Top 5 Waikiki Special Events April 2025

LoveWaikiki

The following events were identified as the top 5 special Waikiki events for April 2025, based on an article from LOVEWaikiki.com. Each event is analyzed for its date, location, and significance, with supporting details from web searches and official sources

  1. Waikiki SPAM JAM – A Tasty Tradition
  • Date: April 26, 2025
  • Description: This event celebrates Hawaii’s unique culinary staple, SPAM, with local chefs showcasing creative dishes, from classic musubi to innovative creations. It also features live entertainment, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities, with free entry for all attendees. The event supports local charities such as the Hawaii Foodbank, Waikiki Community Center, and Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, combining culinary enjoyment with community purpose.
  • Location: Waikiki, specifically on Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers and Kaiulani Avenue, as implied by event context.
  • Source: The official website (Waikiki SPAM JAM) confirms the date and details, aligning with the LOVEWaikiki.com article.
  1. Hapalua Half Marathon – Run with a View
  • Date: April 13, 2025
  • Description: Known as Hawaii’s premier half marathon, this 13.1-mile run attracts runners and walkers of all skill levels. The course starts near Waikiki Beach, winds through Honolulu, loops around the iconic Diamond Head crater, and finishes at Kapiolani Park. It offers stunning ocean views and a lively, supportive atmosphere, embodying the spirit of aloha and community encouragement. Registration costs increase after February 28, 2025, so early booking is advised.
  • Location: Starts near Waikiki Beach, with the route covering scenic Honolulu areas.
  • Source: The event website (The Hapalua) provides course details and confirms the date, consistent with LOVEWaikiki.com.
  1. W.O.W. Quarterly Waikīkī Beach Clean-Up – Give Back to Paradise
  • Date: Approximately April 22, 2025 (Earth Day, date TBD)
  • Description: Organized by the Waikiki Improvement Association, this quarterly beach clean-up is scheduled in April to coincide with Earth Day, promoting environmental stewardship. It involves community volunteers cleaning Waikiki Beach, with supplies provided, and is part of a series held in April (Earth Day), July (Summer clean-up), and October (Let’s Make a Difference Day). The exact date was not specified in the article, but given the Earth Day alignment, it is likely around April 22, 2025.
  • Location: Waikiki Beach, coordinated by the Waikiki Ohana Workforce (WOW).
  • Source: The Waikiki Improvement Association’s events page (Waikiki Improvement Association Events) and additional web searches confirm the quarterly nature and April timing, with Earth Day on April 22, 2025, providing a likely date.
  1. Royal Hawaiian Band Performances – Music Under the Sun
  • Dates: Fridays in April 2025 (April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025)
  • Description: The Royal Hawaiian Band, founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III, offers free concerts featuring Hawaiian music. In April 2025, performances are scheduled every Friday from noon to 1:00 pm at Iolani Palace, with additional Sunday performances at Kapiolani Park, though specific Sunday dates were not detailed. These events are part of their regular schedule, enriching the cultural experience with traditional and contemporary Hawaiian melodies, requiring no tickets.
  • Location: Primarily at Iolani Palace, with some at Kapiolani Park, both near Waikiki.
  • Source: The official Royal Hawaiian Band website (Royal Hawaiian Band) and Iolani Palace events calendar (Iolani Palace Royal Hawaiian Band Concerts) confirm the Friday schedule for April, aligning with the LOVEWaikiki.com listing.
  1. Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce Chopsticks and Wine – Sip & Savor
  • Date: TBD in April 2025
  • Description: This annual fundraising event, organized by the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, features an elegant evening with top Hawaii chefs and a selection of wines, attracting over 1,000 attendees. It combines culinary delights with wine tasting, reflecting HJCC’s heritage. The exact date for 2025 was not found in searches, suggesting it may be announced later, but it is traditionally held in April based on past years.
  • Location: Likely in downtown Honolulu, near Waikiki, based on historical event locations, though specific venue details for 2025 are pending.
  • Source: Web searches for past events (Chopsticks and Wine 2024) and the Honolulu Japanese Chamber’s events page (Honolulu Japanese Chamber) indicate it’s an April event, but no 2025 date was confirmed.

Bonus Event in Kahala

The bonus event mentioned is the Hawaii International Film Festival ‘Ōpio Fest, scheduled from April 8 to 13, 2025, in Kahala, aligning with the user’s mention of April 8th to 12th, which may be an approximation.

  • Event Name: Hawaii International Film Festival ‘Ōpio Fest
  • Dates: April 8 to 13, 2025
  • Location: Consolidated Theaters Kahala, Kahala, Honolulu
  • Description: This spring event, rebranded as ‘Ōpio Fest, celebrates Hawai’i’s next-generation filmmakers and features a curated selection of films from Sundance and other international festivals. It includes 16 feature films, 6 shorts, and 56 student films, with public screenings, workshops, and industry panels. It is part of HIFF’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent, with screenings at Consolidated Theatres Kahala, a known venue for HIFF events.
  • Source: The official HIFF website (HIFF) and additional web searches confirm the dates and details, with specific mention in articles about the 2025 schedule.

Tables for Event Summary

To organize the information clearly, here are the details in tabular form:

Event NameDateLocationDescription
Waikiki SPAM JAM – A Tasty TraditionApril 26, 2025WaikikiCelebrates SPAM with dishes, live music, free entry, supports local charities.
Hapalua Half Marathon – Run with a ViewApril 13, 2025Near Waikiki Beach13.1-mile scenic run, starts near Waikiki, loops Diamond Head, finishes at park.
W.O.W. Waikīkī Beach Clean-Up – Give Back to ParadiseApprox. April 22, 2025 (TBD)Waikiki BeachEarth Day clean-up, community volunteer event, supplies provided.
Royal Hawaiian Band Performances – Music Under the SunApril 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025Iolani Palace, Kapiolani ParkFree Hawaiian music concerts, Fridays noon-1pm, cultural enrichment.
Chopsticks and Wine – Sip & SavorTBD in April 2025Likely downtown HonoluluElegant evening with chefs and wine, annual HJCC fundraiser, details pending.
Bonus EventDatesLocationDescription
Hawaii International Film Festival ‘Ōpio FestApril 8-13, 2025Consolidated Theaters Kahala, KahalaCelebrates next-gen filmmakers, films from Sundance, includes screenings, workshops.

This survey note ensures all details from the thinking process are included, providing a comprehensive resource for planning attendance at these events in April 2025.

Key Citations

Share this >>>