Your Guide to the Perfect 4th of July Weekend in Honolulu: June 29–July 5

Photo: Courtesy of Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort

Independence Day Fireworks and Celebrations

July 1 to 4

It’s a blast of a weekend with fireworks happening across O‘ahu. Get an early start to the Fourth of July festivities on Friday, July 1, by checking out to the free weekly fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The show starts at 8 p.m., so be sure to arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot on the beach. It’s a perfect evening to catch both the sunset and fireworks. On Saturday, July 2, the Independence Day Celebration at Schofield Barracks on Weyand Field blasts off from 2 to 9 p.m. It’s typically reserved for Department of Defense card holders and guests but is open to the public this year. On July 4, Kailua Beach will host a Fourth of July fireworks show at 8 p.m. On the North Shore, a Fourth of July Festival, Fireworks and Vintage Car Show takes place at Hale‘iwa Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. while the Hukilau Marketplace in  Lā‘ie  will hold fireworks, free games, food, live music and more from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo: Courtesy of Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest

Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest

Saturday, July 2, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Dust off your yukatas and head to the Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest. Honolulu’s largest bon dance is back in-person after a COVID-19 hiatus. Bring cash and get there early for delicious Japanese street food—in the past, the festival has had fresh andagi, doughnuts, takoyaki, shoyu pork, mochi, shave ice and more. Shop local retail vendors and enjoy summer matsuri games and arts and crafts for keiki. There’s free parking at UH Mānoa’s lower parking structure.

Free admission, 1100 University Ave. (former Varsity Theatre parking lot), moiliilisummerfesthi.com, @moiliilifest

Photo: Rae Huo

“The Search for Snoopy: A Peanuts Adventure”

Opens Friday, July 1

“The Search for Snoopy: A Peanuts Adventure” next to Ala Moana Center’s Buffalo Wild Wings has been under construction for many months and it’s finally here. In this new interactive space, you’ll walk through eight iconic Peanuts-related locations. You’ll explore Snoopy’s doghouse, scream Charlie Brown style in his soundproofed bedroom closet and see other favorite Peanuts characters. Your goal is to uncover clues to help Charlie Brown find Snoopy. Reserve tickets online: kama‘āina rates are $24.30 for keiki ages 1 to 13, $30.60 for kama‘aina adults 13 and older, and free for infants under 12 months.

$24.30 to $30.60, Ala Moana Center, next to Buffalo Wild Wings and Target, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., searchforsnoopy.com, @searchforsnoopy

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Theatre

Chelsea Handler

Friday, July 1, 7:30 p.m.

“Laugh loudly, laugh often and most importantly, laugh at yourself.” That’s the motto of comedian, television host and bestselling author Chelsea Handler, who is stopping in Honolulu for one show as part of her “Vaccinated and Horny Tour.” Handler recently released her first stand-up special in more than six years, Chelsea Handler: Evolution on HBO Max, and launched her iHeart Radio advice podcast, Dear Chelsea. Her stand-up set is rolling out in more than 40 cities across the country. There are only a smattering of tickets available on the upper balcony seats, so grab them fast.

$69.50 to $239.50, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hawaiitheatre.com, (808) 791-1397, @hawaiitheatre

Peter and the Wolf

Through July 3, multiple shows

Catch Sergei Prokofiev’s symphonic fairytale Peter and the Wolf, conducted by Joseph Stepec, with local performers narrating in Pidgin most nights and in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i on July 3. Morning performances are intended for families with young keiki. For those without children, consider attending an evening show.

$18-$35, Mānoa Valley Theatre, 2833 East Mānoa Road, (808) 988-6131, manoavalleytheatre.com, @manoavalleytheatre

Photo: Waikīkī Aquarium

Waikīkī Aquarium Summer Concert Series

Thursday, June 30

The aquarium’s famous summer outdoor concert series, Ke Kani O Ke Kai, returns Thursday with Makana and special guests Bobby Moderow, Jr., Kawika Kahiapo and George Kuo. Concert guests can also explore the aquarium exhibits all night. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit on the beach front. There will be food available for purchase. If you can’t make it this week, mark your calendars for the next performance on July 21 with Kalani Pe‘a with Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela and on Aug. 11 with Streetlight Cadence and friends.

$15-$55, Waikīkī Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua Ave., (808) 923-9741, waikikiaquarium.org, @waikikiaquarium

Photo: Lopaka Kapanui

Lopaka Kapanui: Chicken Skin Ghost Stories

Wednesday, June 29, 7 p.m.

Storyteller Lopaka Kapanui has been scaring people for more than 20 years with his chilly ghost stories. Listen to the master at work as he shares personal accounts of ghost interactions and Hawai‘i’s unique supernatural culture.

$25 to $45, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., (808) 791-1397, hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiitheatre