Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Aug. 20–26, 2026
Watch fireworks at the waterpark, vote for your favorite bao, see a play about a little-known chapter in Hawaiian history and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i
Wet ’n’ Wild’s End of Summer Spectacular
Saturday, Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cap off summer with a bang at the waterpark this weekend. In addition to the usual fun of waterslides and laps around the lazy river, enjoy a lineup of free activities including a glow foam dance party, face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon twisting and a movie screening of Animal Farm at the wave pool. The evening ends with a seven-minute fireworks show at 8:30 p.m.
Family-friendly, $29.99 one-day admission, Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i, 400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, wetnwildhawaii.com, @wetnwildhawaii
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Photo: Lance Wong, Courtesy of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i
Battle of the Bao
Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In celebration of National Bao (aka Manapua) Day, taste complimentary bun samples from five beloved Chinatown restaurants and vote for a “People’s Choice” winner. A panel of judges, including Narcissus Queen Madeleine Au, State Senator Carol Fukunaga and Kumu Iwalani Tseu, will crown the “Best Bao” title.
Family-friendly, free, ‘A‘ala Park, 280 N. King St., Chinatown, business.chinesechamber.com
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2026
Photo: Courtesy of Kumu Kahua Theatre
The Queen’s Will
Thursday, Aug. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 20
This original new play written by Sean T.C. O’Malley brings to life the tumultuous early days of the Territory of Hawai‘i and the 1918 trial of Princess Theresa Owana Ka‘ōhelelani La‘anui Wilcox Belliveau—accused of conspiracy to commit forgery of Queen Lili‘uokalani’s will and testament. For a deeper dive, join Kumu Kahua’s Book Club on Aug. 24 to discuss The Political Princess by Monica Nucciarone.
$9–$31, Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St., Downtown, kumukahua.org, @kumukahua
Photos: Courtesy of Prince Waikīkī
Sculpt Session + Suntory Seltzer
Work out, then chill out on the Muliwai Deck at Prince Waikīkī. Gather your friends for a Fit Flow class led by Max Hannemann of Yoga Room Hawai‘i, accompanied by a live set from DJ Compose. Afterwards, sip on Suntory’s -196 Seltzer while enjoying more DJ beats and ocean views.
$35–$45, Prince Waikīkī, 100 Holomoana St., Waikīkī, princewaikiki.com, @princewaikiki
SEE ALSO: Kama‘āina Deals: Activities, Attractions and More Fun for Locals
Photo: Courtesy of Kinetic Productions
Voices Behind Barbed Wire Film Screening
Sunday, Aug. 23, 6 p.m.
Inspired by a violin played at Honouliuli Internment Camp, this documentary screening will include a live performance by members of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Following the film, stay for a panel discussion with director Ryan Kawamoto and Karen Murashige, whose father was incarcerated at Honouliuli and whose violin is featured.
Free, RSVP via email here, Pearl Harbor National Memorial Theater, 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Pearl Harbor, nps.gov, @honouliulinps
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in Summer 2026 (Part 2)
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
