Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Nov. 10–16

Photo: Courtesy of Tumua Tuinei

Tumua Tuinei

Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.

The former UH football player turned comedian has been selling out show after show. The rising funnyman is known for his riffs on local people and life in Hawai‘i. Read our recent feature on him. (link to article)

Nov. 12 show sold out, tickets still available for Nov. 13, $32 and up; Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., ticketmaster.com,, @tumua_

Carmina Burana

Sunday, Nov. 13, 4 p.m.

Conductor Akiko Fujimoto leads the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra and O‘ahu Choral Society in Carmina Burana, a cantata composed in the 1930s by Carl Orff, based on 24 poems from the medieval collection of the same name.

$20 and up; Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., ticketmaster.com

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra

An Evening with David Benoit and Michael Paulo

Saturday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Saxophonist Michael Paulo is known for his versatility in performing multiple genres of pop, soul and contemporary jazz. He’ll be joined on stage by American jazz pianist, composer and producer David Benoit and the rest of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra ensemble. You might recognize a few songs like Swingin’ Waikīkī, Watermelon Man and Kei’s Song. Ages 3 and up will need to purchase a ticket for entry.

Family-Friendly Event, $27-$81; Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., myhso.org/concerts/2022-david-benoit-michael-paulo-nov-12, @hawaiisymphonyorchestra

Photo: Courtesy of BAMP Project

Gimme Gimme Disco

Friday, Nov. 11, 9 p.m.

Get your go-go boots on and groove at a disco dance party inspired by ABBA, open to people 18 and older. The DJ will also spin songs from other amazing bands and artists including the Bee Gees, Donna Summer and Cher. Don’t forget your disco attire!

$15; The Republik, 1349 Kapi‘olani Blvd., jointherepublik.com, @jointherepublik

Photo: Courtesy of Made in Hawai‘i Festival

Made in Hawai‘i Festival

Friday, Nov 11 to Sunday, Nov. 13

In its 28th year, this local makers’ festival, now at Ala Moana Center, returns with nearly 400 vendors selling food, books, fashion, handmade crafts, jewelry and more. The three-day event features live demos by such chefs as Randy Bangloy, Jason Yamaguchi, Nico Chaize and Andrew Recca. Musicians including Bobby Moderow Jr., Keilana, Kawika Kahiapo and Del Beazley will also take the stage.

Family-Friendly Event, $13 to $35; Ala Moana Center, Level 3 ‘Ewa Wing next to T-Mobile, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., madeinhawaiifestival.com, @madeinhi

Veterans Day with Tropic Rock & Lightning Jazz Project

Thursday, Nov. 10, doors open 5:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m.

As a salute to veterans, two groups within the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division Band will perform: the Lightning Jazz Project, a versatile jazz and pop group featuring vocalists, horns and a rhythm section; and Tropic Rock, an ensemble that will perform rock, country, pop and R&B from the ’70s to today .

Free, but registration required; Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., bluenotejazz.com, @bluenotehawaii

Photo: Courtesy of Blue Note Hawai‘i

Nimesh Patel

Friday, Nov. 11 & Saturday, Nov. 12, 6:30 & 9 p.m.

Comedian and Emmy-nominated writer Nimesh Patel became the first Indian American writer on Saturday Night Live. He’s opened for fellow comedians Chris Rock and Aziz Ansari, written for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and was a producer for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.

$30-$40; Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., bluenotejazz.com, @bluenotehawaii

Photo: Courtesy of Oahu Fringe Festival

O‘ahu Fringe Festival

Thursday, Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 12

An annual performing arts festival with music, theater, dance, storytelling and burlesque performers. Held at three venues in Chinatown, this year’s lineup promises incredible shows by Susie Scorpio and The Aphrodisiacs, the Honolulu Art Ensemble, Jeff Gere, Mortadellas, Belly Dance Raqs, Egyptian Folkloric Dance and more.

NextDoor, The ARTS at Marks Garage and Proof Social Club, oahufringe.com, @oahufringe

Photo: Courtesy of Kumu Kahua Theatre

Lucky Come Hawai‘i

Through Sunday, Dec. 4

Set in 1941, this comedy explores an era when life was strained among American GIs, local Japanese and West Maui Okinawans. It’s a world after Pearl Harbor is bombed and martial law is imposed—everything is chaos until these characters prove how love can set things right.
$5–$25, Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St., kumukahua.org, @kumukahua

Mai‘a ‘Ho‘olaule‘a / Banana Festival

Sunday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This free festival celebrates all things banana. Try banana tartlet samples by James Beard Award-winning chef Robynne Maii of Fête, piele by Kealoha Domingo, Puerto Rican pastele and banana curry by Ignacio Fleishour of Kōkua Market and more. There will also be lectures; fiber demonstrations; and T-shirt dying using banana stalks, stems and flowers. T-shirts, banana books, fruits and plants will be on sale.

Family-Friendly Event, free admission; Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, (808) 638-7766

Form Within a Form: Echoes and Reverberations

Nov. 11 and 12 and Nov. 18 to 20

Kennedy Theatre’s largest dance production of the year, Form Within a Form, includes dynamic and interactive collaborations featuring original dance, music, mixed media, scenic art and costume design. The production features internationally renowned choreographers from the Korea National University of Arts, original creative contributions by University of Hawai‘i dance and music faculty, and local Hawai‘i artists including choreography by Sai Bhatawadekar, Kaʻohinani Yojo Daniels and others.

$8–$25; Kennedy Theatre, 1770 East-West Road, manoa.hawaii.edu/liveonstage/kennedy-theatre, @uhmkennedytheatre

Photo: Courtesy of Friends of ‘Iolani Palace

‘Iolani Palace Silent Auction

Saturday, Nov. 12 through Saturday, Nov. 19

In honor of King Kalākaua’s birthday on Nov. 16, ‘Iolani Palace is hosting an online auction to help fund the completion of the palace’s basement galleries project. The auction opens at noon on Nov. 12 with bidding on hotel stays, dining adventures, artwork, jewelry and more. Last bids must be submitted by 8:30 p.m. HST on Nov. 19. Winning bidders will be notified via email.

iolanipalace.org/hauolilahanauekingkalakaua, @iolanipalace