Things to Do in September in Hawaii

Eat, drink and be merry this month with a sake tasting, culinary events and a celebration of all things rice-related.

Aloha Festival

Sept. 1 to Sept. 24

The Aloha Festivals is the oldest and largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S. Embrace Hawaii’s music, dance and history at the festival’s September events. alohafestivals.com.

Okinawan Festival

Sept. 3-4

The 29th annual event features live entertainment, Okinawan food and cultural exhibits. okinawanfestival.com.

India versus Hawaii Polo Match

Sept. 4

Enjoy watching the last game of the polo season at the Hawaii Polo Club. The club offers ocean-view tailgating space, so bring your friends, food and drinks while watching the match. hawaii-polo.org.

The Phantom of the Opera

Opens Sept. 9

Don’t miss the longest-running musical in Broadway history at Paliku Theatre. The plot revolves around Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius. paliku.com.

The Joy of Sake Festival

Sept. 9

At this, the largest sake-tasting event outside of Japan, you’ll find more than 300 sakes to try, as well as appetizers from 13 Honolulu restaurants. joyofsake.com/hi.html.

Taste at Ko Olina Resort

Sept. 10

The Rotary Club of Kapolei organizes this yearly gathering where  1,500 people sample fine food from 20 Hawaii restaurants. Proceeds go to scholarships for aspiring college students from West Oahu. kapoleirotary.org. 

Eat Drink Prints!

Sept. 10

Come and support Honolulu Printmakers and its community arts programs while enjoying food, wine and fine prints. Participants will receive one of the prints on display at the end of the night. honoluluprintmakers.com.

Annual Rice Festival

Sept. 11

From rice entrées to rice wine and everything in between, this festival celebrates rice products from all over the world. There will also be cooking competitions, and part of the festival’s profits go to the charity Lanakila Pacific. ricefest.com.