Honolulu Calendar: The Best Events and Things to Do on O‘ahu in September 2021
See ya later, sweaty summer: We’re ready to fall in love this season with a handful of amazing activities. Head to the Windward Side for photography workshops, the North Shore for a festival, Waikīkī for a race, then out west to support local businesses in Kapolei.
Editor’s Note: Due to constant changes to O‘ahu’s event dates, we will be adding to and updating this list every week.
Photo: Courtesy of Waikīkī Roughwater Swim / Cyndia Michelle
SPORTS
SWIM an Amazing Race
Cancelled
In 2020 the 51st Annual Waikīkī Roughwater Swim was canceled. But in 2019, the 2.4-mile race from Kaimana Beach to the beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village lived up to its name. Hundreds of the more than 1,000 contestants had to be rescued during the event due to changing tides and strong currents. Let’s hope that 2021 brings calmer conditions to the somewhat unpredictable activity. Registration is open until the event day. Expect modifications to race procedures, but the start, finish and distance are unchanged. Read about 2019’s oldest female competitor as she prepared for the 50th edition at bit.ly/hn-roughwaterswim.
$95–$105, Sans Souci Beach, waikikiroughwaterswim.com
SEE ALSO: The Oldest Female Competitor Prepares for the 50th Annual Waikīkī Roughwater Swim
CULTURE
Virtual Okinawan Festival
Through Sunday, Sept. 14
Photo: Courtesy of Paul Chin
CONCERT
LISTEN to An Amazing Duo
Postponed to March 8–9 & 11–13, 2022
Are you all out of love or lost in love with the one that you love? No worries, the Australian duo Air Supply has songs for nearly every state of yearning. The soft rock band is coming to Honolulu for five live shows at the Blue Note Hawai‘i so you will have plenty of opportunities to express all of your feelings of soul-crushing love with four decades of hits.
Find more September events at Blue Note Hawai‘i at bluenotehawaii.com, @bluenotehawaii
SEE ALSO: 50 Greatest Songs of Hawai‘i
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ART
LEARN to Take Amazing Images
In-person Sept. 11–12 event has been postponed. Virtual workshops from Sept. 2–8 will still take place.
Action sports, aquatography, automotive, drone, fashion, portrait, wedding: Take your pick at the 2021 PhotoCon Hawai‘i. Professional and aspiring photographers and videographers will have the chance to take workshops at stunning Kualoa Ranch. Attendees can look forward to a mix of virtual and in-person photo walks, master classes and exhibits.
photoconhawaii.com, @photoconhawaii
SEE ALSO: Aloha for the ‘Āina: A Curated Collection by Our Photographers
COMEDY
Buy Jo Koy Tix Now
Nov. 26 and 27
SEE ALSO: 62 Thoughts We Had While Watching Jo Koy’s Netflix Special, Comin’ In Hot
Join the Hawai‘i Bicycling League’s Honolulu Century Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 26, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Check out hbl.org for details.
ART
Artists of Hawai‘i Now
Sept. 9 to Jan. 16
Like many events, HoMA’s hallmark exhibit was postponed last year. But if anything, the pandemic reinforced these 18 local artists’ perspectives on domestic violence, what is sacred, houselessness, environmentalism and more.
Honolulu Museum of Art, honolulumuseum.org, @honolulumuseum
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CULTURE
Kalo & ‘Awa Festival
Postponed to Nov. 20, 2021
Take a trip to Waimea Valley for a day of learning at the Pīkake Pavilion. Talk to cultural practitioners and farmers on the Main Lawn to learn the ins and outs of taro, taste some kalo and ‘awa, and enjoy live music and hula.
Waimea Valley, waimeavalley.net, @waimeavalleyoahu
SHOPPING
End of Summer Gift Fair
Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Whether you’re ready for some retail therapy or getting an early start on holiday gifts, support local vendors and artisans who will be offering snacks, clothing, jewelry and more.
Ka Makana Ali‘i, islandcraftfairs.org
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
FOOD
International Poke Day
Sept. 28
There’s no better place to celebrate International Poke Day than Hawai‘i with its wide variety of fresh and tasty options. We suggest heading to Tamashiro Market, the fan favorite winner of Frolic’s 2021 Poke Fest. Or check out what local poke shop owners and chefs recommend at their restaurants.
SEE ALSO: Poke As We Know It Now Isn’t Native Hawaiian. So What Is?
FOOD
Via Gelato Ice Cream Cake
Available through September
This story originally appeared as “September Picks” in the September 2021 issue of HONOLULU Magazine. Get your copy at shop.honolulumagazine.com and subscribe to the print and digital editions now.
Looking to get the word out about your upcoming event or activity? Email me at katiek@honolulumagazine.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.
