The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu in April 2021
Movies and workshops and tours, oh my! The American Institute of Architects Honolulu Architecture Month mixes online and in-person events. Plus, race to a virtual finish line, save the planet and drink some mimosas.
WATCH
Virtual Film Night: The Human Shelter
April 15, 6–7:30 p.m.
This year’s film night has gone (you guessed it) virtual with Danish documentary filmmaker Boris Bertram’s The Human Shelter: An Expedition Into What Makes A Home. This anthropological film, funded by IKEA by the way, tells the story of far out dwellings: tiny living in Tokyo, a remote cabin in Iceland, a home where Norwegian reindeer herders live, a refugee camp in Iraq and even NASA’s Mars habitat on the slopes of Mauna Loa. This fascinating and visually intriguing documentary gives us a glimpse of people living life in challenging circumstances.
Free, online, aiahonolulu.org
Photo: Courtesy of AIA Honolulu
LEARN
Photography Workshop
April 10, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Architectural photographer David Franzen and architects Ted Garduque and Geoffrey Lewis offer participants tips to up their photography game in this daylong workshop. It starts with a lesson on composition and techniques; instructors then lead students around to take photos, followed by a downtown critique session and technical editing class. Everyone gets to take one of their images home as a 16-by-20-inch mounted print.
$55–$105, AIA Honolulu Center for Architecture, aiahonolulu.org
Photo: Courtesy of AIA Honolulu
DISCOVER
Walking Tour: Historic Downtown Neighbors
Throughout April
Take a self-guided walking tour of 20 significant buildings downtown. For a chance to win prizes while you’re strolling down architectural memory lane, take a selfie in front of one of your favorites.
$10, Downtown Honolulu, aiahonolulu.org
Photo: Courtesy of Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi
ENVIRONMENT
Earth Day
Find ways to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with tips on living a sustainable life, here. Our favorite earth-friendly accessories will be there too, along with a curated collection of photos of our ‘āina, volunteer ideas and more. A list of reusable wraps, utensils, lunch boxes and drink containers will be especially helpful on National Picnic Day on April 23.
SEE ALSO: 7 Eco-Warriors Weigh in on How to Live a Sustainable Life
FITNESS
Hapalua
Are your pandemic pajama pants getting a little tight? Well, the next virtual race has reachable goals: Walk or run a 5K, 10K, the Hapalua half-marathon or all three (which gives you Big Kukini honors) within the month.
$48–$122, thehapalua.com
CONCERTS
Henry Kapono’s Artist 2 Artist Series
The legendary musician teams up with Blue Note Hawai‘i for four shows of jam sessions and conversations, on April 1, 8, 13 and 22 with fellow local artists Kapena, Ledward Ka‘apana, Mānoa DNA and Jeff Peterson.
$35, bluenotehawaii.com
Photo: Courtesy of Hy’s Steak House
DINE
Easter Sunday
April 4
Spring is the season of brunch and Easter Sunday kicks it off this year. Look to our ultimate guide to dine-in and takeout options.
This story originally appeared as “April Picks” in the April 2021 issue of HONOLULU Magazine. Get your copy at shop.honolulumagazine.com and subscribe to the print and digital editions now.
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