Out & About: 12 Things To Do in Summer 2019
Our picks of the best family events this summer.
May 24 (Start Date)
50th State Fair
Photo: Courtesy of E.K. Fernandez
Jump on your favorite E.K. Fernandez rides, play carnival games, treat yourself to funnel cake and take advantage of the free shows including a magic act and robo cars.
Aloha Stadium, all ages, Weekends, Friday, May 24 through Sunday, June 30. Various times. ekfernandez.com
SEE ALSO: Our Guide: 50th State Fair 2019
June 22
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Bookworms of all ages gather each year at this book sale, which raises money to support Hawai‘i’s 51 public libraries. Pick from 150,000 gently used books, CDs, DVDs, comics, manga, art and more. Visit the Facebook page or website for the food truck schedule and to find out when books are half-off and 50 cents each.
McKinley High School Cafeteria, all ages, Saturday, June 22 to Sunday, June 30. Various times. friendsofthelibraryofhawaii.org
SEE ALSO: 30 Hawai‘i Keiki Books to Add To Your Library
July 6
Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
Photo: Tien Enga
Summer’s Japanese bon season is all about respecting ancestors. For keiki, the festivals are a good opportunity to eat noodles and andagi, learn more about the culture and, of course, join a bon dance (the Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest has the state’s largest bon dance). Other activities for kids include origami folding and kingyo sukui, a game where you try to catch a goldfish before your paper net dissolves. Park at nearby UH-Mānoa and ride the free shuttle.
1100 University Ave., all ages, Saturday, July 6. 5 to 10 p.m., moiliilisummerfest.com
SEE ALSO: Our Guide: Obon Dances for Beginners
July 12 (Start Date)
Matilda
Photo: Courtesy of Diamond Head Theatre
This timeless tale of Roald Dahl’s Matilda moves onstage as a musical in this Hawai‘i premiere. Matilda is a little girl unloved by her cruel parents and singled out by her school’s mean headmistress, but her courage, cleverness and perseverance help her find a better life.
Diamond Head Theatre, Elementary school age and older, Friday, July 12 through Sunday, Aug. 4. Various times., diamondheadtheatre.com
July 13 & 14
Hawai‘i State Farm Fair
Learn how to be a farmer at this agricultural festival. Plant seeds, visit a chicken coop and “milk” a cow (or at least a life-sized replica). Try out a kid-sized tractor and enjoy rides and bouncers in the kiddie zone. There also will be a livestock show, country market, petting zoo and food booths.
Kualoa Ranch, all ages, Saturday, July 13. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, July 14. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., hawaiistatefarmfair.org
July 20
Best of Honolulu Festival Presented by American Savings Bank
Bring your recyclable totes and your keiki’s best smiles to our free family-friendly event. Pick up items from local designers, try new dishes while listening to live entertainment and make sure to stop by the HONOLULU Family booth for your first opportunity to enter our 2020 Cover Kids Search for free.
Honolulu Hale, all ages, Saturday, July 20. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., honolulumagazine.com/bestofhonolulu
Summer Series
Longer days means more time for summer fun.
Makapu‘u Twilight Concert Series
In June, listen to live music by Kapena, the Mākaha Sons and Anuhea. In August, enjoy live performances by Natalie Ai Kamauu, Kalani Pe‘a and Kimié Miner. The VIP package includes early access to the park and concert grounds to reserve your seat and a chance to meet the musicians.
Sea Life Park, June 15 and Aug. 17. Doors open at 5 p.m., (808) 259-2500, sealifeparkhawaii.com
Ke Kani O Ke Kai
Relax on the aquarium lawn for performances by top local entertainers. Food and drinks are for sale, and the aquarium exhibits stay open for after-sunset sightseeing.
Waikīkī Aquarium, Every other Thursday, June 13 through Aug. 8., Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
(808) 923-9741, waikikiaquarium.org
Keiki Film Hui
Watch keiki movies for $1 every week throughout the summer.
Select Consolidated Theatres, Wednesdays and Thursdays, June and July. 10 a.m. consolidatedtheatres.com
Summer Movie Express
Regal Cinemas also offers a $1-per-ticket movie program with two different movies shown every week.
Regal Cinema locations, Select weekdays, June and July. Various times. regmovies.com
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
Watch independent, keiki-friendly films for free. Every movie is selected to ensure there is no gratuitous violence or gender, race and religious bias.
University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa Art Auditorium, Every Sunday in July. 3 p.m. outreach.hawaii.edu
Twilight & Dive’n’Movies
Watch movies under the stars while lounging on a beach blanket or floating in the wave pool. Arrive after 5 p.m. for half-off admission so you can hit some rides before the film begins at dusk.
Wet’n’Wild Hawai‘i, June 15 and 29, all Saturdays in July, Aug. 17 and 31. 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m (808) 674-9283, wetnwildhawaii.com
