Don’t know what to do once you’ve stepped off the plane and fully enjoyed the scenery? We’ve got you covered with a diverse list of events all through August.
SPF’s Summer Group Show | 729 Auahi St., Honolulu (O’ahu) | August 7-8, opening at 6 p.m. | Free
An eclectic group art show by talented up-and-coming artists from Hawai’i, featuring Lei Culture-profiled talent Bradley Capello! Sure to be a good time.
SPF’s Summer Group Show Facebook event page
REAL beer festival | Kaka ‘ako Gateway park, 741 Ilalo Street, Honolulu (O’ahu) | August 9, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. | $60
This beer festival will showcase over 60 craft beers from Hawai’i, the mainland U.S., and international breweries, alongside live entertainment and tasty food. Proceeds go to the Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation to support educational programs that promote careers in agriculture to grow future farmers.
Hula’s Catamaran Cruise | Hula’s, 124 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu — sail around Waikiki (O ‘ahu) | *Every Saturday*, 3-5 p.m. (check in at 2 p.m.) | $20
Every Saturday, O’ahu’s hit gay bar throws a catamaran cruise party, or as they say, “Hula’s wildest, wettest, half naked ride.” Head out on a catamaran for a 90-minute cruise around Waikiki.
Buy tickets: hulas.com
Second Annual Kalo and Awa Festival | Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa (O’ahu) | August 10, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Entrance to Waimea Valley reduced to $10 for adults, $5 for kids and seniors
Kalo and awa are two incredibly important aspects of traditional Hawaiian culture. This workshop brings cultural farmers and community members together to learn and share knowledge about these two sustaining plants of Hawai’i, which are the basis of poi and awa.
Made in Hawai’i Festival | Neil Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu (O’ahu) | August 15 to 17, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (5 p.m. Sunday) | $5
Just like it sounds, this festival celebrates all things made in Hawai’i, from food to art to fashion and more, alongside entertainment and cooking demonstrations.
Kawela Endurance Triathlon | Kailua Beach Park starting point (O’ahu) | August 16 | $295 individual registration
A point to point endurance triathlon from O’ahu’s east side to North shore is one way to see the island, if that’s your thing! Make sure to register in advance.
bocahawaii.com/KawelaTriathlon2014
Honolulu Night Market | 449 Cooke St., Honolulu (O’ahu) | August 16 | FREE
A wide array of vendors bring their best of everything from fashion to food to fun at this night market in Kaka’ako.
Establishment Day Hawaiian Culture Festival | Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (Hawai’i Island) | August 16 & 17, 6:30 a.m. (16th) or 9 a.m. (17th) to 3 p.m. | FREE
This two-day festival celebrates Hawaiian culture, with amazing performances and sharing of culture and traditional Hawaiian crafts such as lei making, feather standard making, and traditional Hawaiian quilting. Held at the stone heiau at Kawaihae, one of the last major sacred structures built in Hawai’i before outside influences altered ancient Hawaiian life permanently, this festival seeks to perpetuate living history. Bring your own food and sunscreen.
Duke’s OceanFest | Around Waikiki (O ‘ahu) | August 16 to 24 | FREE
This nine-day event features a variety of ocean sports that were close to Duke Kahanamoku’s heart: longboard surfing, stand-up paddle racing, swimming, tandem surfing, surf polo, beach volleyball.
Big Little Airshow | Ford Island, free shuttle option from U.S.S. Arizona (O’ahu) | August 16 and 17 | $5 per person
For two days, Ford Island will come alive with remote-control flying and static aircraft and full size aircraft on display, “candy bombings” over historic Ford Island Runway for the keiki, hands-on modeling stations, keiki rides and activities, and open access to Hangar 79 to see the Museum’s many aircraft exhibits and restoration shop.
pacificaviationmuseum.org/bigairshow
Big Toys Little Beach, a Maui Pride event | Five Palms Beach Grill in Kihei, then Little Beach (Maui) | August 17, brunch at 9 a.m., beach at 10:30 a.m. | FREE (brunch is not hosted)
Join a fun crew for lunch at Five Palms Beach Grill (not hosted, make sure to RSVP), then head to Little Beach with your favorite big inflatable beach toy! Look for the group by the large rainbow flag. Anyone who brings an inflatable toy is eligible to win a fabulous prize in one of the beach toy competitions. Anyone is welcome to attend either or both parts of the event.
Kaua’i County Farm Bureau Fair | Vidinha Stadium, Lihue (Kaua’i) | August 21 to 24 | $5 for adults, $2 for children
It’s a county fair on Kaua’i, with food, livestock, rides and attractions!
Hawai’i Island Festival’s 7th Annual Poke Contest | Waikoloa Beach Resort (Hawai’i Island) | August 23 | $10
Part of an month-long festival (August 23 through September 21) celebrating Hawaiian culture that is worth checking out in its entirety, the poke contest has become a fan favorite. Contestants make their best poke, which is a local food made up of cubed raw fish and various sauces, for judges and onlookers to taste and enjoy.
Ka Himeni Ana Hawaiian Music Competition | Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu (O’ahu) | August 23 | TBD
This competition features undiscovered Hawaiian music groups performing in the “nahenahe” style, the distinctive Hawaiian music form that features sweet vocal harmony and is supported by unamplified acoustic instruments.
Art+Flea | 1020 Auahi St., Honolulu (O’ahu) | August 28, 5 to 10 p.m. | $3
Having just celebrated its fourth year and going strong, this fun gathering of vendors features a wide variety of wares, from vintage and handmade clothes to art to shell jewelry and much more, alongside food, drinks, and music.
Ka’anapali Fresh: A Culinary Experience | Ka’anapali Resort (Maui) | August 29 to August 31, events throughout each day | Ticket prices vary
Resort and celebrity chefs celebrate the bounty of Hawai’i at this lovely–and delicious–three day event on Maui, also featuring farm tours.
Art After Dark: Art Deco Hawaii | Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St., Honolulu (O’ahu) | August 29, 6 to 9 p.m. | $10
Each month, the Honolulu Museum of Arts opens its doors for a themed event with a mellow party atmosphere. Wander the galleries between drinks while enjoying the open-air atmosphere and themed activities. This month, Art After Dark highlights its most recent hit exhibition, Art Deco Hawaii.
honolulumuseum.org/events/art_after_dark
Eat The Street: Breakfast | Streetside Kaka’ako, 555 South St., Honolulu (O’ahu) | August 29 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Free, plus cost of food
A wide variety of local food truck vendors gather to celebrate a food-friendly event at this hit street party. This month’s theme: breakfast.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival | Varying locations around O’ahu | August 29 to Sept. 7 | Tickets and packages available
Featuring amazingly talented local chefs, Hawai’i’s bounty, and the beautiful landscape, this premiere festival is not one to be missed. Choose from a variety of events over the course of seven days.
Okinawan Festival | Kapi’olani Park, Waikiki (O’ahu) | August 30 and 31, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (5 p.m. Sunday) | FREE
Celebrating all things Okinawan, from traditional dance to the delicious Okinawan donut, andagi, this free festival in the park is great for all ages to get to know a different culture, or celebrate their heritage.
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival | Sheraton Kona Resort,78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona (Hawai’i Island) | August 31, 4 to 9p.m. | $10 at the door
Incredibly talented slack key guitarists play the evening away, highlighting the amazing skill and history behind a tradition that originated on the islands.