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Kaua‘i
Come experience great Hawaiian music, cultural festivities, and food during the Waimea Town Celebration (February 15–23, 2020), Kaua‘i’s largest and oldest festival. Enjoy the King Kaumuali‘i Celebration, featuring hula and mele (song), the Waimea Film Festival, and Tales and Treats: Paniolo storytelling and songs. More live entertainment will be on tap during the Music in the Park outdoor concerts and at the Ambassador of Aloha and Music Concert at Historic Waimea Theater. The festival’s grand finale is the Heritage of Aloha Ho‘olaule‘a, a two-day block party with live entertainment, local food, games, rides, crafts, a silent auction, and beer garden.
Maui Whale Festival
Maui
Thousands of humpback whales travel to Hawai‘i from December through April to mate and give birth, and Maui waters are among the best for witnessing these magnificent mammals. In 2020, join the festivities as Pacific Whale Foundation celebrates the 40th Maui Whale Festival. Signature events include the Run and Walk for Whales (February 1), World Whale Day and the Parade of Whales (February 8), the World Whale Film Festival (February 14), and the Great Whale Count (January 25, February 29, and March 28). Book a whale-watching expedition with local outfitter Trilogy Excursions, and visit the “Humpbacks of Hawai‘i Exhibit and Sphere” at Maui Ocean Center.
Hawai‘i Arts Festival
O‘ahu
Discover O‘ahu’s lively arts scene during the annual POW! WOW! Hawai‘i Arts Festival (February 8–16, 2020). Honolulu’s Kaka‘ako neighborhood is transformed into an enormous outdoor canvas as artists from across Hawai‘i and around the world paint large-scale murals on outdoor buildings and walls. Watch artists bring their visions to life and attend concerts, gallery shows, workshops, live art installations, screenings, and museum exhibits associated with this unique festival. Explore art elsewhere on O‘ahu at the Honolulu Museum of Art or at Chinatown galleries.
Pana‘ewa Stampede Rodeo
Island of Hawai‘i
Experience Hawai‘i’s historic paniolo (cowboy) culture during the 29th annual Pana‘ewa Stampede Rodeo (February 15–17, 2020) in Hilo. This three-day event at Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center highlights the paniolo skills of local cowboys, cowgirls, keiki (children), and traveling rodeo contestants in traditional events and those unique to Hawai‘i. The entertaining, educational weekend also includes cultural and historical displays, local food vendors, and talented crafters. During your stay, go deeper and visit historic Kahua Ranch or explore Waimea, a legendary ranching town.
Waimea Town Celebration