Spring on Oahu: Festivals and Events

Oahu is home to the largest number of festivals and events in Hawaii. Each year, visitors have the opportunity to experience unique island events that showcase the the state’s rich cultural scene.

• From March 12-14, experience Pacific Harmony at the Honolulu Festival, Hawaii’s premier cultural event, which promotes understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Dance performances and traditional art demonstrations are displayed by artisans from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, Republic of China (Taiwan), Korea, Hawaii and the rest of the U.S. The festival culminates with a spectacular parade down in Waikiki.
• Ala Moana Center [map] will present Shop a Le‘a, its third annual week-long spring shopping event, from March 22-28. The event presents locals and visitors to Hawaii with more than 150 experiences in fashion, health and beauty, active lifestyle, home décor, travel, and cuisine. Included as part of the Shop a Le‘a lineup are retailer-presented fashion shows and trunk shows, exclusive products, Centerstage events, a center-wide gift-with-purchase, mall-wide shopping and dining offers, and much more.
• The Outrigger Reef on the Beach [map] will begin its Aloha Friday luncheon shows at Kani Ka Pila Grille on April 23, June 11, Sept. 3 and Nov. 12. The luncheon show includes a Hawaiian buffet. It is broadcast live in Hawaii from 12-1 p.m. (HST) on AM940 and also streamed live on AM940Hawaii.com.
• On April 24, the Waikiki SPAM® Jam will take place on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki [map]. Waikiki SPAM® Jam celebrates the unusually high consumption of SPAM® in Hawaii and features a variety of Honolulu’s finest restaurants serving up SPAM®-inspired creations. Two entertainment stages provide non-stop entertainment ranging from hula dancers to local musicians, and the event even includes a “Mr. or Mrs. SPAM®” contest to honor the most SPAM®-crazed fan on Oahu. Proceeds from the event benefit the Hawaii Food Bank.
• The first annual Na Hoku O Hawaii Music Festival will take place from May 27-30 at the Hawaii Convention Center [map] and throughout Waikiki. The four-day festival will include workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, and performances that showcase and teach attendees about Hawaiian music, arts and culture. The festival concludes with the 33rd Annual Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, which honors the achievements of excellence in the recording arts.
• On Memorial Day, May 31, thousands of Hawaii residents and island visitors of various cultural and religious backgrounds will gather at Ala Moana Beach Park [map] for the 12th annual Lantern Floating Hawai‘i Ceremony. The ceremony is based on the theme “Many Rivers, One Ocean,” and serves to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in war, pay respect to ancestors and loved ones who have passed away, and pray for a harmonious and peaceful future. More than 2,000 candle-lit lanterns will be set afloat on the ocean, a traditional Buddhist rite originating in Japan. The ceremony also features live entertainment by local and international musicians and inspiring speeches.

There is plenty of great family fun in store for Oahu’s visitors this spring so “hele” (hurry) on over to Hawaii’s most happening isle for some good fun in paradise!

Photo courtesy of coconut wireless (Flickr)