The Made in Hawaii Festival 2025 – A Must-Experience Event

Mark your calendars — and your shopping lists. The 31st annual Made in Hawaii Festival returns to Oʻahu from August 15–17, 2025, and this year’s celebration promises to be the biggest and best yet. Sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, the festival is a can’t-miss weekend of culture, craftsmanship, and community spirit.

Each year, this signature event transforms Oʻahu into a bustling hub of innovation and tradition. It’s more than a market — it’s a celebration of everything that makes Hawai‘i unique. From handcrafted jewelry and fashion to small-batch gourmet treats, the Made in Hawai‘i Festival is a one-stop shop for 400+ local entrepreneurs.

Visitors wander rows of colorful booths, chatting with makers, tasting samples, and discovering one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect souvenir or supporting small businesses, this is your chance to experience the soul of Hawai‘i through the eyes of its creators.

A Festival Rooted in Local Pride

The Made in Hawaii Festival began in 1995, thanks to the vision of the Hawaii Food Industry Association’s desire to spotlight local businesses. What started as a simple idea to support homegrown products has evolved into one of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved annual events.

Held each year in August, the festival coincides with “Statehood Weekend,” a three-day celebration marking Hawaiʻi’s admission as the 50th U.S. state. The third Friday of August is a state holiday and brings thousands of shoppers, families, and visitors to Honolulu for a long weekend of shopping, tasting, and revelry.

Made in Hawaii and Nowhere Else

The Made in Hawaii Festival has a strict requirement that everything sold must be genuinely made here. They won’t put up with branding or slapping a “Hawaiian” label on imported goods. Vendors must be able to prove their creations — every lei, print, or jar of liliko‘i butter — are produced locally — using local resources and labor whenever possible.

In a world where souvenirs are often mass-produced and imported, this quality control ensures authenticity and cultural integrity. It also makes the festival an ideal destination for visitors wanting to take home a truly unique item that was truly made in Hawai‘i.

Supporting Local Farmers and Businesses

For local entrepreneurs, the festival is more than an annual event — it’s a critical business opportunity. Many vendors, including local artisans, report that the Made in Hawaii Festival provides a significant portion of their annual sales. It also helps them forge new relationships with wholesale buyers and retail partners.

For example, a small soap company based in Maui may start out selling online or at farmers markets. Through the festival, it can introduce its line to thousands of attendees and possibly gain access to national or international retailers.

Hawaiian food vendors use the festival as a stage to debut new flavors, test inventive recipes, and put a modern spin on traditional favorites. From crisp taro chips and freshly pounded poi to gourmet sauces, tropical jams, and beverages infused with island fruits, the event is a paradise for food lovers. Many vendors even earn local media attention for their standout creations, helping to shape the future of Hawai‘i’s ever-evolving culinary scene.

Brands to Look Out For:

• Big Island Candies: Homemade Treats — If you’ve ever tasted their melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies, you know they’re something special. Made right in Hilo, their treats are handcrafted and elegantly packaged. And yes, their cookie showroom is a dream. Check out their products here.
• Hawaiian Sun — A staple in every local fridge, Hawaiian Sun juices are iconic. With flavors like Pass-O-Guava and Lilikoi Passion, each delivers a burst of island flavor. You can also order Hawaiian Sun online.
• Liko Lehua — What started as a small operation in Hilo has blossomed into a beloved brand of tropical-flavored fruit butter. Each jar is hand-poured and full of aloha. They also run a charming farm and restaurant. Learn more about them here.

A Cultural Melting Pot

Hawaiʻi is one of the most diverse places in the world, with a rich cultural mix that includes Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, Polynesian, and many other influences. The Made in Hawaii Festival is a living embodiment of this multiculturalism. The lei maker continues a centuries-old family tradition. A modern designer puts a contemporary spin on Hawaiian print clothing. A woodworker shapes koa into heirloom-quality pieces. Exploring each booth is learning their story.

Sustainability and Tradition

In recent years, sustainability has become a central theme at the festival. Hawaiʻi imports more than 85% of its food and consumer goods, so supporting local producers plays a vital role in building a more resilient and self-sufficient economy. By giving local farms, fishermen, artists, and creators a stage, the festival encourages residents and tourists to think about where their products come from — and to make conscious choices that support the land and the people.

Many vendors incorporate traditional Hawaiian practices such as lauhala weaving, kapa making, or the use of endemic plants and trees. These traditions aren’t just preserved — they’re being innovated and made relevant to today’s world, all while honoring their origins.

Food and Beverage

The festival is a foodie paradise with a range of culinary delights crafted by local artisans. From homemade marinara sauce to artisanal tofu, from traditional Hawaiian dishes to modern fusion cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate and dietary preference. One word of advice: come hungry.

Entertainment and Activities

The Made in Hawaii Festival is a feast for the senses, featuring fashion designers and award-winning musical performances that celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Hawaii. Slack key guitar, steel guitar, ukulele, hula hālau — they’re all here. The schedule is packed with cultural programming that blends tradition with innovation, giving everyone a stage to showcase what makes Hawaiʻi so special.

Attendees can enjoy performances by recipients of the prestigious Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, often referred to as the “Grammys of Hawaiian music.” With a focus on promoting Hawaiian culture and creativity, the festival offers a wide range of activities and entertainment for all ages.

Getting There and Parking

The Hawai‘i Convention Center is conveniently located at 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815. On-site parking is available with rates starting at $10 a day. For those who prefer public transportation, TheBus has several routes that stop nearby, ensuring a smooth journey to the festival. If you’re using ride-share services, the festival has a designated drop-off and pick-up area to make your arrival and departure seamless. To plan your trip, visit the festival’s website and use the interactive map to get precise directions and navigate the site.

Accommodations and Travel

Planning to stay overnight in Honolulu? The Made in Hawaii Festival has partnered with several local hotels to offer special rates for attendees. Visit the festival’s website to book your accommodations and take advantage of exclusive discounts. For those traveling from neighboring islands, Hawaiian Airlines offers special fares for festival attendees with the promo code “MIHF2025.” These partnerships make it easier and more economical for everyone to join in the festivities, whether you’re a local or visiting from another island.

The Visitor Experience

For someone attending the festival for the first time, it can be a sensory overload to navigate. Rows of stalls, each one more colorful than the next, make it easy to spend hours browsing. Some vendors, including local artisans, give live demonstrations of their craft — such as hand-printing fabric, carving, or baking treats on the spot. Browsers are greeted with aloha and treated to a spirit of hospitality that defines the Hawaiian experience. It’s common to see multigenerational families attending together, tourists mingling with locals, and long-time festivalgoers returning year after year.

Expanding Beyond Oʻahu and Honolulu

While the festival takes place on Oʻahu, its reach extends throughout Hawaii and beyond. Many vendors hail from Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi — bringing their distinct regional flavors and styles to the big stage. In recent years, with the rise of online shopping and virtual events, the Made in Hawaii Festival has also expanded into the digital space. During COVID-19, organizers launched a virtual version, allowing people from across the globe to shop local Hawaiian products online. The digital component continues to this day which has expanded the festival’s reach enormously.

Looking to the Future

As the Made in Hawaii Festival continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains the same: to celebrate the creativity, resilience, and innovation of Hawaiʻi’s people. With increased emphasis on sustainability and cultural preservation, the festival is more than just a shopping event — it is a model for how communities can choose to support one another and grow together.

Efforts are also underway to educate younger generations and get them involved in the festival. Schools and youth programs are often invited to perform or participate in workshops, and more vendors are mentoring apprentices or family members to pass on their skills.

Closing Thoughts

The Made in Hawaii Festival on Oʻahu is much more than a weekend event — it’s a cultural institution. Designed to foster community, support innovation, and keep the spirit of aloha alive, entrepreneurship and artistry are on full display. Attending is a chance to experience the true soul of Hawaiʻi — through food, music, people, and deep-rooted traditions. You’ll leave with more than just a bag of goodies — you’ll take home a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Hawaiʻi.

Tips for Attendees

To make the most of your experience at the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival:

• Plan Ahead: Review the list of exhibitors and event schedule beforehand to prioritize the booths and performances you wish to attend.
• Stay Hydrated: Honolulu’s climate can be warm and humid in August. Carrying a reusable water bottle is recommended.
• Bring Reusable Bags: With numerous shopping opportunities, having reusable bags is both practical and environmentally friendly.
• Engage with Vendors: Take the time to learn about their creations and the stories behind them. Many vendors are passionate about their crafts and are eager to share their knowledge.