Honolulu Calendar: The Best Events and Things to Do on O‘ahu in November 2021
It’s time to give thanks for Hawai‘i-made goods, solitary night skies, hysterical Asian American comedians and long runs along the beach.
Editor’s Note: We recommend checking event social media channels and websites for any last-minute changes.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
FESTIVAL
SHOP Really Local
Nov. 11–14, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Your big excuse to spend big—it’s called supporting the local economy—is moving outside this year. After going all virtual in 2020, the Made in Hawai‘i Festival packed up from the Blaisdell Center and moved down the road into its new digs on the top floor of Ala Moana Center’s ‘Ewa parking structure. As with everything else this year, details were still a little fluid when we went to print, but plans included cooking demonstrations, live music and hundreds of vendors selling eats, apparel and anything else local artisans and makers can concoct. Bring a reusable tote, or 10, or don’t; we guarantee you can find more than a few chic upgrades there.
Ala Moana Center, madeinhawaiifestival.com
ENTERTAINMENT
LAUGH Out Loud
’Cause we all need it. Whether it’s stories about his Filipino home lunch or exploration of Spam, we almost consider Jo Koy an honorary kama‘āina. His “Funny is Funny” tour stops at the Blaisdell Arena for three shows Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26–28. Just a few minutes away, actor, comedian and Daily Show correspondent Ronny Chieng takes over the stage of Hawai‘i Theatre for one night only, Nov. 27. Expect the comic to slam racism, COVID-19 skeptics and anyone who blames others in his signature expletive-laced acerbic style.
blaisdellcenter.com, hawaiitheatre.com
SEE ALSO: New Disney Plus Series “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” Premieres This Week
Photo: Getty Images
OUTDOORS
SEARCH for Shooting Stars
Overnight Nov. 16
This month’s Leonid Meteor Shower won’t be that showstopper we got in 2001, but, hey, at least it won’t be canceled! The moon will be almost full and may overshadow many of the meteors, but get far from the city lights and you may be able to spot about 15 to 20 every hour. For the next big Leonid show, mark your calendar for 2030, when comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle orbits closer to the sun and its dust creates a more dramatic shower.
SEE ALSO: 2021 Astronomical Highlights: When to Watch the Sky in Hawaiʻi
Make room in your yard. The free tree giveaway for Arbor Day is scheduled for Nov. 6. arbordayhawaii.org
The Hale‘iwa sandwich. Photo: Thomas Obungen
EAT
National Sandwich Day
Nov. 3
The official holiday of everything between two slices of bread comes early this month. If you need an upgrade from that PB&J, try flying saucers (sloppy Joe filling and cheese sealed in crispy white bread), giant stuffed focaccia creations, fruit and whipped cream between pillowy slices, a straight-up amazing hoagie and more.
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Sandwiches on O‘ahu
FITNESS
Val Nolasco Half-Marathon
Nov. 7, 5:30 a.m.
Whether it goes virtual or runners hit the pavement of Waikīkī together, here’s a way to run off the last vestiges of Halloween candy (and to make room for Thanksgiving feasting). The scenic 13-mile course typically takes athletes along Diamond Head and into East O‘ahu.
$65–$75, Route begins at Kapi‘olani Park, 808racehawaii.com
SEE ALSO: A Beginner’s Guide to Surviving the Honolulu Marathon
CHARITY
Give Big Hawai‘i
Nov. 22–Dec. 31
Here’s online shopping that will make you feel good when you check out. For the third year, HONOLULU’s making it simple to give to more than 100 local nonprofits through a single site. Find your favorites and discover others that are making our communities better.
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THEATER
The Joy Luck Club
Nov. 26–Dec. 12
Think your family drama is challenging? The play adapted from Amy Tan’s novel intertwining the history of four Chinese women and their strained relationships with their daughters is at turns gut-wrenching and hysterically funny.
$22–$40, Mānoa Valley Theatre, manoavalleytheatre.com
This story originally appeared as “November Picks” in the November 2021 issue of HONOLULU Magazine. Get your copy at shop.honolulumagazine.com and subscribe to the print and digital editions now.
Looking to get the word out about your upcoming event or activity? Email us at info@honolulumagazine.com.
Looking for fun new ways to experience the city? HONOLULU’s got you covered with HNLTix, your brand-new local resource for all things social—fundraisers, concerts, comedy shows, expos and everything in between. Discover your next can’t-miss event, share your favorites with friends, or promote your own event and sell tickets online. To see what’s coming up next in Honolulu, visit HNLTix.com.
