Your Weekend: The Best Family Fun in Honolulu for July 28-August 3, 2022

Dragon Boat Festival at the Park, July 30

Photo: Courtesy Chinatown 808

The annual event is back (sort of)! After being canceled the past two years due to the pandemic, the races will return this weekend on land. Yes, you read that right. Teams have been working hard to design and build their own cardboard dragon boats and will race against each other at A‘ala Park on Saturday. While it’s too late to register for the race, come cheer on the crews and enjoy festivities including lion dances, a kung fu demonstration, games, food trucks, the bookmobile and a keiki activity booth. 

• All ages
• Free
• Saturday, July 30 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• A‘ala Park, 280 N. King St., Chinatown 
• chinatown808.com, @chinatown808hi

North Shore Stables’ One-Year Anniversary, July 30

Photo: Courtesy North Shore Stables

If you haven’t checked out this family-friendly horseback riding outfit yet, here’s your chance. They are throwing a free birthday bash for the community. Jump for joy in bounce houses, play yard games, get your face painted, dance to live reggae music from Kahepana, and browse the craft fair and farmers’ market. We have our eyes (and mouths) on the locally made organic popsicles from Sweet Streets! Heads-up: there will be a small fee for pony rides. Check the day’s schedule here. 

• All ages
• Free
• Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• North Shore Stables, 67-221 Waialua Beach Rd., Waialua
• northshorestables.com, @north_shore_stables_hawaii

SEE ALSO: Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: July 27–August 2, 2022

Mele on the Marina, July 30

Photo: Courtesy Hawaii Kai Towne Center

Perfect for keiki, outdoor concerts are back this summer in a big way. In addition to shows at the Waikīkī Aquarium, Waikīkī Shell and Waimea Valley, you won’t want to miss this free event in East O‘ahu. Sit by the water at the Marina Docks, enjoy hula performances by three talented halau, and end the evening with headliners, the Mākaha Sons. Bring a picnic, grab a pizza from Costco, or try the healthy sandwiches from Māla Market (even keiki PB&Js). 

• All ages
• Free
• Saturday, July 30 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
• Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center, 333 Keahole St., Hawai‘i Kai
• (808) 396-0766
• hawaiikaitownecenter.com, @hawaiikaitownecenter

Knockerball at Windward Mall, through July 31

Photo: Laura Dornbush

You have one final weekend to bounce and roll around in an inflatable bubble at this pop-up in Kāne‘ohe. Keiki can battle their friends in the bump zone (think: bounce house arena) set up in the mall corridor in front of Ross Dress For Less. Before you go, read our tips in We Tried It: Knockerball Hawai‘i. 

• Must be between 3’ 6” and 5’ 8” tall to participate
• $8 for a 5-minute session
• Open now through Sunday, July 31 
• Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy., Kāne‘ohe
• knockerballhawaii.com, @knockerballhawaii

Giving Back for Back-to-School

Photo: Courtesy Aloha United Way

The last weekend of summer is bittersweet. Many students are headed back to the classroom on Monday, so this weekend will be full of last-minute school supply shopping, haircuts and earlier bedtimes. While you are out-and-about preparing your family, grab some extra supplies for keiki and teachers in need. Here are some spots where you can donate: 

• Aiea Bowl – Bring one item from the requested supply list to the bowling alley now through Sunday and receive one free shoe rental. 
• Aloha United Way – Drop off supplies now through Friday at the AUW office (200 N Vineyard Blvd, Suite 700) or at Hawai‘i Theatre Center (1130 Bethel Street) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also donate online through the Amazon registry. 
• Mahalo I Kau Kumu School Supply Drive for Teachers – Donate at the Island Crafts Fairs event at Windward Mall on Friday (3 p.m. – 8 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and enter to win tickets to see New Kids On The Block in concert.