Your Insider Guide to the 30th Made in Hawai‘i Festival
The 30th annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival returns on Aug. 23–25. Here’s what you should know before you go.
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Hawaiian Airlines presents the 30th annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival on Friday, Aug. 23, through Sunday, Aug. 25. This year’s festival will be the largest ever with more than 700 vendors for you to support. The Made in Hawai‘i Festival has served as the Islands’ premier event exclusively showcasing locally made products, including art, clothing, jewelry, food and much more.
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Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Cost
Tickets are $8 each and provide you with all-day access to the festival. Additionally, all ticket-holders will be automatically entered into the Made in Hawai‘i 2024 sweepstakes with the chance to win 160,000 HawaiianMiles, a two-night stay in a one bedroom ocean view suite at the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra and a family four-pack of passes to the 2025 Made in Hawai‘i Festival.
SEE ALSO: Our Guide: Honolulu Summer Festivals
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
When and Where
The Made in Hawai‘i Festival takes place on Aug. 23–25, and this year’s event is the largest ever, spanning Exhibit Halls I, II and III at 1801 Kalākaua Ave. Dates and times vary.
- Friday, Aug. 23: Buyers’ Hours are from 8 to 10 a.m. These are specifically for wholesale buyers and store owners to interact with exhibitors. The public hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 24: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 25: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where to Park
There is no general public parking at the Hawai‘i Convention Center for Festival attendees. Handicapped accessible spaces will be available at the Convention Center for attendees with a placard, but spaces are limited. Here are the recommended parking options from the festival organizers.
Ala Moana Shopping Center: Discounted parking for the Made in Hawai‘i Festival will be available across the street at Ala Moana Shopping Center. When using the paid parking services, enter the promo code “HCC@@” to receive a discounted rate.
Ride Share Services: Rideshare services, like Lyft or Uber, offer a convenient way to get to the Hawai‘i Convention Center, with drop-off and pick-up points conveniently located near the event entrance.
TheBus: Several bus routes stop near the Hawai‘i Convention Center, and public transportation offers an eco-friendly way to attend the festival. Download “DaBus2” app for detailed information on bus schedules, routes, stops and real-time arrival updates courtesy of O‘ahu Transit Services.
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Summer Bucket List: The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
What’s New
New this year, the festival will feature an array of new vendors launching brand-new products exclusive to the Made in Hawai‘i Festival. Patrons can visit the Hawaiian Airlines booth and shop HawaiianMiles Buy & Fly partners, including Jana Lam, Laha‘ole Designs, House of Mana Up, La Tour Café, Hana Tea, Holey Grail Donuts and Hawaiian Pie Company.
Additionally, Hawai‘i Foodbank is the selected charity for this year’s Made in Hawai‘i Festival, and when you purchase your festival tickets, you’ll have the opportunity to donate to Hawai‘i Foodbank directly at checkout.
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Shopping & Dining
There are more than 700 vendors, makers and entrepreneurs for the festival, so be sure to check out the map and vendor directory to plan your visit and see what local businesses you can support. Here are some we’re excited to shop:
- Aloha de Mele
- Arlie Glass
- Bradley & Lily Fine Stationery
- Choco Le‘a
- Dipped by Dee
- Fighting Eel
- Hawai‘i Candy Factory
- Hina Hawai‘i
- Jana Lam
- Kākou Collective
- Kris Goto
- Kūmana Activewear
- Laine Honolulu
- Lexbreezy Hawai‘i
- Lola Pilar Hawai‘i
- Mahina Made
- Mohala Eyewear
- Noho Home
- Pono Potions
- Sun.daes
- Sun Chong Company
- Ten Tomorrow
- This Lil Piggy
- Ubae
- VH07V Aloha Revolution
- Yireh
Made in Hawai‘i Festival Beer Garden
For ticket holders ages 21 and over, the beer garden is a great way to sample the newest drinks by local breweries, such as Maui Brewing, Kupu Spirits and Ola Brew.
Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Entertainment
In addition to more than 700 vendors, the festival has an entertaining lineup of cooking demos, fashion shows and musical performances.
Friday, Aug. 23
11 a.m. Chef Steve Balantac of Hula Grill
12 p.m. Chef Jon Tamashiro and Mixologist Jessica Grant of Pitch Sports Bar
1 p.m. Chefs Ahu and Nili of Istanbul
2 p.m. Jerry Santos and Kamuela Kimokeo
3 p.m. Kupaoa
4 p.m. Taimane
5 p.m. Fashion Show by Lexbreezy and Simply Sisters by Lola
6 p.m. Streetlight Cadence
Saturday, Aug. 24
10 a.m. Chef Cydney Wilcox of Banyan’s Craft Kitchen & Lounge
11 a.m. Chef Keoni Chang, sponsored by Foodland
12 p.m. Chef Keaka Lee of Kapa Hale, the Hawaiian Airlines Featured Chef
1 p.m. Frank De Lima
2 p.m. Bobby Moderow, Jr. and Kawika Kahiapo
3 p.m. Kani Ka Pila Grille is hosting talent search finals. The winner will receive a month-long contract with Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, which includes four performances within a month in 2025.
Sunday, Aug. 25
10 a.m. Chef Henry Lai of Robata Jinya
11 a.m. Chef Ala Sutton of Ala Carte Catering
12 p.m. Chef Robin Abad of Ali‘i Fish Market
1 p.m. Melveen Leed
2 p.m. Sean Na‘auao, the Nā Hokū Hanohano Awards 2024 Male Vocalist of the Year
SEE ALSO: Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
Tips
- Follow Made in Hawai‘i Festival on social media for sneak peeks of new products from exhibitors.
- Have your mobile QR code or printed ticket ready for check-in. You will receive a stamp on your hand for re-entry.
- While you can bring baby strollers, no wagons, coolers or carts will be allowed due to space constraints and venue guidelines. Pets are also not allowed, unless they are service animals.
- Mask up to protect yourself and others. The Made in Hawai‘i Festival will be bigger than ever this year, and the indoor venue will get crowded with attendees. With new variants, COVID-19 is on the rise this summer, so stay vigilant and keep yourself safe.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there will be lots of walking at the event.
- Plan ahead for specific vendors you know you definitely want to shop from, but also allow yourself time to peruse the other booths and watch the entertainment.
- Keep an eye on kids and designate areas to meet up. Use the buddy system and keep phones on you to communicate.
Made in Hawai‘i Festival, $8, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Aug. 23–25, madeinhawaiifestival.com, @madeinhi
