Things to Do on O‘ahu in Summer 2026 (Part 2)

CONCERT

Blockbuster Summer Festival

July 2 to Aug. 1

Join the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra for live renditions of your favorite movie scores, from Top Gun: Maverick to the works of Michael Giacchino, composer for The Batman, Jurassic World and more.

From $33.50, select free performances, Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, myhso.org, @hawaiisymphonyorchestra

SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2026

MUSIC

International ‘Ukulele Festival of Hawai‘i

July 12, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy ‘ukulele performances by renowned musicians from near and far, shop local vendors and marvel at the world’s largest ‘ukulele.

Free, Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand, 2686-2882 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org, @intl_ukulele_fest

CONCERT

Ke Kani O Ke Kai Summer Concert Series

July 23 and Aug. 13, 5 to 9 p.m.

Set up on the beachfront lawn and drink in the tunes of Nathan Aweau, Jerry Santos, Kamuela Kimokeo and more, plus experience the aquarium after dark.

$55 general admission, Waikīkī Aquarium, 2777 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, waikikiaquarium.org, @waikikiaquarium

COMEDY

Ali Wong

July 24, 25 and 26, 7 p.m.

Award-winning comedian and actress Ali Wong, known for her viral stand-up specials Baby Cobra and Hard Knock Wife and star of the highly acclaimed Netflix series Beef, returns to Honolulu.

BUY TICKETS: JULY 25

BUY TICKETS: JULY 26

From $54.50, Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, blaisdellcenter.com, @aliwong

CONVENTION

Native Hawaiian Convention

July 20 to 23

Cultural workshops, networking, discussions, live music, a pau hana bar and a pop-up mākeke all await at the 25th annual convention that brings the Native Hawaiian community together from across the country.

From $225, Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, hawaiiancouncil.org/convention, @hawaiiancouncil

FOOD

Taste of Honolulu

Aug. 1, 5 to 9 p.m.

Discover some of Hawai‘i’s best bites at Taste of Honolulu presented by American Savings Bank. Restaurant vendors will offer new, exclusive dishes created just for the event. Expect a dedicated bar area, live music and entertainment, and a family-friendly keiki zone with activities and experiences for kids.

BUY TICKETS

$5, Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St., Kalihi, honolulumagazine.com, @honolulumag

SEE ALSO: Taste of Honolulu Presented by American Savings Bank Brings Food, Music and Family Fun to Bishop Museum

RACE

Hawai‘i Spartan Trifecta Weekend

Aug. 15 and 16

Unleash your wild side on a challenge that combines racing with obstacles—climbing walls, carrying weights, crawling under barbed wire and jumping over fire are just the beginning.

From $129, Dillingham Ranch, 68-540 Farrington Highway, Waialua, spartan.com, @spartanrace

SHOPPING

Made in Hawai‘i Festival

Aug. 20 to 23

Hawai‘i’s biggest shopping event featuring all locally made products returns with two preview nights, live music, cooking demonstrations and hundreds of vendors from all over the state.

Ticket price TBA, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, madeinhawaiifestival.com, @madeinhi

FOOD & DRINK

Banana Festival

Aug. 30, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Try different banana varieties, cheer on the Great Banana Cook-Off contestants, print a shirt with banana fibers, learn about the history and culture of mai‘a (bananas) and shop banana merch.

From $10, Windward Community College, 45-720 Kea‘ahala Road, Kāne‘ohe, slowfoodoahu.com/bananafest

Andrea Lee is the digital editor of HONOLULU Magazine.