Things to Do on O‘ahu in September 2026

Photo: Luke Aguinaldo

FOOD & DRINK

Hale ‘Aina Gala

Saturday, Sept. 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m. (VIP entry at 5:30 p.m.) 

Adventure to a retro fantasy island with mermaid coves and enchanted forests where you can drink and feast on bottomless dishes made by Hale ‘Aina award-winning restaurants.

Tickets start at $185.87, The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Ave #5000, Kāhala, hnltix.com, @honolulumag

Photo: Luke Aguinaldo

SEE ALSO: Feast at Fantasy Island: What You’ll Eat at the Hale ‘Aina Gala on Sept. 5

THEATER

The Queen’s Will

Aug. 20–Sept. 20 

See a distinctly Hawaiian legal drama that follows Princess Theresa Owana Ka‘ōhelelani La‘anui Wilcox Belliveau as she defends herself against allegations of forging the last will and testament of Queen Lili‘uokalani.

From $23, Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St., Downtown, kumukahua.org, @kumukahua

FESTIVAL

Megabon

Saturday, Sept. 12, 3:45 to 9 p.m.

The biggest bon dance on the island returns with traditional games and merchandise from Osaka, food and craft vendors, a beer garden and live entertainment.

Free admission, Leeward Community College, 96-045 Ala ‘Ike, Pearl City, megabonhawaii.com, @megabonhawaii

SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2026

Photo: Courtesy of AIA Honolulu

ART

AIA Honolulu’s Canstruction Competition

Sept. 14–18 

Check out the 3D sculptures made by architects and engineers entirely with canned food, then vote for your favorite online with a $1 donation. All the cans and voting proceeds will be donated to Hawai‘i Foodbank.

Free to view, Downtown Central Pacific Bank Atrium, 220 S King St., Downtown, aiahonolulu.org, @aiahonolulu

THEATER

Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals

Friday, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19, 3 p.m.

Evocative live music, dance, poetry and puppetry bring rare creatures to life onstage, immersing you in their stories and highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

From $30, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., Chinatown, hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiitheatre

RUN

Ikaika 5 & 10K

Saturday, Sept. 19, 7 a.m. 

Run the perimeter and enjoy the views of Ala Moana Beach Park, then pick up your finisher medal and cooling towel and stick around for the prize giveaways.

From $60, Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park, aloharacing.com/ikaika/, @aloha_racing

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Bicycling League

CYCLING

Honolulu Century Ride

Sunday, Sept. 27, 6:15 a.m. 

Bike along the coast at your own pace with 25-, 50-, 75- and 100-mile course options, with proceeds benefiting the Hawai‘i Bicycling League’s road safety advocacy.

From $100, Waikīkī to Ka‘a‘awa, hbl.org, @hblridealoha

Andrea Lee is the digital editor of HONOLULU Magazine.