In addition to the indigenous Hawaiian culture, Hawaiʻi is home to many global cultures, which help to create today’s vibrant multicultural landscape. This unique multiculturalism is celebrated year-round across the islands at festivals and events that honor the traditions and contributions of our multiethnic communities.

Kaua‘i
Experience the relaxing, acoustic musicianship from over a dozen skilled guitarists at the Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival – Kaua‘i Style in November. Clients can learn about the music genre’s cultural importance and ties to 19th-century paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) while enjoying offerings from local crafters and food vendors. Happening in February, the nine-day Waimea Town Celebration kicks off with lūʻau, cocktail and cuisine events and ends with a two-day ho‘olaule‘a (celebratory festival) that features music of Hawai‘i, entertainment, arts and crafts and local cuisine. In between, clients will enjoy fun runs, a rodeo, long-distance canoe races, a film festival, food-eating contests, storytelling and more.

O‘ahu
As the Pacific region’s leading epicurean event, the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival celebrates the bounty of the state’s lands and sea, promotes Hawai‘i’s sustainability, and showcases Hawai‘i’s global culinary culture with exciting, interactive culinary experiences. Among the many chef and dining events at the 14th annual Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival, look for Kamehameha Schools Presents “Roots,”  a culinary conversation and tasting event honoring the cooking traditions and food systems of indigenous communities around the world, including the Hawaiian culture. This January, clients can kick off the New Year at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i’s New Year’s ʻOhana Festival. The free, family-friendly celebration includes food, entertainment and activities, such as mochi pounding, sumo, arts and crafts, dance, live music, history exhibits and more.

Maui
The East Maui Taro Festival annually celebrates kalo (taro), a food source of the Hawaiian culture. Held in April in Hāna town, the community festival features hula, live music, arts and crafts, a farmers’ market, poi-pounding demonstrations and, of course, lots of taro-based culinary creations. Set for May each year, Maui Matsuri is the island’s largest festival, celebrating the Japanese culture’s rich history, traditions, food, arts and contributions to the Hawai‘i community. The free event features Japanese entertainment, arts and crafts, interactive activities, exhibits and lots of tasty food from multiple cultures and culminate with a traditional evening bon dance open for all to participate.

Hawai‘i Island
The Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the February blooming of the town’s collection of Church Row Park cherry trees and the Japanese tradition of hanami, which translates as “cherry blossom viewing party.” The free annual event celebrated in Waimea Town features Japanese and multicultural performing arts, bonsai demonstrations, a traditional tea ceremony, art and collectibles, community exhibits, food booths, local chef demos, a craft fair and more. Also held in February, the annual Pana‘ewa Stampede Rodeo competitions spotlight traditional and Hawai‘i paniolo rodeo skills. Contests for cowboys, cowgirls and keiki (children) include bull riding, calf roping, double mugging, barrel racing and po‘o wai u, a paniolo-born steer-capturing technique. The rodeo also features food vendors, craft booths and exhibits that share paniolo history and culture.