Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Aug. 13–19, 2026
Watch South Shore sports, attend a concert under the stars, see a photography exhibit, laugh out loud at a comedy fest and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Duke’s OceanFest
Duke’s OceanFest
Friday, Aug. 14, to Monday, Aug. 24
Watch the action in the waves of Waikīkī as part of this annual festival honoring Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the legendary Olympian, waterman and ambassador of aloha. There will be surf contests, an outrigger canoe regatta, beach volleyball matches, an open ocean swim race, a hydrofoil challenge and the crowd-favorite dog surfing contest.
Family-friendly, free, Waikīkī, dukesoceanfest.com, @dukes_oceanfest
SEE ALSO: Kama‘āina Deals: Shopping Discounts and Promos for Locals
Photo: Courtesy of Ei Nei
Mele After Hours
Friday, Aug. 14, 5 to 9 p.m.
If you’re a fan of the monthly pau hana events at Bishop Museum, you won’t want to miss this star-studded special edition hosted by Mele Apana. Listen to ‘Uhe‘uhene, Ei Nei, Kala‘e and Kalena Parish and Kapena under the stars on the museum’s Great Lawn. Local food vendors will be onsite as well as a 21+ bar tent.
Family-friendly, $20 for adult presale, $25 at the door, free for keiki age 13 and under, 1525 Bernice St., Kalihi, bishopmuseum.org, @bishopmuseum
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2026
Photo: Lisa K Cho
Plated in Sound
Friday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m., opening reception
On view through Sunday, Sept. 13
This month-long film photography exhibition by Lisa K Cho kicks off with an artist talk and live music on Friday. The 20 photographs on display celebrate the venue, Plantoem, part plant shop, part café, where music, community and food converge. Among the images, you’ll see portraits of Wunderfish, an electronic artist who creates ambient music using plant frequencies.
Free, RSVP here, Plantoem, 3457 Wai‘alae Ave., Kaimukī, lisakcho.com, @lisakcho
SEE ALSO: Photo Gallery: See Stunning Artwork from Local Woodworkers at Hawai‘i’s Woodshow 2026
Hawai‘i Comedy Festival Fall Showcase
Friday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Get ready for a weekend of laughs featuring three unique shows combining original musical comedy, stand-up and improv from Hawai‘i-based performers, plus a special appearance by Henry Kapono. The evening performances are recommended for ages 18 and up, while Saturday’s interactive matinee welcomes families to join the fun.
$12 to $37, Honolulu Museum of Art, Doris Duke Theatre, 900 S. Beretania St., Makiki, hicomedyfest.com, @hicomedyfest
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Hawai‘i Heart Walk
Saturday, Aug. 15, 7:30 a.m.
Recruit a team or register individually in this annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Follow the 4.5-mile route around Diamond Head, then collect resources at the post-walk health & wellness fair. There will be opportunities to learn hands-on CPR, contribute to an origami display and visit the selfie station with your team.
Family-friendly, free, Kapi‘olani Park, Waikīkī, hiheartwalk.org, @hearthawaii
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in Summer 2026 (Part 2)
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
