Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Sept. 10–16, 2026

Photo: Courtesy of Ko Olina Resort

Aloha Festivals Ko Olina Community Celebration

Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to noon

Aloha Festivals is coming to West O‘ahu as part of its 80th anniversary festivities! Enjoy live performances, cultural demonstrations and a mākeke featuring local vendors and ʻono food. The Royal Court will make a special appearance, as well as Hālau Hula ‘O Hokulani, Da Anakalaz and Ke‘olu.

Family-friendly, free, $10 event parking (cash only), Grand Lawn at Ulua Lagoon, Ko Olina, koolina.com, @koolinaresort, @hawaiiancouncil

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Photo: Courtesy of AIA Hawai‘i

CANstruction Competition

Monday, Sept. 14, to Friday, Sept. 18, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Feast your eyes on dynamic 3-D structures built entirely of canned goods by teams of local architects and engineers. Stop by the contest’s new downtown location to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award winner. Afterwards, the canned food will be donated to the Hawai‘i Foodbank.

Family-friendly, free to view, $1 donation per vote ($5 minimum) for People’s Choice Award, Central Pacific Bank atrium, 220 S. King St., Downtown, aiahonolulu.org, @aiahonolulu

SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in September 2026

Photo: Mariah L. Standal

Coastlines & Community Festival

Saturday, Sept. 12

• Cleanup: 1 to 3 p.m.
• Festival: 3 to 8 p.m.

Join a mega, harbor-to-harbor cleanup of the Magic Island and Ala Wai areas to remove plastic and trash debris from the coastline. You’ll be rewarded with a celebratory zero-waste party to follow, featuring a reggae set by Ooklah The Moc, an eco-friendly business marketplace, a community book swap, thrifted treasures and educational keiki activities.

Family-friendly, free, register here, Magic Island, Ala Moana, donate.sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org, @sustainablecoastlineshawaii

SEE ALSO: What to Eat During September’s Okinawan Feastival in Honolulu

Photo: Courtesy of Waimea Valley

Kalo & ‘Awa Festival

Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Taste different types of taro, learn to pound poi, drink kava, listen to speakers, shop local vendors, enjoy cultural performances and get hands-on with keiki activities. There will also be hula by Halau I Ka Lima Kuhilani and live music from Jonah Davis. Save time by pre-registering for the event here.

Family-friendly, free, Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa, waimeavalley.net, @waimeavalleyoahu

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Photo: Brandon Miyagi

Jagged Little Pill: The Musical

Thursday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 4

Mānoa Valley Theatre opens its new season with an emotionally charged production driven by the music of Alanis Morissette’s iconic ’90s album. You’ll want to sing along to your favorite angst anthems, like “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic,” while following a plot line about the (seemingly) picture-perfect Healy family.

Recommended for ages 14+, $28–$52, 2833 East Mānoa Road, Mānoa, manoavalleytheatre.com, @manoavalleytheatre

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