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Learn how to surf, watch local dances, sample local cuisine.
There’s never a dull moment on Lanai. Like the rest
of the islands, events take place here throughout the year. Here’s a timeline of the most popular Lanai events
throughout the year.
March: The Annual Keiki Catch
Families will enjoy this youth-oriented event held at the
island’s school district. Keiki is the Hawaiian word for
“children.” The Keiki Catch
is aimed at fostering children’s relationship with the
ocean. If you’re going alone, don’t worry - the event is open
to adults and you can “adopt” a child for the day.
May: Lei Day Celebration, Annual Surf Clinic
Hawaii’s version of May Day, Lei Day celebrates the
state’s most enduring symbol and includes shows, workshops
and festivals showcasing locally made leis. There are also
lei-making contests and craft shows held on Lanai and the
rest of the islands.
If you’re more into sports, you might enjoy the Annual Surf
Clinic at Manele Bay. It’s designed for beginners, but more
experienced surfers can take part and help out. Finish the
course and you qualify for the next year’s Summer Competition - definitely
a good excuse to come back!
June: King Kamehameha Celebration
Between the first and second week of the month, Hawaiians
gather to honor King Kamehameha I, the leader who unified
the Hawaiian Islands over two centuries ago. While the event
is centered in North Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii, the King’s birthplace, all
the Hawaiian islands celebrate with flower festivals, dances and
various cultural attractions.
July: Pineapple Festival, Lanai Obon Dance
Culturally speaking, July is one of the busier months on
Lanai, with at least two major events taking place.
For food buffs, the annual Pineapple Festival is certainly
a must-see. Sponsored by Destination Lanai, the festival
celebrates the Lanai’s former plantation industry. Art exhibits, free tastings and cooking
contests are some of the events.
The Obon Dance, a tribute to the island’s Japanese warriors,
is held on the second week of July and features a unique
dance performed amidst bamboo poles, paper lanterns and
colorful paper flowers. People can watch from the sidelines
or join in the dance. Afterwards, everyone gathers for a
Japanese feast featuring delicacies such as sushi, chow
fun and saimin.
September: The Aloha Festival
September is the best month to visit if you’re looking for cultural
immersion. The main attraction at this time is the Aloha
Festival, a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture and
arts. Dances, parades and street festivals are held from
mid-September all the way to October, with each island playing
host for a week.
November: Hawaii International Film Festival
Throughout the first half of November, moviegoers are treated
to a series of film screenings featuring directors from
the U.S., Asia and the Pacific. Screenings traditionally
take place on Oahu, but some of the events are held on the neighboring islands.
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