Our Guide: Mark Your Calendar for O‘ahu’s Ethnic Festivals

Want a quick introduction to the food, music and art of Hawai‘i's cultural communities? Here is a list of 21 festivals (all family-friendly), so you can experience it all.

Photo: By Greg Yamamoto

There’s no easier way to learn about Hawai‘i’s various cultures than by going to an ethnic festival. You’ll usually find live music and entertainment, new dishes at the various food booths, and cultural arts and crafts. Most festivals are outdoor so keiki have lots of room to run. As a bonus, most are free, so you can stay all day or leave without guilt when the kids get antsy. From hula and Chinese lion dances to taiko and opera, this list of 21 ethnic festivals on O‘ahu offers a wide range of experiences for all ages.

Although we noted when the festivals are typically held every year, know that those are subject to change. Stay on top of the schedule by subscribing to our free weekly eNewsletter for a list of the events happening every weekend.

SEE ALSO: How 5 Popular Ethnic Festivals in Honolulu Adapt While Keeping Traditions Alive on honolulumagazine.com

January

• Narcissus Festival
• New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival–Typically the second Sunday in January.

February

• Chinese New Year Celebration-Depends on the date for Chinese New Year annually.
• Night in Chinatown-Depends on the date for Chinese New Year annually.
• Vietnamese-American Lunar New Year Festival-Depends on the date for Chinese New Year annually.

March

• Cherry Blossom Festival
• Honolulu Festival-typically the second weekend in March.

April

• Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games-typically late March or early April.

May

• Filipino Fiesta-typically the second weekend in March.
• We Are Samoa Festival-typically in early May.

June

• Pan-Pacific Festival-typically the second weekend in June.

July

• Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Festival-typically the first weekend in July.
• Prince Lot Hula Festival-typically the third weekend in July.

Photo: By Greg Yamamoto

August

• Greek Festival–Note: Greek Festival is a no go in 2019. 
• Korean Festival

September

• Aloha Festivals-the biggest public events including the ho‘olaule‘a and parade are typically at the end of September.
• Okinawan Festival
• Portuguese Festa
• Festa Italiana-Update: Typically held in October, the festival will take place in September 2019.

SEE ALSO: Quote Unquote: Meet the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade’s Pā‘ū Rider on honolulumagazine.com

October

• Hispanic Heritage Festival
• Honolulu Intertribal Powwow