Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: March 5–11, 2026
Explore cutting-edge technologies, see the debut of an art collective, chuckle at an improv festival, learn to paddle and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i School for Girls at La Pietra
Tech & Family Fun Fair
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Everyone (not just girls) is invited to explore cutting-edge technologies at this third annual community event. Experience the thrill of virtual reality, test your skills on flight and racing simulators and jump into esports play. There will also be plenty of low-tech activities, such as pony rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, magic show, craft fair and live entertainment.
Family-friendly, free admission, scrip for purchase, Hawai‘i School for Girls at La Pietra, 2933 Poni Moi Road, Lē‘ahi, lapietra.edu, @lapietraschool
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Calabash
Friday, March 6, 5 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate the First Friday opening of this new group art exhibition by Manini Collective. View paintings and mixed-media sculptures by seven Hawai‘i-based contemporary artists exploring the themes of memory, place and inheritance. If you can’t make it this weekend, the pieces will be on view through March 15.
Free, Kaiao Space, 1018 Smith St., Chinatown, kaiaospace.com, @maninicollective
SEE ALSO: Waikīkī’s New Rum-and-Chocolate Tasting Pairs Two ‘Ono Local Brands
Photo: Courtesy of the Hawai‘i Comedy Festival
The Hawai‘i Comedy Festival Spring Showcase
Friday, March 6, 7 p.m., March Madness Improv Battles & Mega Improv Jam
Saturday, March 7, 3 p.m., Family-Friendly Comedy
Saturday, March 7, 7 p.m., Musical Improv Comedy
You’ve got three chances to laugh out loud this weekend with original comedies, stand-up and improv by Hawai‘i-based performers, including special guest judge actor Amy Hill as well as weatherman Guy Hagi starring in a musical. While the evening sets are geared to the 18+ crowd, families are encouraged to attend the interactive matinee on Saturday where audience participation will drive the show.
$10–$35, Honolulu Museum of Art, Doris Duke Theatre, 900 S. Beretania St., hicomedyfest.com, @hicomedyfest
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Photo: Courtesy Of Honolulu Parks & Recreation
Kualoa/Hakipu‘u Wa‘a Festival
Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Experience Hawaiian voyaging traditions with interactive activities and educational opportunities at this annual canoe fest. Practice paddling and sailing, take tours of canoes, join a navigation lesson, talk story with experts and enjoy food booths.
Family-friendly, free, Kualoa Regional Park, 49-479 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, honolulu.gov, @honolulu_parks
SEE ALSO: Hawai‘i Ceramic Artist Toshiko Takaezu Retrospective Exhibit Opens This February
Photo: Courtesy Of ‘Iolani Palace
Kama‘āina Sunday at ‘Iolani Palace
Sunday, March 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you’ve been binge-watching Netflix’s Bridgerton series and enthralled by Queen Charlotte’s 19th-century style, here’s your chance to explore Hawai‘i’s royal culture from the late 1800s and visit the palace for free. Take a self-led audio tour of the restored grandeur, watch hula performances, make a floral kūpe‘e (bracelet), join a lauhala earring workshop and enjoy keiki activities.
Family-friendly, free for Hawai‘i residents, I.D. or proof of residency is required, 364 South King St., Downtown, iolanipalace.org, @iolanipalacehi
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Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
