April in Hawaii is a beautiful time to visit the islands. While it can occasionally be a bit wetter than normal, the showers are usually passing and often one side of the island can be bright and sunny even when the other is experiencing rain. Humpback whale season tapers off about this time, but you still may have some luck whale watching in Hawaii in April.
The most enticing reason to visit during April is that it’s the start of the shoulder season that typically stretches roughly from Easter until the summer crowds move back in mid-June. You’ll often find deals and specials at this time since hotel occupancy typically dips a bit.
The March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan have also put a damper on the normal rush of Japanese visitors that come for a holiday period called Golden Week. It’s been heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from the local community for our friends in Japan as they rebuild from this disaster.
While there has been some damage to our islands, most notably on the Big Island, this should not deter you at all from visiting Hawaii! Rebuilding efforts are underway or completed at most spots, and we’re looking forward to another beautiful summer.
4/1 – Na Leo Pilimehana Concert – This Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning trio of female vocalists performs at a beautiful outdoor concert at the Waikoloa Bowl, starting at 7pm. Details here. (Big Island)
4/1 – First Friday – The monthly First Friday block parties take place in Downtown/Chinatown on Oahu and in Wailuku, Maui. You’ll find a variety of activities, performances, live music, food, and entertainment to enjoy. (Oahu, Maui)
4/1 – 4/7 – Hawaii International Film Festival Spring Showcase – Hawaii International Film Festival’s Spring Showcase film festival will be held at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters from April 1-7, 2011, featuring 25-30 films from almost a dozen countries. Details here. (Oahu)
4/2 – Ocean Day Hawai‘i Malama Kanaloa Festival – There will be live music, food booths and hand-on games and activities, including underwater remote operated vehicles, fishing games, touch tank exploration, face painting, crafts, activities and educational resources for the entire family to enjoy. Details here. (Big Island)
4/9 – Spring Soaker Ohana Day – Multiple water features, large bounce house, a crafts tent, food booth, lucky numbers and a silent auction will be available when gates open to the Spring Soaker ‘Ohana Day, April 9, at Anne Knudsen Park in Koloa, a benefit for the Koloa Early School. Details here. (Kauai)
4/10 – Women Helping Women Elegant Afternoon Tea – This yearly fundraiser for Women Helping Women will be held at the Yokouchi Pavilion of the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Afternoon tea is catered by Chef Bev Gannon of Hali‘imaile General Store, Joe’s Bar & Grill and Gannon’s Restaurant in Wailea. The theme this year is Eat, Pray, Love, Laugh and evening entertainment includes comedienne Kathy Griffin. Details here. (Maui)
4/17 – Honolulu Aids Walk – Join Life Foundation and thousands of walkers for the 20th annual Honolulu AIDS Walk – an easy 5K walk around Kapiolani Park to help support free services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Hawaii, HIV testing, and education for the community. Details here. (Oahu)
4/24 – 4/30 – Merrie Monarch Festival - Every year, hula halau from all over the state and beyond come to Hilo for this week-long festival honoring King David Kalakaua. Events include cultural demonstrations a grand parade in Hilo, but the most-watched is the three-day hula competition. Details here. (Big Island)
4/27 – B.B. King - Catch the King of Blues live in concert at the Blaisdell Arena. Tickets start at $50 and up. Details here. (Oahu)
4/29 – Art After Dark – This monthly event is held at the Honolulu Academy of Arts from 6-9pm on the last Friday of every month. It draws a young professional crowd and themes rotate monthly – this month is a tribute to hip hop culture. Events throughout the evening usually include gallery tours, hands-on projects, entertainment, cocktails and food. Details here. (Oahu)
4/30 – Waikiki SPAM Jam – You’ve probably heard about Hawaii having the highest per-capita consumption of SPAM, and maybe even tried a SPAM musubi while you are here. But you haven’t seen anything like this street festival dedicated to all things SPAM. Details here. (Oahu)
4/30 – East Maui Taro Festival – This annual festival in Hana, Maui celebrates taro, a staple crop in the Hawaiian diet through music, hula, and food demonstrations. Details here. (Maui)
