7 Can’t-Miss Honolulu Concerts to Check Out in August 2018

To salute a great summer, here are some can’t-miss performances, from island classics to a contemporary jazz saxophonist.

Michael Lington

August 10–11

Photo: Courtesy of Michael LIngton

For a night of romantic smooth jazz, don’t miss Danish-American saxophonist Michael Lington at Blue Note Hawaiʻi for two nights of soulful music. With 10 solo albums that have charted on Billboard and Radio & Records, Lington is a seasoned artist who plays alto, tenor and soprano sax. You can also order dinner and drinks off of Blue Note’s menu for an all-in-one date night.

$25–$35, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Blue Note Hawaiʻi, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com.

Revive the Live

August 17-18

Photo: Courtesy of Revive the LIve

Originally started in response to the decline of live Island music in 2010, Revive the Live is back at a new location, the Great Lawn of Bishop Museum. Enjoy street grinds, keiki fun and games, and a beer garden for the two-night event with Island reggae artists from the past and present. On Friday, listen to the sounds of Ekolu, Maoli and more, and on Saturday don’t miss Kapena, Hoʻonuʻa and the rest of the lineup on two stages for a weekend of local jams.

$25–$100, Friday from 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 3 p.m., The Great Lawn at the Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St., greatlawnhawaii.com.

Tenelle

August 19

photo: Courtesy of Tenelle

Local favorite Tenelle has a soulful sound that has permeated the Islands with her hit song “Flava” and her collaboration on Sammy J’s “Say You Love Me.” The California native has become a well-known vocalist throughout the Pacific and has toured with Common Kings, Anuhea and Kimié Miner. For an intimate show with full menu and bar service, don’t wait to snag tickets at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi for Tenelle’s two performances on Sunday, August 19.

$25–$45, 6:30 and 9 p.m., Blue Note Hawaiʻi, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com.

Willie K

August 21

photo: Courtesy of Willie k

Often credited for popularizing of contemporary Hawaiian music, Willie K is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, vocalist and songwriter from Lahaina, Maui. From the age of 10, he has entranced audiences with his traditional Hawaiian vocals in the style of reggae, jazz or country music. Listen to his timeless hits like “Good Morning” and “You Kuʻuipo” at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi for one night only.

$30–$45, 6:30 p.m., Blue Note Hawaiʻi, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com.

Mike Love & The Full Circle

August 22

Photo: Courtesy of Mike Love and the Full circle

Catch Mike Love & The Full Circle fresh off the European leg of their tour at Hawaiian Brian’s for a night of feel-good music. Oʻahu native vocalist Mike Love has made a name for himself as an innovative reggae artist who infuses rock, jazz and vocal percussions together for a unique sound. Don’t miss the entire ensemble at Hawaiian Brian’s for an upbeat evening of music.

$5–$200, 9:30 p.m., Hawaiian Brian’s, 1680 Kapiʻolani Blvd., hawaiianbrians.com.

Billie Eilish

August 23

photo: Courtesy of BIllie EIlish

The ethereal, almost alienlike music from 16-year-old Billie Eilish is making its way to Honolulu for the first time this month. Her viral hit “Ocean Eyes,” with almost 100 million streams on Spotify, has paved the way for her haunting, electropop voice on the radio, and she’s even opened for indie giant Florence + The Machine. Don’t miss the young artist hit the Republik stage for one night in Honolulu.

$33, 8 p.m., The Republik, 1349 Kapiʻolani Blvd., #30, jointherepublik.com.

Henry Kapono & Friends

August 25

Photo: Courtesy of Henry Kapono & Friends

Grammy-nominated artist and local favorite Henry Kapono will be performing alongside other Island favorites for a night of music that will bring you back to a slower time on the island. Dance around to Kapono’s timeless hit “Duke’s on Sundays” and don’t miss other famous local artists such as Kimié Miner and Mike Love performing popular Cecilio & Kapono songs with Kapono himself. Don’t miss one last summer evening with legendary sounds from Henry Kapono & Friends at the Waikīkī Shell.

$29–$150, 6:30 p.m., Waikīkī Shell, 2805 Monsarrat Ave., blaisdellcenter.com.