Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: August 18–24, 2021
Many organizers are scaling back in-person events amid the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, but there are still plenty of virtual auctions, panel discussions, cooking classes and more to keep you busy this weekend.

Yellow Tahitian Shell Necklace by Teanri Designs. Photo: Courtesy of Bishop Museum
E Ulu A Pa‘a
Aug. 19–29
Bishop Museum’s annual fundraiser looks a little different this year, trading a dinner celebration for a weeklong auction of private behind-the-scenes tours, intimate dinners, workshops with artists, gift sets, Native Hawaiian-designed products, hotel stays and hundreds of other items. Even if you’re not up for the pricey travel packages, items such as a canvas tote with art by illustrator Kris Goto start at $15. Check what’s available and register early so you can make a plan for when the auction goes live. Or, if you just want to give a couple of bucks straight to the institution, a $25 donation will get you a pad of sticky notes designed by Mark “Devour” Visaya.
SEE ALSO: Bishop Museum’s Cultural Adviser Weaves History with Modern Flair
View this post on Instagram
Idol Across America Auditions
Saturday, Aug. 21
Are you the next American Idol star? Yes, the show is still going, with its fifth season on ABC and 20th overall. This is the second year that auditions take place over Zoom, making it easier than ever to get in front of producers (only those who make it through this preliminary audition period get to sing for Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan). If you can’t make it to the preliminary auditions, you can submit an audition tape, but you’ll miss the opportunity to hang out with last season’s winner, Chayce Beckham, and fan favorite Philip Murphy in the virtual waiting room. Just make sure to read all the fine print.
SEE ALSO: Everything We Wanted to Know About North Shore’s Thunderstorm Artis

Photo: Courtesy of Body Portal Theatre
Fairytale: 20/20
Through Sunday, Aug. 22
Honolulu’s Body Portal Theatre will show its latest piece at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this week; it follows a choreographer and actress as they attempt to transform an in-person show into a digital performance. Sound familiar? The 25-minute video will be available to stream through this Sunday. The price is listed in euros, but it comes out to less than $10 per ticket.
View this post on Instagram
CHANGE Series: Government & Civics
Thursday, Aug. 19, 3–4 p.m.
While the pandemic may be the biggest issue for a lot of people right now, the mayors of Hawai‘i are also committed to making progress on homelessness, climate change, tourism and more. Our sister publication Hawai‘i Business brings together Rick Blangiardi, Mitch Roth, Michael P. Victorino and Derek Kawakami for an hour on Zoom to discuss how they’re moving forward. Bring your questions for a Q&A and stick around for pau hana breakout sessions.
$10, hawaiibusiness.com/events
Other Ideas

Photo: James Nakamura
Meet the Makers: Sheldon Simeon
Wednesday, Aug. 25, 5 p.m.
Join one of Hawai‘i’s favorite chefs as he cooks the Sardine Pūpū from his cookbook, Cook Real Hawai‘i, live online next Wednesday. To receive Sheldon Simeon’s book in time for the interactive cook-along, place your order through House of Mana Up by this Friday and register online here. The video will also be available to watch later at your own pace on Facebook and YouTube.
Free, houseofmanaup.com
SEE ALSO: We Tried It: 9 Recipes from Sheldon Simeon’s New Cookbook
Streetlight Cadence
Saturday, Aug. 21, shows at 6:30 and 9 p.m.
The indie folk quartet originally from Honolulu is back in town for two shows at Blue Note Hawai‘i to perform new songs and old favorites. Since you have to purchase a table for four, six or eight people, the band has set up a buddy system on Instagram to pair people who don’t mind sitting with other fans. The 6:30 show is sold out, but you can still get premium and loge tables for the later show. Head to streetlightcadence.com for ticket packages that include a copy of the band’s 2019 album, Momentary.
$25 to $35 per person, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com
SEE ALSO: Catch Local Band Streetlight Cadence’s New Reality Travel Series, “Will Play For Food”

Photo: Katrina Valcourt
Midnight, Water City by Chris McKinney
The latest from the local author of The Tattoo, one of HONOLULU’s 50 Essential Hawai‘i Books, fits right into my late-night reads. In 2142, as the rich retreat to underwater seascrapers and live well past 100 thanks to special hibernation chambers, an 80-year-old detective attempts to solve the murder of his former boss and friend, the scientist who saved the world from an incoming meteor. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in two sessions. Hop on the waitlist to get it from the library or buy it from a local indie bookstore.
SEE ALSO: What to Read in August 2021: 5 Hawai‘i Book Picks Recommended by Local Experts

Photo: David Croxford
Register to Go Over the Edge
Raise money for Special Olympics Hawai‘i then rappel 400 feet down the side of the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Resort and Spa. Sign up for the thrilling fundraiser now before spaces are gone.
Over the Edge is Saturday, Nov. 6, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., sohawaii.org
SEE ALSO: I Went Over The Edge of the Hyatt Regency in Waikīkī for the Special Olympics