Special Events in Kailua

Oahu is home to many special events each year ranging in size from small to large and in complexity from simple to spectacular. The following are some of the featured events on the island:

March
The Honolulu Festival features musicians, performers, and athletes from Hawaii and various parts of Asia. The event is held in many different venues around Honolulu and is free to attend.

June
The King Kamehameha Statue Decoration Ceremony is held the day before the King Kamehameha Parade. Many people decorate the large statue during the day with colorful flower arrangements. There are also local music and dance performances. The event is held at the Honolulu Civic Center and is free to attend.

The King Kamehameha Floral Celebration Parade is held on the birth date of King Kamehameha the Great, who first united the Hawaiian islands into one kingdom. This large parade event features many colorful floats and marching bands. The parade is held along the streets of downtown Honolulu, starting at King Street and Richard Street and ending in Queen Kapiolani Park.

The Taste of Honolulu event is a treat for your taste buds. For a paltry admission fee, you can sample foods from many of the best local restaurants. The event is further enhanced by cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, as well as delightful musical performances. This event is also held at the Honolulu Civic Center.

4th of July
Kailua Beach Park celebrates the forth of July with the annual Kailua Parade and a fireworks show. The parade features community groups and bands moving down Kainalu Drive, from 10am-12pm. The fireworks begin around 8pm and can be viewed from Kailua Beach.

September
Held in Honolulu, the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade celebrates Oahu's fantastic floral life. The parade's many colorful floats and sonorous bands have been showcased before on national television.

October
A prestigious local sporting event is the Molokai Hoe Outrigger Canoe Championship Race. The event's features mode of transport is the outrigger canoe, an important part of Hawaiian history, culture, and sport. Dozens of teams paddle across the race course in these canoes from Molokai to Waikiki. Free to attend, the best place to watch the race and enjoy the post-race festivities is at the finish line, at Duke Kahanamoku Beach.

The Hawaii International Film Festival is a multi-island event that draws tens of thousands of participants at over 100 film screenings. On Oahu, the films are shown in Honolulu. For detailed admission costs, visit the Hawaii International Film Festival website.

November
A uniquely Hawaiian event is the World Invitational Hula Festival. Hula performers from around the world, both traditional and modern, come to compete in this event. Held at the Waikiki Shell, ticket prices range from $5-$25.

December
The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is the world's biggest stage for competitive surfing. Held at Ehukai Beach, surfers from around the world try to conquer the famous Banzai Pipeline, formed by the huge winter waves that crash down on the North Shore of Oahu.