Hawaiʻi’s Best October Festivals: Food, Surf, Film & More

October in Hawaiʻi is a sweet spot for travelers. The weather is warm but not too hot, the summer crowds have thinned, and the islands come alive with festivals that celebrate food, culture, art, and surf. From world-class chefs to legendary waves on the North Shore, October is full of experiences you won’t want to miss.
​
Here are the top festivals in Hawaiʻi that make this month one of the best times to visit.

Photo Credits: Honolulu Magazine

Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival

When & Where: Mid-October through early November, across Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island
Official Site: hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com
​
Hawaiʻi’s premier culinary event is a dream for foodies. Over 100 world-renowned chefs, mixologists, and wine experts gather to create unforgettable dining experiences. Expect multi-island tastings, farm-to-table dinners, and creative menus highlighting Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients and sustainable practices.
Whether you’re sipping wine by the ocean or enjoying a chef’s table experience under the stars, this is Hawaiʻi’s culinary stage at its best.

​Sunset Pro Surf Contest (World Surf League)

When & Where: Late October, Sunset Beach, North Shore, Oʻahu
Official Site: worldsurfleague.com

​October marks the return of big waves on Oʻahu’s legendary North Shore, and the Sunset Pro is where the action starts. This World Surf League Qualifying Series event attracts top surfers from around the globe, battling Sunset Beach’s powerful waves.
​
Even if you don’t surf, the atmosphere is electric—locals, fans, and visitors gather along the sand to witness the drama of ocean and athlete. It’s raw, it’s thrilling, and it’s pure Hawaiʻi.

Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF)

When & Where: October 16 – November 16, primarily Honolulu, Oʻahu
Official Site: hiff.org

​Recognized as one of the Pacific Rim’s top film festivals, HIFF brings together Asian, Pacific, and Indigenous cinema for a month of screenings and events. Beyond the films, you’ll find panels, Q&As, and red-carpet premieres in Honolulu.
It’s the perfect cultural complement to days spent on the beach—swapping surfboards for cinema and diving into global and local stories.

Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival

When & Where: Early–mid October, Hāmākua Coast, Hawaiʻi Island
More Info: Go Hawaiʻi – Big Island Events

​This community festival celebrates the Big Island’s sugar plantation history with parades, local food, live music, and crafts. Held along the scenic Hāmākua Coast, the event is surrounded by waterfalls, historic towns, and lush landscapes.
​
It’s a fun way to explore beyond the resorts and get a taste of authentic Hawaiʻi culture and history.

Honolulu Pride Parade & Festival

When & Where: Mid-October, Waikīkī, Oʻahu
Official Site: honolulupride.com

Kalākaua Avenue bursts with color during the annual Honolulu Pride Parade & Festival. Expect rainbow floats, music, food, and high-energy performances all day long, followed by an evening celebration with live entertainment.

​It’s one of Waikīkī’s liveliest events, welcoming everyone to celebrate love, inclusion, and aloha spirit.

Festivals of Aloha – Molokaʻi Hoʻolauleʻa

When & Where: Early October, Molokaʻi
Official Site: festivalsofaloha.com

Molokaʻi hosts one of the most authentic Hawaiian cultural festivals of the year. With traditional music, hula, food, and local artisans, the Hoʻolauleʻa is a community gathering filled with aloha spirit.

​For adventurous travelers looking to go beyond the main tourist trail, this festival offers an intimate look at Hawaiian traditions in one of the islands’ most untouched settings.

​Travel Tips for October Festivals in Hawaiʻi

• Book early: Popular festivals sell out, and October is a growing travel season.
  
• Pair events with tours: Catch the Food & Wine Festival and add a farm tour, or visit the Sunset Pro alongside a North Shore sightseeing trip.
  
• Stay flexible: Surf contests depend on wave conditions—schedules may change.
  
• ​Island hop: If your trip allows, combine Oʻahu events with Big Island or Molokaʻi festivals for a richer experience.

​

October is one of Hawaiʻi’s most vibrant months, where culinary excellence, surf legends, and cultural traditions come together. From the excitement of the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival to the energy of Sunset Beach and the pride of Waikīkī, these festivals transform your vacation into something truly unforgettable.

​Plan your trip around these events, and let our tours help you experience the best of Hawaiʻi while you’re here.