The 8 Best Things to Do in August 2018

Soak in our last summer days with the best events happening this month.

THEATER AND ARTS

The Sleeping Beauty

Aug. 3–5

Photo: brett pruitt & east market studios

This classical ballet adaptation of the age-old Charles Perrault fairy tale has been performed by nearly every major ballet company in the world and served as inspiration for Disney’s 1959 animated film. In this production, local dancers from Ballet Hawai‘i are joined by members of the Kansas City Ballet for an evening full of magic.

Various times, Blaisdell Concert Hall, $35-$99, ballethawaii.org.

OUTDOORS

Hālawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale

Aug. 4

PHOTO: BOARDOFWATERSUPPLY.COM

Looking to reduce your water consumption? Start with xeriscaping. Learn how to create your own water-efficient garden and shop locally grown unthirsty plants at the Board of Water Supply’s annual event.​

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

SEE ALSO: For more events in August, visit honolulumagazine.com’s online calendar here.

CHARITY

25^th Anniversary O‘ahu Heart & Stroke Walk

Aug. 11

PHOTO: COURTESY OF O‘AHU HEART & STROKE WALK

About 735,000 Americans experience a heart attack each year. Exercise, along with good nutrition, is key to keeping your heart strong for years to come. Take steps toward better cardiovascular health at the American Heart Association’s annual fundraiser, which includes a 3.1-mile walk around Diamond Head followed by a health fair and keiki zone. Donations welcome.

7 a.m., Kapi‘olani Park, free, oahuheartwalk.org.

FAIRS AND EXPOS

Made in Hawai‘i Festival

Aug. 17–19

photo: gregory yamamoto

A three-day showcase of the Islands’ best, the Made in Hawai‘i Festival will feature nearly 400 vendors selling local-kine goods from food to fashion, as well as live performances by Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners and cooking demos by Hale ‘Aina Award-winning chefs.

Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena, $6, madeinhawaiifestival.com.

SPORTS AND FITNESS

Duke’s Oceanfest

Aug. 18–26 

photo: ross hamamura/sony

All amateurs are invited to compete in this annual competition highlighting ocean sports dear to late legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku. Competitions are free to watch—they’re held across Waikīkī and include volleyball, tandem surfing and even a contest for surfing pets.

Various times, Various locations around Waikīkī, $35–$50, dukesoceanfest.com.

MEET-AND-GREET

Susan Middleton

Aug. 21

photo: courtesy of merwin conservancy

Peek up close at rare Hawaiian wildlife through portraits shot by author, artist and endangered species expert Susan Middleton. A meet-and-greet reception and book signing of her latest, Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates, concludes the evening.

7 p.m., Doris Duke Theatre, $15–$20, honolulumuseum.org.

COMEDY

George Lopez: Off The Wall – Live in Concert

Aug. 24

Photo: courtesy of blaisdellcenter.com

Get your laughs in when George Lopez hits the Blaisdell for an evening of comedy.

8 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall, $49.50–$69.50, bampproject.com.

FESTIVAL

Greek Festival

August 25-26

LOGO: COURTESY OF GREEKFESTIVALHAWAII.COM

Greek out over gyros, souvlaki, imported merch and more at this two-day cultural festival. Togas encouraged—come wearing one and your admission fee is just $1.

Noon–9 p.m., McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Beach Park, $3, greekfestivalhawaii.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.

Find more events at honolulufamily.com/calendar and honolulumagazine.com/calendar. 

READ MORE STORIES BY MARISA HEUNG