The 10 Best Events on O‘ahu in May 2019
Harvest your own dinner, buy a new book—or a dozen—and join in magic-making in a historic theater.
CULTURE
Lei Day Celebration
May 1 | 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i. Take the keiki for a day of fresh flowers, local food and live performances, and a chance to make lei and other Hawaiian crafts, assisted by Hawai‘i artisans. Don’t forget to visit tūtū at her hale for Nā Mea Hawai‘i activities and maybe learn a song or two to impress those visiting relatives in the summer.
Kapi‘olani Park, Free, honolulu.gov/parks
MUSIC
Nā Mele O Ko Olina
Friday, May 3; Wednesday, May 8; Friday, May 17; Wednesday, May 22 and Friday, May 31 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Head out of town to the pretty beaches of Ko Olina for a series of concerts featuring the state’s best ‘ukulele musicians. It’s free but bring your wallet for the local arts and crafts fair nearby.
Ko Olina Beach Lagoon No. 3, Free, hotcrafts.net
CULTURE
Parade of Farms
Saturday, May 4 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Get hands-on learning experiences at Wai‘anae farms at this fourth annual event. Shop for locally grown produce including kalo and eggs from Kahumana Organic, Ka‘ala and MA‘O Organic farms as you learn new techniques for backyard gardening. For a fee, you can also take guided tours, which include opportunities to pet goats, taste local honey and explore kalo patches and aquaponics. We’re betting tickets will go quickly for the farm tour, which includes a meal created from vegetables and fruits you harvest on the way.
Kahumana Organic Farm & Café, Free, parade-of-farms.org
SEE ALSO: Dine on a Farm and Shop a Celebratory Farmers Market This Week
FESTIVAL
Hawai‘i Book and Music Festival
Saturday, May 4–Sunday, May 5 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tidy up your reading nook and clear out that bookshelf. The annual celebration of the art of storytelling packs a schedule with workshops, readings by local authors, live performances and, of course, hundreds of books to take home. Local celebrities and Olympic gold medalist and author Kristi Yamaguchi will read children’s books. Meet a favorite writer, discover a new one and don’t be surprised if you’re inspired to finally start that memoir.
Frank F. Fasi Civic Center, Free, hawaiibookandmusicfestival.com
NIGHTLIFE
May the Fourth Be With You
Saturday, May 4 | 9 p.m.
Dress like a Stormtrooper and take a shot with Princess Leia.
NextDoor, Free, nextdoorhi.com
SEE ALSO: 10 Hawai‘i Races to Watch in 2019
SPORTS & FITNESS
Honolulu Triathlon
Sunday, May 12 | 5 a.m.
Fulfill that long-forgotten New Year’s resolution in a big way. Or live vicariously by watching experienced triathletes race on land and sea.
Magic Island, $45–$250, honolulutriathlon.com
SEE ALSO: Best of the Fests: O‘ahu’s 21 Annual Ethnic Festivals
ART
Artist Talk with Marian Bijlenga
Saturday, May 18 | 1 p.m.
The award-winning Dutch contemporary artist dissects the use of thread and other lightweight materials in her spatial drawings, as part of the museum’s Constellation—drawing in space.
Honolulu Museum of Art, Free, RSVP required, honolulumuseum.org
ENTERTAINMENT
The Magic of Adam Trent
Saturday, May 25 | 8 p.m.
Adam Trent, known as The Futurist, has his own spin on magic incorporating traditional tricks, technology and stunts. With a combination of comedy, performance and illusions, Trent invites the audience to join in the magic-making. You never know what tricks he’ll have up his sleeve.
Hawai‘i Theatre, $35–$65, hawaiitheatre.com
FESTIVAL
Lantern Floating Hawai‘i
Monday, May 27 | 6 p.m.
Thousands of people pack the beach every year for this introspective, illuminating moment of remembrance.
Ala Moana Beach Park, Free, lanternfloatinghawaii.com
CONCERT
Rhye
Wednesday, May 29 | 8 p.m.
If you’re a fan of Sade, you’re a fan of Rhye. The Toronto-raised Michael Milosh shocked music journalists when he revealed that he was the one behind the soft, sensual croon that accompanied the plethora of strings and synthesizers of the online persona, Rhye. His music is intimate and soulful so you can fast-track a new romance or go with close friends and get ready to get lost in melancholy.
The Republik, $35, jointherepublik.com
SEE ALSO: For more events in May, visit honolulumagazine.com’s online calendar
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.
Find more events at honolulufamily.com/calendar and honolulumagazine.com/calendar.
