Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: January 29–February 4, 2020

Follow the white rabbit, dress as a Jedi, run a 5K around Ala Moana and more this weekend.

January 29, 2020

Katrina Valcourt,

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert

January 31 at 7:30 p.m. and February 1 at 2 and 8 p.m.

The film that started a more than four decades-long pop-culture obsession with all things Jedi and the Force returns to the big screen this weekend, accompanied by John Williams’ Oscar-winning score played live by the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Dress up in your favorite Star Wars gear, grab some snacks and get ready to hoot and holler the moment those iconic opening credits appear on screen. Rush tickets are now on sale at the box office for students ($15) and active military ($20). If you aren’t planning to fly solo (sorry, Han), seats together are still available for Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

$27–$89, Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., hisymphony.org

East Meets West Conference 2020

January 31, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It’s like Shark Tank in real life: Watch 10 startup companies from around the world pitch their companies to a team of venture capitalists and investors. Some of this year’s startups use artificial intelligence to identify athletes and sports apparel in photos, help travelers book scuba adventures and provide hospitality professionals for events. That’s just one hour—the daylong event also features panels on the rise of the digital nomad, sustainability and a keynote on creating a more ethical and inclusive startup culture. Even if you aren’t planning on starting your own company, it’s a good chance to learn something new, network and watch the fireworks outside the Hilton.

$295, Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kālia Road, eastmeetswest.co

Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Museum of Art

ArtAfterDark: Looking Glass

January 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

HoMA’s monthly art party kicks off its 2020 season by honoring Lewis Carroll, whose birthday was Monday. New this year, attendees must buy tickets or reserve their spots in advance—they won’t be sold at the door. Not only do you get to explore the museum at night (including the contemporary photography exhibition, Immersive Spaces), admission includes activities such as a gallery hunt, book swap, coloring contest, photo booth and more, so come dressed as your favorite character from Wonderland and get ready for a tea party, with or without alcohol.

$30, free for members, Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St., (808) 532-8700, honolulumuseum.org

Bubble Gum 5K Run

February 1, 7 a.m.

Celebrate National Bubble Gum Day by doing what your parents told you never to do: run while chewing gum. But it’s for a good cause, so who are we to pooh-pooh? The Hawai‘i Alpha Foundation and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity mentor middle and high school students and provide college scholarships. It’s too late to receive a T-shirt, but the top three winners in each division earn a medal, so get moving.

$20–$40, Ala Moana Regional Park, 1201 Ala Moana Blvd., check in at 6 a.m., flpregister.com

On Sale Now!

BrunchFest Presented by American Savings Bank

Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

HONOLULU Magazine is gathering the top breakfast and brunch restaurants for BrunchFest presented by American Savings Bank. It will be a morning of delicious sweet and savory bites, drinks, lawn games and entertainment. Get your tickets now to enjoy dishes from Over Easy, Smith and Kings, Café Kaila, Dean & DeLuca and more. VIPs get an extra hour to indulge, from 10 a.m. Don’t wait too long though—VIP tickets will sell out first. Arrange a ride so you can enjoy bloody marys and mimosas (valet parking will also be available). Join us for a relaxed Sunday Funday vibe on March 8 at the new waterfront Ho‘okupu Center at Kewalo Basin, and check out photos from last year below!

$55–$80, 21 and older, Ho‘okupu Center, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd., hnltix.com