Big Island
April 4-10: Merrie Monarch Festival. Watch and learn at one of Hawaii’s most prestigious hula competitions, featuring group and solo contests. Tickets go fast, but the festival also has free events such as live music and a parade through town. Edith Kanakaole Stadium, Hilo. (808-935-9168; www.merriemonarchfestival.org)
Oahu
April 16-22: Spring Showcase. The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is holding its 13th Spring Showcase, a smaller, more intimate festival than the Fall Showcase. Roughly 30 independent and international films will be shown. Tickets go on sale on April 7. Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18, Honolulu. (808-697-2463; www.hiff.org)
April 18: Honolulu AIDS Walk. Make a difference in the fight against AIDS in Hawaii with an easy 5K walk. Prizes, food, entertainment and a kids’ zone make this an ideal event for families with children. Registration is free but fundraising is encouraged. Kapiolani Park. (808-521-2437; www.honoluluaidswalk.org)
April 23-25: Spring Food and New Products Show. Clients looking for a unique shopping experience among hundreds of vendors need not look any further than this highly attended expo. Some attractions include local fare, new products and gadgets and chances to win prizes. Admission is $3 (free for children under 12). Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Honolulu. (808-732-6037; www.pacificexpos.com)
Kauai
April 2 and 4: Slack-Key Guitar Concerts. Every Friday and Sunday afternoon, visitors can tune into to the soothing sounds of Hawaii’s slack-key music while learning about its history and legendary players. The proceeds from the shows support outreach programs for families in the area. Hanalei Community Center. (808-826-1469; www.hawaiianslackkeyguitar.com)
April 11: Kauai All-Girls Rodeo. The ladies in Hawaii are good at far more than just hula dancing and surfing. Watch cowgirls compete in fast-paced rodeo events, from barrel racing to goat tying. CJM Country Stables Arena, Koloa. (808-346-3549; www.kauaiallgirlsrodeo.com)
Maui
April 2-4: Celebration of the Arts. Held during Easter weekend, this hands-on arts festival is a unique opportunity for clients. Highlights include seminar discussions, workshops in arts and crafts, hula performances and a closing luau ceremony. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. (808-669-6200; www.celebrationofthearts.org)
April 24: East Maui Taro Festival. Celebrate the staple food of Hawaii at the 18th-annual presentation of this all-day festival with local music, arts, crafts and cultural demonstrations. Whether it’s sampling from more than 20 food booths or learning to pound your own poi, the Taro Festival is a highlight for visitors and locals alike. Hana Ballpark. (808-264-1553; www.tarofestival.org)
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
March 4th, 2010
Since the 1940s Hawaii has had a love affair with spam. Hormel, the makers of the product claim it got its name from a contest that was conducted to come up with a name for the pork and ham concoction. It became popular in Hawaii when the Islanders would stock up on the luncheon meat because it didn’t have to be refrigerated during threats of hurricanes, tsunamis and strikes. In Hawaii, spam is so popular you can even find it at fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and Burger King. In just about every in Waikiki Spam Misubi for about three bucks.
Over the past seven years there’s been a celebration of sorts in Waikiki called the "Waikiki Spam Jam" and this year it will be held April 24 from 4 p.m. to 10 PM. It happens along, Kalakaua Avenue and features live entertainment and obviously lots of spam. Many of the local restaurants will be preparing dishes using the famous lunchmeat in a
variety of dishes. If you’re going to be in Hawaii this is a festival you don’t want to miss even if you’re not a Spam fan. Each year thousands of people return to Waikiki to take part in all of the festivities.
After all, where else can you see a giant 313 foot spam weighing in at 275 pounds?
Posted by Bruce Fisher: follow me on Twitter @alohabruce
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 16th, 2010
If you’re going to be vacationing on Oahu over the weekend of March 14 – 15, there will be a festival going on you won’t want to miss. Dubbed “Pacific Harmony,” the 15th-annual Honolulu Festival celebrates and displays the fascinating arts and diverse culture of the Pacific. This year’s theme is “Heart of the Pacific, Creating our Future.”
The weekend celebration will feature live musical and cultural performances, as well as impressive art exhibits by artisans from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, The Philippines, The Republic of China (Taiwan), Korea, Hawaii and the rest of the United States.
And it’s all free. The events will be located at the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki Shopping Plaza and Waikiki Beach Walk, concluding with a Grand Parade through the heart of Waikiki on the final evening, Sunday, March 15.
During the weekend you’ll be treated to performances by the Obama Girls (no relation) from Obama, Japan; the “daijayama” or fire-breathing dragon float, and the Descendance from Australia, among other spectacles. The festival also will showcase Hawaii cultural groups who will share the beauty of their heritage with you in several venues.
The festival has become enormously popular locally and a special treat for visitors. Last year, almost 100,000 spectators enjoyed the festivities and the event attracted some 6,000 visitors from Japan. More than 90 cultural groups performed, many of them coming from countries throughout the Pacific Rim.
If you would like more information or details about the Honolulu Festival, pick an agent from the Hawaii-Aloha Web site , or call 1-800-843-8771 and check out the festival blog http://honolulufestivalinhawaii.blogspot.com/
Posted by Jim Winpenny
Related blog posts:
Aloha Festivals Hard to miss on your Hawaii Vacation
A Merrie Big Island Festival For Your Hawaiian Vacation
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Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 24th, 2009
