7 Absolutely Free Honolulu Events to Check Out in July 2016
You don’t need to break the bank just to have fun this summer.
1. Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
July 2
Bon dance the night away! This event features the largest bon dance in Honolulu and also includes a variety of food, shopping and crafts. Free parking is provided at the University of Hawai‘i campus, with shuttles to the event.
5–10:30 p.m., Varsity Office Building, 1100 University Ave., moiliilisummerfest.com
2. Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
July 4
Celebrate Fourth of July “North Shore style” at the Turtle Bay Resort. This event features performances from local artists, including Bobby Moderow, Weldon Kekauoha and Kawika Kahiapo, and food from Eat the Street. There will be giveaways throughout the day, and one lucky winner will go home with a brand new guitar. And don’t worry about missing the Ala Moana fireworks, Turtle Bay has it covered.
2:30–8 p.m., Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, slackkeyfestival.com
3. Best of Honolulu Festival
July 16
It’s the best of the best all in one place. Perfect for the whole family, we’ve gathered a group of the best local vendors for all your food, shopping and service needs! And if you can’t figure out exactly what you’re craving, you don’t have to choose just one (we won’t tell).
10 a.m.–5 p.m., Honolulu Hale Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds, 650 S. King St., honolulumagazine.com/bestofhonolulufestival
4. Christmas in July Woof-Tacular
July 16
Photo: Keri Nakahashi PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s the dogs that get all the presents this Christmas … in July. For all you dog lovers (who are perhaps also anxiously awaiting that holiday at the end of the year), take your pups to this “woof-tacular” event at the Hawai‘i Doggie Bakery. There are plenty of Christmas-themed activities for your pups, in addition to a photography session with Santa and a Christmas costume contest.
3–7 p.m., Hawai‘i Doggie Bakery, 2961C E. Mānoa Road, hawaiidoggiebakery.org/2016/06/1st-ever-christmas-in-july-woof-tacular/
5. Mangoes at the Moana
July 16
All things mango here! Learn how to make mango cream pie and mango fish tacos. There’s also a farmers market that features different mango products, free workshops and live entertainment. For a small fee, you can taste dishes prepared by chefs from popular local restaurants, including Koko Head Café and MW Restaurant. Self-parking at the Sheraton Princess Kaīulani is free (with validation, up to four hours).
Tip: If you are interested in the tastings, buy presale food/beverage tickets by July 15 for a discount.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Moana Surfrider, 2365 Kalākaua Ave., moana-surfrider.com/dining/mangoesatthemoana
6. Prince Lot Hula Festival
July 16–17
Every year, people gather to see hālau from all over the state perform at the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawai‘i. Bring your beach chair or mat and relax on the grass while you enjoy the festivities.
Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Moanalua Gardens, 2850-A Moanalua Road, moanaluagardensfoundation.org
7. 46th Annual ‘Ukulele Festival Hawai‘i
Sunday, July 17
More than 10,000 people come together every year to celebrate one of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved instruments. ʻUkulele players of all ages perform, including well-known local musicians, international recording artists and a 700-piece ʻukulele band comprising of ʻukulele students. Also offered at the event are free ʻukulele lessons, giveaways and more. Food is available for purchase.
10:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Kapiʻolani Park, ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/oahu/index.htm
