From picnicking at Aloha Friday Music in the Park to catching local films at the Honolulu Surf Film Festival, there are lots of events happening on Oʻahu this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday July 17
Listen to the ʻAuana soundtrack. Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana soundtrack launches on streaming platforms on Friday, July 17. The 16-track album is performed entirely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. The music of ʻAuana was created by composer Evan Duffy and developed in close collaboration with Native Hawaiian linguist Dr. Keao NeSmith. The first song is already streaming. Listen to “Kele ka Moana” on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and more. Details.
Go to the Huli Huli Chicken Extravaganza. Eat huli huli chicken and other island style barbecue favorites, along with mini malasadas at this event at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikīkī Beach Resort. The event runs from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the Village Green. Food prices range from $5 to $15. The event also has a prime view of the Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks show, which starts at 8 p.m. on Friday nights. Details.
Catch Aloha Friday Music in the Park. The Aloha Friday Music in the Park occurs every third Friday at Victoria Ward Park. Grab food and drinks or bring a picnic and enjoy the live music. The featured entertainer for this event is Henry Kapono Foundation On the Rise Artist Nick Laʻa. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with different featured artists. Details.
Attend the Prince Lot Hula Festival. The 49th annual Prince Lot Hula Festival, features hula, ʻāina education, cultural activities, and opportunities to shop from local vendors at the mākeke and runs from Friday, July 17, to Saturday, July 18. Participating hālau and musical performances are listed here. Details.
Attend Bon Dances. Wahiawā Ryusenji-Soto Mission, Shinshu Kyokai Mission, and Hale‘iwa Jodo Missionwill hold their Bon Dances on July 17 and 18, while Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will hold its Bon Dance on July 18. Details.
Saturday, July 18
Eat ice cream! Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream is offering $2 ice cream scoops and $1 flights of six mini cones on National Ice Cream Day, which is this Sunday, July 19. The Hawaiʻi Kai business will also offer exclusive flavors that day. Current featured favorites include cookies and cream, Biscoff, strawberry cream, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, caramel mac nut, tiramisu, lilikoʻi cream and more. Details.
Attend the Midsummer Night's Gleam. In the afternoon, enjoy family friendly hands-on activities, as well as storytelling, games, crafts, art projects, bubbles, plant giveaways and more. As the sun sets, watch the garden come alive with lights, music and dance performances. Featured entertainers include Jeff Gere, Ben Fairfield, Nalani Kaio, Dragon Beat, Allegro Keiki, Hula Joy, Kailua Moon, the Middle Easter Dance artists of Hawaiʻi, and the Mendoza Philippine Dance Group. Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for keiki. Details.
Watch “Haagua”. The 15-minute film, which is part of the Honolulu Surf Film Festival at the Honolulu Museum of Art, features third-generation waterman Kaliko Kahoonei, who grew up on the Oʻahu's West Side, and surfs with a paipo board. “Haagua” will show along with “Ciebo” starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. The films explore Indigenous knowledge of surfing and the ocean. Tickets are $15 for kamaʻāina or free for attendees 18 years old and younger. Follow “Haagua” on Instagram for updates. Get tickets.
Catch Honolulu Night Market’s return to Our Kakaʻako. This event brings together local businesses, food vendors, artists, and entertainers. Participate in Poetry of Paʻakai, a live poetry session, or stop by Bubbaloha to step into a world of floating bubbles. There will also be a fashion show and a chance to engage in ʻulana lau niu, or the weaving of coconut leaves. There will be featured performances from Kailua Moon, Hālau O Nāpualaʻikauikaʻiu, and Taimane. Free. Details.
Sunday, July 19
Watch “Surfilmusic.” The 75-minute documentary, which is part of the Honolulu Surf Film Festival at the Honolulu Museum of Art, captures renowned singer and songwriter Jack Johnson’s journey from surfer to musician. The free screening is currently sold out, but if there empty seats they will be released five minutes before the start of the 2 p.m. screening. Details.
Indulge in summer reading. Hawaiʻi State Public Library System's Summer Reading Challenge is back. This year, readers can participate by reading 800 minutes or eight books. Physical books, audiobooks, eBooks, graphic novels and more count toward the contest. The challenge runs through July 31. The theme of the reading challenge is “E Heluhelu Kākou: ‘Umeke Kā‘eo” and celebrates a calabash overflowing with knowledge and wisdom. Readers who log reading get a chance to unlock rewards and possibly win the grand prize of roundtrip tickets from Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines. Details.
Eat prime rib. Get a 12-ounce prime rib for $30 when dining at 8 p.m. or later at Merriman’s Honolulu. Reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta shares more details in her Budget Bites series. Details.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
