2023 Events and Festivities
Events for Oahu in May 2023 will be posted in the coming weeks. Typically, we'll update this page about six to eight weeks before the month in question. Below, you can review a summary of what happened within the last 12-18 months, as many of these Hawaii events are held annually.
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Updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides
If you're visiting Hawaii soon, be sure to download a copy of one of our updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides. We've updated the packets with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and for those who've been a time or two as well).
2022 Events and Festivities
For domestic arrivals, COVID-19 restrictions are no longer imposed in Hawaii - and for its most visited island, that means the calendar is starting to look like its former full self.
As May approaches, we still recommend keeping a close eye on events, as changes and cancellations are still far from impossible. That being said, things are looking more stable than they were months prior - we’ll keep our fingers crossed along with you.
Here are some of the best events and festivals coming to Oahu this May without further ado.
We Are Samoa Festival: World Fireknife
This week-long festival is the largest event in all of Hawaii. This celebration of Samoan culture revolves around the World Fireknife Championship, which is as impressive to witness as it sounds.
The event is held at the world-famous Polynesian Cultural Center, and tickets cost $15 each.
When: May 4th - May 12th, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Polynesian Cultural Center
More Info: We Are Samoa Festival
Lei Day
Celebrations of Lei Day on May 1st will happen throughout the island. One notable location is SALT at Our Kakaako, a large shopping mall in Honolulu. Another is to be hosted virtually by Hawaiian Airlines from 7 PM to 9 PM and showcase numerous Hawaiian musical artists.
When: Sunday, May 1st
Where: Various locations
More Info: Lei Day Celebrations
Mozart’s Requiem
If you’re a fan of classical music, Lei Day in Oahu is also a chance to hear some of the world’s best.
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra will be performing Mozart’s Requiem at the historic Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu. Joshua Habermann will conduct the performance.
When: Sunday, May 1st, 4 PM - 6 PM
Where: Kawaiahao Church
More Info: Hawaii Symphony Orchestra - Mozart’s Requiem
Mother’s Day at Aloha Home Market
For some outdoor shopping and exploring, Aloha Home Market is hosting a unique Saturday market for Mother’s Day on May 7th. In addition to numerous local goods on sale, there will also be live entertainment and kids’ activities.
When: Saturday, May 7th, 9 AM - 2 PM
Where: Aloha Home Market, Kailua
More Info: Aloha Home Market
Deepak Chopra - The Future of Well Being
Deepak Chopra is one of the most prominent figures in alternative medicine. On May 18th, they will be giving a talk at the historic Hawaii Theatre in downtown Honolulu.
Many of his ideas are controversial in the scientific community, but for years Chopra has continued to be one of the best-selling non-fiction authors in the world. What he has to say reliably draws big crowds, as surely will be drawn in Honolulu this May.
When: Wednesday, May 18th, 7:30 PM
Where: Hawaii Theatre Center, Honolulu
More Info: Deepak Chopra - The Future of Well Being
Interesting lectures, beautiful local markets, classical music performances, and epic cultural celebrations - May on Oahu will be nothing if not action-packed.
We hope you find this a helpful starting place as you look to start filling your calendar. As always, mahalo, and best wishes for your visit!
Updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides
If you're visiting Hawaii soon, be sure to download a copy of one of our updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides. We've updated the packets with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and for those who've been a time or two as well).
