Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: May 1–7, 2025

Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Parks & Recreation

Lei Day Celebration

Thursday, May 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This long-standing May Day tradition honors everything you love about fresh, floral lei. Admire the intricate lei contest submissions, watch hula halau adorned in flowers, welcome the lei court, engage with Native Hawaiian artisans and more. New this year, learn lei making techniques from elite master lei makers from 1 to 3 p.m.

Family-friendly, free, Kapiʻolani Park, Waikīkī, honolulu.gov, @honolulu_parks

SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in May 2025

Photo: Courtesy of Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce

Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta

Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dive into Filipino culture and heritage at this all-day party. Watch the Santacruzan parade, snack on street food favorites such as savory sisig and crispy fish balls, sign up for a traditional dance, martial arts or art workshop, participate in the ube ice cream eating contest and more. The 21+ crowd can hang out in the Inuman Garden with Filipino-inspired cocktails, appetizers and DJs.

Family-friendly, free admission, Filipino Community Center, 94-428 Mokuola St., Waipahu, filipinofiestahi.com, @thefilcomcenter

SEE ALSO: Pancit, Halo Halo, Malunggay Flan: All the Food Coming to Saturday’s Filipino Fiesta

Photo: Courtesy of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Sunday, May 4, 2 to 7 p.m.

Eat tacos, sip a margarita, watch mariachi performers and more at this celebration of Latino culture. The whole ‘ohana will have a blast with keiki bounce houses, face painting and a lowrider car show. A VIP ticket will get you access to a private bar, unlimited chips and salsa and free admission to the after-party at Taqueria El Ranchero.

Family-friendly, free general admission, $25 VIP ticket, Ka Makana Ali‘i parking lot, 91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy., hcchawaii.org, @hispanicchamberhi

Photo: Courtesy of Waimea Valley

Mai Nā Kūpuna Mai From the Ancestors Exhibit

Saturday, May 10*, through Saturday, May 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*Opening date rescheduled

See 25 artifacts from Waimea Valley that have never been displayed before. This month-long exhibition provides a look back at day-to-day life in the ahupua‘a through a variety of tools, including stone pounders, octopus lures, hand bowls, poi pounders and kapa beaters.

Family-friendly, exhibit included with Waimea Valley admission, $10 adult kama‘āina admission, $8 senior and student kama‘āina admission, $6 keiki kama‘āina admission, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., Hale‘iwa, waimeavalley.net, @waimeavalleyoahu

SEE ALSO: Dine-In and Takeout Menus for Mother’s Day on O‘ahu

Noodle & Pasta Fest

Saturday, May 3, 4 to 8 p.m.

Slurp noodles at this night in market ‘Ewa Beach. Local vendors will serve their best dishes in hopes of winning the top prize. Purchase a VIP ticket if you’d like to help judge the competition. There will also be keiki activities, live entertainment and a 21+ beer garden.

Family-friendly, free admission, Wai Kai event lawn, 91-1621 Keoneula Blvd., waikai.com, @histreetgrindzandcraftsfest

Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor for HONOLULU Magazine and HONOLULU Family.