Oahu Events in September

Aloha Festivals

The Aloha Festivals are the crown jewel of Hawaiʻi’s cultural celebrations and the biggest of their kind in the state. Founded in 1946, this month-long series of events honors Hawaiʻi’s heritage through music, dance, food, and parades. The season begins with the Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony at ʻIolani Palace, where Ali‘i (royalty) in regalia are presented. The biggest highlight is the Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa, a huge block party along Kalākaua Avenue where local musicians perform, hula dancers fill the streets, and food vendors serve ono (delicious) Hawaiian eats. The grand finale is the Floral Parade, featuring flower-covered floats, marching bands, and paʻu riders on horseback draped in island blooms. Free and family-friendly, this is where the spirit of aloha shines brightest.

When: September 6–28, 2025 (events throughout the month)
Where: Honolulu & Waikīkī
More Info: Aloha Festivals

Honolulu Intertribal Pow Wow

For nearly five decades, the Honolulu Intertribal Pow Wow has brought together Native Hawaiian and Native American communities to celebrate culture, tradition, and friendship. Expect a day filled with drumming, dancing, storytelling, and handcrafted art. The festivities begin with a Native Hawaiian blessing at 9 AM, followed by a grand entry at 10 AM. And yes, make sure you try the fry bread! It’s a free, family-friendly festival that’s both educational and joyful.

When: September 6th
Where: Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park
More Info: Pow Wow

Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai (Women of the Sea Canoe Race)

This legendary outrigger canoe race is one of the most grueling and respected in the world. Women’s teams paddle 41 miles across the treacherous Kaiwi Channel from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu, an actual test of strength, teamwork, and endurance. More than 1,000 paddlers from Hawaiʻi and abroad compete, making it an inspiring event that celebrates both athleticism and Polynesian voyaging traditions. Watching the finish in Waikīkī is nothing short of breathtaking.

When: September 28, 2025
Where: From Molokaʻi to Oʻahu, finishing at Waikīkī
More Info: Women's Canoe Race

Waikiki Roughwater Swim

Start the month with an adrenaline rush at the Waikīkī Roughwater Swim, one of the world’s premier open-water swim races. Athletes from around the globe take on a 2.3-mile swim in the turquoise waters off Waikīkī, battling ocean currents and testing endurance in a true bucket-list event. Even if you’re not jumping in, it’s a thrill to cheer on the swimmers as they finish on the sands of Waikīkī Beach.

When: September 1, 2025
Where: Sans Souci Beach between the Natatorium & the Kaimana Beach Hotel Waikiki, Hawai’i 
More Info: Rough Water Swim

September on Oʻahu is the perfect blend of tradition, artistry, and energy. You’ll kick things off with world-class competition at the Waikīkī Roughwater Swim, then immerse yourself in cultural richness at both the Honolulu Intertribal Pow Wow and the unforgettable Aloha Festivals. And at month’s end, the incredible Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai canoe race shows the raw power of women paddlers crossing the Kaiwi Channel in honor of Hawaiian seafaring traditions. Add to that a packed lineup of live music and concerts, and you’ve got an island calendar brimming with experiences.

If you’re planning a trip to Oʻahu in September 2025, bring your curiosity, a spirit of adventure, and plenty of room in your schedule, because this island doesn’t slow down when it comes to celebrations. From sunrise swims to late-night street parties, you’ll be swept up in the aloha spirit all month long.