Travel Agent recently sat down with representatives of the Oahu Visitors Bureau and got the skinny on the hottest festivals to pitch to clients heading to Oahu this fall and winter.
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Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival (October 12)
The annual Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival, presented by the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group, celebrates Hawaii’s fishing and seafood industry with fishing workshops and demonstrations, games and activities, fresh seafood dishes, and more. Events take place at the Honolulu Fishing Village at Pier 38. Visit www.hawaiifishingfestival.com.
Molokai Hoe (October 12)
The Molokai Hoe has become one of the longest running annual team sporting events in Hawaii, second only to football. The race starts at Hale o Lono beach on Molokai and goes through the Kaiwi Channel, ending at Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki. The Molokai Hoe perpetuates one of Hawaii’s and Polynesia’s most important and historic cultural traditions, while honoring outrigger canoe paddlers around the world. Visit www.molokaihoe.com.
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November 12-December 20)
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing returns to the North Shore of Oahu for the men’s series and women’s Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach. Kicking off with the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, the series continues with the Vans World Cup of Surfing and women’s Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, and lastly the Billabong Pipeline Masters at the famous Banzai Pipeline. Oahu’s North Shore is home to these final events on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) calendar that will crown surfing’s new world champions. Visit www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.
Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau (December 1, 2014-February 28, 2015)
Each winter, the world’s best big wave surfers are invited to Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore to compete in the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau. The Eddie can only be held when surf measures at least 20 feet (Hawaiian scale) for a full day. The holding period for the event is between December 1 and the last day in February. When the surf is big enough, thousands flock to watch the likes of Kelly Slater and Bruce Irons compete in this prestigious surfing competition. Visit www.quiksilver.com.
XTERRA Trail Run World Championship (December 7)
The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is an off-road half-marathon that winds through Kualoa Ranch on Oahu’s northeastern shore. Trail runs, kids race, and other family events will also be offered. Visit www.xterraplanet.com.
Honolulu Marathon (December 14)
Thousands of runners from around the world travel to Oahu each year to participate in the Honolulu Marathon. The 26.2-mile scenic course includes spectacular views alongside world famous Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Visit www.honolulumarathon.org.
Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic (December 22, 23 and 25)
The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic is an eight-team, 12-game bracket tournament that features some of the nation’s best collegiate men’s basketball teams. The tournament is held at the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center. Visit www.diamondheadclassic.com.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl (December 24)
Following the University of Hawaii’s move to the Mountain West Conference (MWC), in 2012, the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl will pit a team from the MWC against a team from Conference USA in the annual college football bowl game played at Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium on Christmas Eve. Visit www.sheratonhawaiibowl.com.