Things to Do on O‘ahu in Summer 2026 (Part 1)
Celebrate diverse cultures at fun festivals, join a running or swimming race, see Earth, Wind & Fire in concert and more.
Photo: Travis Okimoto, Courtesy of Festa Italiana
FESTIVAL
Festa Italiana
Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6
O‘ahu’s biggest Italian foodie fest returns to Kaka‘ako with a VIP tasting event at Velocity Honolulu, then a street festival around Mother Waldron Park with food and live entertainment.
Ticketed VIP experience from $175, free admission to the street festival, Kaka‘ako, festaitalianahawaii.org, @festaitaliana
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to Festa Italiana
RUN
Mango Days 5K
Sunday, June 7, 6:30 a.m.
Run or walk this family-friendly 5K around Magic Island, then stick around for the awards ceremony for a chance to win prizes.
$50, Magic Island, 1201 Ala Moana Blvd., Ala Moana, tropicaltriplecrown.com
Photo: Courtesy of the Pan-Pacific Festival
FESTIVAL
Pan-Pacific Festival
June 12–14
The 43rd Pan-Pacific Festival will bring live cultural performances, a hula showcase, a ho‘olaule‘a with food and craft vendors, and the year’s first bon dance to Waikīkī.
Free admission, Ala Moana and Waikīkī, panpacificfestival.org, @panpacificfestival
CONCERT
Earth, Wind & Fire
Saturday, June 13, 8 p.m.
The legendary band known for global hits such as “September” and “Let’s Groove” returns to Honolulu for one night, with a portion of the concert proceeds going to support Kona low flood relief.
From $65.10, Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, blaisdellcenter.com, @blaisdellcenter
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Foundation
FESTIVAL
Yabusame Hawai‘i
Sunday, June 14, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
See a rare demonstration of yabusame, or horse-mounted archery, as it was performed in 12th-century Japan, with historically accurate attire. The cultural event will also feature a tea ceremony, kite show and live music.
Free admission, Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, honolulufoundation.org
COMEDY
Father’s Day with James Mane, Lanai and Kaleo Pilanca
Sunday, June 21, 6:30 p.m.
Make it a hysterical Father’s Day with local comedians James Mane, Lanai and Kaleo Pilanca, as well as Heston Ka‘aihue as emcee.
From $45.90, Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, bluenotehawaii.com, @bluenotehawaii
Photo: Jade Reeves Photography
SWIM
Cholo’s Waimea Bay Swim
Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m.
In this second race of the North Shore Swim series, you have 1-and-a-half hours to swim 1.2 miles around Waimea Bay—keep an eye out for sea turtles and dolphins on your way!
$75, Waimea Bay, 61-031 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa, northshoreswimseries.com, @northshoreswimseries
DANCE
Tahiti Fête
July 3–5
Enjoy three days of Polynesian cultural performances, workshops, crafts and food at the largest Tahitian dance competition in the country, making its first appearance in Honolulu.
From $35, Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, tahitifete.com, @tahitifete
Andrea Lee is the digital editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
