Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Nov. 13–19, 2025
Celebrate Makahiki and Hawaiian culture, see a sensational show, watch a movie at Magic Island, go to a garden fest and more.
Photo: Kenneth Stringer, Courtesy of Eyes of Hawai‘i
Urban Makahiki
Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A twist on traditional Hawaiian harvest season festivities, this celebration in the heart of town focuses on the connection between land, water and culture. Watch hula and kung fu demonstrations, visit educational booths, learn how to play hanafuda and kōnane, listen to live music and shop local vendors.
Family-friendly, free, ‘A‘ala Park, 280 N. King St., Chinatown, @waiwaicollective
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Photo: Courtesy of Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum After Hours
Friday, Nov. 14, 5 to 9 p.m.
This month’s pau hana event honors the legacy of Mary Kawena Pukui and her work to preserve Hawaiian culture and language. Listen to talk story sessions, a panel discussion and a performance by Kamehameha Schools Children’s Choir in the historic Hawaiian Hall. Plus, enjoy food, drinks and hands-on activities on the museum’s lawn.
Family-friendly, $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door, free for keiki under four years old, 1525 Bernice St., Kalihi, bishopmuseum.org, @bishopmuseum
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Photo: Courtesy of Mānoa Valley Theatre
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Thursday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 7
Catch the newest show at Mānoa’s intimate theatre. The musical, based on a hit film, follows three drag performers traveling across the Australian outback in a battered old bus. Expect fabulous music, outrageous costumes and plenty of laughs.
Contains mature themes, $25–$53.50, Mānoa Valley Theatre, 2833 E. Mānoa Road, Mānoa, manoavalleytheatre.com, @manoavalleytheatre
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Photo: Courtesy of Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i and Chris Miyashiro
‘A‘Ā Film Screening
Saturday, Nov. 15, 6 to 8 p.m.
In this edition of Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i’s Island Earth Talk Story sessions, enjoy a family-friendly movie night outdoors surrounded by the beauty of Magic Island. Bring plastic-free picnic fare and enjoy the voyaging film followed by a live Q&A with director Chris Miyashiro.
Family-friendly, free, Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island, donate.sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org, @sustainablecoastlineshawaii
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Community Forest Festival
Sunday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At this celebration of trees, you’ll witness artists weave, woodwork and sew lei using tree materials, watch tree care demonstrations and join guided tours of Foster Botanical Garden. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while listening to Takuma Itoh create music using repurposed urban wood.
Family-friendly, $5 visitor admission, $3 kama‘āina admission, $1 child admission (ages 6 to 12), free for children 5 and under, Foster Botanical Garden, 50 N. Vineyard Blvd., Downtown, eventbrite.com, @kaulunani
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Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
