Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Oct. 22–28, 2026
Walk with costumed pups in support of the Hawaiian Humane Society, hear Hawaiian stories, see a nostalgic play and more.
Photo: Kelli with an Eye Photography
PetWalk
Saturday, Oct. 24, 7 a.m. to noon
Take your furry friends on a walk for a good cause at the annual fundraiser for the Hawaiian Humane Society. Join other animal lovers on the 1.8-mile dog walk around Kapi‘olani Park, tackle the doggie agility course, enter the pet costume contest and shop local vendors. Free pet adoptions will also be available onsite.
Family-friendly, $35 general registration, $20 keiki registration, $10 costume contest registration, Kapi‘olani Park, 3840 Paki Ave., Waikīkī, hawaiianhumane.org, @hawaiianhumane
SEE ALSO: All the Spooky, Scary, Tricksy Halloween Fun on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Taimane
Li‘ulā, Cross into the Mirage
Thursday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.
Renowned ‘ukulele artist Taimane always keeps audiences on their toes. Expect a full-sensory experience capturing the nocturnal, magical side of Hawai‘i. There will be live music, contemporary and Polynesian dance, aerial performances and spoken word.
$45.50 to $90.50, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., Chinatown, hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiitheatre
SEE ALSO: What to Watch at This Year’s Hawai‘i International Film Festival
Photo: Christine Lamborn Fernandez, Courtesy of Kennedy Theatre
The Wizard of Oz
Friday, Oct. 23, through Saturday, Oct. 31
Experience the classic tale of Dorothy and Toto as they follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City. This stage version is directed by University of Hawai‘i MFA candidate Jack Romans and features puppets, set pieces and props created from recycled materials. Don’t miss the pre-show talk story before the Oct. 24 performance.
Recommended for ages 5+, $6–$25, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kennedy Theatre Mainstage, 1770 East-West Road, Mānoa, manoa.hawaii.edu, @uhmkennedytheatre
SEE ALSO: Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals on O‘ahu
Photo: Billie Gabriel
Nā Mo‘olelo Hawai‘i Cultural Celebration
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate the legends of Hawai‘i Island at this day dedicated to storytelling. Listen to live readings, learn from cultural practitioners, view entries in the student art competition, bring your own fabric item to block print and decorate a mask to take home. The event raises funds for Paepae o He‘eia and Ko‘olau ‘Āina Aloha.
Family-friendly, free admission, $15 per art activity, reserve your mask kit here, Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, windwardmall.com, @windwardmall
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in October 2026
Cover art: Mariko Merritt. Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
What Whispers Back Book Launch
Saturday, Oct. 24, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Get into the spirit of the season with the launch of What Whispers Back: Spinning Hawai‘i’s Spooky Tales, a new literary anthology edited by Misty-Lynn Sanico. Enjoy eerie live readings, spooky audio tales, small bites and book signings with contributing writers. You’re welcome to drop in for a few minutes or linger longer to chat with the authors.
Not recommended for children, free, RSVP here, Bess Press, 3565 Harding Ave., Kaimukī, besspress.com, @besspress
SEE ALSO: Behind the Book with What Whispers Back Contributors
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
