The 10 Best Music Festivals In Hawaii

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.

Hawaii, with its endless sunshine and crashing waves, hosts some of the US’s best music festivals.

Hawaii offers a rich variety of music festivals, from dance music to organic sounds. Here are some of the best music festivals in Hawaii that you need to check out.

1. The Mayjah Rayjah

Maui, Honolulu

When: July (two days)

Love Reggae music? Check out Mayjah Rayjah every July. One of the biggest reggae festivals happens in Maui and Honolulu, featuring a star-studded lineup of the genre’s top artists. Don’t miss this incredible party!

This festival features both big-name reggae artists and emerging musicians. If you want to enjoy top-notch Reggae music and dance, this is the festival for you.

2. Wanderlust Oahu

Oahu

When: February (four days)

If you’re looking to relax and find inner peace, this festival is perfect. Enjoy guided tours, meditations, spas, yoga, and music tutorials to help you unwind.

Since creating the world’s first wellness festival in 2009, Wanderlust has been planning even bigger and better events. If you’re seeking 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, a renowned cultural event in Hawaii, is an experience you can’t miss. It draws locals and visitors from everywhere, making it a truly unique celebration.

It fosters cooperation, understanding, and camaraderie among various ethnicities and classes. Performers, artists, and musicians from many cultures enrich this city with their talents in music, art, and dance.

4. Ukulele Festival Hawaii

Kapiolani Park, O’ahu

When: July

The Ukulele Festival has grown into a yearly tradition in Hawaii, happening every summer. It’s one of the world’s largest festivals, gaining popularity quickly. Hundreds of musicians from all over come to play their music.

At this event, you’ll enjoy the delightful sound of ukuleles at every corner. Ukulele and Hawaii are a perfect match, making it no surprise that this festival attracts some of the best ukulele players globally.

5. Flow Fest Hawaii

Puna

When: February

In 2014, Chris Berry, the original founder, experienced a sudden change in lava flow direction while living on Big Island.

This put lower Puna at risk of isolation from the rest of the island. His way of giving back was to start a music festival to fuel the aloha spirit.

Its goal is to bring like-minded people together through music and conversation, focusing on sustainability, equality, and progressive thinking. They hope that sharing these values will create a more holistic and conscious world.

6. Wonderland Hawaii

Various locations across Hawaii

When: Various dates

Wonderland Entertainment Group was a pioneer in the music industry, hosting famous EDM artists like Afrojack, Chuckie, Dada Life, and Skrillex. Their large-scale events are now standard for concertgoers.

For the past 5 years, they’ve organized the Wonderland Concert Series. This hugely popular event includes four parties: Summer, Winter, Haunted, and Digital Wonderland EDM.

Although mainly associated with EDM, they love all genres of music and aim to provide memorable experiences for everyone. 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)

Popular musical artists from various genres will perform at this island festival. It’s bound to be an amazing weekend you won’t want to miss. Save the date for an unforgettable event!

Shop for high-quality Lost In Paradise merchandise like t-shirts, posters, stickers, and home decor created by independent artists. A nightlife lover’s dream, 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 bringing songwriters globally to learn, collaborate, and celebrate their craft. Emphasizing education and music for film/TV, it’s a must-attend for both aspiring and established songwriters.

Songwriters, whether hobbyists or professionals, gather with music experts at this event held in Hawaii.

Whether you’re new to songwriting or have had success with placements and publishing deals, the Hawaii Songwriting Festival will teach you a lot, help you meet industry professionals, and boost your creativity.

9. Annual Waikīkī Ho’olaule’a

Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

When: September

Come to Kalakaua Avenue for the Aloha Festivals block party. You’ll enjoy food, fun, and entertainment surrounded by thousands of people.

At the event, enjoy Hawaiian music, hula dancing, local crafts like leis, and island cuisine.

Aloha Festivals is a non-profit, multicultural event held annually in September since 1946. It’s a great time to visit Honolulu with perfect weather and plenty of exciting activities.

10. Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival

Honolulu

When: August

Fifteen of Hawaii’s top slack key guitarists will perform over six hours at the festival, which began in Honolulu in 1982. Enjoy various music genres and appreciate the beauty in each one.

The Grammy Awards once had a category for Hawaiian music, spotlighting slack key guitar as one of the top acoustic styles globally. If you love guitar music, this festival is a must-see.