Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: March 30–April 5, 2023
Dress up as your favorite anime character, take an ‘ukulele masterclass, or listen to bagpipers and eat haggis.
Photo: Courtesy of HIFF
Hawai‘i International Film Festival Spring Showcase
Friday, March 31 to April 6; various times
This week-long film festival includes 20 feature-length films and five shorts spanning an extensive variety of genres including documentary, drama, comedy, and anime. Enjoy hand-picked films with multicultural voices centered around people from Asia and the Pacific.
$14 per film in advance or $15 day-of, $200 and $400 for all-access passes, Consolidated Theaters Kāhala, 4211 Waialae Ave. Suite 3080, hiff.org, @hiffhawaii
Photo: David Croxford
Kawaii Kon
Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2; various times
This weekend, anime fans gather at the Hawai‘i Convention Center to celebrate anime and manga. Participate in video game tournaments and karaoke contests, get autographs from your favorite authors and artists, or simply enjoy the colorful cosplayers and vibrant atmosphere.
$50–$80 at the door, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., kawaiikon.com, @kawaiikonofficial
Photo: Courtesy of Kumu Kahua Theatre
Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers: at Kumu Kahua Theatre
March 23 to April 23; Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Set in 1970s Hilo, this coming-of-age play highlights not only the difficulties of navigating adolescence but also the cultural uniqueness of growing up in Hawai‘i. A $20 Highway Inn gift certificate will be given away the end of every performance.
$25 general admission with discounts for students and teachers, Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St., kumukahua.org, @kumukahua
Demetri Martin
Saturday, April 1, 7 and 10 p.m.
You may recognize him from one of his four Netflix specials, or even his 2009 Comedy Central show Important Things with Demetri Martin. This stand-up comedian, director, and writer has received an assortment of accolades and has authored two New York Times best-selling books. His unconventional and clever comedy is known for its one-liners and use of illustrations.
$35–$45, The Republik, 1349 Kapi‘olani Blvd., jointherepublik.com, @jointherpublik
Kani Kūola Music Festival
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a day of educational and interactive music workshops culminating in an evening concert of Hawaiian renaissance music. Workshops include ‘ukulele and piano composition, history and lectures, open mic and master classes. Proceeds benefit the Kanile‘a Hawaiian Music Scholarship to help advance the rich tradition of Hawaiian music.
Free daytime workshops at Hale ‘Ākoakoa, evening concert tickets for $15–$75 at Palikū Theatre, Windward Community College, 45-720 Keaahala Rd., Kāneʻohe, windward.hawaii.edu
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Scottish Association
Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Saturday April 1 and Sunday April 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate and learn the history of Hawai‘i’s Scottish population at this boisterous festival. The two-day event includes traditional music and bagpipers, Highland games, dance competitions, as well as vendors showcasing both Scottish and local food.
Free, Jefferson Elementary School, 324 Kapahulu Ave., hawaiianscottishassociation.com
Kama‘āina Sunday at ‘Iolani Palace
Sunday, April 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
After a more than three-year hiatus, Kamaʻāina Sundays are back! Sponsored by American Savings Bank, residents can expect free tours, performances by Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musician Kawika Kahiapo and Merrie Monarch award winners, Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu with Kumu Hula Sonny Ching. There will also be family-friendly activities and ‘ono food. Think Aloha Donut, Cafe Julia, Hula Grill and Sage Creamery—to name just a few.
Free, ‘Iolani Palace, 364 South King St., iolanipalace.org
Black Market: Pop-Up Shop
Sunday, April 2, 5 to 8 p.m.
Support Hawai‘i’s black artists and entrepreneurs at this indoor-outdoor rooftop pop-up market. Hosted by Black Bazaar HNL, this event boasts artist showcases, live entertainment, and a wide variety of vendors.
$20.50, Box Jelly (2nd Floor), 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., blackbazaarhnl.com
The Red Raven
Sunday, April 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enter a world of fantasy and adventure at this live Dungeons & Dragons fundraiser supporting the Hawai‘i Conservatory of Performing Arts. The main game with celebrity guests begins at 1 p.m. and all adventurers are welcome to follow along on their epic journey.
Live-streaming is free, In-person is $50–$100 for tickets, Palikū Theatre Windward Community College, 45-720 Keaahala Rd., Kāneʻohe, uhfoundation.org
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Note Hawai‘i
Robert Glasper
Monday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 4, 6:30 and 9:00 p.m.
This Grammy Award-winning artist blends his jazz background with R&B, neo soul, and hip-hop. Glasper is known as a prolific musician, producer and songwriter, and has worked with artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Anderson Paak. Accompanied by both a live band and a DJ, this is sure to be an energetic and soul-filled performance.
$35–$45, Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotejazz.com, @bluenotehawaii
