Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Sept. 29-Oct. 5

Photo: Courtesy of Tom Hermans

17th Annual Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival 

Oct. 1-31, various times  

In partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, this monthlong online festival provides free content-rich events, with stage performances, storytelling, music, art and nationally and internationally recognized speakers and authors. The community forum will present 65 online events—plus two in-person—with over 150 presenters. Topics include Hawaiian culture, sustainability, the economy, technology, performing cultural arts, the literary industry. 

Free, hawaiibookandmusicfestival.com, @hawaiibookmusic

Photo: Courtesy of Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre

Honolulu Dance Collection at Hawai‘i State Art Museum 

Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

Watch dances choreographed by local, independent artists and dance companies from throughout the state. This multifaceted dance experience will feature a wide variety of styles, showcasing the diverse talents here in Hawai‘i. Participating dance companies include Honolulu Zouk, IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre and the Rainbow Fusion Dance Collective. This two-night experience was organized by performing artist Terry Slaughter. Learn more here. 

Family-Friendly Event, free, Hawai‘i State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel St., hisam.hawaii.gov, @hawaiistateartmuseum

Photo: Courtesy of Malama Hawai‘i Market

Malama Hawai‘i Makers Market

Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Peruse premier local vendors at this thoughtfully curated monthly pop-up market. Established in 2019, the market aims to support Hawai‘i’s small businesses by gathering local artists, makers, designers, collectors, food vendors and the like, into one location. The Oct. 1 market is in Hawai‘i Kai; other Makers Markets pop up monthly in Waikīkī and Hale‘iwa.   

Family-Friendly Event, free, Koko Head Elementary School, malamahawaiimarket.com,  @malamahawaiimarket

Photo: Courtesy of Moani’s West Fest

Moani’s West Fest 2022 

Saturday, Oct. 1, 4 to 10 p.m. 

Expect food, music and fun at West O‘ahu’s official music festival, presented by Moani Island Bistro & Bar. Some of Hawai‘i’s biggest names in music, including Ekolu, Fia, Johnny Suite, BET and Pohaku, will perform live at Ka Makana Ali‘i’s east parking lot. In addition, adults-only after-parties will be held at Taqueria El Ranchero, Kickin’ Kajun and Moani Island Bistro & Bar. 

Family-Friendly Event, $40-$100 (children 3 and under are free), Ka Makana Ali‘i, 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, westfesthawaii.com, @themoanihawaii 

Journey Freedom Tour 2022

Wednesday, Oct. 5 and Thursday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m.

Don’t stop believin’ that you can go to a concert and rock out to one of your most beloved bands—because you can! The iconic rock band Journey, with lead singer Arnel Pineda, is performing in Hawai‘i for the first time in five years, and it’s sure to be a high-energy kind of night. 

From $56.50, Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com, @blaisdellcenter 

Nā Kama Kai’s 11th Annual Paʻakai Awards 

Saturday, Oct. 1, 6 to 7 p.m.

Watch a televised awards ceremony and program in support of Hawaiʻi’s youth and ocean education. The event celebrates this year’s honorees—Fred Hemmings, Haley Kailiehu and No‘eau Peralto—individuals who have perpetuated the importance of ocean culture, safety and conservation. There will also be an online auction with local products and unique experiences like a private farm-to-table dinner for four by chef de cuisine Andrew Recca of Koko Head Cafe, and more. All proceeds from the gala and online auction will go toward daily after-school and weekend ocean-focused programming for youths on O‘ahu’s West Side.

Family-Friendly Event, live on KGMB and online at hawaiinewsnow.com, nakamakai.org/paakai22,  @nakamakai

Photo: Courtesy of Our Kaka‘ako

‘Ohana Stargazing Our Kaka‘ako 

Saturday, Oct. 1, 6 to 9 p.m.  

For an out-of-this-world experience, head to Kaka‘ako on Saturday evening. Explore the connection between ancestral wayfinding and modern astronomy as you gaze through telescopes atop the SALT parking garage. You’ll also learn the Hawaiian names of celestial bodies and the folklore behind them during a guided constellation tour. Also on tap: celestial activities for keiki and a Q&A session with an astronomer.  

Family-Friendly Event, free, SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, 327 Keawe St., Kaka‘ako, ourkakaako.com, @ourkakaako 

17th Annual Waikīkī Rotary Extravaganza 

Saturday, Oct. 1, 6 to 10 p.m.  

A live auction kicks off a night that also includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, live music by renowned slack key guitar and falsetto artist Bobby Moderow, and exclusive prizes. Proceeds from the event help fund projects that address issues such as literacy, student scholarships and homelessness in the Waikīkī area, as well as global initiatives.

$125, O‘ahu Country Club, 150 Country Club Road, waikikirotary.org,@waikikirotary

Photo: Courtesy of Clem Onojeghuo

Wiki Wiki One-Day Vintage Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show  

Sunday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Scour an array of aloha shirts, Hawaiian jewelry, Hawaiiana, art, sports cards, textiles and so much more at this one-day pop-up shop featuring vintage items and memorabilia that’s at least 20 years old. 

From $5, Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave., Hawai‘i Rooms 1-12, blaisdellcenter.com/event/wiki-wiki-one-day-vintage-collectibles-hawaiiana-show/, @wikikionedayvintageshow

Watercolor Painting Class With Dwayne Adams

Sunday, Oct. 2, 1-3:30 p.m.

All skill levels are welcome to a watercolor painting class at the Downtown Arts Center. Let experience artist Dwayne Adams guide you, offering tips and tricks along the way. BYO art supplies, or purchase a DAC supplied art kit before class.  

$180, (plus $60 for supplied art kit), Downtown Arts Center, 1041 Nu‘uanu Ave., Second Floor,  downtownarthi.org, @downtownartcenter 

Tour & Talk Story: Music & Painting

Sundays and Fridays, Oct. 2 through Dec. 30, 2 p.m. 

These new 45-to-60-minute tours allow you to engage in thought-provoking conversation with docents and other visitors about iconic paintings in galleries 5, 6, 8 and 27. Plus, you can listen to music from the respective eras in which the paintings were made to expand your understanding of broader cultural movements.  

Free with museum admission, Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St., honolulumuseum.org, @honolulumuseum 

Photo: Courtesy of Ward Village

Kona Nui Nights

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6 to 8 p.m.

Celebrate hula and more in the heart of Kaka‘ako at the last Kona Nui Nights of the season. Watch live music by The Mākaha Sons, soak in stories told by Hālau Kawaiʻulaokalā Kumu Hula Keliʻihoʻomalu Puchalski, and delight in some alfresco dancing. BYO blanket or chair and snacks, or pick up food from one of the eateries within the neighborhood.  

Family-Friendly Event, free, Victoria Ward Park, 1020 Auahi St., wardvillage.com, @wardvillage