Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Weekend in Honolulu: June 17–19
Lei Chic’s guide to the weekend’s best events.
Eat: Hello Kitty Café Truck
June 17–19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Our favorite and beloved bow-wearing cat is coming to Honolulu! (We don’t care what they say, she is a cat.) Since debuting at Hello Kitty Con in 2014, the Hello Kitty Café Truck has been rolling around the nation to different events and festivals. Now, it will cross the waters to make an appearance in Honolulu for three days, serving up different sweet treats. You can get a five-piece macaron box set ($15) with one surprise Sanrio character macaron inside, a three-piece Hello Kitty cookie set ($12) and a four-pack of mini cakes ($15). There will also be memorabilia items including a Hello Kitty Café mug ($13), pink café shirt ($25), a bow-shaped water bottle ($4) and bow headband ($30).
Sanrio store at Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. For more information, go here.
Shop: Summer Sample Sale
Friday, June 17, 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m. to noon
If you spend your mornings thinking, “I have a full closet but nothing to wear,” it’s probably time for a wardrobe refresh. And we know just the place to start rebuilding your closet: Sakutori Clothing’s summer sample sale. The brand first debuted in 2008 by local designer Lynn Sakutori, who makes contemporary petite clothing. She later launched the Sakutori clothing line at Nordstrom and the A-line collection at Macy’s. You can shop samples and production overflow from these collections and more. Make a trip to the bank beforehand if you have to, since it’s cash only.
729 Emily St.
Make: #UnloadCreativity Paint Party
Saturday, June 18, 6 p.m.
Don’t worry—you don’t have to be a painter or an artist to join in on this party. Heck, you don’t even have to know the first thing about painting. But if you’re looking for a way to unleash some creative on a Saturday evening, then come on down and bring a friend. Choose a canvas size and then you’ll learn how to create a painting, step-by-step, based on the theme, Howling Moon. Plus, there will be music and drinks. Be sure to get there on time, as painting begins promptly at 6:15 p.m.
$40–$50 (includes canvas and one free drink), Na Mea Hawai‘i, 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. Purchase tickets here.
Shop: Honolulu Night Market: Summer Solstice
Saturday, June 18, 6 p.m.
Fashion? Food? Art? Music? We’re so there. Kick off the summer season with a block party that’s always free and pet-friendly. Paul Izak—known for his lively folk, blues and reggae music—will be providing the tunes. See what’s new at Salt, including Mr. Tea and Juic’d Life. Check out the food trucks and shop around the different retail vendors. And be sure to stick around for the Dolkii fashion show at 8 p.m.
Salt at Our Kaka‘ako, 685 Auahi St. For more information, go here.
Play: Wine & Tango
Saturday, June 18, 6:30 p.m.
Think you have two left feet? Or maybe you want to improve your dance moves? Or maybe you just like wine—and lots of it? Whether you’re a total newbie or you’ve been dancing for years, socialize over all-you-can-drink red and white wines and hor d’oeuvres before getting a lesson in tango from dance professionals Brett and Jenny Griswold. After that, hit the dance floor with your new moves to practice, and dance the night away. Did we mention the wine?
$15 advanced, $20 at the door, Paradise Tango, 150 N. King St., #202. To purchase tickets, go here.
Attend: Father’s Day Concert and Barbecue
Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate Dad with the rest of the ‘ohana at the historic and lush Waimea Valley. Come for the free concert and hula performance on the lawn featuring Jerry Santos & Friends, Hapa and Hālau Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe, but stick around for special barbecue buffet offered that day. The spread includes some dad favorites, so get ready to tie that bib around your old man and let him loose on a lineup that includes baby back ribs, grilled steak, hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled corn, watermelon and fresh fruit, and mini desserts.
Free for concert, $39.95 per adult for the buffet, Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa. For more information and to purchase buffet tickets, go here.
