These are the hottest festivals and events coming up on Oahu

OAHU – Got clients planning a trip to Oahu this year? Tell them not to miss out on the following festivals and events, all of which will guarantee a deeper understanding of local heritage and an even greater love for the food, music and people of Hawaii.

February 10-17
POW! WOW! Hawaii
Local and global artists will showcase their work in Honolulu during a widespread beautification and education of street art during POW! WOW! Hawaii. The event will include gallery shows, live panel discussions, mural projects, concerts, live art installations and more. www.powwowhawaii.com

February 11
Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii
The 10th Annual ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii will be stringing together a day of exciting events in celebration of the State of Hawaii’s official musical instrument. The festivities are being held at Kakaako Gateway Park on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018 with performances by famous musicians from Hawaii and Japan and various vendor booths that visitors can peruse. All events and entertainment are free and open to the public. www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en

March 9-11
Honolulu Festival
The 24th Annual Honolulu Festival is one of Hawaii’s premier cultural events, promoting understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the festival draws thousands of new and returning spectators. Through educational programs and activities, the festival continues to successfully share the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures with the rest of the world. www.honolulufestival.com

April 8
Hapalua Hawaii’s Half-Marathon
Sponsored by Honolulu Marathon Association, the event is expected to draw more than 5,000 runners. The start of the Hapalua is by The Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki and finishes in Kapiolani Park. Both walkers and runners are welcome. www.thehapalua.com

April-June
Mele Mei
Mele Mei is an annual celebration of Hawaii’s music, hula and culture. Music and hula events are held from April through June at various hotels, venues, on the beach and statewide. From ‘ukulele to steel guitar, traditional Hawaiian music to slack key, island reggae to rock and everything in between, Mele Mei has something for everyone. www.melemei.com

May 28
Lantern Floating Hawaii
Every year on Memorial Day, thousands of people gather at Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park to honor ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. At sundown, more than 3,000 candlelit lanterns are set afloat on the ocean, a traditional Buddhist rite originating in Japan. The ceremony serves to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in war, pay respect to ancestors and loved ones who have passed away, and pray for a harmonious and peaceful future. The ceremony also features live entertainment by local and international musicians, as well as inspiring speeches. www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com

June 2-3
Biggest Little Airshow in Hawaii
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s popular remote control Biggest Little Airshow in Hawaii, sponsored by Aloha Petroleum, is back for its 10th year. A family favorite, the airshow features open cockpits, hangar tours, restored World War II aircraft and remote control flying by some of the best pilots and aircraft from the mainland. For two days, Ford Island will come alive with remote control flying, hands-on modeling stations and a Kids Zone with rides, food, drinks, retail, music, entertainment and activities. www.pacificaviationmuseum.org

June 8-10
Pan-Pacific Festival
The 39th annual Pan-Pacific Festival is a three-day international cultural celebration that features a weekend of Pacific Rim cultural performances, demonstrations, hula, food, and “hoolaulea” (celebration). The event culminates with a colorful parade with thousands of participants in lively costumes marching down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. www.pan-pacific-festival.com

July 15
48th Annual Ukulele Festival Hawaii
Local ‘ukulele legend Roy Sakuma and his sponsors help to keep the instrument alive with the largest festival of its kind in the world, attracting thousands each year. A free five-hour concert showcases the finest ‘ukulele players from around the world, along with national celebrities, Hawaii’s top entertainers, and an ‘ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students. The festival benefits Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a nonprofit organization. www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org

July 21-22
41st Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival
The 41st Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival is a two-day event featuring halau hula (hula schools) gracing the hula mound for spectators to enjoy and showcases Native Hawaiian culture through crafts, kapa making, lauhala weaving, lomilomi massage, traditional Hawaiian games and more. www.moanaluagardensfoundation.org

August 10
Joy of Sake Festival
The Joy of Sake celebrates Hawaii’s hundred-year love affair with sake—from the early days of Japanese immigration and the founding of the Honolulu Sake Brewery up to the present. Today, Honolulu hosts the annual U.S. National Sake Appraisal. After this blind tasting, all of the sake is presented for tasting by the public at The Joy of Sake. This event, with entries from every region and representing virtually every brewing style, gives an unparalleled perspective on the great variety of delicious sakes being produced today. www.joyofsake.com

August 17-19
Made in Hawaii Festival
Enjoy this three-day celebration highlighting the unique products of Hawaii. More than 400 exhibitors offer a wide range of goods made in Hawai‘i from art, clothing, food, home furnishings, jewelry, toys, fresh produce and plants to authentic Hawaiian handicrafts. www.madeinhawaiifestival.com

September
Aloha Festivals
Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture with major events on the island of Oahu. Thousands of volunteers work together each year to stage the events, which are attended by over 100,000 people. This premier showcase celebrates Hawaii’s music, dance and history, and is intended to preserve the islands’ unique traditions. www.alohafestivals.com

• The Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony features hula, chanting and pageantry while introducing the Royal Court.
• The Keiki Hoolaulea (celebration) hosts two days of free kid-friendly activities, demonstrations, performances and more.
• The 66th Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea in September is Hawaii’s largest annual block party featuring local food, music and entertainment.

The 72nd Annual Floral Parade in September hosts a colorful procession of horseback riders, performances and floats covered with Hawaiian flowers.

September 30
Honolulu Century Ride
The Honolulu Century Ride is Hawaii’s oldest and largest cycling event, attracting approximately 4,000 people around the world each year. The ride begins and ends at Kapiolani Park and participants can choose to ride 20, 25, 40, 50, 75, or 100 miles at their own pace. Proceeds from the annual fun ride support the Hawaii Bicycling League and its efforts to promote cycling for health, recreation and transportation through advocacy, education and events. www.hbl.org

October
Hawaii Chocolate Festival
The eighth annual Hawaii Chocolate Festival is where chocolate lovers can learn the steps that go into making this sweet treat from start to finish. There will be chocolate tastings, guest speakers, chocolate inspired activities, live entertainment and more. The festival was created to raise awareness about Hawaii’s growing cacao industry. www.hawaiichocolatefestival.com

October 24-28
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
The festival includes culinary-focused events and evening receptions featuring dishes prepared by an all-star lineup of chefs from Hawaii and around the world, using locally sourced ingredients. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is co-chaired by chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong and serves to showcase the state’s bounty of produce and proteins and highlights the islands’ return to a sustainable eco-system of agriculture, environment and economy. www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com

November 1-11
Hawaii International Film Festival
The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is dedicated to the advancement of understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film. HIFF showcases independent feature films and is held at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theatres each spring and fall. Attendees can expect the very best and latest in independent and global cinema. www.hiff.org

December 7
Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
Talented performing groups join bands and floats to parade down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki to honor and pay respect to the survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, our veterans, active duty military and their families. The parade takes place on the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack and starts at 7 p.m. at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki. www.pearlharborparade.org

For more information on the Island of Oahu go to visit-oahu.com.