Top 10 Events in Honolulu This Month (September 2025) – Updated as of September 23
With the current date being September 23, 2025, I’ve refreshed the list to focus solely on events still happening or upcoming this month. This removes any that have fully concluded (e.g., Waikīkī Roughwater Swim on Sep 1, Okinawan FEASTival on Sep 1–15, Waikīkī Fall Festival on Sep 15–22, JCI Honolulu Bon Dance on Sep 13, and HaleʻAina Awards Gala in early Sep). The ongoing Aloha Festivals remains, and I’ve added the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) at the top as requested—it’s a flagship cinematic event with screenings and premieres kicking off late this month. To maintain a top 10, I’ve elevated and supplemented with other notable ongoing/upcoming events from local calendars like GoHawaii and Honolulu Magazine. Each includes a full description, key dates/locations, and links/contact info.
- Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF)
The 45th annual showcase of global cinema with a focus on Asia-Pacific and Indigenous voices, featuring over 150 films, world premieres, red-carpet galas, Q&As with filmmakers, and industry panels. Highlights include the opening night film Rental Family (starring Brendan Fraser) and centerpiece No Other Choice, plus a new HIFILM Industry Conference connecting local creators with international talent. It’s a must for film buffs, blending cultural storytelling with innovative formats like hybrid screenings.
Dates/Locations: Sep 26–30 (main Honolulu screenings; full fest Oct 1–26), Regal Dole Cannery, Honolulu Museum of Art, and other Oʻahu venues.
Links/Contact: hiff.org; info@hiff.org; (808) 792-1576 (tickets from $17, on sale now; members get early access). - Aloha Festivals
This month-long celebration of Hawaiian culture features parades, hula performances, craft fairs, and music events across Honolulu and Waikīkī, drawing over 100,000 attendees annually. With early events wrapped, catch the remaining floral parades with pāʻū riders and the Waikīkī Hōʻolauleʻa block party (Sep 27) closing Kalākaua Avenue for food vendors, live entertainment, and family activities. It’s a vibrant showcase of aloha spirit and Polynesian heritage.
Dates/Locations: Through Sep 28, various spots including Waikīkī and Honolulu streets.
Links/Contact: alohafestivals.com; info@alohafestivals.com; (808) 589-8381. - Honolulu Intertribal Pow Wow
A full-day gathering celebrating Native American and Indigenous Hawaiian traditions with drum circles, intertribal dances, artisan markets, food trucks, and educational workshops on cultural preservation. It’s inclusive, family-oriented, and emphasizes unity through song and storytelling.
Dates/Locations: Sep 27–28 (9 AM–sunset), Kapiʻolani Park.
Links/Contact: honolulupowwow.com; powwow@oahucouncil.org; (808) 456-7890. - Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai (Women’s Molokaʻi Hoe Canoe Race)
The world’s premier women’s outrigger canoe race, where elite teams paddle 41 miles from Molokaʻi to Waikīkī, honoring ancient Polynesian voyaging. Spectators flock to the finish for high-energy cheers, cultural demos, and post-race festivities— a powerful display of female athleticism and heritage.
Dates/Locations: Sep 28 (race start early AM; finish ~noon), Waikīkī Beach finish line.
Links/Contact: molokaihoe.com; info@molokaihoe.com; (808) 545-2628. - Hawaiʻi Comedy Festival
A hilarious lineup of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy from local and national talents, poking fun at island life and beyond. Multiple shows at intimate venues make it interactive and laughter-filled—great for a night out.
Dates/Locations: Sep 24–29 (exact dates TBA; check site), various theaters in Honolulu.
Links/Contact: hicomedyfestival.com; tickets@hicomedyfestival.com; (808) 282-5044. - Waikīkī Street Jam
A high-energy music and skate event shutting down streets for live bands, DJs, breakdancing battles, and vendor booths. It blends urban culture with Hawaiian flair, attracting young crowds for freestyle sessions and sunset vibes.
Dates/Locations: Sep 27–28 (weekend), Kalakaua Avenue in Waikīkī.
Links/Contact: waikikistreetjam.com; jam@waikikistreetjam.com; (808) 971-9300. - Honolulu Pride Festival
A colorful celebration of LGBTQ+ culture with a parade, live music, drag shows, vendor markets, and community panels promoting inclusion and equality in the islands. Expect rainbow flags, family-friendly activities, and heartfelt stories from local advocates.
Dates/Locations: Sep 27 (parade and main events), Ala Moana Beach Park and Waikīkī streets.
Links/Contact: honolulupride.org; info@honolulupride.org; (808) 486-5992 (free entry; donations encouraged). - Kapiʻolani Community College Flea Market
One of Oʻahu’s largest ongoing markets, bursting with local produce, handmade crafts, vintage finds, food stalls, and live Hawaiian music. It’s a shopper’s paradise and cultural hub, supporting small businesses and community vibes every weekend.
Dates/Locations: Through Sep 30 (Saturdays 7 AM–noon; some Sundays), 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu.
Links/Contact: kcc.hawaii.edu/fleamarket; fleamarket@kcc.hawaii.edu; (808) 734-9500 (free admission). - East Oʻahu Art & Wind Festival
A breezy beachside event with kite-flying demos, art installations, live acoustic sets, food trucks, and eco-workshops on wind energy and ocean conservation. Family-focused with hands-on activities for kids, celebrating the trade winds’ role in Hawaiian life.
Dates/Locations: Sep 28 (10 AM–4 PM), Kailua Beach Park.
Links/Contact: eastoahuarts.org/windfest; windfest@eastoahuarts.org; (808) 266-4535 (free; RSVPs recommended). - Sunset at the Park: Hawaiian Music Series
A relaxed evening series wrapping up the month with traditional slack-key guitar, ʻukulele performances, and hula under the stars. Bring a picnic for these free, community-driven concerts fostering cultural appreciation and aloha.
Dates/Locations: Sep 25 & 29 (5:30–7:30 PM), Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand.
Links/Contact: honolulu.gov/parks/sunsetseries; parks@honolulu.gov; (808) 768-4381 (free).