Honolulu is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world — and 2026 is packed with cultural festivals, sports events, music celebrations, culinary showcases, and holiday traditions that make your Hawaii vacation even more unforgettable. Find the MAJOR HONOLULU PARADES 2026 here!
Whether you’re planning a family trip, honeymoon, cruise stopover, or solo adventure, use this month-by-month calendar to make the most of your Oʻahu itinerary.
Pair any of these events with unforgettable island experiences from Daniel’s Hawaii — private tours, small-group adventures, Pearl Harbor visits, snorkeling with turtles, and more.
🏝 January 2026
New Year Luaus – Month-long
➡️ Popular resort luaus draw tens of thousands across Waikīkī and Ko Olina throughout January.
Da Hui Backdoor Shootout – Jan 4–16
➡️ World-class surf crowd; estimated 5,000–10,000 spectators during peak days.
Sony Open in Hawaii – Jan 12–18
➡️ PGA Tour event — typically 40,000+ golf fans attend over tournament week nationwide.
🌺 February 2026
Chinese New Year Celebrations – Early February
➡️ Chinatown and Waikīkī attract 5,000+ locals & visitors during festivities.
Whale Watching Season (Dec–Apr)
➡️ Daily tours draw hundreds to thousands, especially in peak February. (More Whale Watching Info)
🌸 March 2026
Honolulu Festival – March 13–15
➡️ One of the island’s largest cultural celebrations — historically 30,000+ to 147,000 total visitors across festival programming (free & ticketed), depending on reporting source. (JTB Hawaii)
✅ Great date to pair with a Honolulu City Tour.
🌺 April 2026
Kawaii Kon – Early April
➡️ Annual anime & pop-culture event previously saw ~13,000+ attendees. (Wikipedia)
Easter Brunch & Beach Events
➡️ Resort events that draw hundreds to thousands of families.
🌴 May 2026
Lei Day – May 1
➡️ Local cultural celebration with thousands viewing parades and performances.
🌈 June 2026
King Kamehameha Day – June 11
➡️ A beautiful cultural parade that draws 10,000+ spectators around Honolulu.
Waikīkī Friday Night Fireworks – Recurring Weekly
➡️ Fireworks over the beach attract thousands each Friday night.
🎆 July 2026
Independence Day Fireworks – July 4
➡️ Major holiday crowd — 20,000+ spectators line the beaches around Waikīkī.
Ukulele Festivals & Bon Dances – July
➡️ Community events with thousands celebrating Hawaiian culture.
🌺 August 2026
Duke’s OceanFest – Aug 22–30
➡️ Ocean sports week — draws hundreds of competitors & thousands of spectators from Hawaii and abroad. (Facebook)
Made in Hawaiʻi Festival – Late August
➡️ One of Honolulu’s most popular fall festivals — ~70,000 across three days. (Aloha State Daily)
🌸 September 2026
Aloha Festivals – Sept
➡️ Statewide celebration with multiple events — overall attendance historically 100,000+ across Oʻahu events (block parties, parades, Hoʻolauleʻa). (Aloha Festivals)
Floral Parade – Late September
➡️ Highlight of Aloha Festivals with thousands lining Kalākaua Avenue.
🎃 October 2026
Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival – All October
➡️ Culinary events that attract 10,000+ foodies across dinners, tastings & talks.
HallowBaloo – Oct 31
➡️ Chinatown block festival draws thousands for music & costume fun.
🦃 November 2026
Veterans Day – Nov 11
➡️ Ceremonies around Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl draw thousands.
✅ This is a perfect time for a Pearl Harbor Tour.
Hawaiʻi International Film Festival – Oct–Nov
➡️ Major fall film event with 40,000+ viewers in recent years. (Wikipedia)
Waikīkī Holiday Parade – Nov 27
➡️ Early holiday street party draws thousands of spectators.
🎄 December 2026
Honolulu City Lights – Dec 5 – Jan 2
➡️ Holiday tradition with thousands nightly visiting light displays and parades.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – Dec 7
➡️ Ceremonies draw thousands, especially history buffs. Book your Pearl Harbor Tour HERE
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Dec 31
➡️ One of the busiest nights of the year — 20,000+ spectators over Waikīkī Beach.
🌺 Make it Unforgettable with Daniel’s Hawaii
Whether it’s fireworks season, cultural festivals, fall parades, or winter holidays, matching your travel dates with event attendance helps you plan better hotels, tours, and transportation.
✅ Book popular experiences now:
