Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Jan. 29–Feb. 4, 2026
Stroll through a Hong Kong-style night market, watch a North Shore surf contest, shop for a Valentine’s gift, see a dance showcase and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Hong Kong Business Association of Hawai‘i
Temple Street Night Market
Saturday, Jan. 31, 3 to 9 p.m.
Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Hong Kong’s famous night market right here in Honolulu. This first-time festival features a street bazar atmosphere with food stalls serving up fish balls, siu mai and milk tea, vendors selling traditional Chinese gifts and crafts, opera singers, a fortune teller, lion dances and Hong Kong pop performers.
Family-friendly, free admission, Fort Street Mall, Downtown, honolulu-hkfestival.com, @hnl_hongkong_festival
SEE ALSO: Where to Take Fun Classes on O‘ahu
Photo: Tony Heff
Lexus Pipe Challenger
Event window Thursday, Jan. 29, through Monday, Feb. 9
Anticipation is building on the North Shore as the world’s best surfers wait for wave conditions to be just right for this Challengers Series event at Banzai Pipeline. When it’s called “on,” watch Championship Tour hopefuls, including Gabriela Bryan, Jackson Bunch, Eli Hanneman, Barron Mamiya and Molly Picklum, ride the renowned reef break. If you don’t want to battle the crowds in-person, tune in here.
Banzai Pipeline, Hale‘iwa, worldsurfleague.com, @wsl
SEE ALSO: When and Where to See Big Wave Surf Events This Winter
Hō‘a Ho‘olaule‘a: Sealed with a Kiss
Saturday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Find a gift for someone special at this Valentine’s-themed craft fair at the Waikīkī Aquarium. Shop a selection of handcrafted works from artists and small businesses as well as snacks and sips from local vendors, with proceeds supporting the aquarium’s mission. While you’re there, make sure to visit the beloved monk seal, Hō‘ailona, who returned in September.
Family-friendly, included with aquarium admission, $12 general admission, $8 kama‘āina and military admission, $5 senior citizen and child (ages 4–12) admission, 2777 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, waikikiaquarium.org, @waikikiaquarium
SEE ALSO: Exciting Fitness Classes and Wellness Activities to Try on O‘ahu
Photo: Tony Diaz
Intertwined | Unraveled Dance Concert
Wednesday, Jan. 28, through Saturday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 1, 2 p.m.
You’ll be moved by this collection of original choreographic works by University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa graduating MFA and BFA student artists. The dances explore a range of themes important to each of them, including long-distance connection, climate change, mental health and cultural identity. Attend on Friday for a talk story and Q&A with the director and choreographers following the show.
$9–$18, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Department of Theatre & Dance and Kennedy Theatre, Earle Ernst Lab Theatre, 1770 East-West Road, Mānoa, manoa.hawaii.edu, @uhmkennedytheatre
SEE ALSO: 41 Amazing Things to Do
Photo: Courtesy of Ulu A‘e Learning Center
Makahiki Ma Kapolei
Saturday, Jan. 31, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Native Hawaiian Makahiki season of plenty and peace with the whole family at this annual festival. Watch and participate in traditional games, such as ulu maika (stone disk rolling), hukihuki (tug-of-war) and ‘ō‘ō ‘ihe (spear throwing), join the kōnane tournament and enjoy live Hawaiian music.
Family-friendly, free, Pu‘uokapolei, hula mound at Kapolei Regional Park, 1077 Manawai St., Kapolei, uluae.org, @uluaelearningcenter
SEE ALSO: 8 Best Dog-Friendly Hikes on O‘ahu
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
