Hawaii’s Island of Oahu has announced its 2013 festivals and events, expected to “provide visitors and locals with an opportunity to embrace the island’s multi-cultural heritage, deep traditions and customs that are special to Oahu”.
These include a concert series, and a culinary event featuring the island’s top chefs.
From March 18-24, 2013, Ala Moana Center’s annual week-long spring shopping event, Shop a Le‘a, presents locals and visitors with more than 150 experiences in fashion, health and beauty, active lifestyle, home décor, travel, and cuisine. Included as part of the Shop a Le‘a lineup are fashion shows and trunk shows, exclusive products, Centerstage events, gifts-with-purchase, and mall-wide shopping and dining offers
In April 2013, and in October 2013 is the Hawaii International Film Festival dedicated to the advancement of understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film.
From April 26 to May 25, 2013, the Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists will present the third Annual Mele Mei, a month-long celebration of Hawaiian music.
In May 2013, the Rainbow Film Festival serves to educate and raise community awareness about gay and lesbian culture, arts and lifestyle through independent films shown at the Doris Duke Theatre. Locally submitted films are also featured and supported by the festival.
On July 4, 2013, for the 22nd consecutive year, Ala Moana Center will present locals and visitors with one of the largest 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.
July 21, 2013 will see the Ukulele Festival Hawaii; while on August 18, 2013, slated is the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival.
Other festivals scheduled include: Moanikeala Hula Festival on January 19; Honolulu Festival from March 1 to 3, 2013; Lei day Celebration from May 1 to 2; We Are Samoa Festival from May 8 to 11; Korean Festival on July 14; Prince Lot Hula Festival on July 20; and Haleiwa Arts Festival 16th Annual Summer ArtFest from July 20 to 21.
Still other festivals include: Made in Hawaii Festival from August 16 to 18; Greek Festival from August 24 to 25; Te Manahua: Maori Song and Dance Festival from August 30 to 31; 31st Annual Okinawan Festival from August 31 to September 1; and Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival in October.
Cuisine-related festivals include: on February 23, Hawaii Chocolate Festival; on April 27, Waikiki SPAM Jam; on July 13, Mangoes at the Moana; in September, Rice Festival; and on September 5 to 8, Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.
Sporting events include: on January 7 to 13, the Sony Open in Hawaii; on January 27, NFL Pro Bowl; on February 18, the Great Aloha Run; in December 2013, the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship; on December 8, the Honolulu Marathon; and on December 22, 23 and 25, the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.
