Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Aug. 21–27, 2025
Attend a Hawaiian festival, vote for the best bao buns, watch a piano contest, cheer on the Rainbow Warriors and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Ho‘olau Kanaka
Ho‘olau Kanaka
Sunday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hosted by Mele Apana and Billy V., this festival has a packed lineup of Hawaiian entertainment by hula hālau and musicians such as Sean Na‘auao, Ei Nei and ‘Uhe‘uhene. In between performances, shop the craft fair, watch cultural demos and grind at food booths.
Family-friendly, $20 adult presale, $15 keiki presale, $30 adult at-the-door, $25 keiki at-the-door, Moanalua Gardens, 2850 Moanalua Road, Moanalua, hoolaukanaka.com, @halaunamamoopuuanahulu
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Photo: Courtesy of Trust for Public Land
Battle of the Bao
Saturday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In celebration of National Bao (a.k.a. Manapua) Day, taste complimentary bun samples from five beloved Chinatown restaurants—Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood, Legend Seafood Restaurant, Mille Fête, Royal Kitchen and Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery—and vote for a “People’s Choice” winner. A panel of judges, including actress Amy Hill, Narcissus Queen Alycia Abordonado, Frolic’s Melissa Chang and more, will crown the “Best Bao” title.
Family-friendly, free, ‘A‘ala Park, 280 N. King St., Chinatown, @trustforpubliclandhawaii
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Photo: Courtesy of Ke‘alohi International Piano Competition
Ke‘alohi International Piano Competition
Thursday, Aug. 21, 1 to 6 p.m., semifinal concerto round, free admission, Mae Zenke Orvis Auditorium, 2411 Dole St., Mānoa
Sunday, Aug. 24, 4 to 6:30 p.m., final round, tickets $43.50 to $137.50, Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako
This is not your average piano recital. Now in its second installment, the triennial contest features world-class amateur musicians from around the globe, vying for $30,000 in cash prizes and the chance to perform with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra in the final round. Listen to these inspiring young pianists, ages 18 to 29, as they share their talents with classical pieces ranging from Tchaikovsky to Beethoven to Chopin.
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Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Athletics
University of Hawai‘i Football Game
Saturday, Aug. 23, 1:30 p.m.
Wear white to show your team spirit at the Rainbow Warriors’ first football game of the season against Stanford. Come early to enjoy all the festivities on upper campus, including the return of tailgating (passes required), a walk-through by the team, live music from High Watah, a beer garden and keiki activity zone.
Family-friendly, tickets range from $22 to $100, Clarence T.C. Ching Complex, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, hawaiiathletics.com, @rainbowwarriorsfootball
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Photo: Courtesy of International Market Place
Battle of the Bartenders
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 4 to 6 p.m.
Watch the third and final round of competition as Waikīkī mixologists compete for the title of Top Bartender, all part of Mixology Month at International Market Place. Enjoy complimentary cocktail samples, snack on pūpū and cast a vote for your favorite bartender.
21+, free, International Market Place, Level 1, Queen’s Court, 2330 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, shopinternationalmarketplace.com, @intlmarketplace
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Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
