Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: June 8–14, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Greg Yamamoto

106th King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade & Ho‘olaule‘a

Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In its 106th year, this parade will include floral floats, local and national marching bands, pā‘ū riders on horseback and a motorcycle unit. The route begins at King Street in front of ‘Iolani Palace and ends at Monsarrat Avenue and Kapi‘olani Park. Afterwards, enjoy a vibrant celebration at the park with food, music, hula, cultural activities, games, education, demonstrations and workshops.

Free, Family-Friendly Event, parade route spans ʻIolani Palace to Kapi‘olani Park, kamehamehaday.hawaii.gov, @hawaii_sfca

World Ocean Day

Thursday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Waikīkī Aquarium is offering entertainment throughout World Ocean Month. On Thursday, June 8, celebrate World Ocean Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with activities for the whole ‘ohana, like crafts, educational programs and watching staff feed sharks, reef fish and seahorses. The next day on Friday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, join the aquarium for a beach cleanup at Ala Moana Beach Park. OZONE Day takes place on Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with education, fun and games.

Family-Friendly Event, Waikīkī Aquarium, 2777 Kalākaua Ave., waikikiaquarium.org, @waikikiaquarium

SEE ALSO: Lexbreezy: Hawai‘i Designer Alexis Akiona’s New Boutique in Ala Moana Center

Photo: Courtesy of Don Rostow

2023 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival

Saturday, June 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Listen to steel guitar masters from O‘ahu singing and playing your favorite Hawaiian music. The festival will be live-streamed on the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase’s Facebook and YouTube.

Free, Family-Friendly Event, Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy., hawaiiansteelguitarfestival.com, @hawaiiansteelguitarassociation

SEE ALSO: 2023 Bon Dance Schedule

Donnell Rawlings

Saturday, June 10, 9 p.m.

Donnell Rawlings first gained fame during his hilarious sketches as Ashy Larry on Chappelle’s Show, and his career soon grew as a comedian, actor and podcaster. In 2021, he was honored by The African-American Humor Awards in 2021 with the Redd Foxx Award and is currently filming his new special for Netflix this spring produced by Dave Chappelle.

$35 to $45, Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotejazz.com, @bluenotehawaii

SEE ALSO: Celebrate Pride Month With These 5 LGBTQIA+ Books

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Kamehameha Day at Waimea Valley

Sunday, June 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In celebration of Kamehameha Day, all kama‘āina will receive free admission to Waimea Valley with proof of residency. Explore the valley, interact with cultural artisans, enjoy refreshments and snacks by Ke Nui Kitchen and swim in the falls.

Family-Friendly Event, Free, Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, waimeavalley.net, @waimeavalleyoahu

SEE ALSO: 5 Ways to Celebrate King Kamehameha Day This Year

Father’s Day Keiki Workshop

Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Have your keiki make dad a special magnet in this keiki workshop to show appreciation for all that he does. The magnet can be decorated with googly eyes, stickers and markers. City Mill team members will provide instructions and materials. There are 30-minute sessions beginning from 10 a.m.

Family-Friendly Event, Free, City Mill, various locations, tickets available here

SEE ALSO: June Events for Kids on O‘ahu

Photo: Courtesy of State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

2023 Young Artists of Hawai‘i

Through Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

View an annual student art competition and exhibition presented by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. This program recognizes creative excellence among Hawai‘i’s public and private school students kindergarten through sixth grade. The Hawai‘i State Art Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free, Family-Friendly Event, Hawai‘i State Art Museum, 250 South Hotel Street., hisam.hawaii.gov, @hawaiistateartmuseum

SEE ALSO: Honolulu Pride: LGBTQIA+ Events in June 2023

Still from Gush. Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Museum of Art

2023 Sundance Institute Indigenous Film Tour

Saturday, June 3, to Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Honolulu Museum partners with the Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program to present a film tour, a 73-minute theatrical program featuring a short film followed by a feature-length film. This curated selection is a celebration of Native life and an exciting look at the breadth of inventive storytelling from Indigenous artists supported by Sundance Institute. Also, on Saturday, June 10, at 7 p.m., stick around after the screening to talk story with programmer Sarah Fang and video artist Anuhea Nihipali about the themes of both films.

Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 South Beretania St., honolulumuseum.org, @honolulumuseum

SEE ALSO: Savor Japanese-Style Ramen at Umi Ramen in Leeward O‘ahu

Photo: Courtesy of Pacific Whale Foundation

7th Annual Whale Film Festival

Thursday, June 8, to Monday, July 31

This annual festival features films by storytellers from around the world to raise awareness about the ocean, marine wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. The festival kicks off on World Ocean Day with an in-person event on Maui, and the films will be available online throughout July.

Pacific Whale Foundation, pacificwhale.org, @pacificwhalefoundation

JCCH Craft & Collectibles Fair

Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Shop for gifts and treats at this family-friendly outdoor event with local Japanese and Japanese-related vendors. Take advantage of the 20% off kimono sale at the gift shop as well.

Free, Family-Friendly Event, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, 2454 South Beretania Street, jcchawaii.org, @jcchawaii

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