Coming Up This Month: October

From seafood festivals to Hawaiian music performances to Halloween bonanzas, Oahu’s got it goin on this month! Check out some of the upcoming events for October and don’t forget to add others that you may know of.

First Friday
October 4th, 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
http://www.firstfridayhawaii.com/
First Friday is a monthly event that takes place in Chinatown. It is essentially a collaboration between the art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars in that area to generate business for everyone and expose locals and tourists alike to a fun and entertaining environment. The galleries and shops are open pretty much from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, while the restaurants and bars stay open later to keep the after party going. It’s definitely a very social event and provides a great opportunity to mingle with new people. You could drive, but taking a cab or public bus would probably be easier, as parking is extremely limited in Chinatown.

Day at Queen Emma Summer Palace Fundraiser (37th Annual)
October 5th, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
http://daughtersofhawaii.org/2013/09/18/day-queen-emma-summer-palace-2013/
This year marks the 37th anniversary of the Day at Queen Emma Summer Palace fundraiser. Get a taste of the island culture through Hawaiian music performances, craft demonstrations and local artists and vendors on hand featuring their jewelry, leis, Christmas ornaments, baked goods and of course shave ice! Admission is $6 for adults and $1 for children and includes a ticket to the Queen Emma Summer Palace.

Hawaii Pacific Islands Kava Festival
October 12th, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
http://awadevelopment.org/kavafestival/
Kava, also known as ‘awa, is an incredibly important plant in the Hawaiian (and Polynesian in general) culture. Held at the UH Manoa campus, this festival takes a full day to celebrate this plant and teach locals and visitors of its uses. There will be ‘awa sampling, preparation demos, lomi lomi massages and cultural and scientific talks in the ‘awa gardens. There will also be live local music and food booths. Admission is free!

Molokai Hoe Canoe Race (Finish)
October 13th
http://ohcra.com/
The Molokai Hoe has become one of the longest running annual team sporting events in Hawaii. The first race was held on October 12, 1952, when 3 Koa outrigger canoes launched from Kawakiu Bay on Molokai’s west side. 6 paddlers participated and 8 hours and 55 minutes later, the winner landed on the beach at Waikiki in front of the Moana Hotel. Today, over 1000 paddlers from around the world compete, battling the elements as they cross the treacherous 38+ mile Ka’iwi Channel.

Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival (8th Annual)
October 13th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
http://www.hawaiifishingfestival.com/
This annual fundraiser event brings together the best of Hawaii’s seafood and fishing communities. Attracting over 20,000 attendees each year, it is said to be one of the top 2 events to see in Honolulu. There is no admission fee – just stop in and explore over 100 different vendors, eat some delicious seafood, watch live fishing demonstrations and listen to good music. Got kids? There will be games and activities for them as well!

Hallowbaloo Music + Arts Festival
October 26th, 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM
https://www.facebook.com/events/207747852732151/
Picture a giant street party with food booths and live music. Now imagine if it were on a street surrounded by bars, lounges and art galleries. Then add everyone wearing costumes and you’ve got Hallowbaloo, the best costume party in the Pacific! 4 outdoor stages with over 30 artists performing, 8 clubs for one cover charge and a costume contest with a $1000 cash prize are only the start of this year’s night of mayhem.