Your Insider Guide to the 31st Made in Hawai‘i Festival
The 31st annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival returns on Aug. 15–17. Here’s what you should know before you go.
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Hawaiian Airlines presents the 31st annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival on Friday, Aug. 15, through Sunday, Aug. 17. Following last year’s record-breaking festival, this year’s event features another dynamic lineup of vendors, entertainment, chef demos, fashion shows and more. The Made in Hawai‘i Festival has served as the Islands’ premier event exclusively showcasing locally made products, including art, clothing, jewelry, food and much more.
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Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Cost
Tickets are $8 each and provide all-day access to the festival. They can be purchased on the Made in Hawai‘i Festival website starting Aug. 1. Additionally, all ticket-holders will be automatically entered into the Made in Hawai‘i 2025 sweepstakes with the chance to win a two-night stay in a one-bedroom ocean-view suite at the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra.
SEE ALSO: Our Guide: Honolulu Summer Festivals
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
When and Where
The Made in Hawai‘i Festival takes place on Aug. 15–17, and this year’s event spans Exhibit Halls I, II and III at 1801 Kalākaua Ave. Dates and times vary.
- Friday, Aug. 15: Buyers Hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. These are specifically for wholesale buyers and store owners to interact with exhibitors. The public hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 16: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 17: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where to Park
There is no general public parking at the Hawai‘i Convention Center for festival attendees. Alternate parking options are still TBD, so the festival organizers encourage attendees to make use of the drop-off areas or public transit.
Ride Share Services: Ride share services, like Lyft or Uber, offer a convenient way to get to the Hawai‘i Convention Center, with drop-off and pick-up points conveniently located near the event entrance.
TheBus: Several bus routes stop near the Hawai‘i Convention Center, and public transportation offers an eco-friendly way to attend the festival. Download “DaBus2” app for detailed information on bus schedules, routes, stops and real-time arrival updates courtesy of O‘ahu Transit Services.
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Summer Bucket List: The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
What’s New
New this year, the Moloka‘i Alliance of Native Artisans will travel from the Friendly Isle to showcase some of its product makers, artisans, crafters and small businesses for the very first time in a move that celebrates our state’s diversity and local partnerships. This year’s festival will feature 81 new vendors. Be sure to follow your favorites on social media, where most will tease new product launches only available at the festival.
Patrons can visit the Hawaiian Airlines booth and shop the Hawaiian Air x Mana Up partnership exclusives, highlighting Tag Aloha, Hawaiian Rainforest Naturals, Pono Potions, Bradley & Lily, Ava + Oliver, Avva Brand and Ua Hawai‘i.
Additionally, the Hawai‘i Foodbank and The FoodBasket Da Bux are the two selected nonprofits for this year’s Made in Hawai‘i Festival, and when you purchase festival tickets, you’ll have the opportunity to donate to Hawai‘i Foodbank directly at checkout. Last year’s festival raised more than $7,000 for charity, and the Hawai‘i Food Industry Association matched those funds—totaling $15,000 for the Hawai‘i Foodbank.
Kūpuna Rest Area
There will be a designated area for folks who need to sit down and relax—especially those with disabilities and kūpuna. Festival organizers also encourage kūpuna to come straight to the main entrance with their pre-purchased tickets for immediate entry. Those with disabilities or impairments and kūpuna who may have trouble standing for prolonged periods in line will be given entry priority. Please note that able-bodied companions are not permitted to enter early and will have to wait in line.
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Shopping & Dining
There are more than 500 vendors, makers and entrepreneurs for the festival, so be sure to check out the map and vendor directory to plan your visit and see what local businesses you can support. Here are some we’re excited to shop:
- Aloha de Mele
- Always A.line
- Arlie Glass
- Big Island Coffee Roasters
- By the Shore
- Charmies of Kona
- Crafts Way
- Daily Whisk Matcha
- Da Mochi Guys
- Dipped by Dee
- Fighting Eel
- Hawai‘i Candy Factory
- Hina Hawai‘i
- Jana Lam
- Kahui Palaka
- Kākou Collective
- Kris Goto
- Lokelani Essentials
- Lola Pilar Hawai‘i
- Mahina Made
- Mohala Eyewear
- Noho Home
- Palaka Hawai‘i
- Rumi Murakami
- Sun.daes
- Sun Chong Company
- The Pineapple Collective
- This Lil Piggy
- VH07V Aloha Revolution
- Wai Meli
- Yireh
Made in Hawai‘i Festival Beer Garden
For ticket holders ages 21 and over, the beer garden is a great way to sample the newest drinks by local breweries. This year’s Beer Garden is provided by Island Distributing and will feature KoHana Rum pouring local agricole rum with complimentary samplings and tastings.
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Entertainment
In addition to more than 500 vendors, the festival has an entertaining lineup of cooking demos, fashion shows and musical performances.
Friday, Aug. 15
11 a.m. Chef Jason Peel of Nami Kaze (sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines)
12 p.m. Chef Yoko Engelhardt of Mana Sandwiches
1 p.m. Chef Jon Tamashiro and Bartender Jessica Grant of Pitch Sportsbar (sponsored by Mahi Pono)
2 p.m. Jerry Santos & Kamuela Kimokeo
3 p.m. Kūpaoa
4 p.m. Melveen Leed
5 p.m. Kākou Collective
6 p.m. Keilana
Saturday, Aug. 16
10 a.m. Chef Chatchai Boonkloy “Nong” of Noi Thai Cuisine
11 a.m. Chef Keoni Chang (sponsored by Foodland)
12 p.m. Chef Paul Rivera of Hula Grill
1 p.m. American Floor & Home Talk Story with Tristyn & Kamohai Kalama
2 p.m. Kani Ka Pila Grille Winners and Bobby Moderow, Jr. & Kawika Kahiapo
3 p.m. Kani Ka Pila Grille is hosting their 18th annual talent search finals. The winner will receive a month-long contract with Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, which includes four performances within a month in 2026.
6:30 p.m. LexBreezy & Simply Sisters by Lola Fashion Show
Sunday, Aug. 17
11 a.m. Chef Kealoha Domingo of the LCC ‘Āina to Mākeke Program
12 p.m. Chef Keaka Lee of Kapa Hale
1 p.m. Taimane
1 p.m. Servco Foundation check presentation
2 p.m. Ei Nei
SEE ALSO: Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Tips
- Follow Made in Hawai‘i Festival on social media for sneak peeks of new products from exhibitors.
- Have your mobile QR code or printed ticket ready for check-in. You will receive a stamp on your hand for re-entry.
- While you can bring baby strollers, no wagons, coolers, chairs or carts will be allowed due to space constraints and venue guidelines. Pets are also not allowed, unless they are service animals, so be sure to leash them and have proper identification.
- Mask up to protect yourself and others. The Made in Hawai‘i Festival will be bigger than ever this year, and the indoor venue will get crowded with attendees. With new variants, COVID-19 is on the rise this summer, so stay vigilant and keep yourself safe.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there will be lots of walking at the event.
- Plan ahead for specific vendors you know you definitely want to shop from, but also allow yourself time to peruse the other booths and watch the entertainment.
- Keep an eye on keiki and designate areas to meet up. Use the buddy system and keep phones on you to communicate.
Made in Hawai‘i Festival, $8, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Aug. 15–17, madeinhawaiifestival.com, @madeinhi
Hailey Akau is a former editorial intern and regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
