Honolulu Pride: LGBTQIA+ Events in September 2025
Celebrate māhū voices at Māhū Madness, catch the classic Bogart-Hepburn film The African Queen and learn about ancient Hawaiian fishing practices.
Trivia Night at Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar
Mondays, Sept. 1 and 15, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Form a squad and rack your collective brains for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights. Trivia Night at Wang Chung’s is every first and third Monday of the month and totally free to enter.
Free, Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar, 2424 Koa Ave., Waikīkī, wangchungs.com, @wangchungs
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in September 2025
Photo: Courtesy of Blazing Saddles Hawai‘i
Blazing Saddles Hawai‘i
Tuesdays, Sept. 2, 16, 23 and 30, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Time to break out those cowboy boots. Join Hawai‘i’s diverse community for line dancing, the two-step and all manner of country-western dancing. Lessons are available for eager beginners.
Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom, 404 Kapahulu Ave., Waikīkī, blazingsaddleshi.org
Photo: Courtesy of Lei Pua ‘Ala
Lei Pua ‘Ala: Queer Histories of Hawai‘i Presents The Return of Kapaemahu
Wednesdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Lei Pua ‘Ala’s hula show The Return of Kapaemahu chronicles the story of four voyagers of dual male and female spirit journeying to bring healing arts from Tahiti to Hawai‘i. Based on an Oscar-nominated short film, the show honors the legacy of sexual diversity in the islands and blends traditional hula with modern music. This free one-hour show will be performed every Wednesday, weather permitting.
Free, Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, 2453 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, queerhistoriesofhawaii.org, @queerhistoriesofhawaii
Musical Bingo at Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar
Wednesdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
You’ve played bingo—now imagine swapping the numbers for songs! Grab a drink at Wang Chung’s, sing your heart out, and win some prizes at this team-up event between Wang Chung’s and Because Hawai‘i.
Free, Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar, 2424 Koa Ave., Waikīkī, wangchungs.com, @wangchungs
Hula’s Catamaran Saturdays
Saturdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2 to 5 p.m.
Mingle at Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, then head down to Waikīkī Beach before 3 p.m. to set sail on a 90-minute catamaran ride along the shoreline. Cash-only beers and Mai Tais are available onboard, and if the weather is right, you can hop into the water to cool off. While walk-ins are available, you can pre-purchase a ticket to secure your spot.
$30, Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave., Waikīkī, hulas.com, @hulaswaikiki
Photo: Mahina Choy-Ellis
Māhū Madness
Saturday, Sept. 6, 7 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy a sparkling night of drag with some of Hawai‘i’s most talented local performers and join the community in celebration of māhū voices and culture across the Pacific. This year’s Māhū Madness theme is “Razzle Dazzle,” so show up to light up the room and aim for the Best Dressed award!
$39.19–$286.61, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tapa Ballroom, 2005 Kālia Road, Waikīkī, paifoundation.org, @paifoundation
Photo: Taylor Cullen
Mimosas & Marys Daytime Drag and Variety Show
Sunday, Sept. 7, 3 to 5 p.m.
Mimosas & Marys is a monthly drag show starring singer and comedian Candi Shell, accompanied by a revolving slate of talented performers in the variety, drag and comedy scenes. This month’s theme is “Art,” a gallery of performance art both high and low.
$5 door cover, Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave., Waikīkī, hulas.com, @hulaswaikiki
Kūpuna Movie Mornings: The African Queen
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kūpuna and film lovers are invited to join this free monthly film series for coffee, snacks and a film. This month’s movie stars the legendary Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn in an exciting technicolor adventure through East Africa. As World War I rages in the background, the duo confronts raging rapids, hostile forces and burgeoning romance. The film netted Bogart his an Academy Award for Best Actor, the only Oscar of his career. The lobby opens at 10:30 a.m. with complimentary coffee and pastries, and the film starts at 11:30 a.m. RSVPs are required, and the event is free.
Free, Hawai‘i Theatre Center, 1130 Bethel St., Downtown, hawaiitheatre.com, @honolulupride
Gay for Good Surfrider Spirit Sessions: Invasive Plant Removal
Saturday, Sept. 13, 8 a.m. to noon
Spend the morning at He‘eia Fishpond in Kāne‘ohe learning about ancient fishing practices, removing invasive mangroves and enjoying the ocean views. Volunteers are treated to a free lunch. Sign up online and be sure to bring covered shoes, water and reef-safe sunscreen. You are also encouraged to bring your own bowl and utensils for an earth-friendly lunch.
He‘eia Fishpond (RSVP to see exact location), gayforgood.org, @gayforgood
Photo: Courtesy of Katt’s Closet and Burlesque Lounge
“The Monthly” Burlesque Variety Show at Katt’s Closet and Burlesque Lounge
Saturday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Every second Saturday of the month, head down to the heart of Chinatown to experience “The Monthly,” a showcase of the art of burlesque. Hosted at the historic Old Blaisdell Hotel, this burlesque variety show offers a new experience every month.
$30, Katt’s Closet and Burlesque Lounge, 1154 Fort Street Mall, Chinatown, kattscloset.com, @redlighttourshnl
Photo: Courtesy of The Aloha Bears
Aloha Bears Booze Cruise
Sunday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Aloha Bears set sail for their monthly outing every second Sunday of the month. Enjoy cocktails at Bacchus Waikīkī, climb aboard a one-hour catamaran cruise with an open bar, then disembark at Bacchus Waikīkī for lunch and drinks. The cruise and lunch at Bacchus are included with each ticket, and members of The Aloha Bears can enjoy another drink at Bacchus with each ticket.
$50, Bacchus Waikīkī, 408 Lewers St., Waikīkī, thealohabears.org, @thealohabears
Aloha Bears Bearaoke
Thursday, Sept. 18, 8 to 10 p.m.
Hang out with The Aloha Bears and strum those vocal chords with karaoke and drinks at In Between, with no song fees for members of The Aloha Bears and their guests. In Between will be offering select shot specials.
In Between, 2155 Lau‘ula St., Waikīkī, thealohabears.org, @thealohabears
NGLCC LGBTQ+ Sip & Pitch
Friday, Sept. 26, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Hosted by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Sip & Pitch is a monthly opportunity for LGBTQIA+ business owners to remotely pitch their business idea before a panel of experts and business owners to receive positive, constructive feedback. While presenters are chosen beforehand, you can apply online to be considered as a presenter for a future Sip & Pitch.
Zoom conference, nglcc.org, @nglcc
Alexander Pang is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
