Fun things to do in Hawai‘i

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Hawai‘i Island, Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu.

Hawai‘i Island

Big Island Chocolate Festival

April 26–27 It’s all about chocolate: cacao farm tours; educational seminars; a culinary competition for college students (free); cooking demonstrations with tastings; and a closing gala featuring sweet and savory treats, beer and wine, live music, dancing, and a silent auction. Tickets start at $99 for the gala; additional fees for tours, seminars, and cooking demonstrations. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Kohala Coast.

Orchid Show and Sale

May 11 The Kona Orchid Society’s annual juried event is a great place to buy a Mother’s Day gift. Shop for orchids, along with dozens of other plants, including palms, succulents, and tropical exotics such as anthuriums and heliconias. Guests can also enjoy lectures, craft booths, and food truck fare. Tickets, $2; free for keiki under 12. Old Kona Airport pavilion, Kailua-Kona.

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival

FREE! June 1, 5–8 Move over, Kona! The Ka‘ū region has built a name for itself as a producer of gourmet coffee, too. Celebrate that with farm tours, a recipe and cooking competition, a rainforest hike and lunch ($60), and a stargazing and barbecue dinner ($60). The main event is the ho‘olaule‘a on June 8 with hula, live music, food booths, a craft fair, keiki activities, educational displays, guided coffee tastings, and brewing demonstrations. Various venues, Ka‘ū.

Kaua‘i

Kimberly Akimbo

May 10–26 In this play, a lonely teenager in suburban New Jersey suffers from a disease that causes her to age much faster than normal. In addition to looking like an elderly woman, she must deal with a dysfunctional family and the humor and heartbreak that come with young love. Although it won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical, the Kaua‘i Community Players’ production is not a musical. Performances are Thursdays through Sundays. Tickets, $20; $18 for seniors 62 and older; $15 for students. Puhi Warehouse Theater, Līhu‘e.

Taste of Hawaii

June 2 The “Ultimate Sunday Brunch” offers ‘ono all-you-can-eat fare from more than two dozen restaurants. Also on tap are live entertainment and an online silent auction of tours, jewelry, artwork, and gift certificates for golf, dining, and spa treatments. Tickets, $165, all-inclusive ($200 at the door). Smith’s Tropical Paradise, Kapa‘a.

Maui

Seabury Hall Annual Craft Fair

May 11 About 80 crafters display wares ranging from art, jewelry, and clothing to lei, plants, and body care products. There will also be entertainment; a food court; a silent auction; and games, pony rides, a water slide, and other kids’ activities—all as a fundraiser for this private college preparatory school. Tickets, $10; free for keiki under 12. Seabury Hall, Makawao.

Maui Classical Music Festival

May 17, 20, 22, 24, 26 Chamber music programs span the Baroque period to 20th-century works. Spouses Katherine Collier, a pianist, and Yizhak Schotten, a violist, are the music directors. Schotten will perform in some concerts. Tickets, $35; $15 for students. Various venues in Makawao, Makena, Wailuku, and Hāna (the May 22 concert in Hāna is free).

Wa‘a Kiakahi Hawaiian Canoe Festival

FREE! June 2–4 In ancient times, canoes hand-carved from the trunk of a single tree were vital for transportation, trade, fishing, warfare, and recreation. This event celebrates the storied vessel with canoe rides, educational talks, and races involving 6-member crews from throughout the state. Kāʻanapali Beach, Kāʻanapali Beach Resort.

Movie Night Under the Stars at Sugar Beach Events

Monthly One weekend evening each month, family-friendly flicks such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Elf are screened under the stars on an oceanfront lawn. Food and beverages are available for sale; the menu changes to complement the movie’s theme (no outside food or drinks are allowed). Bring a light jacket, blankets, and beach chairs. $5 per person (online ticket reservations recommended). Sugar Beach Events, Kīhei.

Spring Sunflowers

Mid-May Through late June Snap photos in sunflower fields bedecked with a swing, wicker chairs, a bathtub, and other props set against a backdrop of ocean and mountain views. Find just-picked sunflowers and grilled sunflowers, scones, sandwiches, li hing lemonade, and other goodies in the Country Market. Tuesdays—Sundays. Tickets, $12 at the door; $10 for kama‘āina. Waimānalo Country Farms, Waimānalo.

Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture

FREE! June 6–16 Since its inception in 1972, a different Pacific nation has hosted FestPAC every 4 years. For this 13th gathering, delegates from 28 Pacific nations convene in Hawai‘i to participate in 50-plus events; most are free and open to the public. Among them: films; storytelling; art exhibits; live music and dance performances; and a marketplace featuring jewelry, carvings, apparel, pottery, woven items, and other heritage art. Various venues, Honolulu.

FREE! indicates free admission to the event, but additional fees may be required. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.