Planning a trip to Hawaii? Book your trip on time for these amazing music festivals! With so many things to do in Hawaii, you won’t want to miss out on top festivals like The Mayjah Rayjah and Wanderlust Oahu.
In a land where the sun always shines and the waves crash endlessly against the shore, it’s no wonder that Hawaii is home to some of the best music festivals in the US.
From dance music festivals to ones that focus on more organic sounds, Hawaii has it all. Here are some of the best music festivals in Hawaii that you need to check out.
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1. The Mayjah Rayjah
Maui, Honolulu
When: July (two days)
Love Reggae music? Then check out Mayjah Rayjah happening every year in July. One of the world’s biggest reggae festivals takes place in Maui and Honolulu, with a star-studded lineup of the genre’s most popular artists. This is one party you won’t want to miss!
Not only does this festival have big-name reggae artists, but it also provides a platform for up-and-coming musicians to present their work. If you’re looking to get your groove on and enjoy some of the best Reggae music out there, then this is the festival for you.
2. Wanderlust Oahu
Oahu
When: February (four days)
If you’re searching for a place to relax and find inner peace, this is the festival for you. With guided tours, meditations, spas, yoga and music tutorials, this event has everything you need to unwind.
Since creating the world’s first wellness festival in 2009, Wanderlust has been busy planning even bigger and better events. If you’re looking for something different from the typical party scene in Hawaii, make an effort to take part in this festival.
3. Honolulu Festival
Waikiki and Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu
When: March (three days)
The Honolulu Festival is one of the most famous cultural events in Hawaii and an experience that cannot be missed. The festival attracts locals and visitors from all over, making it a truly unique event.
It promotes mutual cooperation, understanding, and camaraderie among different ethnicities and classes. Performers, artists, and musicians coming from a plethora of cultures grace this city with their talents in music, art, and dance.
4. Ukulele Festival Hawaii
Kapiolani Park, O’ahu
When: July
The Ukulele Festival has become an annual tradition in Hawaii that takes place every summer. The Ukulele Festival is one of the biggest in the world and becoming more popular by the day. At this event, there are hundreds of tunesmiths from different corners of the globe playing their music.
At this event, you’ll be surrounded by the delightful sound of ukuleles playing at every corner. Ukulele and Hawaii go hand-in-hand, so it’s no surprise that this festival attracts some of the best ukulele players in the world.
5. Flow Fest Hawaii
Puna
When: February
Back in 2014, original founder Chris Berry was living on Big Island when an active lava flow suddenly changed directions.
This put lower Puna at risk of being cut off from the rest of the island. His way of giving back to the community was to start a music festival to fuel the aloha spirit.
Its goal is to bring like-minded people together through music and conversation, so they focus on topics including sustainability, equality, and progressive thinking. Their hope is that by sharing these values, they can create a more holistic and conscious world.
6. Wonderland Hawaii
Various locations across Hawaii
When: Various dates
Wonderland Entertainment Group has blazed a trail in the music industry by being one of the first to host world-renowned EDM artists such as Afrojack, Chuckie, Dada Life, and Skrillex. Their large-scale events have now become commonplace among concertgoers.
For the past 5 years, they have organized the Wonderland Concert Series. This hugely popular event features four different parties: Summer, Winter, Haunted and Digital Wonderland EDM.
Although they are mainly associated with EDM, they love all genres of music and want to provide memorable experiences for everyone – not just one group or demographic. If you’re up for an epic party, Wonderland Hawaii is the place for you.
7. Lost in Paradise Hawaii
Oahu
When: July (two days)
Some of the most popular musical artists from a variety of genres will perform at this island festival, which is guaranteed to be an amazing weekend experience that you won’t want to miss. Save the date for an unforgettable event!
You can also shop for high-quality Lost In Paradise merchandise like t-shirts, posters, stickers, and home decor designed by independent artists. It’s a nightlife lover’s dream come true, with world-famous DJs spinning tunes.
8. Hawaii Songwriting Festival
The Big Island
When: June or July
The Hawaii Songwriting Festival is a yearly event that brings songwriters from all over the world together to learn, collaborate and celebrate their art form. With an emphasis on education and music for film/TV, this festival is a can’t-miss for any aspiring or established songwriter.
People who write songs as a hobby or profession meet each other and music professionals at this event, which takes place in Hawaii.
Even if you are new to songwriting or have already had success with placements and publishing deals, the Hawaii Songwriting Festival will teach you a lot, help you meet other people in the industry, and give your creativity a boost.
9. Annual Waikīkī Ho’olaule’a
Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu
When: September
Come to Kalakaua Avenue for the Aloha Festivals block party where you can enjoy food, fun, and entertainment surrounded by thousands of people.
At the event, you can enjoy performances of Hawaiian music and hula dancing, as well as Hawaiian crafts like Hawaiian leis and foods like island cuisine.
Aloha Festivals is a non-profit, multicultural festival held yearly in September that was established in 1946. This is one of the best times to visit Honolulu, as the weather is perfect and there’s always something exciting happening.
10. Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
Honolulu
When: August
Fifteen of Hawaii’s most celebrated slack key guitarists will perform over the course of six hours at the festival, which started in Honolulu back in 1982. At this event, you’ll get to enjoy a variety of music genres and come to appreciate the beauty in each one.
The Grammy Awards used to have a category specifically for Hawaiian music, and during that time, slack key guitar became known as one of the best acoustic methods in the world. So, if you’re a fan of guitar music, this festival is definitely worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that Hawaii is a music lover’s paradise. With so many different festivals to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re into EDM, rock, pop, or slack key guitar, you’ll find your perfect event in Hawaii. So start planning your trip and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
