Your Weekend: The Best Family Events-May 9, 2018

Our picks for the weekendʻs best family events.
Honolulu Family Team,


Photo: Courtesy of ʻIolani Palace

See the Throne Room at ʻIolani Palace on Kamaʻaina Sundays.

ʻIolani Palace Kamaʻāina Sunday

Once a month, ʻIolani Palace offers free-admission tickets to kama’āina on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk the halls where King Kalākaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani, once did, and learn about the overthrow of Hawai’i’s monarchy. Other rooms that may interest kids: The Throne Room where the king and Queen Kapiʻolani welcomed dignitaries; the Imprisonment Room where Queen Liliʻuokalani was held after her arrest and trial; and the State Dining Room with table settings and original furnishings. Bring Hawai’i state ID, Hawai’i driver’s license or active military ID. Non-locals may purchase tickets at regular prices.

  • All ages
  • Free admission
  • Sunday, May 13. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ‘Iolani Palace, 364 S. King St. Guided tours with docents are from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Audio tours are from noon to 4 p.m. Free-admission tickets are available at the rear entrance from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  • Iolanipalace.org
Hawai‘i Pet Expo 2018

Bring your fur babies (and human kids, too) to this annual event touting pet products and programs. Dog enthusiasts will want to see the Parade of Dog Show from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday; the Hawaiian Kennel Club Puppy Match from noon to 3 p.m., Sunday; and a doggie massage demo at 11 a.m., Saturday. For cat fanciers: The Parade of Cat Show and Household Cat Show at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday. A talk titled, “Comfort Care-End of Life Hospice for your Pets” is scheduled from 11 to 11:30 a.m., Sunday. The Hawai‘i Food Bank will collect canned food items (for humans). Dogs at the show must be leashed. Kids on leashes? Not recommended.

Emergency Preparedness Fair

Is your family ready for hurricanes, earthquakes and fires? More than 30 agencies will be at Kāhala Mall’s Macy’s wing this Saturday to answer questions and teach kids, and their parents, about emergency preparedness. Experts will teach people how to pack 14-day emergency kits and bug out bags, a portable kit that has everything you need during a disaster. A seating area outside the Champs store will be set up for educational seminars on rising sea levels (11 a.m.), mass shootings (noon) and sheltering in place (1 p.m.).

  • All ages
  • Free
  • Saturday, May 12. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kāhala Mall Center, Macy’s Wing. 4211 Waiʻalae Ave.
  • ainahainaprepared.org
Second Saturday at Hawaiʻi State Art Museum

Unleash creative spirits at this free, monthly event at the Hawai’i State Art Museum. This month’s project: Pop-up cards. Professional artists will be on-hand to help and inspire, and all materials will be provided. Allow at least 30 minutes for keiki to complete a project. Don’t forget to check out the winning entries from the 2018 “Young Artists of Hawai’i” competition. Due to renovations, the museum café, Artizen by MW, is closed through May 19. The gallery shop only is open on Saturdays and First Fridays during the same period. Read “Our Guide” to the Hawai’i State Art Museum.

  • All ages
  • Free
  • Saturday, May 12. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hawai’i State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel St.
  • http://sfca.hawaii.gov
Sea Life Park Makapuʻu Twilight Concert Series

Spend the evening under the stars with local music artists–Kupaoa, Raiatea Helm, Mākaha Sons and Anuhea–who will perform their hit tunes. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and will include poke, kālua pig, teriyaki chicken bowls, somen salad, tofu mixed green salad, popcorn and sweet treats. Guests are welcome to bring beach mats and low-back chairs. Please do not bring coolers, water bottles and personal beverage containers. Gates open at noon for VIP concert ticket holders, 4 p.m. for VIP ticketholders, and 5 p.m. for regular concert ticket holders.

  • All ages
  • Free for children with every adult purchase between $49.50 and $57.
  • Saturday and Sunday, May 12. 5 to 10:30 p.m. Sea Life Park, 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Highway #7, Waimānalo
  • sealifepark.com

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