Hawaii Spring Events
Hawaii is home to hundreds of events and festivals throughout the year. During the months of April and May, there are many events and festivals that take place across the islands. Below is a sampling of the islands' offerings:
KAUAI
2014 Kauai Orchid & Art Festival (April 5-6): Enjoy free concerts, great food and the amazing display of exotic, tropical orchids at the Garden Island Orchid Society's Spring Orchid Show. Enjoy live music at the Hawaiian Congregational Church, and great food from local vendors. Children's art activities are also offered.
Visit: http://www.hanapepe.org
Kauai Museum Annual May Day Lei Festival (May 1): Celebrating innovate interpretations by today's lei makers, the Museum will open its doors for viewing of lei entered in the annual festival. In addition to a lei contest, the festival will have activities on the lawn including demonstrations and lei for sale.
Visit: http://www.kauaimuseum.org/
National Tropical Botanical Garden's Concert in the Sky at McBryde Garden (May 4): A 1-day eco-tourism event with cultural and music components for visitors and residents alike. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of National Tropical Botanical Garden's Congressional Charter.
Visit: http://ntbg.org/gardens/mcbryde.php
25th Annual Banana Poka Round Up (May 25): It's a forest education fair for the whole family at Kokee State Park's Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow! The event features great live music, basket making, exhibits by organizations and agencies that work to save the environment, along with lots of activities for kids.
Visit: http://www.kokee.org/festivals/banana-poka-round-up
OAHU
32nd Annual Hawaiian Scottish Festival and Highland Games (April 5-6): The Scottish Festival is an annual festival at Kapiolani Park celebrating the heritage and history of the Scots. The Festival features Highland games and athletics; a Highland dance competition; entertainment including piping, music, song and dance; demonstrations of swordplay, weaving, and fencing and craft and food vendors (yes, even haggis!).
Visit: http://www.scotshawaii.org
WAIKIKI SPAM JAM® Festival (May 3): The 12th Annual WAIKIKI SPAM JAM® Festival is a street festival on Kalaukaua Avenue that celebrates the people of Hawaii's love for SPAM® products a canned meat from Hormel Foods. This street festival is great for all ages, as the event includes Hawaii's top restaurants, two stages with free entertainment and a variety of Hawaiian crafters.
Visit: http://www.spamjamhawaii.com
Mele Mei (month of May): A month-long celebration of the unique music, hula and culture of Hawaii, Mele Mei encompasses a series of concert performances, award ceremonies, demonstrations and hula workshops. The month culminates with the Na Hoku Hanohano Music Festival on May 24.
Visit: http://www.melemei.com
87th Annual Lei Day Celebration (May 1): Annual May Day celebration at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand featuring Hawaiian music, dance, and crafts.
Visit: http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/leiday/index1.htm
9th Hawaii Book and Music Festival (May 3-4): The free two-day Hawaii Book and Music Festival takes place on the Civic Grounds at Honolulu Hale in Historic Downtown Honolulu. Activities include over 600 presenters and 150 events including a Talk Story Stage, with Hawaii's best storytellers, playwright and poetry slams; music and hula performances; keiki activities; and food and beverages.
Visit: http://www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.org
MAUI
Maui Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival (April 11-13): Held at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel in Lahaina, master musicians from the around the world come to play in honor of the festivals namesake and to perpetuate the music created on the Hawaiian steel guitar. This free festival features three days of performances, concerts, workshops, classes, jam sessions, hands-on activities, arts and crafts, exhibits, demonstrations and more.
Visit: http://www.aecg.org
13th Annual Maui Matsuri (May 2, 9-10): The 14th Annual Maui Matsuri is a free admission event celebrating Japanese culture at University of Hawai'i-Maui College campus in Kahulu. Activities include a movie night, Japanese and Okinawan cultural entertainment, cultural crafts for kids, demonstrations, exhibits and hands on activities for adults, obon dancing, craft & commercial Vendors, and food booths.
Visit: http://www.mauimatsuri.com
Maui Classical Music Festival (May 1-10): World-renowned musicians gather in a tropical setting of unparalleled beauty to create a program of wide appeal from the Baroque period to Twentieth Century works.
Visit: http://www.mauiclassicalmusicfestival.org
HAWAII Island
Kona Earth & Ocean Festival (April 12): A fun community-based event at the Makaeo Pavilion, Old Kona Airport, featuring many exhibits and fun activities showcasing environmental and recycling programs, coastal restoration, ocean literacy, energy conservation, cultural activities, and more, plus live music and entertainment! Great for families!
Visit: http://www.kona-kohala.com
Kau Coffee Festival (May 2-11): Come see what all the buzz is about! Join us for music, hula, the Kau Coffee Experience, delicious local food, fun and educational events, farm and mill tours and coffee, coffee, coffee.
Visit: http://www.kaucoffeefest.com
Puna Music Festival (May 4-10): Puna Music Festival celebrates the music of Hawaiii, and the undying spirit of Puna. The ten-day festival will feature top Hawaiian artists, as well as local talent.
Visit: http://punamusicfestival.com
Honokaa Western Week (May 19-26): A celebration of the Paniolo and ranching history in Hamakua complete with Parade, a Block Party, and more!
Visit: http://www.honokaa.org
Big Island Film Festival (May 22-26): Big Island Film Festival at Mauna Lani Resort is a five day celebration of new independent narrative short and feature films and their filmmakers. A mixture of films, social events, and award ceremonies bring visitors, residents and new filmmakers together for a shared experience wrapped in Hawaiian culture and the spirit of Aloha.
