While you are in Hawaiʻi, do you want to party? Stay fit, yoga-style? Eat out? Experience the culture? Any of the above? Then check out the events below.
Open Mic Nite | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (Oʻahu) | Every Monday, 6–9 p.m.
Start off your week with some fun at Waikiki’s legendary gay bar. Whether you’re a soloist or part of a band for the night, all performers receive a free drink.
hulas.com
Blazing Saddles Hawaii | Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom & Scarlet Honolulu (Oʻahu) | Every Tuesday of the month except the second at Ala Wai Golf Course, 6:30–9:15 p.m.; every second Tuesday of the month at Scarlet, 6:30–9:15 p.m.
Learn the two-step, waltzes, line-dancing, swing and much more! Free dance lessons take place from 6:30-7 p.m. No entrance fee and all events include food and refreshments.
blazingsaddleshi.org
George Kahumoku Jr.’s Slack Key Show Masters of Hawaiian Music | Napili Kai Beach Resort’s Aloha Pavilion, Lahaina (Maui) | Every Wednesday, 7:30–9:45 p.m.
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Hawai‘i’s slack key guitars and ‘ukulele played by the biggest names in Hawaiian music. This concert series features a guest artist each week and is hosted by slack key guitar master George Kahumoku Jr.
slackkeyshow.com
Slack Key Guitar & Ukulele Concerts | Kapaʻa, Hanalei, and Princeville locations (Kaua‘i) | Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday
The longest running concert of its kind, the McMasters’ slack-key guitar and ‘ukulele concerts feature artists Doug and Sandy McMaster, who create a soothing musical ambience with a backdrop of the picturesque north shore of Kaua‘i.
mcmasterslackkey.com
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | The Safehouse at The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd. #30 (Oʻahu) | Every first Thursday, 9 p.m.
Come on down to this party that celebrates Honolulu’s LGBT community.
jointherepublik.com
Free Fireworks | Waikiki (Oʻahu) | Every Friday of the month, 7:45 p.m.
Every week, Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts a free fireworks show. Watch with a drink in hand from their pool bar, or await the show with a sit on the beach.
Aloha Friday on the Porch | Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Hawai‘i Island) | Every Friday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Join Hawaiian practitioners on the porch of the Volcano Art Center, as they share stories or lead hands-on workshops on how to make lei or gourd instruments, or demonstrate lauhala weaving, kapa beating, or ‘ukulele playing.
volcanoartcenter.org
Trivia Night | Bacchus Waikiki, 408 Lewers St. (Oʻahu) | April 3, 7–9:30 p.m.
Test your knowledge at Bacchus every first and third Monday of the month. Form a team of two or six people, enjoy drink specials and delicious food, and have good fun.
bacchus-waikiki.com
Honolulu Biennial 2017 | Various sites within Honolulu (Oʻahu) | March 8–May 8
The Honolulu Biennial 2017 is Hawaiʻi’s first ever involvement with the international biennial circuit. Focusing on art from the Pacific, Asia, and the Americas, 33 artists will present significant artworks that create a discussion on topics such as society, culture and the environment.
honolulubiennial.org
Hula’s Catamaran | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (Oʻahu) | Every Saturday, 2–5 p.m.
Grab your captain hat and set sail with Hula’s Famous Gay Catamaran Cruise through the waters of Waikiki.
hulas.com, buy tickets here
Art Night In Lahaina Town | Throughout Lāhainā (Maui) | Every second Friday night, 7–10 p.m.
Lahaina is called the “Art Capital of the Pacific” because it is home to more art galleries per capita than any other town in the United States. Each second Friday, galleries stay open late to hold special shows and feature artists in action. Guests may also enjoy live music and outdoor vendor booths.
mauifridays.com/lahaina
Booze Cruise with The Aloha Bears | Bacchus Waikiki, 408 Lewers St. (Oʻahu) | Every second Sunday, 11:30 a.m. | $35 members, $40 non-members
Meet other Bears at Bacchus before setting sail through Waikiki, then enjoying an open-bar while at sea. Guests are also invited back to Bacchus for lunch, included in ticket price.
thealohabears.com
MauiWine Tasting | Ulupalakua Ranch, 14800 Piilani Hwy. (Maui) | Monday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Come delight each of your senses and taste exquisite handcrafted wines. This rare vineyard experience will give you some unforgettable memories and is steeped in rich culture. It is perfect for a romantic getaway or a fun group experience with friends.
mauiwine.com
Hawaii International Film Festival | Various locations throughout Honolulu (Oʻahu) | March 31 – April 9
Each year, the programmers of Hawaii International Film Festival select an average of 150 features, documentaries, and short films out of 1,000 diverse and multicultural films.
hiff.org
Cinémathèque Française | Doris Duke Theatre (Oʻahu) | April 1– 18, film screenings at various times
The Honolulu Museum of Art brings back Cinémathèque Française, screening the latest and greatest of French-language cinema, including a revival of two classics, and a documentary on the famous French impressionist Claude Monet.
honolulumuseum.org/16200-cinematheque_francaise_2017
6th Annual Big Island AIDS Walk | Queen Liliuokalani Garden, 191 Lihiwai St. (Hawai’i Island) | April 8, 8 – 11 a.m.
Join walkers raising awareness and donations for Hawai’i Island HIV/AIDS Foundation for an easy 2-mile walk and fun entertainment. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m.
hihaf.org
Moon Walk at Waimea Valley | 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy. (Oʻahu) | April 8, 6–9 p.m.
You haven’t experienced a moonlit dinner like this. Join for a buffet dinner catered by Ke Nui Kitchen in The Proud Peacock Restaurant. After dinner, enjoy your walk through Waimea Valley to the waterfall.
waimeavalley.com
Hawai’i Ocean Expo | Neal S Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall (Oʻahu) | April 8–9, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Learn about anything and everything to do with the waters of Hawai’i. Event will include watercraft and accessories vendors, a keiki zone, poke contest and seafood food court, entertainment, prizes, giveaways, and a chance to win a 30’ boat.
hawaiioceanexpo.com
Artists of Hawaiʻi 2017 | Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St. (Oʻahu) | February 9–May 28, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Since 1950, the Artists of Hawai‘i exhibition has showcased the talents of the islands’ contemporary artists. This year’s exhibition format pushes artists to take their art to new levels through creating large installations.
honolulumuseum.org
25th Annual Celebration of the Arts Festival | Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (Maui) | April 14–16
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will bring together Hawaiʻi artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers, and entertainers. Interact with and enjoy hands-on art, demonstrations, films, cultural panels, music, and dance presented throughout the weekend.
kapaluacelebrationofthearts.com
Oʻahu Festival Waikiki | Kalakaua Ave. (Oʻahu) | April 15, 4–10 p.m.
This fun, family event will feature food, handmade arts and crafts, and entertainment all from local vendors. The free event will also donate a portion of the festival proceeds towards local non-profit organizations.
millwoodohanaproductions.com/events
2017 Merrie Monarch Festival | Edith Kanakaʻole Tennis Stadium (Hawaiʻi Island) | April 16–22
Known for its leadership of the renaissance of the Hawaiian culture, the Merrie Monarch festival has been internationally recognized, especially for its stunning three-day hula competition. This week-long festival features hula competitions, Hawaiian art exhibits and craft fairs, and a grand parade through Hilo town.
merriemonarch.com
Family Acceptance Workshop | 310 Paoakalani Ave. (Oʻahu) | April 20, 6–8:30 p.m.
Hear the stories from Asian American and Pacific Islander parents and share the experiences of fear, love, support and acceptance of LGBTQ children and their families. This free event will take place at the LGBT Center in Waikiki.
hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com
“Evita” at Diamond Head Theatre | 520 Makapuu Ave. (Oʻahu) | March 24–April 16, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Based on the life of Argentine political leader Eva Peron, this musical follows Eva’s early life, rise to power, and charity work. This powerful musical is more than just a Cinderella story. It incorporates themes of ambition, politics, class and an overwhelming need for acceptance and love.
diamondheadtheatre.com/evita
Kona Nui Nights at Ward Village | IBM Courtyard (Oʻahu) | Every third Wednesday, 6–8 p.m.
This monthly event honors and highlights Hawaiian language, music, and the art of hula. This month will feature entertainment by Na Hoku Hanohano winner Kawika Kahiapo and hula by Kawika Mersberg and Halau Ku Mana.
RSVP at wardvillage.com
Big Island Chocolate Festival | Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (Hawai’i Island) | April 28–29
If you’re a chocolate lover, this is the event for you! Immerse yourself in taste off competitions, demonstrations, seminars, and a gala fundraiser. Learn more about the cacao industry and its opportunities here in Hawaiʻi.
bigislandchocolatefestival.com
The Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival | Kalakaua Ave. (Oʻahu) | April 29, 4–10 p.m.
This exciting annual street festival is back to celebrate the unusually high consumption of Spam in Hawaiʻi with a variety of Honolulu’s finest restaurants serving up Spam-inspired dishes. This free event is great for all ages.
spamjamhawaii.com
Olukai 9th Annual Hoʻolauleʻa | Kanaha Beach Park (Maui) | April 29–30
Watch some of the world’s top stand-up and outrigger canoe paddlers race the legendary 8-mile Maliko downwind run. This family-friendly event includes traditional Hawaiian games, luau, Hula, and live music.
olukai.com/hoolaulea
Cheers and Beers Pride Night | Maui Brewing Company (Maui) | April 30, 3–8 p.m.
Enjoy live music and ice-cold beers with friends! Special Maui Pride T-Shirts are available to support the Friends of Children’s Mental Health and help Maui’s LGBTQ Youth.
mauipride.org
“I Love Kailua” Town Party | Kailua Road (Oʻahu) | April 30, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the annual “I Love Kailua” Town Party is featuring flavorful specialties from Kailua-area restaurants, great shopping, family fun, and entertainment.
lanikailuaoutdoorcircle.org