Things to Do on O‘ahu in May 2025

Shop a pet expo with furry friends in tow, crown the new king of Poke Fest, sip the night away at two wine-derful events and more.

 

CONVENTION

Hawai‘i Pet Expo

Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All pets and their families are welcome to shop and explore pet products and services and check out the Ask-a-Vet Booth for free pet care advice. Keep in mind that you must keep your dogs leashed at all times for everyone’s safety.

 

Free, Neal S. Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, hawaiivetmed.org, @hawaiivetmedassoc

 


 

FOOD & DRINK

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Sunday, May 4, 2 to 7 p.m.

At a new, bigger location this year, this event gathers Latin food vendors, pop-up shops, live entertainment, a keiki zone and classic cars. And don’t forget about “El After,” the official after-party at Taqueria El Ranchero.

 

 

Free admission, $50 VIP tickets, $20 after-party tickets, Ka Makana Ali‘i parking lot, 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, hcchawaii.org, @hispanicchamberhi

 


SEE ALSO: Pupusas, Arepas, Ceviches and Lots of Tacos Coming to Sunday’s Cinco de Mayo Festival


 

2024 Sip + Shop at Kahala Mall

Photo: Jonathan You

 

SHOPPING

Sip+Shop

Saturday, May 10, 5 to 8 p.m.

Shop exclusive deals at participating Kāhala Mall merchants while enjoying curated wines, mocktails and light bites. Stay for the giveaways at the end!

 

 

$50 online, $60 at the door, Kāhala Mall, 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Kāhala, hnltix.com, @honolulumag

 


SEE ALSO: Tickets on Sale: Sip+Shop at Kāhala Mall


 

2024 Poke Fest

Photo: Jonathan You

 

FOOD & DRINK

Poke Fest

Saturday, May 17, 4 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy poke varieties made by local chefs exclusively for this event and vote for your favorite to crown the new King of Poke Fest. Don’t miss your chance to buy Poke Passes, which let you access the fast lanes and sample 4-ounce portions from five poke vendors of your choice.

 

 

Free admission, Poke Passes for sale, Ka Makana Ali‘i, 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, hnltix.com, @honolulumag, @frolichawaii

 


SEE ALSO: Save the Date: Frolic’s 2025 Poke Fest Returns to Ka Makana Ali‘i


 

FESTIVAL

Asia Pacific Dance Festival

May 19 to June 1

Immerse yourself in the rich dance cultures of Asia and the Pacific with performances, talks and workshops. Many events are free and open to the public; tickets for paid performances can be purchased online.

 

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 2500 Campus Road, Mānoa, manoa.hawaii.edu, @apdancefest

 


 

2024 Rosé Soirée

Photo: Jonathan You

 

FOOD & DRINK

Rosé Soirée

Saturday, May 31, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy bottomless wine paired with dishes from beloved local restaurants like The Pig & The Lady, MW and Chef Chai. This year’s theme is Wicked; come dressed in pink or green for the occasion.

 

 

$75 general admission, $125 VIP tickets, Velocity Honolulu, 888 Kapiolani Blvd., hnltix.com, @honolulumag

 


SEE ALSO: Save the Date: 2025 Rosé Soiree Presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard Goes Wicked


 

Andrea Lee is the digital editor of HONOLULU Magazine.