Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: June 5–11, 2025
Shop at Kailua’s boutiques, dance under the stars in downtown, admire modern Hawaiian art, sign up for a reading challenge and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Alexander & Baldwin
Kailua Town’s Sip + Shop
Thursday, June 5, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Stamp your shopping passport at more than 30 locally owned businesses, enjoy exclusive event-only promos, listen to live music and indulge in sweet treats, including honey slushies, refreshing mocktails, organic cotton candy and more. Event proceeds benefit Shop Small Hawai‘i, a local initiative that supports Hawai‘i-based entrepreneurs.
$10 online presale, $15 at the door, check in at Lau Hala Shops, 573 Kailua Rd., kailuatownhi.com, @kailuatownhi
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2025
Photo: Courtesy of Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
Night//Shift: Summer Rising
Friday, June 6, 5 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate the start of summer, according to the Hawaiian moon calendar, with this special quarterly edition of First Friday at Capitol Modern hosted by Shangri La. Dance under the stars in the sculpture garden to sets by Irie Love, Johhny Suite and more, shop more than 20 Art+Flea vendors and snack on soulful bites by Chef Kealoha Domingo.
Family-friendly, free, 250 South Hotel St., Downtown, shangrilahawaii.org, @hi_shangrila
SEE ALSO: 2025 Hale ‘Aina Award Winners: The Best Restaurants in Hawai‘i
Photo: Courtesy of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System
Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off
Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bring the whole family to the launch celebration for the annual public libraries’ program with hands-on activities and a concert by Ke‘olu Music and Kawao. During this year’s two-month challenge, you can expect crave-worthy prizes, virtual badges, lucky drawings, weekly activities and, of course, a grand prize that both keiki and adults can get excited about–four round-trip tickets on Alaska Airlines. The program runs now through Thursday, July 31.
Family-friendly, free, kick-off event at the Hawai‘i State Library, 478 S King St., Downtown, librarieshawaii.org, @hsplshigov
SEE ALSO: Where to Watch Outdoor Movies on O‘ahu This Summer
Photo: Courtesy of The Honolulu Zoo Society
Wildest Show at the Zoo
Wednesday, June 11, 5 p.m.
The first in a series of six outdoor concerts kick off this week, raising funds for the Honolulu Zoo’s growing black rhino family. Before the show, enjoy keiki crafts, educational exhibits and trivia games. Lounge on the lawn while munching on picnic fare, available for purchase, and listen to local favorites, Jerry Santos and Kamuela Kimokeo.
Family-friendly, $15 adults, $5 keiki, Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave., Waikīkī, honoluluzoo.org, @thehonoluluzoo
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Adventure Day: 7 Hours in ‘Ewa Beach
Hana No‘eau: New Takes on Traditional Hawaiian Media
Friday, June 6, through Saturday, June 28
View the work of contemporary Hawaiian visual artists and craftspeople who are reinterpreting traditional art forms through a modern lens. The exhibition features a wide range of media, including woodcarving, fiber art, weaving, kapa making and feather lei making. Meet the artists and talk story at the opening reception on Friday, June 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Free, open Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Downtown Art Center, at 1041 Nu‘uanu Ave., Chinatown, downtownarthi.org, @downtownartcenter
SEE ALSO: An Evening of Nā Mele with Jerry Santos and Friends
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
