Oahu Events in August

2025 Events and Festivities

Duke's OceanFest

Spanning the shores of Waikiki Beach, most events are free to watch, featuring a mix of pros, amateurs, locals, and global competitors in thrilling lineups like the Pacifico Longboard Classic (Aug 18-19), Tandem Surf (Aug 19-20), Outrigger Resorts Legends Surf Invitational (Aug 20-22), the adorable Raising Cane's Dog SurFur ComPETition (Aug 21, dogs shredding waves!), Na Koa Wounded Warrior Canoe Regatta (Aug 23), Duke's Waikiki Ocean Mile Swim (Aug 23), Keiki Kokua Surf Fest for kids (Aug 23-24), Menehune Surf Fest and Longboard Youth (Aug 23-24), Outrigger Resorts Volleyball Challenge (weekends, including adults Aug 23-24), and on Duke's birthday (Aug 24), a sunrise lei-draping at his statue, Waterman Lifeguard Challenge/Kahala Challenge, and Surfboard Water Polo. It's more than competitions, cultural ceremonies, and beachside parties, and that invigorating ocean breeze creates an unbreakable bond with Hawaii's waterman legacy. Run by the non-profit Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation to fund scholarships for local athletes, it's got heart and adrenaline in spades. Pack your hat, find a sandy spot, and maybe even enter an event if you're up for it, pure magic for water lovers!

When: August 15th-24th
Where: Waikiki Beach
More Info: Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Fest

Pacific Ink & Art Expo (Hawaii Tattoo Expo)

This is the ultimate kickoff to your August escapades if you're drawn to artistic vibes or curious about body art with a Polynesian twist—it's like stepping into a living canvas of creativity right in the heart of Honolulu! At the Neil Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall (777 Ward Avenue), this 10th annual expo brings together over 400 tattoo artists from around the globe, including big names and TV personalities, for live tattooing sessions where you can watch (or even get inked with) designs inspired by Hawaii's rich cultural history. Beyond the buzz of the needles, expect high-energy live entertainment featuring cultural dances and music, tattoo contests where attendees showcase their talents, the glamorous Miss PIAE beauty pageant, which is all about empowerment and style, and a dedicated Keiki Zone packed with games and activities to keep the little ones entertained. Food trucks and bev stations serve up local favorites like poke and spam musubi to keep you going, and there's exclusive merch like limited-edition tees commemorating the event's legacy since 2012. If you're feeling creative, they've got a logo contest open until July 25, 2025. Email your island-inspired design to [email protected] for a chance to win prizes. It's family-friendly, despite its edgy theme, and tickets are available online, making it perfect for anyone wanting to celebrate tattoo culture while soaking in that aloha energy. 

When: August 1st-3rd
Where: Honolulu, HI, Neal S Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
More Info: Hawaii Tattoo Expo

21st Annual Korean Festival

Oh, you've got to make time for this if bold flavors and dynamic performances are your thing, it's like a joyful explosion of Korean culture infused with Hawaiian warmth, feeling just like a big family picnic! Held at the Honolulu Hale Civic Grounds (530 S. King St.), this free event runs from 10 AM to 8 PM, with plenty of free parking available in nearby lots, so there's no stress about getting there. Indulge in mouthwatering Korean staples, including juicy kalbi ribs, crispy pancakes, mandoo dumplings, spicy kimchi, and BBQ chicken, that'll have you going back for seconds. The stage comes alive with traditional drum dances by the Arang Go Go Janggu Team, powerhouse taekwondo demos from Taekwondo Hawaii and the elite Kukkiwon team, a serene tea ceremony for some zen moments, and cooking demos by celebrity Chef Andre Rush. For fun thrills, spectate or join the kimchi and jjajangmyeon eating contests featuring pro eater Raina Huang (spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis). The KPOP energy ramps up in the afternoon with a contest from 4:30-6 PM (partnered with PLEDIS from HYBE), leading into a headlining celebration by DJ Y.U.P (Moobek) and Yumi, plus special guests from popular shows. Local groups, such as Hawaii-based KPOP dance teams and farmers' music associations, add to the mix, highlighting the strong Korean roots in the islands. It's super kid-friendly, with activities galore, making it ideal for the whole crew.

When: August 2nd
Where: Honolulu Hale Civic Ground
More Info: Korean Festival

These aren't your run-of-the-mill tourist stops; they're authentic portals into Hawaii's soul, weaving together Native Hawaiian legacies with waves of Asian and Pacific influences that have shaped this paradise over generations. You'll rub shoulders with welcoming locals, fuel up on incredible eats that blend global flavors with fresh island ingredients, pick up skills like bon dancing or cheering on surfers, and come away with a deeper appreciation for the aloha that ties it all together—whether it's honoring legends like Duke Kahanamoku, supporting homegrown creators, or tracing cultural roots through food and music. For families, lean into the kid zones at the Tattoo Expo; couples might love the romantic beach vibes at Duke's; and solo travelers can easily mingle at the free Korean event. My advice as your virtual family guide: Center your stay in Waikiki or Honolulu for seamless transportation via trolley or rideshare. Prioritize reef-safe products to protect those stunning corals, and embrace island time. Respect the customs, chat with locals, and let the moments unfold.