Surf sessions, tanning on the sand, and toasting with cocktails at the poolside bar are sure bets in Hawai‘i. Once you’ve gotten your fill, these community events, performances, and parties are perfect outings for the socialite or curious traveler.
Image by John Hook
60th Annual Makawao Rodeo | Oskie Rice Arena (Maui) | July 2–5
Go country at the largest rodeo in Hawai‘i with more than 350 cowboys from all over the globe participating. Watch on as competitors ride and rope, then enjoy country music and dancing during the evening.
First Friday | Chinatown (O‘ahu) | July 3, 5 – 9 p.m.
Visit bustling Chinatown and take a gander at the unique stores and galleries that make this town come alive. With stores containing curiosities to little vintage boutiques, this slow-paced event will give you time to explore. Afterwards, hit up bars and clubs for some late night fun.
Art & Flea | HISAM | July 3
In celebration of the 50th year of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and Arts, the Hawaii State Art Museum is hosting a First Friday event with Art and Flea, an urban popup market. FIND ART will feature more than 25 vendors, live musical performances, and arts workshops by HiSAM-supported artists.
24th Annual 4th of July Celebration | Ala Moana Center (O‘ahu) | July 4, 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy free fireworks at Ala Moana Beach Park accompanied by a live soundtrack on FM 92.3 KSSK. Fireworks will be launched from three platforms from the beach to celebrate Independence Day. Be sure to get your spot early, as the streets fill up fast!
Eat The Street | Turtle Bay Resort (O‘ahu) | July 4, 2 p.m.
The popular pop-up market event heads to North Shore for the first time to celebrate Independence Day. Bring your appetite for a BBQ theme, with live entertainment all night and a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m.
The WonderShow IndepeDANCE GAY | Hula’s bar (O‘ahu) | July 4, 9 p.m. | $7
Celebrate the holiday with a uniquely awesome night. Be entertained by burlesque host Miss Catwings and performers like Titillating Titah’s, ChiChi. After being mystified, amazed and amused, stay for the afterparty for a night full of dancing and outrageous fun.
Additional 4th of July Independence Day Fireworks Shows| July 4
Kailua (O‘ahu), 8 p.m.; Lahaina (Maui), 8 p.m.; Hilo Bayfront (Hawai‘I Island), 8 p.m.; Lihue, Vidinha Soccer Field (Kauai), 4 – 9:30pm
These neighborhoods shoot off their own fireworks to mark Independence Day. Settle in early for the evening event.
Maui GLBT & Friends Hiking Group | Poli Poli Forest Trails (Maui) | July 11, 8:30 a.m
Get a workout with good company on a 4.9-mile hike through mountain forest terrain along a trail that takes hikers up 900 feet in elevation. Pass Redwood trees, the old ranger’s cabin, and a variety of fruit trees along this trail full of diverse vegetation.
14th Annual Korean Festival in Hawai‘i | Ala Moana Beach Park (O‘ahu) | July 11
Experience the Korean culture from the past to the present among an expected crowd of over 30,000. Enjoy traditional food, dancing, games, art, and fashion in a celebration of all things Korea.
53rd Annual Hawai‘i State Farm Fair | Kualoa Ranch (O‘ahu) | July 11 – 12, Various times
Enjoy numerous educational exhibits, a variety of fresh, local produce, rides for kids and an abundance of great food. The fair is known for having one of the most diverse and largest plant sales on O‘ahu. Children get in free for a day of “Farm Family Fun.”
Soto Zen Bon Festival | Hanapepe (Kaua‘i) | July 17 – 18, 6 p.m. | Free
The most popular Bon celebration on Kaua‘i takes place on picturesque temple grounds of Hanapepe. The festival expresses Japanese-American folk culture and religious traditions that have spanned five generations. Expect dance, games, food, and Taiko drum performances.
18th Annual Haleiwa Arts Festival Summer Event | Haleiwa Beach Park (O‘ahu) | July 18 – 19 8 a.m.
Experience a variety of contemporary, traditional and ethnic arts in the historic town of Hale‘iwa. Wander amongst visual artists, musicians, dancers, student art displays, historical trolley tours and peruse and purchase unique works of art.
8th Prince Lot Hula Festival | Moanalua Gardens (O‘ahu) | July 18, 8 p.m.
Experience a full day of hula halau showcases in the beautiful Moanalua Gardens. Be immersed in Native Hawaiian culture with crafts, kapa making, lauhala weaving, lomilomi massage, and traditional games.
Drag Queen Car Wash Dance | Kono’s on the Green (Maui) | July 18, 9 p.m.
Don’t be fooled by the name, this is no car wash. Go back time to when a car wash was about your dance moves, not about scrubbing your dirty vehicle. Dance away to retro hits all night long with DJ Playwfire Ono.
45th Annual Roy Sakuma Ukulele Festival Hawai‘i | Kapiolani Park Bandstand | July 19, 10:30 a.m.
Experience the style of local ukulele legend Roy Sakuma at the largest festival of its kind in the world. Free two-hour concerts will showcase the best ukulele players, entertainers, and a ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students.
33rd Annual Daifukuji Orchid Show and Sale | Big Island | July 19, Time TBA
See firsthand an amazing array of blooming orchids such as cattleya, cymbidium and dendrobium. A sale of orchid species and hybrids as well as orchid-themed magazines and books will get you soaking up the scene.
Rainbow Dine-Out Group| Paradise Grill (Maui) | July 21, 6 p.m.
Enjoy dinner at Paradise Grill in Lahiana while taking in the beautiful surrounding views. Choose from a variety of dishes or the trademark round table pizza while relaxing to live music for a great night out.
Five Year Anniversary of Art & Flea, “Vintage Aloha” theme | 1020 Auahi St., Building 3, Honolulu (O‘ahu) | July 30, 5–10 p.m. | $3 entry fee
At this urban pop-up market’s 5-year anniversary, expect a wonderful variety of local creatives selling everything from jewelry to vintage vinyl records, snag snacks from food vendors, and enjoy live music.