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 (O‘ahu) | 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 (O‘ahu) | Every Wednesday of the month at Ala Wai Golf Course, except 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 to 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, Lāhainā (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 | Kapa‘a, 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 (O‘ahu) | Every first Thursday, 9 p.m.
Come on down to this party that celebrates Honolulu’s LGBT community.
jointherepublik.com
Free Fireworks | Waikiki (O‘ahu) | Every Friday of the month, 8 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 from a seat 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
First Friday | Downtown Chinatown (O‘ahu) | August 4, 5–9 p.m.
Head downtown for the biggest block party of the month, including live music and art galleries. Be sure to stay for the late-night party at some of the trendiest bars in Honolulu.
firstfridayhawaii.com
Hula’s Catamaran | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave (O‘ahu) | 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
Art Night in Lahaina Town | Throughout Lāhainā (Maui) | Every second Friday night, 7–10 p.m.
Lāhainā 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 (O‘ahu) | 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
First Sunday LGBTQ Brunch | Nalu’s North Shore Grill, 1280 S Kihei Rd (Maui) | August 6, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join Maui Pride for Sunday brunch at Nalu’s North Shore Grill.
mauipride.org
Moon Walk at Waimea Valley | 59-864 Kamehameha Highway (O‘ahu) | August 5, 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.
Get tickets for the walk and buffet here.
28th Annual Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival | Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania (O‘ahu) | August 10–19
The Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation presents the 28th Annual Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, which will feature 20 screenings of films from the Americas, Asia, Middle East, Oceania, and Western Europe.
Find out more here.
Courtyard Cinema at Ward Village | IBM Building (O‘ahu) | August 10, 6–9 p.m.
Every second Thursday of the month, Ward Village hosts a free showcase of selected Hawaii International Film Festival curated films that are open to the public. Although this event is free, space is limited, so be sure to RSVP online.
wardvillage.com
Rainbow Dine-Out Group | Location to be determined (Maui) | August 15, 6–8 p.m.
Mingle with Maui’s LGBTQ community with a great meal to boot every third Tuesday of the month.
Find out more here
Kona Nui Nights at Ward Village | IBM Courtyard (O‘ahu) | August 16, 6–8 p.m.
This free monthly event honors and highlights Hawaiian language, music, and the art of hula. This month will feature music by Osorio ‘Ohana (Duncan Kamakana of The Voice, Jamaica & Jon Osorio – Hoku Award Winner) and hula by Snowbird Bento and Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Lehua. Seating is limited, so be sure to rsvp.
wardvillage.com
Choir Boy | 650 Iwilei Road Suite 101 (O‘ahu) | August 18–September 3
This play by Tarell Alvin McCraney, one of the executive producers of Moonlight, follows a prep school gospel choir. The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school’s legendary gospel choir. Can he find his way inside the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key?
Get tickets here.
Color Me Happy | Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania (O‘ahu) | August 25, 6–9 p.m.
Pride, baby! Get ready to wig out at our mini circuit party! DJ Takai will bring the party to the Central Courtyard and DJ Betty to the Luce Courtyard. Food provided by EAT Honolulu and drinks by Free Spirits Mobile Bartenders.
Get tickets here.
The Contingency Presents: Kings, Queens & Inbtwns | Manifest, 32 N Hotel Street (O‘ahu) | August 31, 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
On the last Thursday of each month, the Kings, Queens and Inbtwns take over Manifest for a QTIPOC-centered safe space 21+ dance party in the heart of Chinatown. Only a $10 cover, or $5 for RSVP or kamaʻaina.
RSVP here.