Your Weekend: The Best Family Fun in Honolulu for May 5–11, 2022
Do something special for Mom, learn about fairy terns, nab a free comic book and more this weekend.
💖 Make Mom Feel Special This Weekend
Mother’s Day is Sunday, and there’s still time to do—make, buy—something special for that mom in your life. Here are some ideas:
- There’s still time to make reservations—or order take-out—from Oʻahu restaurants. Check out this list.
- Pick up a gift as unique as your Mom from this list of Hawaiʻi-made products. Here are more ideas from our staff!
- Plan to make breakfast in bed for Mom. We love this recipe for banana pancakes.
- Stop by the Hawaiʻi Children’s Discovery Center on Sunday for fun Mother’s Day activities.
- Make your mom a lei poʻo. Watch this video.
- Give her the gift of a moms night out! Here are some ideas.
Learn about Manu-o-Kū, Hawaiʻi’s Fairy Terns
Photo: Getty Images
The annual Manu-o-Kū Festival—in its 7th year—celebrates the white or fairy tern, a native bird found on small atolls and uninhabited islands throughout the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. But the only main Hawaiian Island where these adorable birds can be found is Oʻahu. (Imagine that!) The birds are ending their nesting season, making this a great time to learn more about them. Stop by the International Market Place in Waikīki for in-person guided nesting tours at 10 a.m. now through May 6. (Meet in the Banyan Tree House on the second floor.) There’s also a story time for keiki at noon under the Banyan Tree House. There are online events, too.
- Free
- All ages
- Now through May 6. Onsite events are 10 a.m. (guided tours) noon (story time). Mask required.
- International Market Place, 2330 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī
- See the full schedule and list of activities here.
SEE ALSO: 🐣 Birds of Paradise: Can You Spot These 5 Hawai‘i Birds in Honolulu?
Free Comic Book Day at 22 Hawaiʻi Public Libraries
Graphic: Getty Images
On Saturday, May 7, visit a participating library and show your valid HSPLS library card to receive a free comic book and bookmark of your choice, while supplies last. Choose from titles such as “Avatar: The Last Airbender & The Legend of Korra,” “Avengers/X-Men #1,” “Pokemon Journeys/Pokemon Adventures,” “Spider-man Venom #1,” “Stranger Things,” “Resident Alien” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Twenty-two public libraries on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Kauaʻi will be participating in Free Comic Book Day, sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i. Take photos with your favorite intergalactic heroes and villains. Costumed characters from the Pacific Outpost of the 501st Imperial Legion, Rebel Legion Hawaiʻi and Costumers Guild of Hawaiʻi will be appearing at selected libraries.
SEE ALSO: 📚 Our Family Guide: Unexpected Ways to Use Your Hawai‘i State Public Library Card
Experience a New Immersive Show Using Gaming Technology
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Theatre for Youth
Honolulu Theatre for Youth has a new, hour-long immersive theatrical production that uses digital gaming technology to create an entirely new kind of experience. Called “ʻImi Ā Loa’a: Search and Find,” live actors perform and are joined by digital characters who tell stories inspired by the rich history of the place that surrounds the theater. All of the artwork—which appears to come to life!—was created by Native Hawaiian artist Solomon Enos. Audience members are equipped with an iPad and headphones. The devices act as digital maka, eyes that allow audience members to see images, hear movement-activated sounds, and even unlock portals leading to other time periods. As an audience member scans an image of a painted kalo (taro) leaf on the wall of the theatre, they may find themselves inside a 360-degree video of an actual lo’i, surrounded by chanting and music. Live actors join the digital experience and guides lead the audience in small groups on a short walking tour to nearby destinations including the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum. At the museum, participants interact with multimedia installations and create their own digital sculptures.
Check Out a New Cookie Shop in Honolulu
Photo: Courtesy of The Cookie Lady Hawaiʻi
The popular Waipahu-based The Cookie Lady Hawaiʻi moved its operations to the 808 Center in Honolulu last month—and opened a retail space. Under new ownership—the original owner, Dale Muramoto, sold her company to super-fans Keijiro and Maiko Ushijima—the company will continue to make its famously crisp cookies but offer new ones, too. (Yes, the lemon cookies are still available!) “We certainly have big shoes to fill, as Dale Muramoto has done so much for the community,” says Maiko Ushijima, co-owner of The Cookie Lady Hawaii. “For now, we are focusing on ensuring that the cookies we serve are the same ones that Hawaiʻi locals fell in love with. Fortunately, Aunty Dale is still very involved with our business, offering her skills for training and quality control purposes. We consider her family, and are grateful that she plans to continue working with us as we look to expand the repertoire of flavors while introducing new ones, such as matcha and lilikoʻi cookies.”
The retail store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 808 Sheridan St., Suite 309C, cookieladyhawaii.com.
