Your Guide to the Perfect 4th of July Weekend in Honolulu: July 3–9, 2025
Connect science with Hawaiian culture, feed butterflies, eat andagi at a bon dance, hear classical music in the park and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Pearlridge Center
Sharing the Butterfly Experience
Daily through Sunday, Aug. 3
- Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The butterflies are back at Pearlridge Center! Step inside the pop-up greenhouse to learn about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, feed live butterflies and take selfies with the fluttery creatures. If you’re lucky (and hold still), the beautiful insects may even land on your shoulder for a magical moment.
Family-friendly, $9, Pearlridge Center, Mauka Center Court, 98-1005 Moanalua Road, ‘Aiea, sharingthebutterflyexperience.com, @sharingthebutterflyexperience
SEE ALSO: Your Guide to 4th of July Fireworks Shows and Entertainment on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of INPEACE
INPEACE’s Kaulele Exhibits
Daily through Sunday, July 6, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It’s the final weekend to explore three traveling Hawaiian culture and science pop-up exhibits at Ka Makana Ali‘i. Bring the whole family to learn about fishing, fishponds and the Hawaiian lunar calendar with hands-on stations and activities. Build a fishpond rock wall, learn how to gut a fish, hear the mo‘olelo of the octopus and more.
Family-friendly, free, Ka Makana Ali‘i (across from No‘eau Designs), 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, inpeace.org, @inpeacehawaii
SEE ALSO: Where to See Sunflowers Blooming on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
Saturday, July 5, 5 to 10 p.m.
With a new location this year, the beloved festival celebrating Japanese culture boasts keiki activities, cravable food and crafts, plus one of the largest bon dances of the season. And yes, there will be plenty of andagi to snack on!
Family-friendly, free admission, Washington Middle School, 1633 S King St., moiliilisummerfest.org, @moiliilifest
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to the 12th Annual Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
Steel guitarist Bobby Ingano with Alan Akaka and Kaipo Asing. Photo: Catherine AliSantosa Photography
Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week
Sunday, July 6, through Saturday, July 12
Celebrating the unique sound of this influential Hawaiian instrument, enjoy free concerts each day leading up to the Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival on Friday and ho‘olaule‘a performances on Saturday. Check out the lineup of legendary musicians from across the islands and Japan, plus a group of up-and-coming guitarists.
Family-friendly, free, various locations including Royal Hawaiian Center, Hula Grill Waikīkī and Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, waikikisteelguitarweek.com
SEE ALSO: Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra
Symphony in the Park
Wednesday, July 9, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra returns to the windward side for this annual outdoor community concert. The show will feature two rising stars: harpist Iris Yun and cellist Lei Yao Chang, both recent 2025 Nā Hōkū ‘Ōpio “Young Stars” winners. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic dinner to enjoy under the stars.
Family-friendly, free, Kailua District Park, 21 South Kainalu Dr., myhso.org, @hawaiisymphonyorchestra
SEE ALSO: Kama‘āina Deals: Activities, Attractions and More Fun for Locals
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
