Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Nov. 5–11, 2026
Snag dining deals, check off your holiday shopping list, cheer at a basketball tourney, experience traditional Hawaiian games and more.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Honolulu Restaurant Week
Saturday, Nov. 7, through Sunday, Nov. 15
During this annual celebration of our local eateries, expect special prix-fixe menus, limited-time discounts and exclusive dishes. From Spanish tapas to Turkish meze and Mongolian skewers, browse the offerings from more than 30 participating restaurants and make your reservations now. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hawai‘i Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
Various locations, hnlrestaurantweek.com, @honolulurestaurantweek
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in November 2026
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Convention Center
Nā Lehua Marketplace & Festival
Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8
‘Tis the season to start your holiday shopping. This brand-new market features hundreds of vendors spanning the exhibit halls at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. When you need a break from shopping, watch fashion shows and live music, including Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm performing on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Family-friendly, $25 early entry admission, $6 general admission, free for keiki 6 and under, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Ala Moana, nalehuamarketplace.com, @nalehuamarketplace
SEE ALSO: Can’t-Miss Local Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy Hawai‘i Athletics
Outrigger Rainbow Classic
Friday, Nov. 6, through Monday, Nov. 9
Basketball is back! Catch the hoops action at the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors’ first basketball tournament of the season. Coming off last year’s NCAA Tournament appearance, expectations are high for the team as they play Bethesda, Portland and UT Arlington.
Family-friendly, $7–$35, Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, Mānoa, hawaiiathletics.com, @hawaiibasketball
SEE ALSO: Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals on O‘ahu
Photo: KGyasi Photography LLC
The Revival: Djembe in the New Millennium
Friday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Feel the beat of West African drumming and dancing performed by O‘ahu-based Sewa Faré African Dance & Drum Company and Brooklyn-based Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater. The show blends traditional with contemporary styles, including Afrobeat, hip-hop, rap and R&B.
$25, Filcom Center, 94-428 Mokuola St., Waipahu, 32395.encoreticketing.com, @sewafare
SEE ALSO: What to Watch at This Year’s Hawai‘i International Film Festival
Photo: Courtesy of Waimea Valley
Makahiki Festival
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Makahiki, a season of peace and renewal, at Waimea Valley. Watch the thrilling Te Moana Nui Games, a traditional sports competition of rock-lifting, coconut tree-climbing, fruit-bearing and wrestling, plus enjoy live music, hula and local vendors. In honor of Veterans Day, active and retired military get in free. You can also receive free admission with a minimum $5 donation to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank.
Family-friendly, $10 general admission, $5 kama‘āina admission for ages 4 and older, free admission for active and retired military, Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa, waimeavalley.net, @waimeavalleyoahu
SEE ALSO: Does It Still Stink at Happy Days? We Did a Sniff Test in Kaimukī
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
