7 Absolutely Free Honolulu Events to Check Out in May 2017

This month, pay homage to Hawaiʻi’s tattoo culture, gather with book lovers, view beautiful gems and more, all for free.

May 1, 2017

Lennie Omalza,

12th Annual Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival.

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival

1. Kapuʻuola Hula Festival

May 6

Celebrate the oratory and performing skills of Native Hawaiians while enjoying mele and hula from Kuana Torres Kahele, the Royal Hawaiian Band and various hālau at this festival. There will also be food and crafts available for purchase.

1 to 7 p.m., Pu‘uokapolei Hula Mound at Kapolei Regional Park, 1077 Manawai St., Kapolei, uluae.org

2. Spring 2017 Hawai‘i Small Business Fair

May 6

Leeward Community College is hosting the Spring 2017 Hawai‘i Small Business Fair, sponsored in partnership by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The one-day event will feature workshops and exhibitors from federal, state and local agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.

7:30 to 11:15 a.m., Leeward Community College, 96-045 Ala Ike Road, Pearl City, invest.hawaii.gov

3. 12th Annual Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival

May 6 & 7

This family-friendly event features multiple pavilions and stages with programs for book and music lovers of all ages and genres, including readings, panel discussions, performances by award-winning Hawaiʻi musicians and hula hālau, and more.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds, hawaiibookandmusicfestival.com

4. Hawaiʻi Gem and Mineral Show

May 12, 13 & 14

Organized by the Hawai‘i Rock & Mineral Society, this show will feature gem and mineral displays, lapidary cutting and polishing demonstrations, as well as a rare display of Hawaiian minerals, including quartz, calcite, opal and agate.

5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Honolulu Museum of Art School Linekona Building, 1111 Victoria St., pohakugalore.net

5. Manu-o-Kū Festival

May 20

Celebrate the Manu-o-Kū (Kū’s bird, white tern), the official bird of Honolulu. There will be entertainment, games and prizes for the keiki, plus crafts, a nature costume contest with prizes (for all ages), a photo contest, bird tours, spotting scopes and refreshments.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., ʻIolani Palace Coronation Grounds, 364 S. King St., conservehi.org

Fifth Annual Kahumana Farm Festival.

Photo: Courtesy of Kahumana Farm Festival

6. Fifth Annual Kahumana Farm Festival

May 20 Postponed to Oct. 7

This annual event brings the community together to celebrate and promote local agriculture, crafts, education, artists and music. Festival-goers can enjoy plant sales, band performances, educational workshops and a keiki zone.

11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Kahumana Organic Farm & Café, 86-660 Lualualei Homestead Road, Waiʻanae, eventbrite.com

7. Michelangelo Pistoletto Solo Exhibit

Through May 31

View Ravizza Brownfield Gallery’s solo exhibition by Italian painter Michelangelo Pistoletto. The artist conceived exclusive works specifically for Ravizza Brownfield Gallery, including a project that pays homage to the tattoo culture of Hawai‘i.

6 to 8 p.m. daily, Ravizza Brownfield Gallery, 1109 Nuʻuanu Ave., ravizzabrownfield.com