Spam Jam Waikiki: Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Festival

It’s no surprise that Hawai‘i is home to the annual Waikīkī Spam Jam Festival. After all, we eat more Spam per capita than any other U.S. state — over seven million cans a year! And yes, I’ll admit, I help keep that number high. Spam is more than a pantry staple here — it’s comfort food. It’s a taste of home.

First introduced by Hormel Foods in 1937, Spam became a household name during World War II, thanks to its long shelf life and portability. For U.S. troops stationed in the Pacific, it was a reliable meal — and in Hawai‘i, it stuck. Over time, it fused into local cuisine and culture. Whether it’s served in musubi, stir-fried with cabbage, or sizzling in a breakfast skillet, Spam has earned its iconic status.

Every year, the Waikīkī SPAM Jam turns Kalākaua Avenue into a lively street party, complete with creative Spam dishes, live entertainment, and a celebration of the quirky yet beloved canned meat. It’s a festival as unique as Hawai‘i itself.

Waikīkī Spam Jam: A Cultural Celebration

The inaugural Waikīkī Spam Jam launched in 2002 as a tribute to Hawai‘i’s long-standing love affair with SPAM. Originally created to celebrate this quirky culinary icon while supporting local charities, the event has grown into one of Oʻahu’s most anticipated cultural festivals that happens annually in April.

With each passing year, the celebration has evolved — showcasing not only Spam’s unique role in Hawaiian cuisine but also the community’s ability to blend humor, heritage, and hospitality into one unforgettable night. Spam dishes range from creative takes on comfort food to unexpected mashups that leave you thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

How to Experience the Festival

Held every spring, the Waikīkī Spam Jam transforms Kalākaua Avenue into the ultimate block party, drawing 30,000 to 40,000 Spam lovers. The street is closed to vehicular traffic, turning into a pedestrian-only promenade filled with food booths, live music, and local artisans. Pop-up tents line the avenue, with vendors dishing out inventive Spam creations from ice cream to popcorn. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or park in designated spots at the Honolulu Zoo or Kapiʻolani Park, both within walking distance of the festival. Some nearby shopping centers also offer validated parking for customers attending the event.

2025 Festival Entertainment and Activities

In 2025, the festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. along Kalākaua Avenue, Waikiki’s main thoroughfare that borders the ocean.

Beyond the tables of Spam concoctions and unique culinary offerings, the vibrant festival boasts a diverse lineup of entertainment across multiple stages. Attendees can enjoy live music performances ranging from local bands to popular Hawaiian artists. This is the music line-up for Spam Jam 2025 on all three stages:

Outrigger Resorts Stage

Fronting the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel

• 4:30 p.m. Kala’e Camarillo
• 5:30 p.m. JLYN
• 5:55 p.m. Kailua Moon
• 6:20 p.m. Tavana
• 6:45 p.m. Anthony Pfluke
• 7:10 p.m. Kala’e and Kalena
• 7:30 p.m. Kahiau Lam Ho
• 8:30 p.m. Greg Sardinha & Friends – Tribute to Pahinui ‘Ohana

 Southwest Airlines Stage

Fronting the Royal Hawaiian Center

• 4:30 p.m. POP 808 Hawaii (KPOP)
• 5:30 p.m. 808 Breakers
• 6:30 p.m. Kaylee Shimizu (from NBC The Voice)
• 7:30 p.m. Jody Kamisato & Friends
• 8:30 p.m. Close The Distance

Hawaii Music Preservation Society Stage

Hula Mound Fronting the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort

• 4:30 p.m. Halau Hula o Kekaikuihala
• 5:30 p.m. Hui O Napuala’ikauikaiu
• 6:30 p.m. HMPS Dancers
• 7:30 p.m. Halau Hula O Hokulani
• 9:00 p.m. Waikiki SPAM JAM Drone Show (the best view is from this stage)

Spam Merchandise 

Attendees can purchase a variety of Spam-themed merchandise, locally crafted items, and custom collectibles. The festival features exclusive collaborations, such as those with the local boutique Eden in Love, offering trendy products like tumblers, pouches, and bags. These items are available at the festival’s pop-up shops and through their online store, which is open during the event.

Community Impact and Charitable Contributions

The Waikiki Spam Jam is not only a celebration of Spam but one of the longest-running street festivals in Hawaii. A portion of the proceeds supports local organizations such as the Hawaii Foodbank, Visitor Aloha Society Hawaii, and the Waikiki Community Center, benefiting local residents. In 2024, the festival raised over $49,000 for these organizations, highlighting its commitment to giving back to the community.

Dine-In Restaurant Week

Complementing the main event, the festival features a Dine-In Restaurant Week from April 19 to May 4 (for a week before and after the festival). During this period, participating restaurants in Waikiki offer special Spam-themed menu items, allowing patrons to indulge in special Spam dishes beyond the festival. Establishments such as BASALT and Liliha Bakery have previously participated, offering creations like Spam Eggs Benedict and Spam Loco Moco.

Unique Culinary Creations

These inventive dishes, crafted by some of Honolulu’s top chefs and restaurants, have headlined past festivals in celebration of Hawai‘i’s enduring love for Spam. From nostalgic favorites to bold new twists, each creation showcases the ingredient’s surprising versatility and cultural significance.

• Spam Bao Bun — Offered by BASALT, this dish combines Spam with traditional Asian steamed buns.
• Spam Tacos — Buho Cocina y Cantina presents a Mexican-inspired take by incorporating Spam into classic tacos.
• Spam Musubi Butter Mochi — Bite Size 808 creates a fusion of the traditional Spam musubi and Hawaiian butter mochi.
• Spam and Kimchee Ahi Poke — Offered by Ko Tiki Terrace, this dish adds a spicy twist to the classic Hawaiian appetizer by combining Spam with kimchee and ahi poke.
• Green Eggs and Spam Pizza — Appetito Craft Pizza and Wine Bar offers a unique pizza topped with roasted shishito peppers and Spam.
• Spam Sloppy Joe Burger — Da Bald Guy presents a hearty sandwich combining Spam with a classic Sloppy Joe.
• Spam Mac & Cheese — Moani Waikiki blends creamy macaroni and cheese with savory Spam bits.

More to Explore While You’re in Waikīkī

While you’re in town for Spam Jam 2025, take some time to soak in the best of Oʻahu’s most famous beachfront neighborhood. Spend your mornings strolling the soft sands of Waikīkī Beach, or head to the summit of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) for panoramic views of the coast. Check out the Honolulu Zoo or take a cultural detour through the exhibits at the Bishop Museum or ʻIolani Palace. If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for a surf lesson, rent a paddleboard, or hop on a sunset cruise. After you’ve eaten your fill of Spam, Waikīkī offers no shortage of scenic, cultural, and outdoor adventures to round out your weekend.

Where Else to Eat Spam in Hawaiʻi

Can’t make it the weekend of the festival? No worries — Spam is everywhere in Hawaiʻi. Grab a classic Spam musubi from almost any ABC Store, 7-Eleven, or local plate lunch spot. On the Big Island, try the local twist on Spam loco moco, and on Kauaʻi, don’t miss out on Spam fried rice at roadside diners. At breakfast joints across Maui, you’ll often find Spam paired with eggs and rice as a menu staple. For a gourmet twist, some high-end restaurants even feature Spam in fusion dishes that showcase its versatility.

Conclusion

The Waikiki Spam Jam Festival is a vibrant festival that salutes Hawaii’s unique food scene and community spirit. It offers a blend of food, entertainment, and cultural moxie, making it a must-attend event for anyone looking for some fun on a Saturday night. The festival provides an unforgettable experience that celebrates this beloved staple in all its forms.