Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: June 22–28, 2023
Laugh till you cry at Ali Wong’s comedy show, see a special flower exhibition at HoMA, enjoy outdoor concerts and do yoga with your keiki.
Photo: Courtesy of the Waikīkī Aquarium
2023 Ke Kani O Ke Kai Summer Concert Series
Thursday, June 29, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Join the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium this summer for the return of the annual Ke Kani O Ke Kai summer concert series. Thursday night will feature local artists Led Kaapana, Mike Kaawa, Ho‘okena, Moon Kauakahi and Kumu Hula Nani Dudoit. This is the first of three shows, so check out the schedule online for details on the next two. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and there’ll be food and beverages for sale. Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on the lawn.
Family-friendly, $20 for juniors (ages 5–12); $55 for adults (ages 13 and up); Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium members get in for $15 for juniors, $30 for adults; all children under 4 free; Waikīkī Aquarium, 2777 Kalākaua Ave., fowaquarium.org, @waikikiaquarium
Photo: Courtesy of Blaisdell Center
Ali Wong Live at the Blaisdell
Friday, June 23, to Sunday, June 25, 7 p.m.
Ali Wong was a married woman when she did all three of her Netflix comedy specials, and she was pregnant in two of them. This summer, the comedian and actress is neither. A recent divorcée (which she’s not shy about saying), Wong is back in Hawai‘i with a new perspective on life and new ways to make you laugh. The balcony on the right is all sold out on Friday night, but there are still a dozen tickets left scattered around the rest of the hall and Saturday and Sunday night shows.
$79.75–$429, Neal S. Blaisdell Center Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com, @aliwong
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Museum of Art
Oceans: Beyond the Reef—a Garden Club of America Major Flower Show
Friday, June 23, to Sunday, June 25, 10:15 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The ocean is the theme for the Garden Club of Honolulu’s highly anticipated major flower show, making its return after four years, and for the first time, it’ll be open to the public at night. This year, 90 judges from across the country are flying in to critique stunning displays of horticulture, flower arrangements and botanical art. Admire bromeliads, orchids, anthuriums as well as endemic, indigenous and introduced canoe plants, such as loulu palms, ma‘o hau hele (hibiscus), ‘ilima, and milo.
$20 general admission, $10 Hawai‘i residents, free for museum members and youth 18 and under, Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St., honolulumuseum.org, @honolulumuseum
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center
Mele on the Marina
Saturday, June 24, 3 to 7:30 p.m.
Spend the afternoon being serenaded by local talent at the first of a series of summer musical concerts at Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center’s marina. The event will feature song and dance from Hālau Na Maka O Ka Laua‘e, ‘ukulele prodigy and TikTok star Kapono Wong and Kulāiwi, a 2022 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner for Hawaiian Album of the Year.
Free, Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center Marina Docks, 333 Keāhole St., hawaiikaitownecenter.com, @hawaiikaitowncenter
Photo: Courtesy of Craig T. Kojima
Author Talk: Mindy Pennybacker in Conversation with Catherine Toth Fox
Saturday, June 24, 2 to 3 p.m.
Stop by da Shop in Kaimukī to meet Mindy Pennybacker, author of the recently released book Surfing Sisterhood Hawai‘i: Wāhine Reclaiming The Waves. This is the first ever woman-written compilation of women surfing—a unique blend of historical accounts, Hawaiian legends and memoir accompanied by 30 interviews from present-day surfers. Pennybacker will be joined by Catherine Toth Fox, a fellow surfer and Hawai‘i Magazine editor-at-large. Space is limited, so reserve a spot online.
Free, da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., dashophnl.com, @dashophnl
SEE ALSO: Mindy Eun Soo Pennybacker’s “Surfing Sisterhood Hawai‘i” Is a Literary Tidal Wave
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Polo Club
Polo Sunday
Sunday, June 25, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Head up north to watch a polo match or two. After the matches, music will start at 5 p.m., provided by Andy Sexton & Simplicity. Pack your own picnic and snacks or grab a bite from Olay’s Thai-Lao Express and order a drink at the fully stocked beach bar. This event welcomes the whole family (including dogs on leashes), and keiki 12 and under always watch Hawai‘i Polo Club games for free. Table and tent rentals are available, and parking is free for VIP ticket holders.
Family-friendly, $25–$350, Hawai‘i Polo Club, 68-411 Farrington Highway, Waialua, hawaii-polo.org, @hawaiipolo
‘Ohana Yoga
Sunday, June 25, 10 to 11 a.m.
Hosted by Salt at Our Kaka‘ako, Three Little Ducks and Hawai‘i Pacific Health, ‘Ohana Yoga is back for the summer. Families are encouraged to bring keiki (ages 3–7) and pack their own yoga mats and towels. Space must be reserved ahead of time.
Family-friendly, Free, Salt At Our Kaka‘ako, 691 Auahi St., saltatkakaako.com, @saltourkakaako
Shop It Like It’s Hot at the Okumura Building Pop-Up
Sunday, June 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Support local crafters and get all your summer supplies in Kaimukī. The iconic turquoise Okumura Building will host a wide selection of small business owners, including DeStash Hawai‘i, Island Keiki and Little Maki Studio. Find handmade ceramics, organic soaps and skincare products, locally grown succulents, art, vintage clothing and so much more. The event will help support Lanakila Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit that feeds hundreds of kūpuna every year.
Free, 1225 Koko Head Ave.
Salsa Sunday at WorkPlay
Sunday, June 25, 5 p.m. to midnight
Whether you love to show off your dance moves or you’re a shy beginner (or maybe you prefer “salsa” with a side of chips—don’t worry, there will be some of that too) head to WorkPlay this Sunday night to enjoy some Latin music with fun-fueled energy.
Free, WorkPlay, 814 Ilaniwai St., workplayhi.com, @workplayhi
Photo: Courtesy of Wai Kai
Mini Preview of the Wai Kai Show
Monday, June 26, 6:45 p.m.
The Wai Kai Show tells the history of wai (fresh water) and kai (ocean water) with Hawaiian and Tahitian song and dance. Catch the last sneak peek of a free mini-show before the three-act show goes live in July. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on the Wai Kai Deck, and you can have dinner while you enjoy the show.
Family-friendly, Free, 91-1621 Keone‘ula Blvd., Suite 3100, ‘Ewa Beach, atthelineup.com, @waikailineup
SEE ALSO: We Tried It: Wai Kai Lagoon and Surf Park in ‘Ewa Beach
Photo: Courtesy of International Market Place
Stargazing Show at the International Market Place
Wednesday, June 28, 8 to 9 p.m.
Take a guided tour of the stars with a 7-foot-tall telescope on the sixth floor of the mall. You’ll get to see planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Listen to space and astronomy stories and bring your own chairs and beverages (sorry, no alcohol) to enjoy. All ages are welcome, and kids under 5 are free. This event happens every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, so if you can’t make this one, check out the website for future dates.
Family-friendly, $30 plus tax, International Market Place, 2330 Kalākaua Ave., Level 6 Garage, stargazersofhawaii.com, @stargazersofhawaii
SEE ALSO: We Tried It: Astronomy Party with Stargazers of Hawai‘i
