Fall is coming to Hawaii, and for the island of Oahu, the month of September means lots of annual traditions - some of which have been running for longer than most of us have been alive.
From history to live performances to really tasty food, here are the best events and festivals coming to Oahu in September.
— article continued below —
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).
2023 Events and Festivities
Events for Oahu in September 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.
2022 Events and Festivities
2022 Okinawan Festival
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association started this festival all the way back in 1982. It is a celebration of Hawaii’s rich Okinawan culture and features live performances, local food, and ample opportunities for cultural education in the form of exhibits and other experiences. The association proudly says “welcome back,” as the event, now in its 40th annual iteration, is once again live and in-person in 2022.
When: September 3, September 4, 9 AM - 5 PM
Where: 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu (Hawaii Convention Center)
More Info: 2022 Okinawan Festival
46th Annual Honolulu Intertribal Powwow
An even older annual tradition than the Okinawan Festival will take place a week later at Honolulu’s iconic Bishop Museum. The Honolulu Intertribal Powwow is a gathering of hundreds of people to celebrate indigenous traditions through music and dance.
When: September 10, September 11, 10 AM - 5 PM
Where: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu (Bishop Museum)
More Info: Bishop Museum Calendar - Intertribal Powwow
71st Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea
We sense a competition brewing. Smoking the powwow and the Okinawan Festival by a quarter of a century is the Waikiki Hoolaulea. 2022 marks its 71st annual iteration. Described as Hawaii’s premier block party, Saturday, September 17th, is the ultimate time to visit Honolulu’s Kalakaua Avenue if you’re looking for music, art, beer, food, live performances, and more.
When: Saturday, September 17, 6 PM - 9:30 PM
Where: Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu
More Info: Call 808-398-0567 or email [email protected]
76th Annual Floral Parade
Amazingly, if you thought Waikiki Hoolaulea was the oldest annual event still running, wait until the following Saturday and head back to Kalakaua Avenue. There you’ll find the legendary Floral Parade, which in 2022 will be happening for the 76th time. That’s right - there were 48 states in the US when this tradition began, and Hawaii was not one of them. Horses, flowers, marching bands, and more will cascade down the avenue, showcasing the very best of Hawaii’s beautiful history and culture.
When: Saturday, September 24th, 9 AM - 12 PM
Where: Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu
More Info: Call 808-398-0567 or email [email protected]
O Ke Kai Series
This event isn’t as old as the others, but it could be argued it is more historical than all of them put together. O Ke Kai Series is all about Hawaiian canoes. There will be workshops on their restoration and care, items like star compasses will be on display, and - best of all - a 100-year-old outrigger canoe called “Kalele” will greet visitors at the entrance.
When: Saturday, September 17, 9 AM - 1:30 PM
Where: 2169 Kalia Rd, Honolulu (Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort)
More Info: Outrigger Reef, or call 808-924-6007 or email [email protected]
We hope you find this a helpful guide to planning your September in Oahu. 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).
