Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: June 26–July 2, 2025
Race in Waimea Bay, see a sushi knife demo, celebrate World Ocean Month, attend an outdoor concert and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Jade Reeves Photography
Waimea Bay Swim
Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m.
With winter swells gone and the return of calmer waters, it’s time to jump in on the North Shore. This 1.2-mile course takes you around the perimeter of Waimea Bay where you may spot Hawaiian green sea turtles and spinner dolphins. The race is the second of four events as part of the North Shore Swim Series along O‘ahu’s infamous coastline.
$90, register online through June 26 or in-person on June 28, Waimea Bay Beach Park, 61-0031 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa, northshoreswimseries.com, @northshoreswimseries
SEE ALSO: Where to See Sunflowers Blooming on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Seisuke Knife
Seisuke Knife Festival
Sunday, June 29, 4 to 8 p.m.
Learn about the 600-year-old history of Japanese blade-smithing and see sushi-making techniques by master chefs, including Angie Lee, an alum of Sushi Sho and Tsuki Maki, and Yoshiki Hatano of Sushi Tonari. Watch a knife-forging fire demo and enjoy light bites and live music too. If you feel inspired, shop for your own limited-edition knives to take home.
$90, Deck at Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel Waikīkī, 150 Kapahulu Ave., Waikīkī, seisukeknife.com, @seisukeknife_pdx
SEE ALSO: Frolic’s 7-Course Natto Day Dinner Is Coming to Jinya on July 10
Photo: Courtesy of Waikīkī Aquarium
Outrigger Ozone Day
Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. to noon
Celebrate World Ocean Month at the Waikīkī Aquarium and learn how you can make a difference in the health of our seas. Visit informational booths by organizations like NOAA, Kuleana Coral Restoration and HPU Marine Debris Research Center, make Genki balls to clean the Ala Wai Canal, meet watercolor artist Patrick Ching, play ocean-themed games, eat free shave ice, listen to live music and more. While you’re there, say hi to ten juvenile weedy seadragons, new to the aquarium’s Amazing Adaptations exhibit.
Family-friendly, $8 for kamaʻāina and military, $5 for senior citizens and children (ages 4-12), 2777 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, waikikiaquarium.org, @waikikiaquarium
SEE ALSO: Kama‘āina Deals: Activities, Attractions and More Fun for Locals
Photo: Courtesy of Waimea Valley
Summer Concert at Waimea Valley
Saturday, June 28, 2 to 5 p.m.
Lounge and listen to top-notch music and hula performances on the Valley’s verdant main lawn. This annual summer tradition kicks off with Kala‘e Parish and Kalena Kū, Amy Hānaiali‘i, Jerry Santos with Kamuela and the Kanani Oliveira Hula Studio. Bring a beach chair and a picnic, or opt to purchase food and drinks there.
Family-friendly, $20 adult online presale, $18 senior and keiki online presale, $25 adults at the door, $20 seniors and keiki at the door, 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa, waimeavalley.net, @waimeavalleyoahu
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2025
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros
Harry Potter Film Series
Tuesday, July 1, through Saturday, Aug. 23
Experience the wonders of the Wizarding World this summer when all eight movies in the beloved series return to the big screen. One film rolls out each week in sequential order starting with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (July 1 and July 5) and ending with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Aug. 19 and 23). And the magical news? Tickets are only $5.
Rated PG and PG-13, showings on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Consolidated Theatres Kapolei, Mililani, Pearlridge and Ward, consolidatedtheatres.com, @consolidatedhi
SEE ALSO: We Tried It: Fishing at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
