The Music, Arts, and Festivals That Define Hawaii
Nestled just a few minutes from downtown Honolulu on Oahu, the Hawaii Theatre offers a vibrant gateway into the islands’ rich musical heritage. This beautifully restored 1922 venue draws visitors into a world where Hawaiian slack key guitar and ukulele performances resonate beneath vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate plasterwork. Attending a live show here, often featuring traditional hula accompaniment, reveals the deep connection between Hawaii’s music and its storytelling traditions. The theater itself, with its historic charm and intimate seating, makes every note feel personal, especially during sunset performances when the golden light streams through the lobby’s stained glass, enhancing the magical atmosphere.
In the heart of Hilo on the Big Island, the Merrie Monarch Festival embodies the artistic soul of Hawaii through its annual week-long celebration of hula and Hawaiian culture. Centered around the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium, just a short drive from downtown Hilo, the festival showcases hula competitions that blend ancient chants with modern expressions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the pre-festival parades winding through Hilo’s streets or explore the nearby Lyman Museum to understand the cultural and natural history that inspires the dances. Visiting in April offers a rare chance to witness hula’s evolution firsthand, as well as indulge in local crafts and food, making it a cultural pilgrimage unlike any other.
The island of Maui offers a different artistic pulse at the Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, located in Makawao about 20 minutes from Kahului. Set in a historic 1920s estate overlooking lush gardens, the center hosts art workshops, exhibitions, and artist residencies focused on Hawaiian visual arts. Walking the grounds, visitors encounter traditional Hawaiian quilting, wood carving, and contemporary painting—all rooted in island themes. The blend of colonial-era architecture and indigenous art makes this a unique cultural hub where the past and present converse. Spring and fall bring mild weather perfect for outdoor sculpture tours and garden strolls, enhancing the sensory experience.
On the island of Kauai, the historic town of Hanapepe invites visitors into a vibrant arts district known as the “biggest little town” on the island. About 30 minutes southwest of Lihue, Hanapepe’s Friday Night Art Night transforms the downtown area into an open-air gallery showcasing local painters, sculptors, and musicians. The event highlights the community’s dedication to preserving Hawaiian artistry through live demonstrations and interactive workshops. The nearby Hanapepe Swinging Bridge offers a scenic stroll that pairs perfectly with an evening of creative exploration. Those who come during this weekly festival enjoy a lively blend of traditional island melodies and contemporary beats against the backdrop of historic plantation-era buildings.
On Oahu’s North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, roughly 45 minutes from Honolulu, is more than just a theme park—it’s a living museum of Pacific Island cultures. The center’s nightly evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” combines storytelling, traditional dance, and music from across Polynesia, with a particularly strong focus on Hawaiian heritage. Visitors can wander the recreated villages during the day, learning ukulele and hula, then witness the dramatic performance that weaves ancient chants with modern theatrical techniques. The lush setting and interactive cultural demonstrations make it an immersive experience, best enjoyed on clear evenings when the stars add to the sense of timelessness.
On the island of Lanai, the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center in Lanai City offers a quieter but no less impactful encounter with Hawaiian traditions. About a 45-minute ferry ride and short drive from Maui, this small but rich museum traces the island’s history through exhibits on pineapple plantations and native culture. Seasonal craft fairs and lei-making workshops bring the local community’s artistry to life here, set against the island’s rugged backdrop. Visiting during the cooler winter months reveals the cultural rhythms that sustained Lanai’s small population long before tourism took hold, offering a contemplative arts experience far from the crowds.
Back on the Big Island, the town of Waimea hosts the annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, held in the Parker School grounds, about 25 minutes from Kailua-Kona. This unique gathering celebrates the fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian cultures through music, dance, and culinary arts. Visitors can enjoy taiko drumming, Okinawan folk dancing, and Hawaiian slack key performances all in one place. The festival’s setting beneath blooming cherry trees adds a poetic layer to the festivities, with cool spring mornings providing the perfect backdrop for exploring not just music and dance but also the culinary cross-pollination that shapes the islands’ identity.
On Molokai, the Kalae Lookout near Kaunakakai offers more than spectacular coastal views—it’s a gateway to understanding the island’s deep artistic and cultural spirit. This remote lookout, about 10 minutes from the town center, provides access to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park nearby, where the stories of Hawaiian residents exiled due to leprosy are preserved through oral histories and traditional crafts. Local artists often draw inspiration from this poignant history, and visiting the small galleries in Kaunakakai reveals artworks that blend sorrow and resilience. The best time to visit is during the cooler mornings when the light softens the rugged cliffs and the feeling of solitude enhances the emotional depth of the cultural experience.
Finally, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, just a few miles from the airport, stands as a premier venue for experiencing Hawaii’s contemporary music scene alongside traditional styles. Its expansive theaters host everything from Hawaiian reggae to classical hula performances, creating a bridge between island heritage and global influences. The center’s outdoor sculpture garden features artworks by native Hawaiian artists, inviting visitors to wander and reflect before attending a show. Early evening events here allow for stunning sunsets over the nearby West Maui Mountains, framing the artistic energy with natural grandeur and reminding visitors that Hawaii’s culture is as much a part of its landscape as the ocean itself.