The 7 Best Things To Do in August 2017

We’ve got the perfect way to end your summer: musical nights, gardening, sake tasting and more.

KIDS & FAMILY

The Wildest Show in Town

Photo: Thinkstock

After a long day in the concrete jungle, relax with the animals at the Honolulu Zoo. With keiki coloring activities, plate lunches and live music, there’s something for the whole family.

Wednesdays through Aug. 16, 6 p.m., Honolulu Zoo, $5, honoluluzoo.org

 

FOOD & DRINK

The Joy of Sake

Aug. 4

Photo: Courtesy of joy of sake

Honolulu is the U.S. leader in sake-serving restaurants, so what better way to learn about sake than to taste it? As the largest sake celebration outside of Japan, The Joy of Sake aims to offer a unique perspective on the drink through sake-inspired pūpū and a vast selection of sake. As a bonus, the festival offers upscale Japanese street food at the Izakaya Alley—complete with outdoor seating under festive lanterns and the sounds of taiko drums in the open-air area outside the main ballroom. 

6:30 to 9 p.m., Hawai‘i Convention Center, $95 in advance, $105 at the door, joyofsake.com

 

SEE ALSO: Joy of Sake: Drink Sake and Help Set a World Record for a Toast

 

KIDS & FAMILY

29th Annual Hālawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale

Aug. 5

Photo: Thinkstock

Did you know that 50 percent of water consumption in the average home is used outdoors? Switching to a xeriscape garden saves 30 to 80 percent more water. That benefits more than just the environment—it’s good for your bank account, too. The Board of Water Supply’s annual event sells unthirsty plants and has educational activities to get the whole family participating in water conservation.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hālawa Xeriscape Garden, free, boardofwatersupply.com

 

 

SEE ALSO: 12 Things to Look Forward to at the Best of Honolulu Festival 2017

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Nā Hula Festival 

Aug. 5–6 

Photo: Thinkstock

What says “summer” more than a picnic in the park celebrating the art of hula? Beginning in 1940, the festival is the longest-running noncompetitive hula event in Hawai‘i. 

9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kapi‘olani Park, free, facebook.com/NaHulaFestival

 

FAIRS & EXPOS

Made in Hawai‘i

Aug. 18

Photo: Thinkstock

Support local businesses, listen to award-winning musicians and eat food by Hale ‘Aina Award-winning chefs all in one place.

The Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena, $6, madeinhawaiifestival.com

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Mele on the Marina 

Aug. 26

Photo: Thinkstock

As summer comes to a close, Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center continues its annual tradition of family fun and entertainment. Kick back and enjoy while Kapena performs at sunset.

3 p.m., Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center Marina, free, hawaiikaitownecenter.com

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Pure Heart in Concert With Anuhea and Justin Young

Aug. 26

Photo: Courtesy of jon yamasato

If you missed the Pure Heart reunion at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards this year, don’t panic. Jake Shimabukuro, Jon Yamasato and Lopaka Colon reunite for a one-time show with Anuhea and Justin Young playing a combination of country, jazz, reggae and Latin music.

7:30 p.m., Hawai‘i Theatre, $40–$50, hawaiitheatre.com

 

SEE ALSO: 5 Powerful Moments You Missed at the 2017 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards

 

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