OAHU EVENTS TO FILL YOUR SUMMER

Mark your calendar! From hula festivals and ocean sports to live music and entertainment, the long days of summer are the perfect time to take advantage of Oahu’s many outdoor events and activities. Plan your trip now to soak in Hawaii’s warm, balmy weather along with all the culture, sports and music the islands have to offer.

Here are some events that are heating up this summer:

Mele Mei (April – June)

The popular event which celebrates island music returns for an eighth year with a tuned-up lineup of live performances statewide. The annual event runs from April through June and features some of Hawaii’s most iconic performers including Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning and Grammy-nominated artists at venues around Hawaii. Highlights of this year’s event include the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Lei of Stars Brunch, Pan Pacific Festival, and more. For more information, and an up-to-date schedule of events, visit www.melemei.com.

Honolulu Ekiden & Music Festival (May)

Grab your family and friends and race down to the annual Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival. The fun begins with a live concert on Saturday, May 19, 2018 and features popular artists from Japan and Hawaii, such as Kalapana, Mana’o Company, The Real Ho’aikane, Sunplaza Nakano-Kun, Pappara Kawai, May J., and Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku. The festivities race to the finish line with a 26.2-mile team relay on Sunday, May 20, 2018. Runners will stretch their legs as they take in scenic views from Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and along the iconic Sandy Beach coastline. For more information, visit hnlekiden.org/.

King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade (June)

Every year, during the month of June, Hawaii honors King Kamehameha I. King Kamehameha Day takes place on June 11, which is also a state holiday, recognizing the respected leader, warrior, and diplomat that united the Hawaiian Islands. One popular feature of King Kamehameha Day is the always popular King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade which starts at Iolani Palace and winds its way through town to Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. The parade fills the streets with dazzling floral floats, marching bands, horse riders as well as vehicles carrying local celebrities and politicians. The fun continues with an exciting live music celebration at the park bandstand. For more information, visit www.hawaii.com/kamehamehaday/.

Prince Lot Hula Festival (June)

Held on the sacred grounds of Iolani Palace, the 41st Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival will make its return on Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The two-day hula event spotlights some of Hawaii’s premiere halau in the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawaii and honors Prince Lot Kapuaiwa who is credited for bringing back the lost art of hula. Don’t forget to grab your beach chairs and mats to enjoy the lively festivities. For more information, visit http://moanaluagardensfoundation.org.

Ukulele Festival (July)

Ukulele fans won’t want to miss this noteworthy event! The 48th Annual Ukulele Festival is jamming its way back to town on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at Kapiolani Park. The festival is free to the public and showcases ukulele virtuosos, internationally celebrated musicians, and local celebrities, who will take the stage to share their love of the ukulele. But be warned, the music will make you dance all day and sing along to your favorite island tunes. For more information, visit www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/.

Duke’s Oceanfest: Waikiki’s Premier Ocean Sports Festival (August)

If you’ve seen the iconic bronze statue on Waikiki Beach, you’ve met Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing and a true Hawaiian legend. Known for spreading the sport of surfing and the spirit of aloha around the world, Oceanfest celebrates Kahanamoku’s life and accomplishments, with a week-long festival that includes various ocean sports that he was passionate about such as longboard surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, tandem surfing, surf polo, beach volleyball, and stand-up paddling. The festival is held at various locations throughout Waikiki, from August 18-26, 2018. For more information, visit http://dukesoceanfest.com.