October 2025 Events in Waikīkī, Honolulu & O‘ahu
October in O‘ahu is a time when the islands blend the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality with the sparkle of cultural festivals, parades, music, and food. Whether you’re here to admire art in the park, taste flavors from around the world, or celebrate local traditions, Waikīkī is the perfect home base. Guests of Waikīkī Resort Hotel can begin the day with a breakfast at ‘Ilima Café, then step outside to explore some of the island’s most vibrant happenings.
Here’s your guide to some of the October 2025 events in Waikīkī, Honolulu, and beyond.
Mid-Autumn Festival & Parade
October 4, 2025 | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Honolulu
Celebrate the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, a holiday that marks the harvest and brings families together. Honolulu’s Chinatown comes alive with food vendors, crafts, keiki (kids) activities, and cultural performances throughout the day. The highlight? A dazzling parade at 6:30 pm along Maunakea Street, complete with lion dances, lanterns, and music.
Waimānalo Country Farms Fall Harvest Festival
September 27 – November 9, 2025 | Weekdays from 1:00 pm; Weekends from 9:00 am | 41-225 Lupe St, Waimānalo
Fall in Hawai‘i may not mean red leaves and chilly breezes, but at Waimānalo Country Farms, you’ll find pumpkin patches, sunflower fields, and farm-fresh treats that bring seasonal magic to the islands. Stroll through photo-ready fields, sip on the farm’s famous lemonade, and shop for handmade gifts. Pumpkins are sold separately at the patch checkout stand.
Insider Tip: Book a private picnic package to enjoy a peaceful meal right in the sunflower fields, a beautiful way to slow down and take in the view.
For more info: https://www.waimanalocountryfarms.com/fall-harvest-2025 (anchor text: waimanalocountryfarms.com)
Royal Hawaiian Band Free Performances
October 2, 8, 19, 22, 26, 2025 | Various locations
Founded by King Kamehameha III, the Royal Hawaiian Band continues its centuries-old tradition of sharing Hawai‘i’s music with the community. Enjoy free concerts at locations such as the Iolani Palace Grounds, Ala Moana Centerstage, Kapiolani Park Bandstand, and International Market Place. Performances usually last 45 minutes to an hour, offering a melodic taste of local history and pride.
Bishop Museum After Hours
October 10, 2025 | 5:00 – 9:00 pm | Bishop Museum, Honolulu
Every second Friday of the month, Bishop Museum opens its doors after dark. Explore Hawaiian Hall and unique exhibitions, engage with cultural practitioners, and spend time on the Great Lawn under the stars. Food and drinks from local vendors make it a festive evening for both kama‘āina (residents) and visitors.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s feather cloak and helmet in Hawaiian Hall, one of the museum’s most treasured pieces.
More information: https://www.bishopmuseum.org/exhibits-and-programs/afterhours/ (anchor text: bishopmuseum.org)
Pride 2025: Hoʻomau
October 15 – 18, 2025 | Various locations, Waikīkī & Honolulu
Celebrate resilience, unity, and love during Honolulu Pride, one of the most colorful and joyful events of the year.
Oct 15: Kick-Off Pau Hana at International Market Place
Oct 16: Pride Concert at Hawai‘i Theatre Center
Oct 17: Opening Party at Scarlet Honolulu
Oct 18: Pride Parade along Kalākaua Avenue + Pride Festival at Waikīkī Shell
Insider Tip: For the parade, find a spot along Kalākaua Avenue near Waikīkī Beach so you’ll have Diamond Head in the background for perfect photos.
More information: https://www.honolulupride.com/
Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF45)
October 15 – 26, 2025 | Honolulu
The 45th Annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF45) returns with the theme “Cinema without borders. Stories without limits.” Screenings, a new industry conference, and special events light up theaters across O‘ahu. The main venue is Consolidated Theatres Kahala, with additional screenings at Kapolei Theatres later in the month.
More information and tickets: https://hiff.org/how-to-hiff/
Waikīkī Artfest
October 18 – 19 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Kapiolani Regional Park
Held across multiple weekends, Waikīkī Artfest brings together local artists and makers showcasing paintings, jewelry, pottery, and more. Set against the backdrop of Diamond Head and steps away from Waikīkī Beach, this is a perfect way to shop “Made in Hawai‘i” creations while supporting the island’s creative community.
Fifteenth Annual Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival
October 30 – November 2, 2025 | O‘ahu
Hawai‘i’s largest culinary event returns with 150+ world-class chefs, winemakers, and mixologists. Expect grand tastings, intimate dinners, and unforgettable pairings, all showcasing Hawai‘i’s incredible local ingredients.
Schedule and tickets here: https://hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/schedule/
Make Waikīkī Your October Home Base
From farm fields in Waimānalo to parades on Kalākaua Avenue, October in O‘ahu is alive with color, flavor, and culture. Whether you’re sipping fresh lemonade at a pumpkin patch, cheering at the Pride Parade, or tasting dishes at the Food & Wine Festival, the island offers endless ways to celebrate the season.
Waikīkī Resort Hotel puts you at the heart of it all, steps from Waikīkī Beach and minutes from the island’s top events. After a day of exploring, return to your room, relax on your lanai, and let the spirit of Hawai‘i surround you.
Ready to plan your getaway? Book your stay direct with Waikīkī Resort Hotel for the best rates and added perks.