Honolulu Pride: LGBTQIA+ Events in May 2025
Catch Kalani Pe‘a’s May Day concert, join the Aloha Bears’ weekend bash and meet a family of queens in Kumu Kahua Theatre’s latest show.
Kalani Pe‘a: May Day Is Lei Day Concert
Saturday, May 3, 6 to 8 p.m.
Four-time Grammy and five-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kalani Pe‘a returns to Hawai‘i Theatre for the seventh production of his annual May Day Is Lei Day Concert. Joined by a host of musical talents, Pe‘a represents the forefront of contemporary Hawaiian music. Private post-show meet & greet and photo-op packages are available.
$57.50–$162.50, Hawai‘i Theatre Center, 1130 Bethel St., Downtown, hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiitheatre
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in May 2025
Trivia Night at Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar
Mondays, May 5 and 19, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Form a squad and rack your collective brains for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights. Trivia Night at Wang Chung’s is every first and third Monday of the month and totally free to enter.
Free, Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar, 2424 Koa Ave., Waikīkī, wangchungs.com, @wangchungs
Kūpuna Movie Mornings: Cabaret
Tuesday, May 6, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kūpuna and film lovers are invited to join this free monthly film series for coffee, snacks and a film. This month’s movie is the Academy Award-winning 1972 musical Cabaret. Set in 1931 Germany, the film follows American singer Sally Bowles, a performer at the Kit Kat Club, as the dark curtain of fascism falls over the country. The lobby opens at 10:30 a.m. with complimentary coffee and pastries, and the film starts at 11:30 a.m. RSVPs are required, and while the event is free, all donations will go to support the Hawai‘i Theatre Center.
Free, Hawai‘i Theatre Center, 1130 Bethel St., Downtown, hawaiitheatre.com, @honolulupride
Photo: Courtesy of Blazing Saddles Hawai‘i
Blazing Saddles Hawai‘i
Tuesdays, May 6, 20 and 27, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Time to break out those cowboy boots. Join Hawai‘i’s diverse community for line dancing, the two-step and all manner of country-western dancing. Lessons are available for eager beginners.
Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom, 404 Kapahulu Ave., Waikīkī, blazingsaddleshi.org
Photo: Courtesy of Lei Pua ‘Ala
Lei Pua ‘Ala: Queer Histories of Hawai‘i Presents The Return of Kapaemahu
Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21 and 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Lei Pua ‘Ala’s new hula show The Return of Kapaemahu chronicles the story of four voyagers of dual male and female spirit journeying to bring healing arts from Tahiti to Hawai‘i. Based on an Oscar-nominated short film, the show honors the legacy of sexual diversity in the islands and blends traditional hula with modern music. This free one-hour show will be performed every Wednesday, weather permitting.
Free, Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, 2453 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, queerhistoriesofhawaii.org, @queerhistoriesofhawaii
Musical Bingo at Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar
Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21 and 28, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
You’ve played bingo—now imagine swapping the numbers for songs! Grab a drink at Wang Chung’s, sing your heart out, and win some prizes at this team-up event between Wang Chung’s and Because Hawai‘i.
Free, Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar, 2424 Koa Ave., Waikīkī, wangchungs.com, @wangchungs
Hula’s Catamaran Saturdays
Saturdays, May 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2 to 5 p.m.
Mingle at Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, then head down to Waikīkī Beach before 3 p.m. to set sail on a 90-minute catamaran ride along the shoreline. Cash-only beers and Mai Tais are available onboard, and if the weather is right, you can hop into the water to cool off. While walk-ins are available, you can pre-purchase a ticket to secure your spot.
$30, Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave., Waikīkī, hulas.com, @hulaswaikiki
Aloha Bears Bearaoke
Thursday, May 15, 8 to 10 p.m.
Hang out with The Aloha Bears and strum those vocal chords with karaoke and drinks at In Between, with no song fees for members of The Aloha Bears and their guests. In Between will be offering select shot specials.
In Between, 2155 Lau‘ula St., Waikīkī, thealohabears.org, @thealohabears
Volunteer with Gay for Good at Kaimukī Community Park
Saturday, May 17, 9 to 11 a.m.
Help beautify Kaimukī Community Park by picking up trash, painting over graffiti and raking up leaves and debris. Free lunch will be provided. Bring water and sunscreen and wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Volunteers must sign up before May 9.
Kaimukī Community Park, 3521 Wai’alae Ave., Kaimukī, gayforgood.org, @gayforgood
Aloha Bears Lei-A-Bear Weekend
Thursday, May 22, through Monday, May 26
The Aloha Bears host their annual, jam-packed weekend of parties, fun, food and booze. Check out the Lei-A-Bear website for tickets and an activity schedule that includes a fetish party, an excursion to Secret Island, karaoke and a barbecue bash.
See website for prices on specific events, thealohabears.org, @thealohabears
Photo: Tien Enga
The Golden Gays
May 29 through June 29, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Inspired by The Golden Girls, the latest production from Kumu Kahua Theatre follows the fierce and free-spirited Aunty Maria Lani Tunta and her found family of queens. As the queens face their golden years, can they grasp at a second chance?
$8–$28, Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St., Downtown, kumukahua.org, @kumukahua
NGLCC LGBTQ+ Sip & Pitch
Friday, May 30, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Hosted by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Sip & Pitch is a monthly opportunity for LGBTQIA+ business owners to remotely pitch their business idea before a panel of experts and business owners to receive positive, constructive feedback. While presenters are chosen beforehand, you can apply online to be considered as a presenter for a future Sip & Pitch.
Zoom conference, nglcc.org, @nglcc
Alexander Pang is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
