Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: July 9–15, 2026

Photo: Courtesy of the International ‘Ukulele Festival of Hawai‘i

International ‘Ukulele Festival of Hawai‘i

Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 12

A weekend full of ‘ukulele love features a gala concert on Friday, a free showcase at Waikīkī Beach Walk on Saturday and the main festival on Sunday at Kapi‘olani Park. Expect killer performances by Kala‘e Camarillo, Ke‘olu and Nue, along with international musicians and local keiki groups. Plus, snap a photo with the world’s largest ‘ukulele, a display modeled after an early 1900s Kumalae ‘ukulele.

Family-friendly, $45 gala concert, free admission for events on Saturday and Sunday, various locations in Waikīkī, ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org, @intl_ukulele_fest

SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in Summer 2026 (Part 2)

Photo: Courtesy of the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation

Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival

Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 12

This year’s theme, “Where Stories Take Root,” celebrates queer stories that are rooted in community and shared through 18 film screenings, Q&A sessions and live performances, hosted by the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation. Watch local, national and international feature films and shorts, attend a free opening-night red carpet celebration, enjoy a festive drag brunch and more.

$18 individual screenings, $58 drag brunch, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., Chinatown, hrff.org, @hrfilmfest

SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2026

Photo: Courtesy of the Hawai‘i State Farm Fair

Hawai‘i State Farm Fair

Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pet cute animals, watch 4-H youth show their livestock, shop the plant sale and country market, participate in the corn-husking contest, enjoy keiki activities and more at this annual fest hosted by the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau. There will also be local food truck vendors onsite for your picnicking pleasure. This year’s event raises funds to support farmers and ranchers affected by the Kona low storms.

Family-friendly, $5 adult admission, free for students and keiki, Whitmore Village, 885 Whitmore Ave., Wahiawā, hawaiistatefarmfair.org, @farmfair

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Photo: Courtesy of Jade Reeves Photography

North Shore Swim Series: Chun’s to Waimea

Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m.

With winter swells gone and the return of calmer waters, it’s time to jump in on the North Shore. This 1.6-mile course takes you from Chun’s Reef east to finish at Waimea Bay where you may spot Hawaiian green sea turtles and spinner dolphins. The race is the third of four events as part of the North Shore Swim Series along O‘ahu’s famous coastline.

$90 registration online until July 9 at 5 p.m. or onsite day of, Waimea Bay Beach Park, 61-0031 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa, northshoreswimseries.com, @northshoreswimseries

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Photo: Courtesy of A&B

Symphony in the Park

Tuesday, July 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra returns to the windward side for this annual outdoor community concert. The program will feature classical favorites, patriotic music and pop songs that you’re sure to recognize. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic dinner to enjoy under the stars.

Family-friendly, free, Kailua District Park, 21 South Kainalu Drive, Kailua, myhso.org, @hawaiisymphonyorchestra

Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush