The 8 Best Things to Do in June
There ain’t no mountain high enough to keep us from getting out this month, now that it’s summer.
CHARITABLE
Habilitat Lū‘au
June 6
Photo: Courtesy of Habilitat
Support drug- and alcohol-rehab programs at the 15th annual Habilitat fundraiser with ‘ono Hawaiian food, one of the biggest auctions on the island and performances by Nā Hōkū winners Amanda Frazier, Sistah Robi Kahakalau and Peni Dean from Natural Vibrations. Ticket packages are available by calling 235-3691.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., King Intermediate School, $35 adults, $15 ages 6–12, free for 5 and under, habilitat.com/luau.html
ENTERTAINMENT
Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra Season Finale
June 6 and 7
JoAnn Falletta will conduct the world premiere of Yasui’s Concerto No. 1 for ‘Ukulele and Orchestra and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Titan. We don’t want to spoil the surprise, but the concerto was composed specifically for the guest ‘ukulele artist. Any guesses who? Read our interview with the virtuoso at bit.ly/hnshimabukuro.
Blaisdell Concert Hall, $13–$90, hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org
Ke Kani O Ke Kai
Every other Thursday, June 11 through Aug. 6
Photo: Courtesy of Waikiki Aquarium
If you’ve never been to the aquarium at night, check out this annual summer concert series under the stars. It kicks off with Kaiholu and Makana, with food from A Place to Eat, plus the chance to roam the exhibits. Other upcoming performers include Sean Na‘auao with Ben and Maila, Kawika Kahiapo with Raiatea Helm, and Cyril Pahinui with Jerry Santos.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., concerts begin at 7 p.m., Waikīkī Aquarium, $15–$50 each night, package deals available, waikikiaquarium.org
Diana Ross
June 12 and 13
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PHOTO: COURTESY OF RICK BARTALINI PRESENTS One of the most successful female singers ever, Diana Ross even has a playground named after her in Central Park. After more than 50 years of performing, this will be her first time in Hawai‘i.
7:30 p.m., Blaisdell Arena, $45–$225, ticketmaster.com
Hawai‘i International Short Film Festival
June 17 through June 18
We know how much you love binge-watching your favorite TV shows, but how about cramming dozens of movies into a two-day film fest? It’s totally possible with this second annual event. The only downside is you will have to leave your couch.
Kāhala Theatres, hisff.com
THEATER & ARTS
It’s Raining Men
June 6
After the Pride Parade, continue the celebration at the Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu’s third annual pride concert. Hallelujah!
Hawai‘i Theatre, hawaiitheatre.com
Contempo #ArtShop
June 19–28
Art: "Korean Vase With Plumeria, Heliconia and Gooseberries," 2015, Jane Hammond |
It’s like summer camp for grownups,” says Lesa Griffith, director of communications for the Honolulu Museum of Art. “Every aspect of art is going to be represented. I’ve been collecting local art for going on a decade now, and I’m looking forward to attending the Collecting 101 sessions to get to the next step.” Other programs at this new event include artist talks, workshops and pop-up shops. Read more at bit.ly/contempoartshop.
Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House, honolulumuseum.org
New Play Festival
June 21–23
With no limits to theme or content, this original festival will highlight playwrights, directors and actors who haven’t had the chance to showcase their work in any other forum, as part of Kumu Kahua’s Dark Night Series.
Kumu Kahua Theatre, facebook.com/newplayfestival
Did you know? The filming of Jurassic World, which opens June 12, brought approximately $3 million into Kaua‘i’s economy.
Read more stories by Katrina Valcourt
