The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu in September 2020
Start the fall by pedaling in an epic bike ride, supporting local breweries, helping to make our beaches pristine and more.
The only thing that’s certain nowadays is uncertainty. So we recommend calling ahead to check for any event changes.
Events
CONCERTS
Eric Benét
Postponed: New date will be announced when club reopens. Tickets will be automatically transferred.
photo: courtesy of blue note hawai‘i
After months of being cooped up we all deserve the sweet, smooth vocals of R&B singer-songwriter Eric Benét. The Grammy-nominated artist will headline four shows at the Blue Note and will most likely play his 1999 hit, “Spend My Life With You.”
bluenotehawaii.com, @bluenotehawaii
CULTURAL
Aloha Festivals
Various virtual programs throughout the month starting on Thursday, September 24.
Photo: courtesy of ku‘ulei leslie-lockwood
The monthlong festival will look quite different this year. Instead of a parade and ho‘olaule‘a, Aloha Festivals has partnered with KHON2 for special festival-themed programming, including a half-hour show called Aloha Festivals: Nā Mele ‘Ukulele on Sept. 24 at 9:30 p.m. The show will also be broadcast on KHON2.com and on KHON2’s YouTube channel, and will be rebroadcast on Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. on KHII. Visit the website for program updates.
KHON2, free, alohafestivals.com, @alohafestivals
SPORTS
Hawai‘i Ride of the Century
Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, October 4
PHOTO: courtesy of hawai‘i bicycling league
Admit it: You’ve been slacking on those fitness goals. And seeing that 2020 has most of us office workers glued to our makeshift home office chairs, our bodies are begging for a little action. Bring on Hawai‘i’s largest cycling event, an annual fundraiser for the Hawai‘i Bicycling League. This year, due to the pandemic, HBL is opening the DIY-race to a 10-day window so participants can ride and log their details. All you have to do is choose your own adventure: Select your favorite route with a 50-, 100-, 200- or 350-mile goal in mind. Registration closes Aug. 31 but those who missed the deadline can sign up as a volunteer.
Virtual, $35–$125, hbl.org/hawaiirideofthecentury, @hblridealoha
DINING
Frolic’s Night In
Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13
“Chefs create new, exclusive multi-course takeout menus just for Frolic’s Night In. Drink professionals expertly pair them with beverages. You’ll order online and pick up your meal-and-drink packages the afternoon of the Zoom event. If there’s one thing we know, we are desperately missing hanging out with friends over delicious grinds. Human interaction is crucial to our well-being and OMG, where’s my beer? At dinnertime we’ll connect on Zoom and as you eat and sip at the comfort of your own table, I’ll host the event with the chefs and drink experts. These will be live events with lots of droolworthy moments and insider info, so feel free to join in with questions and comments as you indulge and watch.” —Thomas Obungen
Read more on Frolic Hawai‘i and purchase your tickets on HNLTix.com. $55 includes all courses, pairing and unique access code to the Zoom call.
More Things to Do
VOLUNTEER
CLEAN a beach with Sustainable Coastlines
The nonprofit will introduce a new DIY beach cleanup incentive this fall. After the ocean-saving organization expands its digital resources, it plans to start a checkout system for beach cleaning supplies this fall so you can host your own DIY cleanups.
sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org, @sustainablecoastlineshawaii
DINING
DRINK local brews on National Beer Lovers Day
Support local breweries—like the freshly brewed Olomana Brewery in Kailua and Broken Boundary in Kalihi—by stopping in for a growler or canned brew this weekend. Read more about O‘ahu’s local American barley wines here and blonde ales here. And then learn how to pair your takeout with your fresh stock of brews here.
SEMINARS & CONFERENCES
JOIN a virtual discussion on education
The fourth event in Hawai‘i Business Magazine’s CHANGE event series is going virtual on Sept. 17 (3–4:30 p.m.). Hawai‘i education leaders will discuss career education, the role of remote learning during the pandemic and more. All ticket proceeds will go to the Hawai‘i Foodbank.
hawaiibusiness.com, @hawaiibusinessmagazine
CONCERTS
HEAR live-stream concerts
Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra has made a big switch to a special virtual community platform called The Sounds of Resilience for classical music fans. Masterworks subscribers have free access to all five shows but anyone can join one or all of the concerts that begin on September 26.
myhso.org, @hawaiisymphonyorchestra
DINING
EAT cold noodles in the sunshine
The fast-casual Vietnamese noodle bar Qing Mu is one of the newest additions to the impressive Kaka‘ako lineup of outdoor dining options. Head to the cafeteria-style eatery for a healthy portion of Saigon steak vermicelli paired with chilled sake.
602 Ala Moana Blvd., (808) 544-0005, qingmunoodles.com, @qingmunoodle
Looking to get the word out about your upcoming event? Email me at katiek@honolulumagazine.com.
Read more stories by Katie Kenny
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.
