1. Sunflowers. Take the family to see a field of sunflowers, which are the perfect backdrop for the next Christmas card — or post on social media! Open now through July 4. First car enters at 9 a.m. Kamaʻāina and military admission for adults is $10 cash. For keiki between the ages of three and 12 years old, the kamaʻāina rate is $8 cash. Keiki two years old or younger are free. Sunflowers can be purchased for $3 each. Details.
2. Submarines. Atlantis Submarines is offering one free kid ticket for each paid adult ticket through Sept. 30. This passenger submarine journeys more than 100 feet underwater. Previous sightings include dolphins, manta rays and spotted eagle rays. The kamaʻāina rate for adults is $99. Tours occur year-round off Waikīkī on Oʻahu and Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. Get tickets.
3. Cooking classes. This hands-on culinary camp, called 4-H Camp Kau Kau, is designed for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The 4-H day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 21 through July 25 in the Agricultural Science Building at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. First priorty is given to keiki connected to the Air Force, Air Guard and Space Force, with additional youth connected to other military branches accepted after that. Youth not affiliated with any military branch will be accepted, as space allows. Each day explores local food crops, with a different theme and cooking skill. Free. Sign up.
4. Concerts at the Zoo. The Honolulu Zoo Society is bringing back its summer concert series, called the Wildest Show, which kicked off at 4:30 p.m. on June 11. Each Wednesday for six weeks, the series brings live local music, ono eats and fun to the Great Lawn of the Honolulu Zoo. The zoo has partnered with the Henry Kapono Foundation’s On the Rise artist program to provide opening acts for each concert. Featured headliners include Mākaha Sons, Maunalua, Henry Kapono & The Three Little Birds, Kala'e + Kalena and Opihi Pickers. Tickets are $10 for members of the Honolulu Zoo Society and $15 for non-members. For keiki between the ages of three and 12 years old, tickets are $5. The concert is free for keiki two years old or younger. Get tickets.
5. Concerts at gardens. The City and County of Honolulu is hosting a series of free concerts at its botanical gardens. Upcoming events include musical performances at 5:30 p.m. from Celtic Pipes and Drums (June 26) and Jiayin Music (July 3) at Foster Botanical Garden. There will be performances at 5 p.m. from Solo Cholo and Friends (June 27) and Bradda Ash (July 11) at Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden. Finally, there will be 5 p.m. concerts from Hale Hou (June 20) and Solo Cholo (July 25) at Wahiawā Botanical Garden. Outside food and blankets are allowed, but no alcohol at the venue. Free.
6. Art classes. The Honolulu Museum of Art offers summer classes for keiki between the ages of six and 15 years old. Courses include parent and child art, ceramics, sculpture and metal work. There are also opportunities to learn printmaking, drawing, painting or jewelry making. $85-300. Sign up.
7. Lei making workshop. Families are invited to gather plumerias and learn the art of lei making in Waimānalo. This workshop is for keiki between 5 and 18 years old. Free for military-connected youth and families. First priorty is given to keiki connected to the Air Force, Air Guard and Space Force, with additional youth connected to other military branches accepted after that. The even starts at 9 a.m. on June 28. Free. Sign up.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
