Dive into the Cultures of Hawaii: Events & Festivals this Fall

September 22, 2023
Welcome to Waikiki where the streets are bustling, the colors are vibrant, and the diverse mix of cultures and people is intoxicating. This fall, Waikiki is brimming with unique experiences highlighting arts, history, cuisine, music, sportsmanship, and more. Our team has curated a list of events and festivals where you can immerse yourself in authentic Hawaii and connect with locals and visitors from Oahu and around the world. Consider yourself invited! 
Photo Credit: Aloha Festivals

Aloha Festivals Floral Parade – September 30 


Celebrating its 75th year, this parade is steeped in Hawaiian culture and bursting with the aloha spirit. Watch from Kalakaua Avenue, just steps away from Coconut Waikiki Hotel, as the procession of floats adorned with tropical flowers, horses showcasing the traditional art of pau riding, marching bands, hula halau (troupes), and civic leaders, make their way towards Kapiolani Park. This year’s theme, Piliaina – to have kinship with the land, will inspire the sights and sounds of the festivities.

Photo Credit: Hawaii International Film Festival

Hawaii International Film Festival – October 12 to 22

Now in its 43rd year, this film festival showcases global cinema by and about peoples from Asia and the Pacific, and films about Hawaii made by Hawaii filmmakers. Attracting over 50,000 film enthusiasts each year, you’re invited to watch 150 movies, documentaries and film shorts, including world premieres, listen to expert industry panels, and participate in career development workshops.

Photo Credit: Kelli with an Eye Photography

Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival – October 21

An entire month of social, educational and cultural events celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, comes to a crescendo with the annual parade and festival on October 21. Expect rainbows in the sky and on the streets of Kalakaua Avenue as approximately 4,500 parade participants spread joy and aloha with music, flags, balloons and colorful costumes. The festivities continue at Kapiolani Park with food, music and performances, including Hawaii’s own Sasha Colby, winner of 2023 RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Dana Edmunds

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival – October 29 to November 5 

At the largest food festival in Hawaii, mingle with renowned chefs and explore traditional & modern cuisines with a variety of events from a Kids Foodie Fest to a wine-centric grand tasting to a toes-in-the-sand culinary affair. Co-founded by two James Beard Award-winning chefs from Hawaii—Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong—the festival showcases the islands’ rich agricultural diversity and homegrown culinary talent.

Photo Credit: Honolulu Marathon/Ezra Shaw_Getty Images

Honolulu Marathon – December 10 

As the fourth largest marathon in the United States, the Honolulu Marathon attracts athletes and spectators from Hawaii, Japan, and around the world. Register to experience the thrill of competition in the beautiful paradise that is Oahu, or cheer on the runners at the finish line in Kapiolani Park. If 26.2 miles is too intimidating, opt to participate in the one-mile Kalakaua Merrie Mile, named after King Kalakaua who is known as the Merrie Monarch.

Header Image Photo Credit: Aloha Festivals