Spring is one of the most bustling seasons in Hawaiʻi. Sure we get our fair share of rainy days, stifling humidity and—close your eyes—crawling cockroaches (yikes!), but spring also brings with it some of the most popular and well-attended events across the islands. Whether you’re looking to watch internationally acclaimed films or sample food you’ve never heard of before, Hawaiʻi in the spring truly has it all.
Don’t believe us? Here are seven can’t-miss spring events on Oʻahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauaʻi:
1. Watch celebrated films from across the globe
Hosted at Regal Dole Cannery Theatres on Oʻahu, the 21st Annual HIFF Spring Showcase presented by Halekulani offers screenings of some of the best Spring films from over 12 countries from April 6-15. Presented in a “mini-festival” format, the Spring Showcase features 33 films that were equal hits at Sundance, Toronto, Berlin and Japan, just to name a few. Browse through the list of acclaimed films (then purchase your tickets!) at hiff.org/films-and-events-spring-2018.
2. Celebrate Earth Day on the Garden Isle
What better place to celebrate Earth Day than the Garden Isle of Hawaiʻi? Put on your working caps and join the Friends of Kamalani for a community volunteer initiative and improvement project at Lydgate Park. Do your part to keep Hawaiʻi’s land beautiful and thriving as you remove marine debris, clean park structures and share aloha with your fellow volunteers. At the end of the work day you’ll be treated to a delicious volunteers’ lunch! Head to Lydgate Park from 7:30 a.m. to noon on April 21; register as a volunteer at kauaipath.org/kamalani.
3. Take advantage of waived fees in honor of National Park Week
2018 National Park Week kicks off on April 21 with fee free entrance to both Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui. Explore the rich Summit and Kīpahulu areas of Haleakalā, or witness the power and beauty of volcanic activity at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. Both national parks waive their fees all day on April 21.
4. Get a java boost with authentic Kaʻu coffee
Head down to the Kaʻu District of the Big Island and sip your way through paradise at the 2018 Kaʻu Coffee Festival! From April 21 through May 6, you’ll sample the award-winning Kaʻu brew and get a sense of what makes the area so special. This well-attended event culminates in the Kaʻu Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa on May 5 in Pahala, where you can take a guided farm tour, meet with Miss Kaʻu Coffee and enjoy all-day entertainment.
5. Indulge in Hawaiʻi’s staple food
Like distinctive Kaʻu coffee, taro offers another flavor that’s distinctive to locals but likely foreign to first-time visitors. But never fear, because you can sample taro in a variety of forms at the 26th Annual East Maui Taro Festival in Hāna, Maui, April 21-22! Indulge in this unique flavor while you sample taro, shop food and vendor booths and enjoy hands-on cultural activities at Hāna Ball Park. The “taro-bration” continues through Sunday with a special taro pancake breakfast and field trips.
6. Bite into Hawaiʻi’s love for SPAM
Of course, no trip to Hawaiʻi is complete without a taste of the beloved SPAM! Thankfully, the annual Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival on Oʻahu has got you covered. On April 28, you can get your SPAM fix as you sample a variety of creative inventions, from SPAM mac-and-cheese bites to the intriguing SPAM Portuguese Sausage. Outrigger Resorts hosts the SPAM-fueled festivities, which take place along Kalākaua Avenue. This is a can’t-miss event!
7. Celebrate May Day in Hawaiʻi
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi! May Day is a beloved holiday in Hawaiʻi, honoring the very special tradition of making and giving lei to friends and loved ones. Whether you’re traveling around Oʻahu, the Big Island, Maui or Kauaʻi, you’re sure to find a May Day celebration in reverence to this signature Hawaiian custom. Visit our events page to kick-start your search!
Put a “spring” in your step this season as you experience all of the cultural, foodie and outdoor activities Hawaiʻi has to offer in spring. And remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@thisweekhawaii) to stay up-to-date on the newest events in town.
Happy adventuring!
Megan
