Oahu - Festival Island

Hawaii, an archipelago of several islands off the south west coast of mainland United States is perhaps best known as a surfers paradise of the Polynesian kind where the hula reigns and beaches are endless. Yet there's a whole world of cultural and natural experiences to discover on these islands, the newest state in the US, but which have a long a rich cultural history. It brings tourists of all ages and interests to Hawaii. The activities and events such as the Made In Hawaii Festival are intended to enrich and enthral visitors to the islands all year round.

Aside from the Made In Hawaii Festival, Oahu has more festivals than any other island in the state, ranging from parades and cultural celebrations to sporting events. Whether you want to immerse yourself in Oahus unique arts scene, watch authentic hula, or sample the tastes of Hawaii, there is something for everyone on Oahu in the islands festivals.

Just before the summer, the June Pan Pacific Festival, takes place across the Honolulu in Oahu. Bringing together the diverse cultures of the Pacific, the 31st anniversary of this special three-day celebration begins with Hawaiian festivities on the evening of Friday 11 June, including a block party where visitors can enjoy spectacular entertainment and traditional food. The celebration includes a hula festival held at Ala Moana Center, where spectators have the rare opportunity to see hula groups from Japan perform with Hawaiian hula halau (troupes). The event culminates with a grand parade along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.

In August, the Made In Hawaii Festival celebrates all things made on the islands of Aloha. The festival has a spirit of entrepreneurship as much as aloha. It celebrates modern Hawaii as well as the islands rich heritage.

From Friday 20 August, visitors can celebrate, alongside Hawaiians, the heritage and pride of their unique culture. More than 400 Made In Hawaii Festival exhibitors offer creations from Hawaii, including art, clothing, food, home furnishings, jewellery, toys, fresh produce, plants, and authentic Hawaiian handicrafts. There are also live food demonstrations and entertainment. This Made In Hawaii Festival, which takes place in Honolulu, attracts 35,000 visitors over three days, and is not to be missed.

Further festivals include the Honolulu Festival in March, a three-day celebration of art, music and dance culminating in a vibrant parade through Waikiki; Oahus Lei Day Celebration (May 1) at the beautiful Kapiolani Park, including lei making competitions and live music; the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June, featuring brightly decorated floats and traditional pau riders (female riders in ornate dresses and lei) on horseback, representing the Hawaiian royal court. And, for those who want to sample a variety of local flavors, theres May's Hawaii Food and Wine Paradise, a four-day gourmet getaway including romantic luncheons and beach-side barbeques, the Wahiawa Pineapple Festival (mid-May) and Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown's Taste of the Arts in mid-September, showcasing local restaurants. However, this is just a sample of the special festivals and events, including the Made In Hawaii Festival that you'll discover on Oahu.