OAHU

May 1:  Lei Day Celebration

The 85^th annual Lei Day Celebration will be held at Queen Kapiolani Regional Park and Bandstand from 9am – 5:30pm. There will be local entertainment and hula halau. See colorful lei exhibits, learn how to make a lei, and how to hula. The event is free.

May 5-6:  7^th Annual Hawaii Book & Music Festival

This 2-day event includes national and local best-selling authors, author signings, music and hula, program on Hawaiian culture, and much more. Event runs 10am – 5pm both days and is being held at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds in downtown Honolulu.

May 18:  Grand Tasting, Beachside Barbeque & Fashion Fusion

This event combines wine, food, and fashion. Chat with local winemakers and sample cuisine from local chefs. There will be a fashion show by local designer Valerie Joseph and entertainment by Sunway. Event runs 6-10pm. Tickets cost $100.

May 19-20:  Waikiki Artfest

See 80 of Hawaii's finest artists and handcraft artisans. There will be food, entertainment, and plenty of art and wares for sale at the Kapiolani Park at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, across from the entrance to the Honolulu Zoo. The art fest is free and is open 9am – 4pm both days.

May 26:  Launa Aloha A Me Na Mele (Fellowship and Music)

The Mission Houses Museum will be having a limited seating musical performance in the Performance Garden, Kahua Ho‘okipa. Gates open at 6pm and music begins at 7pm. Reservations are required, cost is $30.

MAUI

May 19:  Taste of Makena

This is the annual fundraiser of the Rotary Club of Maui. Tickets cost $75 and include dishes from some of Maui’s best restaurants and wine tastings. The event is held Honua Kai Lani (Sugarman Estate) on the south shore. There will be live entertainment and a silent auction.

May 25-27:  Maui Fringe Festival

This 3-day theater marathon features performances around the clock from 6pm on Friday through Sunday. See a variety of one-act plays from around the globe. Tickets are $10 per performance.

BIG ISLAND

May 1:  May Day is Lei Day Festival

Celebrate Lei Day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with lei-making demonstrations, a ukulele band, and more.

May 12-13:  Kau Coffee Festival

This annual festival will feature a Miss Kau Coffee pageant, a hoolaulea honoring Kau coffee international awards, best coffee tasting, recipe contest, music and entertainment, farm tours, coffee demos and auction. Most of the events are free to attend and are held at the Community Center in Pahala.

May 19-28:  Puna Music Festival

This week-long music fest includes five major concerts plus workshops on songwriting, ukulele, drum making and more. Local schools and bands will also perform. Takes place at the Kalani Oceanside Retreat.

KAUAI

May 12:  May Day by the Bay

From 9am – 6pm enjoy music, hula, demonstrations, food, and crafts at Hanalei Bay. This is a great event to experience Hawaiian culture.

May 24-27:  Kauai Polynesian Festival

The Kamanawa Foundation presents the 11th annual Kauai Polynesian Festival at the Vidinha Stadium soccer field. Just some of the activities include a Polynesian Farmer’s Market, solo and group dance competitions, Hawaiian games, food booths, workshops, and water slides. Entrance fee is $10 per day or $35 for four days.