Hawaii.com - 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.