From festivals to the world premiere of an opera performed in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English, there are a number of events happening on Oʻahu this weekend. Aloha State Daily compiled a list of some of the ones happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
Friday, May 1
Celebrate May Day is Lei Day! Here are 10 things to do for Lei Day 2026. On the list are performances from four-time Grammy winner Kalani Peʻa, as well as Grammy nominated Raiatea Helm. Local artist Kate Wadsworth has been creating Lei Day-inspired art in collaboration with Pow! Wow! Hawaiʻi, which will be unveiled on Friday, May 1. Check out events at Kapiʻolani Regional Park, Bishop Museum, Honolulu Museum of Art and various hotels, including Outrigger Resorts & Hotels, Kaimana Beach Hotel, and The Lei Stand at Romer House Waikīkī. Details.
Catch the world premiere of “Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree.” This groundbreaking opera is performed in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English and features baritone Quinn Kelsey, who has performed internationally and at The Metropolitan Opera, but got his start on stage at Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre in Honolulu. Composed by Herb Mahelona, “Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree” follows the story of Hawaiian emissary Timoteo Ha‘alilio — brought to life by Kelsey — during the reign of Kamehameha III. Ha‘alilio was a lifelong friend of the king, and the opera focuses on his mission to secure treaties from the United States, Great Britain, Belgium and France that recognized Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation. “Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree” will have performances on May 1, 3 and 5 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. Details.
Saturday, May 2
Check out the Wahiawā Pineapple Festival (and Pineapple Run!). This festival benefits the Wahiawā Historical Society’s proposed museum. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes food booths, a Pineapple Bake Off, and a paper plane contest, as well as a Chee Hoo competition. Before the festival, participate in the Pineapple Run, a 10K that starts and finishes at the Pineapple Festival. Registration for the Pineapple Run is $65, if completed before May 2. Details.
Join the Charity Walk. Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association will host its 47th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk on one day across four islands: Oʻahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. On Oʻahu, the walk starts at 7 a.m. at Magic Island at Ala Moana Regional Park. There will be interactive experiences and entertainment along the 4.5-mile route, including a chance to connect with community organizations such as Aloha Diaper Bank, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaiʻi, Kindred Connection, Rehab Hospital of the Pacific, Work Now Hawaiʻi and Nā Kama Kai. There is also an alternative route, which is shorter, for individuals with disabilities and those who want a lighter walking experience. Established in 1978, the Charity Walk has raised more than $51 million, so far, according to HLTA’s website. Registration starts at 5:30 a.m. The suggested donation amount is $25 for youth and $50 for adults. Details.
Attend the Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta. This all-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. The event includes nonstop entertainment and activities, as well as opportunities to shop. There will be balut (boiled duck eggs containing embryos) and ice cream eating contests, plus karaoke. The event features more than 100 vendors. Free. Details.
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day. Village Books & Music is giving out comics, in celebration of Free Comic Book Day, while supplies last. This event starts at 1 p.m. at Ward Centre. Details.
Listen to Kaina Makua of “Chief of War.” Toastmasters District 49 will host its annual conference and international speech contest from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Kaina Makua, who plays Kamehameha I in “Chief of War, is the keynote speaker. Workshop Presenter Robert Carvalho, DTM, Accredited Speaker, will deliver an educational workshop designed to elevate communication and leadership skills. Conference Toastmaster Diane Ako will guide attendees through the day’s program. Registration is $120. Details.
Eat Michelin-recognized ramen. Mensho, which was founded in 2005 in Japan, is set to open at 5 p.m. at Ka Makana Aliʻi in Kapolei. The menu features Hawaiʻi exclusive bowls with ingredients like garlic shrimp and butter clam. On grand opening day, the first 100 customers will receive a free tote bag with ramen purchase. Details.
Listen to the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra at the Bishop Museum. The Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra will perform “In C,” a composition by Terry Riley, at the historic Hawaiian Hall at the Bishop Museum. Performances will take place at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. General admission is $35. Details.
Sunday, May 3
Catch the ROARchestra Rally: A Youth Day of Music. Catch performances from more than 500 youth across the state as part of the ROARchestra Rally at the Honolulu Zoo. Performances from the Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony's different performance groups run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are included in the cost of admission to the zoo. General admission is $21 for adults and $13 for keiki, with discounts for kamaʻāina and active military families. Details.
Shop swim wear. Tommy Bahama is hosting a swim event from 1 to 4 p.m. in the women’s swim department on the second floor of Bloomingdale’s at Ala Moana Center. The event showcases the newest swim collection and a Tommy Bahama swim fit specialist will be there to help you pick your looks. There will be live music, savory bites and tropical drinks from the Tommy Bahama Restaurant in Waikīkī.
Celebrate Children’s Day. Take the ʻohana to the Royal Hawaiian Center’s Ka Lewa Lānai rooftop from 3 to 6 p.m. for a variety of family friendly events and activities. Enjoy face painting and balloon animals, plus a chance to get up close with nature at the butterfly tent. The butterflies will be released at 5:45 p.m. There will also be interactive lawn games and a photo booth. Details.
Plan for Mother’s Day. Still need to make plans for Mother’s Day, which is next Sunday, May 10? Aloha State Daily’s Food and Dining Reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can help! Check out her guides for Where to celebrate Mother’s Day-part 1, Where to celebrate Mother’s Day – part 2, and Where to celebrate Mother’s Day – part 3.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
