Hawaiâi is home to one-of-a-kind festivals and special events that enable you to experience the rich Hawaiian culture and breathtaking natural beauty right along with the locals. Watch PGA pros compete on emerald fairways edged with swaying palms, listen to the sweet sounds of âukulele, marvel as whales frolic in the ocean, celebrate Hawaiian royalty, and do so much more this winter in Hawaiâi.
Hawaiâi Island
Photograph courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority
Itâs no surprise that the Big Island is bursting with superb events. Discover Hawaiâi Islandâs rich paniolo (cowboy) heritage at the Panaâewe Stampede Rodeo February 18 through 20, an amateur competition between cowboys, cowgirls, children, and kĆ«puna (elders), with team roping, barrel racing, bronco riding, and bull riding. Golf lovers can watch PGA pros tee off at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at HualÄlai January 19 through 21, featuring fan favorites such as Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Miguel Jimenez, and the 2016 champion Duffy Waldorf. Hawaiâiâs top âukulele musicians will entertain audiences on dual stages at the Great Waikoloa âUkulele Festival March 4 at Waikoloa Beach Resort. A celebration of Hawaiâiâs beloved instrument, the day features performances by world-class âukulele artists, workshops, giveaways, and lessons.
Oâahu
Photograph courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority
The Heart of Hawaiâi welcomes one of the most anticipated PGA Tour events annually. The Sony Open in Hawaiâi will bring 144 of the worldâs greatest pros to the Waialae Country Club January 9 to 15 for this prestigious golf competition. Active travelers can pack their running shoes for the 8.15-mile Great Aloha Run February 20. The run starts at Aloha Tower, ends at Aloha Stadium, and features divisions for elites, age groups, wheelchair and hand-cycle competitors, Sounds of Freedom (military running in formation), and those who just want to walk with friends. Join the festivities at the 23rd anniversary of the Honolulu Festival March 10 to 12, which celebrates the cultures of Hawaiâi, Asia, and the Pacific Islands with art, music, dance, food, and a grand parade through WaikÄ«kÄ«.
Maui
Photograph courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority
Like her sister islands, the Valley Isle offers a PGA Tour event, the Tournament of Champions, January 4 through 8 at the Plantation Course at beautiful Kapalua Resort. Later in the month on January 15, runners compete amidst some of the worldâs most gorgeous scenery during the Maui Oceanfront Marathon along a route from Wailea to Lahaina. Humpback whales visit the waters surrounding Hawaiâi from December to May, and the Maui Whale Festival honors these magnificent mammals all February with special events including Run & Walk for the Whales (February 4), World Whale Day (February 18), and the Great Whale Count (February 25).
Kauaâi
Photograph courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority
Explore Hawaiâiâs Island of Discovery during the Waimea Town Celebration February 18 through 25. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, this tribute to one of Kauaâiâs oldest settlements and history features eight days of hula and Hawaiian music, a Hawaiian rodeo, a celebration for King Kaumualiâi, a film festival, cultural exhibits, sporting events including the Kilohana Long Distance Canoe Race, and a two-day hoâolauleâa (block party/celebration). The Prince KĆ«hiĆ Celebration March 24 to 26 honors the life of one of Hawaiâiâs most beloved monarchs, Prince Jonah KĆ«hiĆ Kalanianaâole, in his birthplace of PoâipĆ«. Enjoy Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and hands-on learning sessions, the annual Prince KĆ«hiĆ Long Distance Canoe Race, a birthday celebration lĆ«âau, and more.