Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: July 23–29, 2026
Jam to soulful Polynesian artists, attend a concert at the aquarium, boogie down at a dance-a-thon, celebrate Shark Week and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i’s Finest
Polyfest 2026
Saturday, July 25, 4 to 10 p.m.
Hawai‘i’s Finest, the clothing and lifestyle brand, knows how to throw a party, and this one is sure to be unforgettable. Bishop Museum’s Great Lawn transforms into a vibrant concert venue under the stars with the sounds of Aaradna, Sammy Johnson and Johnny Suite.
$35 general admission presale, $100 VIP presale, $50 general admission at the door, $100 VIP at the door, 1525 Bernice St., Kalihi, tickets.hifinest.com, @hawaiisfinestclothing
SEE ALSO: Your 2026 Guide to O‘ahu Bon Dance Food: Part 2
Photo: Courtesy of Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium
Ke Kani O Ke Kai Concert
Thursday, July 23, 5 to 9 p.m.
This month’s outdoor concert at the Waikīkī Aquarium features Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning musicians Nathan Aweau and Maunalua. Bring your lawn chair and purchase picnic food to enjoy while you soak in the tunes. Between sets, explore the aquarium’s exhibits and say hi to the newest residents: five juvenile weedy Seadragons.
Family-friendly, $18–$60, 2777 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, fowaquarium.org, @waikikiaquarium
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2026
Photo: Courtesy of Helping Hands Hawai‘i
Santa’s Summer Shake-Up
Saturday, July 25, 1 to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas in July with a Zumba dance party that raises funds for Helping Hands Hawai‘i. Wear festive holiday attire and follow the moves of 20 certified instructors for an afternoon of fitness and fun. The nonprofit will also collect new, unwrapped gifts to support its annual Adopt a Family initiative.
Family-friendly, $12 presale, $15 at the door, Hālawa District Park gym, 99-795 ‘Iwa‘iwa St., ‘Aiea, helpinghandshawaii.org, @helpinghandshawaii
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in Summer 2026 (Part 2)
Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea
Sunday, July 26, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Join in the annual commemoration of Sovereignty Restoration Day, established by King Kamehameha III after British forces returned sovereignty to the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1843. Witness a flag-raising ceremony, participate in hands-on cultural workshops, listen to speakers, watch dance and music performances, shop local vendors and more.
Family-friendly, free, Thomas Square, 925 S. Beretania St., Makiki, lahoihoiea.org, @lahoihoiea
Photo: Courtesy of Sea Life Park Hawai‘i
Manō (Shark) Week
Daily through Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Keiki Sunday
Leading up to Discovery Channel’s cult-favorite “Shark Week” programming, you can also geek out face-to-face with the species at Sea Life Park. Learn about sharks through hands-on activities, cultural connections and educational presentations throughout the week. At Sunday’s grand finale, enjoy shark-centric crafts, games, photo ops and educational booths, plus a BOGO admission offer: buy one adult general admission ticket, get one free child general admission ticket (ages 4 to 12 years-old).
Family-friendly, $53.99 adult general admission online presale, $44.99 child general admission online presale, $24.99 adult kama‘āina admission, $19.99 child kama‘āina admission, Sea Life Park Hawai‘i, 41-202 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Waimānalo, sealifeparkhawaii.com, @sealifepark
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
