Events
Hawaii is home to hundreds of events and festivals throughout the year. During the months of April and May, there are many events and festivals that take place across the islands. Below is a sampling of the islands' offerings:
KAUAI
Kauai Museum Annual May Day Lei Festival (May 1): Celebrating innovate interpretations by today's lei makers, the Museum will open its doors for viewing of lei entered in the annual festival. In addition to a lei contest, the festival will have activities on the lawn including demonstrations and lei for sale.
Visit: http://www.kauaimuseum.org/
Kauai Polynesian Festival 2012 (May 24-27): The 11th Annual Kauai Polynesian Festival is an educational cultural exchange of Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand and Hawaii. Folklore, language, dance, music and crafts are shared in the four-day festival. Highlights include: A Polynesian pageant, various competitions (poi ball, hula, Tahitian dance and fire knife, a fashion show, workshops and craft booths.
Visit: http://www.kauaipolynesianfestival.org
OAHU
85th Annual Lei Day Celebration (May 1): Annual May Day celebration at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand featuring Hawaiian music, dance, and crafts.
Visit: http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/leiday/index1.htm
7th Hawaii Book and Music Festival (May 5-6): The Hawaii Book and Music Festival takes place on the Civic Grounds at Honolulu Hale in Historic Downtown Honolulu. Activities include over 600 presenters and 150 events including a Talk Story Stage, with Hawaii's best storytellers, playwright and poetry slams; music and hula performances; keiki activities; and food and beverages.
Visit: http://www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.org
MAUI
20th Annual East Maui Taro Festival (April 21): A Hawaiian cultural event which focuses on Kalo, Taro, the staple food of Hawaii. All-day festival features local musicians, hula halau, 20 food booths, each featuring a kalo dish, Arts & Crafts, Info Tent and the Ag Tent with a popular Farmers Market; hands-on poi-pounding is a highlight for visitors and locals alike. Free Admission.
Visit: http://www.tarofestival.org
4th Annual Henry Kaleialoha Allen Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival (April 20-22): A four-day weekend with cultural and educational Hawaiian Steel Guitar music, interviews, workshops, and Jam Sessions at Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Demonstrations, crafts, and enrichment programs also fill this cultural weekend.
Visit: http://www.kbhmaui.com
HAWAII
Big Island Film Festival (May 24-28): Big Island Film Festival at Mauna Lani Resort is a five day celebration of new independent narrative short and feature films and their filmmakers. A mixture of films, social events, and award ceremonies bring visitors, residents and new filmmakers together for a shared experience wrapped in Hawaiian culture and the spirit of Aloha.
Visit: http://www.bigislandfilmfestival.com
For a complete listing of the calendar of events, click here.