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HAWAI‘I’S WORLD CLASS EVENTS CALENDAR
January – June 2015
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Please note that events are subject to change without notice. For the most complete and updated Hawai‘i
calendar, please visit GoHawaii.com/Events.
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JANUARY 2015
♦ January 5-12, 2015
Hyundai Tournament of Champions (Maui) – Taking place at the legendary Plantation
Course at Kapalua Resort, the 2015 PGA TOUR event is one of golf’s most prestigious
tournaments. Only champions from the 2014 PGA TOUR season are eligible to compete.
PGATour.com/Hyundai ♦
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January 11, 2015
New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival (O‘ahu) – The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i hosts
this family event at Mö‘ili‘ili Field to ring in the New Year. The festival features food
booths serving up Japanese dishes and treats, arts and crafts, entertainment, and cultural
demonstrations. JCCH.com
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January 11-18, 2015
Sony Open in Hawaii (O‘ahu) – Each January the Sony Open in Hawaii attracts 144 of
the world’s greatest golf professionals to the Waialae Country Club. One of the most
anticipated events on the PGA TOUR schedule, the Sony Open showcases international
golf talent and camaraderie against the backdrop of Hawai‘i’s natural beauty to the
world. SonyOpenInHawaii.com !
January 17-18, 2015
Pacific Island Arts Festival (O‘ahu) – Held at Kapi‘olani Park in the heart of Waikïkï,
the festival features close to 100 Hawai‘i artists and artisans with products including
jewelry, clothing, stained glass, ceramics, quilts, bags, woodcrafts, soaps, and candles.
ICB-Web.net/haa !
January 18, 2015
Maui Oceanfront Marathon – The annual race lives up to its name with a breathtaking
route from Wailea to Lahaina. There is also a half marathon starting in Lahaina, a 15K
starting at Päpalaua Beach, and a 5K from Lone Palm Point, all finishing at
Kamehameha Iki Park. Keep an eye on the horizon to catch a glimpse of humpback
whales. MauiOceanFrontMarathon.com
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015
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January 21-25, 2015
Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualälai (Hawai‘i Island) – The PGA TOUR
Champions Tour is comprised of official money-event champions of the 2013 and 2014
seasons, winners of the majors since 2010 and special tournament invitees, including one
major. The golf competition will be held at the Hualälai Golf Course, designed by Jack
Nicklaus. PGATour.com
FEBRUARY 2015
♦ February-March 2015
Maui Whale Festival – Each year, the Pacific Whale Foundation throws a celebration to
honor the thousands of humpback whales that migrate to Maui each winter. Festival
highlights include a Run & Walk for the Whales, the Great Whale Count, Maui’s Parade
of Whales, and the national observance of Whale Day. MauiWhaleFestival.org
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February 7, 2015
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – This popular festival
showcases the blooming of Waimea’s historic cherry trees and hanami, the Japanese
tradition of viewing the beautiful flowers. Experience an all-day lineup of Japanese and
multi-cultural performing arts, plus hands-on demonstrations of bonsai, origami,
traditional tea ceremony, fun mochi pounding, and a host of colorful craft fairs. For
more information, call 808-961-8706. !
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February 14, 2015
A Night in Chinatown Street Festival (O‘ahu) – Downtown Honolulu hosts a daylong
block party celebrating Chinese New Year. Enjoy great food, martial arts presentations,
crafts and good luck trinkets, firecrackers, and music. The parade features color guards,
bands, martial arts clubs, and Chinese lion and dragon dances.
February 14-15, 2015
Pana‘ewa Stampede Rodeo (Hawai‘i Island) – This amateur rodeo is a competition
between cowboys/cowgirls, children, and küpuna (elders) showcasing Hawai‘i’s paniolo
(cowboy) culture. This large and diverse rodeo features team roping, barrel racing,
bronco riding, and bull riding. Food, craft booths, and interactive demonstrations round
out the weekend. HawaiiRodeoStampede.com !
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February 14-21, 2015
Waimea Town Celebration (Kaua‘i) – As one of Kaua‘i’s oldest settlements, community
members gather together every year to honor the town’s storied history. Visitors are
welcome to join the 37th anniversary celebration with island entertainment, food, crafts,
games, contests, and sporting events, including the Kilohana Long Distance Canoe Race
along the Waimea shoreline. WaimeaTownCelebration.com
February 16, 2015
Kaiser Permanente Great Aloha Run (O‘ahu) – The Great Aloha Run is one of
Hawai‘i’s largest events and benefits more than 150 non-profit organizations in Hawai‘i.
This 8.15-mile run/walk starts in downtown Honolulu and ends at Aloha Stadium.
GreatAlohaRun.com !
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015
Page 3!
MARCH 2015
♦ March 6-8, 2015
Honolulu Festival (O‘ahu) – Celebrating it’s 21st anniversary, this three-day festival
shares a rich and vibrant blend of Asian and Pacific Island cultures with the rest of the
world through educational programs, activities, craft fairs, demonstrations, and a grand
parade through Waikïkï. HonoluluFestival.com
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March 7, 2015
Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – Hawai‘i’s top ‘ukulele performers
come forth for a special evening of entertainment in tribute to the popular instrument.
Guests can enjoy a lineup of ‘ukulele masters, take lessons, and enter ‘ukulele
giveaways. UkuleleFestivalHawaii.org.
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March 12-14, 2015
Kona Brewers Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – What began as a birthday celebration for
Kona Brewing Co. in 1996 has grown into one of the State’s premiere festivals. Kicking
off the week of fun is the 20th Annual Kona Brewers Festival Homebrew Competition, a
local competition sanctioned by the American Homebrewers Association. Judges
evaluate hundreds of entries using the AHA National Style Guidelines for 28 different
styles of beers, meads, and ciders. KonaBrewersFestival.com !
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March 15, 2015
Big Island International Marathon – Choose from a 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half
marathon, or 3.1-mile run in one of the most spectacular environments for a running
event. The scenic marathon course takes participants through Hilo and along the
island’s east coast, past waterfalls, and bridges. HiloMarathon.org
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March 23-28, 2015
Haili Volleyball Tournament (Hawai‘i Island) – One of the premier volleyball
tournaments in the U.S. and one of the largest sporting events on Hawai‘i Island, this
invitational event has grown over the past 50 years to include participants from the
Hawaiian Islands, the U.S. mainland, Guam, Samoa, Japan, and British Columbia.
HailiVolleyball.com
March 29, 2015
Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon (Hawai‘i Island) – The annual Lavaman Triathlon is an
extravaganza of sports and fitness held at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. This event,
comprised of a 10K run, 40K bike ride, and 1.5K swim, is open to individuals and relay
teams of all ages and abilities. The triathlon is followed by an awards party and beach
barbeque at ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay. LavamanTriathalon.com/Waikoloa !
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Prince Kuhio Celebration (Kaua‘i) – This weeklong event honors the life of Prince
Jonah Kühiö Kalaniana‘ole, one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved monarchs. Held in his
birthplace of Po‘ipü, the celebration is filled with several events, including: Hawaiian
cultural demonstrations and hands-on learning sessions, the 45th annual Prince Kuhio
Long Distance Canoe Race, a Prince Kuhio birthday celebration lü‘au, and more.
PrinceKuhio.net !
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015
Page 4!
APRIL 2015
♦ April 4, 2015
Maui County Agricultural Festival – Hosted by Maui County Farm Bureau, the annual
festival shares, celebrates, and educates residents and visitors about Maui’s local
agriculture. Held at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapü, the Ag Fest includes Grand
Taste Education, cooking demonstrations, livestock exhibits, entertainment, and a whole
lot of Maui-centric food booths. MauiCountyFarmBureau.org
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April 5-11, 2015
Merrie Monarch Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – Considered by many as the world’s
premier hula competition, the Merrie Monarch Festival is a weeklong cultural festival
that concludes with its prestigious three-day hula competition. Featuring female soloists
and group hula hälau (hula schools) from around the world, the typically sold-out event
showcases dancers competing in both kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) forms of
hula. MerrieMonarchFestival.org !
April 5-May 3, 2015
Art Maui 2015 – Showcasing new works by the artists of Maui County, this annual art
exhibition is one of the most prestigious juried art shows in Hawai‘i. Held at the
Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Art Maui aims to be
at the forefront of fine art development in Maui. ArtMaui.com
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April 24-May 3, 2015
Ka‘ü Coffee Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – The Ka‘ü region on Hawai‘i Island has quickly
become one of the up-and-coming premier coffee providers in the world and continues
to celebrate its success year after year with a festival featuring its products. The weekend
festivities include a Miss Ka‘ü Coffee pageant, a ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) featuring
competitions for best coffee, coffee recipe, farm tours, coffee demos, and, of course, lots
of food and entertainment. KauCoffeeFestival.com
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April 25, 2015
East Maui Taro Festival – This annual event in Häna includes ‘ono grinds (great food)
showcasing different uses of taro. Celebrating what is considered the main staple of the native Hawaiian diet, visitors can experience taro pounding
demonstrations, hula performances, live music, and other cultural activities.
TaroFestival.org
April 26, 2015
Haleiwa Metric Century Ride (O‘ahu) – This annual event hosted by the Hawaii
Bicycling League includes hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts and newcomers. The course
takes riders through Hale‘iwa Town, then along the shores over Waimea Valley, Sunset
Beach, Kahuku, and Ka‘a‘awa. All skill levels and ages are welcome. HBL.org
MAY 2015
♦ May 2015
Maoli Arts Month (O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island) – The works of Native Hawaiians will be on
display in various events on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i, the Big Island, throughout the month
including a Native Hawaiian Arts Market and the MAMo Wearable Art Show.
MaoliArtsMonth.org !
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015
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May 2015 Mele Mei (Statewide) – This annual celebration honors music, language and culture of
Hawai‘i. Mele Mei encompasses a series of concert performances, award ceremonies,
demonstrations and workshops, including the 38th Annual Nä Hökü Hanohano Award
Ceremony. MeleMei.com !
May 2015
Visitor Industry Charity Walk (Statewide) – The Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism
Association organizes one of the largest fundraising events by a non-profit group in
Hawai‘i. Participants enjoy food, drink, and entertainment from Hawai‘i’s visitor
industry along walking routes on O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island, Kaua‘i, Läna‘i and
Moloka‘i. CharityWalkHawaii.org
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May 1, 2015
Lei Day Celebration (O‘ahu) – As the most emblematic symbol of Hawai‘i, lei and Lei
Day have been celebrated in the Hawaiian Islands since 1927. The event is held at
Kapi‘olani Park in Waikïkï and honors lei and the traditions surrounding it. Festivities
include pageants and competitions for lei queen, and the making of colorful and
fragrant flower lei. HonoluluParks.com
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May 1, 2015
Kaua‘i Museum May Day Lei Contest – As one of the largest lei competitions in the
state, the contest showcases several interpretations of lei. The museum encourages
participants to preserve the ‘äina (land) and use cultivated lei materials.
KauaiMuseum.org
May 2, 2015 Waikiki Spam Jam (O‘ahu) – This annual street festival celebrates Hawai‘i’s love affair
with Spam. Great for all ages, the event takes place in the heart of Waikïkï and features
local restaurants offering creative Spam dishes, entertainment stages, and Hawai‘i
crafters. SpamJamHawaii.com !
May 2, 2015 Whalers Village Maui Onion Festival – Celebrate the “sweet” Maui Onion with a
weekend of fun, food, and cooking demonstrations at Whalers Village at Kä‘anapali
Beach Resort. Enjoy recipe contests, a beer garden, chef demonstrations, food booths,
live entertainment, and the Maui Onion Challenge. WhalersVillage.com
May 2-3, 2015
Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival (O‘ahu) – This event, held at Honolulu Hale,
commemorates books, reading, and music in Hawai‘i and features a variety of local,
national and international authors, musicians, and storytellers.
HawaiiBookAndMusicFestival.com !
May 8-10, 2015
Celebration of the Arts (Maui) – Held at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, the award-winning
Celebration of the Arts is one of Hawai‘i’s premier hands-on arts and cultural festivals.
Kama‘äina (local residents) and visitors are invited to experience the “Hawaiian heart
and soul” through interaction with artisans, cultural practitioners, speakers, and
entertainers. CelebrationOfTheArts.com
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015
Page 6!
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May 9, 2015
Filipino Fiesta and Santacruzan (O‘ahu) – Individuals of all ethnic backgrounds are
invited to experience various aspects of Filipino culture and honor the strength of the
Filipino community in Hawai‘i. The celebration includes a historical cultural parade
spanning from Fort DeRussy to Kapi‘olani Park, a cultural village with various booths
highlighting the tastes and sounds of the Philippines, and a Santacruzan (historical
beauty pageant) featuring Filipino beauties in a candle lit parade. FilCom.org
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May 15-16, 2015
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Cultural Festival (Hawai‘i Island) –
Learn Hawaiian crafts from the masters and make lei or feather kähili, play Hawaiian
games like pala‘ie (a loop and ball game), weave a coconut basket, and taste traditional
foods. Visitors also have a chance to learn from skilled practitioners who will
demonstrate their arts of fishing, throwing net, building a canoe, and much more.
FHVNP.org.
May 17, 2015
Honolulu Triathlon (O‘ahu) – This Olympic distance triathlon based at Ala Moana
Beach Park features a 1.5K swim along the shore for spectator viewing, a 40K bike
course along O‘ahu’s south shore, and a 10K double loop run. The run course finishes at
Magic Island. HonoluluTriathlon.com
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May 21-25, 2015
Big Island Film Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – This up-and-coming film festival held at The
Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i celebrates both new independent films and filmmakers, and
established films and actors alike. The event also provides an opportunity for guests to
meet filmmakers and actors at film screenings and festival panels.
BigIslandFilmFestival.com
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May 24, 2015
Banana Poka Roundup (Kaua‘i) – The Köke‘e Museum presents an educational fair
highlighting the creative functions of the invasive South American pest, the Banana
Poka vine. Bring the whole family to enjoy the activities, including basket weaving, live
music, educational presentations, face painting, hiking, and nature art for the kids.
Kokee.org !
May 25, 2015
Lantern Floating Hawai‘i (O‘ahu) – A time-honored Buddhist rite, candle-lit lanterns
are individually set afloat on the ocean. Each year, thousands of people locally and from
around the world gather at this visually stunning and emotionally moving event at Ala
Moana Beach Park to honor, pray, and wish for peace and happiness.
LanternFloatingHawaii.com !
May 30, 2015
Ironman 70.3 Hawai‘i Triathlon (Hawai‘i Island) – This triathlon is a qualifying event
for the Ironman World Championship held in October. The Olympic distance race is
comprised of a 1.2 mile swim at Häpuna Beach Park, 56 mile bike ride on the legendary
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, and 13.1 mile run through Mauna Lani Resort’s beautiful
grounds. Ironman.com
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015
Page 7!
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World Fireknife Dance Competition (O‘ahu) – Skill takes center stage at the Polynesian
Cultural Center as competitors from around the world showcase the art of Samoan
fireknife dancing. The most exciting and daring dancers spin their fire-lit knives and
attempt to avoid the flames while competing for the honor and title of World Fireknife
Champion. Polynesia.com
JUNE 2015
♦ June 3-7, 2015
Maui Film Festival at Wailea – Equal parts film and lifestyle festival, this star-studded
event pairs Hawaiian culture and film in the luxurious resort area of Wailea. Fabulous
film premieres, gala parties, celebrity appearances, and Hawaiian music and dance
highlight five days of cinema – Maui style. MauiFilmFestival.com
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June 11, 2015
North Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration (Hawai‘i Island) – Every June 11,
thousands gather on the northern tip of Hawai‘i, the Big Island to honor Kamehameha I,
the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795. Festivities include flower decorations
of the original King Kamehameha statue, a floral parade, and a music festival with
award-winning Hawaiian musicians at Kamehameha Park.
KamehamehaDayCelebration.org
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June 11-13, 2015
The Hawai‘i Songwriting Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – Kaua‘i Music Festival presents:
The Hawai‘i Songwriting Festival. Held at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, learn
songwriting from some of the best writers in America at this three-day celebration of the
arts. Consult one-on-one with award-winning composers and producers, and top
industry professionals. KauaiMusicFestival.com
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June 11-14, 2015 Kapalua Wine & Food Festival (Maui) – One of the most prestigious festivals of its
kind in Hawai‘i, celebrating the art of fine food and wine with a four-day culinary
extravaganza. Inspired by innovation and excellence, the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
explores some of the most exciting trends in the gastronomic world. The festival brings
together world-renowned winemakers, top master sommeliers, celebrated chefs, and
industry insiders in fun, themed tastings, seminars, and evening gala events.
KapaluaWineAndFoodFestival.com
♦ June 12-14, 2015
Pan-Pacific Festival (O‘ahu) – Matsuri (Japanese word for festival) in Hawai‘i began in
1980 as a cultural exchange between Japan and Hawai‘i. Visiting participants from Japan
were able to enjoy the familiarity of Japanese music, crafts, traditions and foods, while
Hawai‘i residents and other visitors would gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese
sensibilities and cultural heritage. The festival features events throughout Waikïkï
showcasing Japan’s pageantry with a ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) block party, art fair, hula
performances, and culminating with a grand parade down Kaläkaua Avenue.
Pan-Pacific-Festival.com !
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Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015
Page 8!
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June 20-28, 2015
Kona Marathon & Family Fun Runs (Hawai‘i Island) – In addition to the usual
marathon distance, the Kona Family Fun Runs offer half-marathon, 10K, and 5K courses
for runners of all ages and abilities. Before the marathon, don’t miss The Health &
Fitness Fair, a family friendly event, with over 45 booths, entertainment, speakers’ series,
and food. KonaMarathon.com
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June 27-28, 2015
Pu‘uhonua o Hönaunau Annual Cultural Festival (Hawai‘i Island) –
The festival held at Pu‘uhonua o Hönaunau National Historical Park includes a royal
court procession, hula performances, and cultural demonstrations in net fishing,
weaving, and Hawaiian food preparation. NPS.gov/puho !
June-September, 2015
Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series (O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island) – Hawai‘i is well known for
its big-game fishing excitement as anglers from across the globe flock to the Islands in
anticipation of snagging a prized marlin, yellow fin tuna, and other deep sea dwellers.
The Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series captures the thrill with several events including:
♦ Kona Kick Off– June 27-28
♦ Firecracker Open – July 4-5
♦ The Kona Throw Down – July 7-9
♦ Skins Marlin Derby – July 10-12
♦ The Kona Classic – July 18-19
♦ Big Island Marlin Tournament – August 21-23
♦ September Challenge – September 18-20
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For more information, visit KonaTournaments.com.
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Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival (O‘ahu) – One of the longest-running and wellrespected LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) film festivals in the country,
the Rainbow Film Festival presents documentaries, feature films, shorts, and animations
from around the world, with special consideration given to Hawai‘i-based filmmakers.
HGLCF.org
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Special note to media: The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) recognizes the use
of the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language;
and the kahakö [ä] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Läna‘i). However, HVCB
respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.
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