Discover the island’s rich culture and diversity at one of the many festivals and events occurring throughout the year. Oahu’s festivals and events provide visitors and locals an opportunity to embrace the multi-cultural heritage, deep traditions and customs that are special to Oahu. Whether it is a cultural festival highlighting Hawaii’s diverse people and their origins, an energetic concert series, or a culinary event featuring the island’s top chefs, there is sure to be something for everyone. Below is a listing of notable festivals and events (all are subject to change without notice):

July 4, 2010
Ala Moana Center Fireworks
For the 19th consecutive year, Ala Moana Center will present locals and visitors with one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks shows in the country. In addition to the fireworks, Ala Moana will offer a weekend’s worth of live entertainment and a mall-wide shopping savings pass. www.alamoanacenter.com or (808) 955-9517

July 18, 2010
40th Annual Roy Sakuma Ukulele Festival Hawaii
Local ukulele legend Roy Sakuma and his sponsors are helping to keep the ukulele alive with the largest festival of its kind in the world, attracting thousands. A free two-hour concert showcases the finest ukulele players, along with national celebrities, Hawaii’s top entertainers, and an ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students, mostly children. The festival benefits Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a charitable non-profit organization. www.roysakuma.net or (808) 732-3739

August 15, 2010
28th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
Slack key guitar originated in Hawaii in the 19th century with Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys), and is continuing to gain popularity today, with slack key collection albums having won Grammy awards in the Best Hawaiian Music category for the last three years. The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, founded in 1982, celebrates the cultural importance, perpetuates, and preserves the unique acoustic guitar art form of “Kī hō‘alu,” which means “loosen the key.” The festival features performances by well-known slack key musicians and Grammy winners including Ledward Kaapana, Cyril Pahinui and Keoki Kahumoku. www.slackkeyfestival.com or (808) 226-2697

November
Annual ‘Ukulele Guild of Hawaii’s Exhibition & Conference
The ‘Ukulele Guild of Hawaii is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation and promotion of the ‘ukulele as a significant musical instrument. This annual two-day event includes ‘ukulele exhibitions, workshops and performances from notable musicians including local legend Roy Sakuma. www.ukuleleguild.org

Various weekends throughout the year
Sunset On The Beach
Enjoy a free film on a 30’ screen under the stars on Queens Beach in Waikiki. Movies range from action to comedy – and are always family friendly. Live entertainment and food vendors add to the event. Arrive early to score a great seat and catch a glimpse of the sun setting. www.sunsetonthebeach.net

October
Chinatown Arts and Culture Street Festivals
Join thousands of people as they gather in the streets of Chinatown to celebrate Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, and Halloween. The City & County of Honolulu presents the festivals, which feature live entertainment, food vendors, dancing, and local product vendors. www.artsdistricthonolulu.com

June-August
Obon Dances and Festivals
Buddhist temples throughout the island celebrate the Obon tradition, which was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants and has evolved into a social and cultural event. Experience a part of Oahu’s rich culture, which is designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merrymaking. Dances and festivals are held at different temples on various dates throughout the summer.

July 17, 2010
Prince Lot Hula Festival
This all-day festival held in the beautiful Moanalua Gardens features hula halau (troupes) gracing the hula mound for spectators to enjoy. The festival showcases Native Hawaiian culture kapa making, lauhala weaving, lomilomi massage, traditional Hawaiian games, and more. www.mgf-hawaii.org or (808) 839-5334

July 17-18, 2010
13th Annual Haleiwa Arts Festival Summer Event
Experience a broad spectrum of traditional, contemporary and ethnic arts at Haleiwa Beach Park in the historic town of Haleiwa. This event includes visual artists, musicians, singers, dancers, demonstrations, storytelling, student art displays, historical trolley tours, children’s arts and crafts. Browse and purchase unique works by artists of all ages and cultural backgrounds. www.haleiwaartsfestival.org or (808) 637-2277

July 30-31, 2010
Hawaii All-Collectors Show
Don’t miss the opportunity to find the perfect gift from Hawaii at the Hawaii All-Collectors Show at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. This annual collectibles and antiques show and sale features more than 200 booths with one of the largest selections of Hawaiiana under one roof. www.ukulele.com or (808) 941-9754

August 20-22, 2010
Made in Hawaii Festival
Enjoy this three-day celebration highlighting the unique products of Hawaii. More than 400 exhibitors offer everything made in Hawaii, including art, clothing, food, home furnishings, jewelry, toys, fresh produce, plants, and authentic Hawaiian handicrafts. www.madeinhawaiifestival.com or (808) 533-1292

September
Aloha Festivals
This premier showcase celebrates Hawaii’s music, dance, and history, and is intended to preserve the islands’ unique traditions. The 2010 theme is Mele Ailana: Celebrate Island Music, and Oahu festivities include a Waikiki Hoolaulea on September 18 and a floral parade on September 25. www.alohafestivals.com or (808) 589-1771

September 4-5, 2010
28th Annual Okinawan Festival
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association presents the largest ethnic festival in the state of Hawaii. A parade through Waikiki featuring entertainers from Okinawa and Hawaii kicks off the three-day festival at Kapi‘olani Park celebrating Okinawan culture with food, entertainment, arts, crafts, and cultural activities. On Sunday evening, all are welcome to cap off the festivities by participating in Hawaii’s largest traditional Japanese Obon dance. www.okinawanfestival.com or (808) 676-5400

First Friday of every month
First Fridays
This free event invites all ages to downtown Honolulu’s galleries and studios to view work by various artists. More than 20 galleries participate in the evening’s events, which include live music, street entertainment, wine tasting, and shopping in downtown’s antique stores. Following the free gallery walking map, guests can also experience the many bars, clubs and restaurants that make downtown a unique destination. www.chinatownhi.com or (808) 521-2903

Last Friday of every month
ARTafterDARK
Offering a new twist on pau hana (happy hour), the Honolulu Academy of Arts presents an evening that invigorates the senses with a combination of food, art, music, dancing, and drinks. Every event’s theme is based on the museum’s current feature exhibition and provides a fun and social way to view art in a festive atmosphere. www.artafterdark.org

Fridays throughout the year
Rockin’ Hawaiian Rainbow Revue
This weekly activity at the Super Pool of the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a favorite among visiting families. Enjoy a tribute to Duke Kahanamoku and a crescendo of torch lights, hula dancers, drums and a huge fireworks finale. www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

July, August, September, October and December 2010
Pacific Handcrafters Guild Festivals
Discover some of Hawaii’s finest artisans at the Pacific Handcrafters Guild Summer, Fall and Winter Festivals at Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park. The two-day festivals of fine arts and crafts feature pottery, wood, clothing, glass, jewelry, seed leis, Japanese style bags, polymer clay art, folk art, metal sculpture, miniature Hawaiian hula ornaments, and more. Enjoy food from local restaurants and entertainment provided by island musicians throughout the weekend events. www.pacifichandcraftersguild.com or (808) 254-6788

August
Joy of Sake Festival
Join visiting brewers from Japan and sake enthusiasts from Hawaii and Japan to sample this year’s newly released fall sakes. More than 250 sakes, including gold and silver award winners from 2008’s U.S. National Sake Appraisal, will be featured. The Joy of Sake is the largest sake tasting held outside of Japan and offers a rare opportunity to experience great sakes in peak condition.
www.joyofsake.com