10+ Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Festivals Celebrated Annually in Southern California

Festivals are held across Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, and Ventura County. Whether you’re searching for a Hawaiian festival near you in the South Bay, the Inland Empire, or coastal San Diego, there’s likely something within driving distance. Most festivals listed here are free admission.

(listed by date)

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2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

When are Hawaiian festivals in Southern California in 2026? The 2026 season runs from January through September. The SoCal Slack Key Festival kicks things off in January (Redondo Beach), followed by the Chamorro Cultural Festival in March (San Marcos), Heritage of Aloha Festival in May (Santa Fe Springs), and a packed summer schedule running June through September including the Aquarium of the Pacific Pacific Islander Festival, Samoan Heritage Festival, San Diego Ho’olaule’a, Alondra Park Ho’olaule’a, Heiva San Diego, and the LA International Ukulele Festival.

Are Hawaiian festivals in SoCal free? Most festivals on this list are free to attend! The Pacific Islander Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific requires standard aquarium admission. Individual festival pages will note any ticketed events or VIP experiences.

What can I expect at a Southern California ho’olaule’a? A ho’olaule’a (Hawaiian: celebration, merrymaking) typically features hula performances by local hālau, live Hawaiian and Polynesian music, traditional and contemporary arts and crafts vendors, island food, and cultural exhibits. Many also include educational programming for keiki (children). Dress comfortably, most events are held outdoors.

What is the difference between a ho’olaule’a and a Pacific Islander festival? A ho’olaule’a is specifically a Hawaiian cultural celebration. Pacific Islander festivals have a broader scope, representing Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian cultures, including Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, Fijian, and Tahitian communities alongside Hawaiian cultural traditions.

Do these festivals happen every year? Yes! All festivals listed here are annual events. Dates may shift slightly year to year. This page is updated each year with confirmed 2026 dates as they are announced.