibition showcasing new and experienced hälau (hula school). The festival offers a full day of Hawaiian culture with food and refreshments, traditional games, lomilomi massages, and arts and crafts like lauhala weaving, kapa, and ipu making. MoanaluaGardensFoundation.org

♦ July 16, 2017 ‘Ukulele Festival (O‘ahu) – This concert at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand is by far the largest of its kind in the world, attracting an audience of thousands. The free concert showcases the finest ‘ukulele players, including national celebrities, Hawai‘i’s top entertainers, and an ‘ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students mostly comprised of

Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – July–December 2017

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children. The festival also offers food booths and informational displays. UkuleleFestivalHawaii.org

♦ July 21-30, 2017

Köloa Plantation Days (Kaua‘i) – Held in the area where Hawai‘i’s first sugar plantation was founded in 1835, Köloa Plantation Days comprises a lively, family-oriented slate of events that showcase the area’s social and natural history and diverse cultural traditions. Bring the family to enjoy sporting activities and entertainment in the Po‘ipü and Köloa area resorts. KoloaPlantationDays.com

AUGUST 2017

♦ August 4, 2017 The Joy of Sake (O‘ahu) – This is the largest sake-tasting event held outside of Japan, with over 270 sakes on display. The samples guests enjoy are also submitted as entries to the U.S. National Sake Appraisal, a rigorous blind tasting with ten judges from Japan and the U.S. Honolulu’s finest restaurants are also represented as local chefs prepare sushi and other tantalizing dishes to complement the sake. JoyofSake.com

♦ August 5-6, 2017

Heiva I Kaua‘i Iorana Tahiti (Kaua‘i) – This international Tahitian dance competition held at Kapa‘a Beach Park features solo and group performances, in addition to traditional and contemporary Tahitian style drumming. Multi-cultural workshops and exhibitions, Tahitian dance, and singing are also featured. HeivaIKauai.com

♦ August 5-6, 2017 77th Nä Hula Festival (O‘ahu) – Celebrating the artistry and grace of hula, Hawai‘i’s longest running non-competitive hula event is held annually at Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand. Put together by the Department of Parks and Recreation, the event brings respected kumu hula (hula teachers) from the community to hö‘ike (showcase) their students. Honolulu.gov/Parks

♦ August 11-12, 2017 Korean Festival (O‘ahu) – Held at Kapi‘olani Park, this festival offers residents and visitors an inside look at the Korean culture from kim chee to Korean fan and drum dances. Enjoy taekwondo (Korean martial arts) performances, along with food, art, and entertainment. KoreanFestivalHI.com

♦ August 13, 2017 Waipā Music and Mango Festival, (Kaua’i) – The Waipā Foundation will present its fifth annual Music and Mango Festival at the nonprofit’s Halulu Fishpond on Kauai‘i’s north shore. The fest promises a relaxing day of live homegrown music, hands-on activities, local artisans and crafts, and Kaua‘i chefs and food vendors offering up tasty food inspired by the area’s summer mango harvest. WaipaFoundation.org


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♦ August 18-20, 2017

Made In Hawai‘i Festival (O‘ahu) – Popular among visitors and residents alike, more than 400 exhibitors offer all things Hawai‘i made including art, clothing, food, home furnishings, jewelry, toys, fresh produce, plants, and Hawaiian handicrafts. Attendees enjoy free cooking demonstrations and live musical performances. The event is held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena. MadeInHawaiiFestival.com

♦ August 17-27, 2017 Duke’s OceanFest (O‘ahu) – The weeklong Duke’s OceanFest will feature a variety of ocean sports events and a beach volleyball tournament in honor of the legend, Duke Kahanamoku. The fest will also raise funds for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s (ODKF) college scholarships and athletic grants program. The week’s festivities culminate with the Duke’s Statue lei draping ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of his birthday. DukesOceanFest.com

♦ August 26, 2017 Great Waikiki Beer Festival (O‘ahu) – One of Hawai‘i’s largest beer events returns with the third annual Great Waikiki Beer Festival at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. The summer festival will feature a range of breweries from small-batch, local producers to eminent national breweries. Beer-friendly foods and feel-good music will also accompany this signature event. HiltonHawaiianVillage.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

♦ September 2017 Hawai‘i Island Festival – 30 Days of Aloha – The island of Hawai‘i celebrates Hawaiian culture and tradition with an entire month of activities and events featuring music, dance, and more. Signature events include a Ms. Aloha Nui pageant, a poke contest, and the Kindy Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling contest. HawaiiIslandFestival.org

♦ September 2-3, 2017 Okinawan Festival (O‘ahu) – From its humble beginnings to its status as one of Hawai‘i’s premier ethnic festivals, the annual festival continues to share the Okinawan culture with the public through intriguing exhibits and demonstrations, exciting cultural performances, and delicious traditional delicacies such as pig’s feet soup and andagi (Okinawan doughnut). OkinawanFestival.com

♦ September 3, 2017 The Kaua‘i Marathon – This 26.2-mile race promises to keep runners inspired as the course features sparkling blue waters, pristine white sand beaches, and lush rainforests of Kaua‘i. Proceeds from the event are donated to local charities. TheKauaiMarathon.com


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♦ September 9-17, 2017 Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (island of Hawai‘i) – Holding its 57th annual tournament, the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament combines five days of fishing off the beautiful Kona Coast with several other social and cultural events throughout the week. More than 30 teams from around the world are expected to compete for the coveted Governor’s Trophy. HIBTFishing.com.

♦ September 9-30, 2017

Aloha Festivals (O‘ahu) – Preserving the unique island traditions, Aloha Festivals is a cultural celebration of Hawai‘i’s music, dance and history, featuring pageantry, parades, street parties, concerts, and family activities. Some of the highlights include the Waikïkï ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) and the floral parade. AlohaFestivals.com

♦ September 15, 2017 REHAB’s Joy of Food and Wine (O‘ahu) – A food lover’s and wine connoisseur’s delight held at the luxurious Halekulani Hotel in Waikïkï, this event features a collection of the world’s finest wines paired with exquisite French culinary creations. RehabFoundation.com

♦ September 15-17, 2017 Hawai‘i Island Festival of Birds (island of Hawai‘i) – The festival is a benefit fundraiser for the Hawai‘i Island Birding Trail. The trail is a 90-mile trail beginning at Kaloko all the way through to Hilo. HawaiiBirdingTrails.com

♦ September 23, 2017

Ko Olina Children’s Film & Music Festival (O‘ahu) – The festival will feature interactive video and music activities, live stage performances, family-friendly movies from Disney/Pixar and the Hawaii International Film Festival, and a sunset finale feature film on the beach. Children’s Film & Music Festival attendees can enjoy special room rates at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa and the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. KoOlinaChildrensFestival.com

♦ September 24-30, 2017 Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival – Named in honor of the highly treasured, light violet Mokihana flower and green berry found only in Kaua‘i’s forests, the festival is a great opportunity to experience the rich Hawaiian heritage of the island through folk crafts, music, and dance. MalieFoundation.org


Na Wahine O Ke Kai (Moloka‘i, O‘ahu) – Founded in 1979, this prestigious women’s Moloka‘i to O‘ahu canoe race has flourished over the years and attracted paddlers from all over the world. Celebrate and honor their endurance, devotion and sportsmanship, as more than 70 women’s teams race to cross the challenging Kaiwi Channel. NaWahineOKeKai.com



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Honolulu Century Ride (O‘ahu) – Hawai‘i’s premier bicycling event features one of the most beautiful routes in the world. Riders cycle from Waikïkï and skirt by scenic Diamond Head and through Kähala before heading up to O‘ahu’s eastern and windward shores and back. HBL.org

♦ September & October 2017

Festivals of Aloha (Maui, Läna‘i and Moloka‘i) – Throughout the month of September, the islands of Maui Nui honor Hawaiian culture with a festive lineup of events that include a parade and ho‘olaule‘a (celebration), fishing tournament, keiki (child), mu‘umu‘u (woman’s gown) and aloha shirt contest, with lots of music, food, and dance. FestivalsofAloha.com

OCTOBER 2017

♦ October 4-8, 2017 Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Chef Fest (island of Hawai‘i) – The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star hotel on the island of Hawai‘i will host a multi-day food and wine event featuring high-profile dinners, interactive cooking classes and culinary experiences. The series of events showcases some of the country’s best culinary and mixology talent in an intimate beachfront setting. ChefFestHualalai.com

♦ October 7, 2017 Coconut Festival (Kaua‘i) – This annual event held in Kapa‘a Beach Park highlights the cultural, social, and historical importance of the coconut. There is something for everyone at the festival with entertainment, cultural displays, cooking demonstrations, and unique coconut foods. KBAKauai.org

♦ October 7, 2017 Matsuri Kauai Festival – Presented by the Kauai Japanese Cultural Society, this festival will feature karaoke singers, martial arts, drumming, origami, and more. Enjoy Hawaiian music, hula, and Japanese dance performances from locals and visitors. KauaiJCS.org

♦ October 8, 2017

Moloka‘i Hoe (Moloka‘i and O‘ahu) – This men’s event attracts more than 1,000 canoe paddlers from around the world for a treacherous race across the Kaiwi Channel. It starts at Hale O Lono Harbor on Moloka‘i crossing 41 miles of open-ocean and finishes at Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Waikïkï. MolokaiHoe.com

♦ October 10-15, 2017

Hawaii Yoga Festival – The fifth annual Hawaii Yoga Festival is returning to Kalani retreat center in rain-forested Kalapana-Kapoho. This year’s festival will feature more than 60 sessions presented by a diverse faculty from Hawai‘i and around the world, including yoga teacher, writer and body-positivity advocate Jessamyn Stanley. Attendees will also be invited to enjoy Hawaiian cultural events, live music


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performances, permaculture tours, fresh-prepared meals and opportunities for self-discovery and connection. HawaiiYogaFestival.com

♦ October 14, 2017 Ironman World Championship (island of Hawai‘i) – Witness 1,700 of the strongest triathletes compete in one of the biggest challenges that sports has to offer, the Ironman World Championship in Kona. The endurance test includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run through tough ocean waves and challenging lava-covered terrain. This event truly defines the sport where “average” people get to compete alongside the best in the world. IronMan.com

♦ October 14, 2017 Eo e Emalani i Alaka‘i (Kaua‘i) – Each year, kumu hula (hula masters) and their dancers honor Hawai‘i’s beloved Queen Emma with inspiring performances that make for a truly authentic and powerful Hawaiian cultural experience. Queen Emma made many contributions to her people and the land, and this event pays tribute to her humanitarian spirit. Kokee.org

♦ October 15, 2017 Maui ‘Ukulele Festival – The annual festival is a full afternoon of ‘ukulele music at the first-class venue, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Bring your lawn chairs or roll out a blanket on the lawn and enjoy some of the islands’ favorite ‘ukulele players. UkuleleFestivalHawaii.org

♦ October 15, 2017

Maui Marathon and Half-Marathon – Recognized as one of the 10 most scenic marathons in the country, this road race sends runners across Maui’s mountains and seaside highways, and at times within 50 feet of the Pacific Ocean. MauiMarathonHawaii.com

♦ October 20 – November 5, 2017

Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (island of Hawai‘i, O‘ahu and Maui) – Featuring an exciting roster of internationally renowned master chefs, culinary personalities, and wine and spirit producers, this prestigious event is co-chaired by two of Hawai‘i’s own James Beard award-winning chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong. Each festival event features dishes that showcase the state’s bounty of local produce, seafood, beef, and poultry. HawaiiFoodandWineFestival.com

♦ October 28, 2017

XTERRA Kapalua Trail Run – 5/10km (Maui) – Friends and family can experience the famous world championship XTERRA run course featuring an off-road thriller on a trail winding through Maui’s forests, dodging cacti, and past stunning oceanfront scenery. XterraPlanet.com


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♦ October 29, 2017 XTERRA World Championship Off-Road Triathlon (Maui) – This extreme sport triathlon tests the endurance of qualified athletes from more than 20 countries through a Maui course noted for its rough terrain and climate. The course begins with a 1.5K swim, followed by a 30K bike ride around Heartbreak Hill, and ends with an 11K trail run to Wailea Beach. XterraPlanet.com

NOVEMBER 2017

♦ November 2-12, 2017 Hawai‘i International Film Festival (O‘ahu) – With more than a dozen screening sites on six islands, Hawai‘i’s premier film festival presents feature films, documentaries, and short subjects as well as seminars, workshops, special award presentations, and receptions. HIFF.org

♦ November 3-12, 2017

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (island of Hawai‘i) – Hawai‘i’s longest-running food festival features more than 50 events in Kona including coffee plantation and mill tours, a Grand Parade, the Miracle Mile Race, golf tournament, art exhibits, and recipe contest. KonaCoffeeFest.com

♦ November 4-5, 2017

Ragnar Relay Hawaii (island of Hawai‘i) – The 200-ish mile relay adventure begins in the rainforest climate of Puna with its turquoise waves and black sand beaches at Isaac Hale Park and rounds the greener side of the island to upcountry Waimea. Quad-burning climbs through the lava fields on the west side of the island will be rewarded with an ocean-side finish at Hapuna Beach Prince Resort as teams cross under the iconic Ragnar arch together. RagnarRelay.com

♦ November 11, 2017 Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run (Kaua‘i) – This is Kauai‘i’s premier 5K, 10K, Half Marathon Run, and non-competitive 5K walk. All proceeds from this event will go toward local scholarships for the University of Hawai‘i located at the Kaua‘i Community College and the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA). OldKoloaSugarMillRun.org

♦ November 20-22, 2017 EA Sports Maui Invitational (Championship Round) – Hosted by Chaminade University of Honolulu, the EA Sports Maui Invitational is considered the best early-season college basketball tournament with the nation’s top ranked programs competing in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Lahaina Civic Center. MauiInvitational.com

♦ November 12-December 20, 2017 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (O‘ahu) – The most successful professional surfing series in the world takes place on O‘ahu’s North Shore with three competitions each for men and women: Men:


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♦ Reef Hawaiian Pro at Hale‘iwa’s Ali‘i Beach ♦ Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach ♦ Billabong Pipeline Masters at Banzai Pipeline

Women: ♦ Cholos Women’s Hawaiian Pro at Hale‘iwa’s Ali‘i Beach ♦ O’Neil Women’s World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach ♦ Vans Duel For the Jewel at Banzai Pipeline

For more information, visit TripleCrownOfSurfing.com.

DECEMBER 2017

♦ December 1, 2017 Festival of Lights/Lights on Rice Parade (Kaua‘i) – The island of Kaua‘i kicks off the holidays with the annual lighting of Christmas decorations on the grounds of the Historic County Building. Live local entertainment, Christmas caroling, and a float parade down Rice Street are some of the night’s activities. LightsOnRice.org

♦ December 2, 2017 Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade (island of Hawai‘i) - Hawai‘i’s second-longest-running parade, will celebrate its 57th run on Dec. 3, as always, in the parade’s namesake town. This year is themed “Starlight Christmas” and will include a Santa float, dozens of units representing Waimea keiki to kupuna including churches, schools, youth groups, community organizations, farms, ranches and businesses, plus a huge brigade of festively lighted trucks. As always, Santa has promised to again ride in our parade and afterwards, visit with keiki at Parker Ranch Center’s Fireside Food Court.

♦ December 3, 2017 XTERRA Trail Running World Championship (O‘ahu) – This half-marathon event features an off-road course across hills, flat valley trails, and streams throughout Kualoa Ranch. As participants work their way to the finish line, they’ll be treated to picturesque views of Ka‘a‘awa Valley and the white sandy beaches on O‘ahu’s northeast shore. XterraPlanet.com

♦ December 10, 2017

Honolulu Marathon (O‘ahu) – One of the world’s largest and most festive road races, the Honolulu Marathon’s 26.2-mile scenic course includes spectacular views alongside world famous Waikïkï Beach and Diamond Head. HonoluluMarathon.org

♦ December 22, 23, & 25, 2017 Diamond Head Classic (O‘ahu) – This collegiate basketball tournament takes court at the University of Hawai‘i’s Stan Sheriff Center featuring an eight-team, 12-game bracket format. The tournament is a partnership between the University of Hawai‘i and ESPN. DiamondHeadClassic.com


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♦ December 24, 2017 Hawai‘i Bowl (O‘ahu) – One of college football’s most exciting bowl games kicks off at Aloha Stadium just before Christmas. The game continues to be the first non-all-star post-season game in Hawai‘i since December 2000 when the O‘ahu Bowl and the Aloha Bowl were played in Honolulu. SheratonHawaiiBowl.com

♦ December 2, 2017 – January 1, 2018 Honolulu City Lights (O‘ahu) – The Christmas spirit comes alive in downtown Honolulu with the annual Honolulu City Lights celebration. Every year, Honolulu Hale and the Civic Center grounds are transformed into a spectacular Christmas display that features various themed Christmas trees and wreaths, gingerbread houses, and gigantic statues of Mr. and Mrs. Claus – Hawaiian style. The opening night kicks off the month long celebration with various food booths, keiki (child) rides, the annual tree-lighting ceremony, electric light parade, and entertainment. Honolulu.gov

♦ December 1, 2016 – February 29, 2017 *Holding period; competition dependent on ocean conditions The Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational (O‘ahu) – In the ultimate challenge of man versus the sea, a selective group of the world’s big wave surfers compete, only when wave conditions reach 20-foot plus at Waimea Bay on the renowned North Shore of O‘ahu. The annual challenge is held in honor of the legendary Hawai‘i waterman, Eddie Aikau. QuiksilverLive.com/EddieAikau

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Disclaimer: Events listed in this calendar are subject to change without notice. For a complete listing of events, please visit GoHawaii.com/Event. Special note to media: The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) recognizes the use of the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakö [ä] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Läna‘i). However, HVCB respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.

hawai‘i’s world class events calendar july – december...

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