In 1830, at the advice of missionaries, the hula was banned in Hawaii. Before the turn of the century the Hawaiian language had been banned as well, along with many other cultural practices of native Hawaiians.
A great deal of knowledge, skill and history was lost, but there was a renaissance of Hawaiian culture that began in the 1950s and took off in the 1970s. One of Hawaii's most highly anticipated annual cultural events, the Merrie Monarch festival, was born at this time, founded in 1963 in Hilo. Today, the town on Hawaii Island becomes the mecca of hula lovers for one week each year. Merrie Monarch is just one of Hawaii's colorful, entertaining and enriching festivals held each year.
Festivals and special events can lend an extra sense of discovery and unique experiences on a trip, and Hawaii has a packed calendar of multi-day events that celebrate the arts, music, culture, sports and food that various groups have brought to the islands over the years.
Some festivals have been running for over a half-century, while others are relatively new to the scene, but they all offer opportunities to see how the various peoples who have migrated to the archipelago have contributed to the Aloha State's multicultural history.
Of course festivals, especially the larger ones, also mean the need to plan carefully and book accommodations more in advance. Here is rundown of some of the most popular and highly anticipated festivals on the 2018 calendar.
Waimea Town Celebration (Feb. 17 to 25): This event held at the beginning of the year is Kauai's oldest and largest event. The nine-day event offers family-friendly cultural and recreational activities, such as hula performances, the Waimea Roundup Rodeo, a long-distance canoe race, a celebration of plantation-era Kauai and Niihau Chief Kaumualii, kids games and rides, sports events and competitions and more. The celebration also includes the Waimea Film Festival, and culminates with a two-day finale highlighted by the Heritage of Aloha Hoolaulea celebration at Waimea's historic sugar mill.
Honolulu Festival (March 9 to 11): The three-day event is celebrating its 24th anniversary this year with a robust program celebrating Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cultures. Events include educational activities, an arts and craft fair, live entertainment, a grand parade, and a fireworks show over Waikiki's beaches.
Merrie Monarch Festival (April 1 to 7): This event, known as the Olympics of hula, is held in the honor of Hawaiian King David Kalkaua. Held every spring, the weeklong festival opens each year with a hoolaulea, parade and celebration, including an arts fair and live music.
Mele Mei (April through June): This annual celebration of Hawaii's music, hula and culture comprises events at various hotels, venues and public spaces. There are ukulele, steel guitar, slack key, island reggae and rock concerts, traditional Hawaiian music and many other types of performances.
Ukulele Festival Hawaii (July 15): Hawaii's annual festival dedicated to the stringed instrument that originated on the islands is entering its 48th year. Hawaiian virtuoso player Roy Sakuma and his sponsors organize the largest ukulele festival of its kind in the world, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The program includes a free, five-hour concert showcase with some of the world's tops players, other well-known musicians, top Hawaiian entertainers, and a ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students.
Aloha Festivals (September): The statewide Aloha Festivals are the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States. More than 100,000 people attend the various events each year, with a premier showcase of Hawaii's music, dance and history. Highlights include the Keiki Hoolaulea (celebration) with two days of free children's activities, demonstrations and performances and the 66th installment of the Waikiki Hoolaulea, the state's largest annual block party featuring local food, music and entertainment.
Okinawan Festival (TBD): Every year Hawaii's largest ethnic festival kicks off with a procession of taiko drummers through Kapiolani Park. The percussive and festive performance sets the mood for three days of food, music, dancing, arts, crafts and cultural activities in tribute to Okinawan culture and cuisine. This festival is held over a weekend in late summer or early fall, but 2018 dates have not yet been announced.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (Oct. 6 to 28): Held every year in the fall, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is one of the island's premier culinary events. An all-star lineup of local luminaries and celebrity chefs from around the world host demonstrations, creative food events and evening receptions. The festival shines a spotlight on Hawaiian contemporary cuisine, the fusion of Asian, European and other flavors and locally-produced ingredients. The festival chaired by chefs Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi is entering its eighth year, and takes place over three weekends with events on multiple islands.