Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: November 3–9, 2021

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i International Film Festival

The Hawai‘i International Film Festival Kicks Off

Nov. 4–14, O‘ahu; Nov. 18–21, Neighbor Islands; streaming Nov. 4–28

The fall Hawai‘i International Film Festival presented by Halekūlani opens a blockbuster lineup of 123 features, 100 shorts, 139 Hawai‘i premieres, 34 world premieres, 21 U.S. premieres, and 11 international premieres, all from 36 countries as well as a new episodic series program. The trademark intriguing mix of Hawai‘i-focused and global works includes a mix of in-theater (at the newly renovated Kāhala and Ward) and streamed shows, artist conversations and presentations. The world premiere of Waterman, a film about Hawai‘i Olympian, surfer and trailblazer Duke Paoa Kahanamoku opens on Friday, Nov. 5, in an outdoor screening at Bishop Museum. It’s narrated by Jason Momoa. (It will also be shown in Neighbor Island theaters.) Find films made in Hawai‘i, the Pacific and Asia, as well as comedies, drama, documentaries and more. From Americanish and Cat Daddies to Spiritwalker and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tick, Tick … Boom! There’s also a special tribute to a familiar face to HIFF audiences recognizing the work of director/filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Twelve Rings, Just Mercy, Short Term 12) with the career achievement award.

For festival passes and individual tickets, go to hiff.org, @hiffhawaii

SEE ALSO: Maui-Born-and-Raised Director Destin Daniel Cretton Talks About Family, Film and Joining the Marvel Universe

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Dept. of Land & Natural Resources

Snag a Free Tree for Arbor Day 8

Saturday, Nov. 6, various locations

This year Arbor Day falls on Nov. 6 in Hawai‘i with some walk-in giveaways and others shifted to online sign-ups for appointments for drive-thru tree pick-up. You’ll find a variety of native Hawaiian, fruit and other plants in one-gallon pots but best to be flexible and ask for advice on putting the right plant in the right place. On O‘ahu, plant giveaways are scheduled across the Island including in these communities: Kaimukī, Mākaha, Wai‘anae, Waipahu and Kailua.

Go to this Hawai‘i state link to find more and the trees nearest you. Can’t make it but want to learn more? Try the Plant Pono website.

HomeGrown exhibition poster, Jack Soren. Image: courtesy of Windward Community College

Check out HomeGrown Art at Windward Community College

Weekdays, until Dec. 10

A new exhibition focuses on works by 30 notable Hawai‘i-based artists at Gallery ‘Iolani at Windward Community College. The show features WCC alumni Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studio and Colin Ota and runs through Dec. 10, 2021. Gallery Director Toni Martin says the dynamic artists “usher in a new exciting movement showing works of fantasy, color, bold and bright images.”

1 to 5 p.m., 45-720 Kea‘ahala Road, Kāne‘ohe, Gallery ‘Iolani  

SEE ALSO: Fall Fashion: 5 Local Hawai‘i Artists, Designers and Business Owners Wear the Newest Trends

Photo: Courtesy Holey Grail Donuts

Taste What Happens When Taro Doughnuts Meet Local Stout

National Doughnut Day, Friday, Nov. 5

To mark National Doughnut Day, the team at Holey Grail Donuts unveils its first beer collaboration with Kāne‘ohe-based Inu Island Ales. Inspired by the Original Glazed doughnut, the brewers at Inu captured flavors of maple, vanilla, coconut, taro and sea salt to create this latest Imperial Pastry Stout. Anyone who makes a purchase on Nov. 5 can get a free Original Glazed doughnut at both O‘ahu Holey Grail locations. The limited edition beer can be found on tap at the brewery and in limited release in 500-ml bottles.

Various locations. Holey Grail, @holeygraildonuts, inuislandales.com @inuislandales

Catch the Last Days of the Hawai‘i Book and Music Festival

Through Thursday, Nov. 4, then online

“Model for the Planet?” is the theme of the 16th annual Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival bringing together authors and musicians to share their thoughts on recent works, sustainability, wellness and innovation in a community forum in partnership with UH Mānoa. The last two days include Italian storyteller Giovanna Conforto, Makana in concert from Kawaiaha‘o Church and chef Sheldon Simeon talking about his Cook Real Hawai‘i cookbook. Missed sessions? Go to the UH Better Tomorrow Speaker series channel on YouTube and later find highlights at the festival website.