Ready to experience some great storytelling? The Tony Award-winning musical “Les Misérables” continues its performances at Diamond Head Theatre, while the Hawaiʻi Shakespeare Festival is set to open the play “Julius Caesar” at Mānoa Valley Theatre.
Prefer a film? Catch the final screenings of the Honolulu Surf Film Festival. Here are some of the happenings this weekend on Oʻahu:
Friday, July 31
Mark your calendars for this Waipahu Bon dance. Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji will hold its Bon dance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1. Details.
Celebrate ko Hawaiʻi Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea. Bishop Museum in partnership with Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea will celebrate ko Hawaiʻi Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, or Sovereignty Restoration Day, which was one of the first national holidays of the Hawaiian Kingdom, marking the return of political power to the government of King Kamehameha III after the British temporarily seized control of Hawaiʻi in 1843. Free. Details.
Catch “Les Misérables.” This classic musical, which is taking the stage at Diamond Head Theatre, is based on Victor Hugo’s novel, and tells the story of Jean Valjean, who agrees to care for a factory worker’s daughter. Shows run Thursday through Sunday. Many performances are already sold out. Limited tickets are available. Details.
Attend the Hawaiʻi Shakespeare Festival. The Hawaiʻi Shakespeare Festival will open “Julius Caesar” at Mānoa Valley Theatre on Friday, July 31. Directed by Alex Munro, this production explores how a modern Julius Caesar would weaponize technology to obtain power. The show features a modern set plus pre-recorded videos and livestreams. Tickets are $15 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $25 on Friday through Sunday. The show runs through Sunday, Aug. 9. Details.
Check out the Honolulu Surf Film Festival. The Honolulu Surf Film Festival will share its final screenings in the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art this week. Catch “Kingdom of the Evening” and “Surf Poets Society X HSFF 2026” on Friday, July 31. On Saturday, Aug. 1, watch “Locals Only 2026.” Finally, catch “Water Colours” on Sunday, Aug. 2. Tickets for each screening are $15. Details.
Watch “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in Concert. Catch part one of this movie on the big screen while the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra plays the score live in the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. The performances will take place on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1. Tickets start at $38.50. Details.
Saturday, Aug. 1
Laugh with Comedy U. Consolidated Theatres and Comedy U have announced another live stand-up comedy night at Consolidated Theatres Kapolei. The show features Jose Dynamite and five guest comedians: Ian Shippen, Tre Kun, Jasmine Bautista, Nalo, and Kanoa Morse. The live performances may include some R-rated laughs, so this event is recommended for adult audiences. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performances start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40, which includes a $20 concession voucher for snacks or drinks. Details.
Catch Ballet Hawaiʻi’s Summer Intensive, “Forces of Nature.” Ballet Hawaiʻi will host its summer intensive, “Forces of Nature,” at Leeward Community College Theatre. From volcanoes to Vivaldi, this show brings nature to life through dance. Tickets are $50. Use the promo code FORCES20 for a 20% discount. Details.
Sunday, Aug. 2
Watch a movie about T. rex. This screening chronicles the true story of three boys who discover a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex fossil in North Dakota. The extended cut of the film will show at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the J. Watumull Planetarium at Bishop Museum. General admission is $5. Entry for children who are two years old or younger is free. Details.
Share your sky photos. Send us your pictures of sunrises, sunsets and more. Submitted photos may be featured in our reader submission series called Hawaiʻi Skies. Tell us what you saw and why it was special. Details.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
