From live musical performances to night access to the Honolulu Museum of Art, there are plenty of ways to stay busy this Friday, Sept. 5, through, Sunday, Sept. 6.
Friday, Sept. 4
Listen to Josh Tatofi. Blue Note Hawaiʻi’s 2026 artist in residence, Josh Tatofi, returns to the stage at Blue Note Hawaiʻi for performances at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, and Saturday, Sept. 5. The Nā Hōkū Hanohano-award winning artist uses his platform to promote Hawaiian language and traditions. Seating is first-come, first-served. Tickets start at $55. A $20 food or beverage minimum is required, per person. Details.
See the ʻAi Mama exhibit at Gallery ʻIolani. This newly opened exhibit at Gallery ʻIolani at Windward Community College explores the contemporary transmission of ʻike through the lifework and lived experience of master cultural practitioners ʻŌlohe G. ʻUmi Kai and Suluʻape Keone Nunes. The exhibit opened Aug. 25 and runs through Dec. 11. The gallery is open from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Check for special events including a panel discussion featuring the cultural practitioners on Saturday, Sept. 12. Free. Details.
Catch HoMA Nights. Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art after hours and explore galleries, stargaze from the courtyards and listen to live music. Usually, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. On Fridays, hours are extended until 9 p.m. as part of HoMA Nights. On Friday, Sept. 4, HoMA Nights will feature the Gilbert Batangan jazz trio. Museum admission, which includes access to HoMA Nights, is $15 for kamaʻāina or free for youth 18 years old or younger. Details.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Go to the Journey concert in Honolulu. The legendary rock band known for hits like “Don’t Stop Believin,’” “Any Way you Want It,” and “Faithfully” is taking its Final Frontier Tour to the stage at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu on Saturday, Sept. 5, Sunday, Sept. 6, and Tuesday, Sept. 8. “These will be our final performances in Hawai‘i,” the band shared on social media. “Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic farewell before the lights go down one final time in Hawai‘i.” Tickets are still available. Details.
Watch Football! The Rainbow Warriors will have their showdown with the Ninth Island when they take on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in their first home game at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. The first 2,500 fans will receive a white shirt as part of this white out event. Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning singer and songwriter Henry Kapono will perform the national nathem and Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī. To help get you ready for the game, Aloha State daily will be handing out white fans that are UH x ASD branded! Check out our booth at the Rooftop Paʻina, where there will be a tent from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on the fifth floor of the parking structure. Hawaiʻi’s Finest will hold a conert series and Likkle Jordie will be performing. Details.
Attend the Okinawan Festival. The 44th Annual Okinawan Festival will be coming to the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 5, and Saturday, Sept. 6. Renovations to the convention center mean no bon dance this year, but there will be cultural experiences, traditional foods, and live performances. Details.
Catch the Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony of Aloha Festivals. The month-long Aloha Festivals kick off this weekend with the Royal Court Investiture, which honors the aliʻi of Hawaiʻi. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will don regalia worn by aliʻi of the highest rank and participate in a ceremony at Helumoa Gardens in the Royal Hawaiian Center. An opening ceremony, which features hula and live musical performances, will follow. Details.
Get afternoon tea. Kaimana Beach Hotel’s mu‘u and mimosas afternoon tea is now a weekly event on Saturdays. Show up in muʻu or alohawear, complete with lei. The tea, which runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., features sweet and savory treats. The experience starts at $55. Details.
Sunday, Sept. 6
Watch “The Queen’s Will.” In the early days of the Territory of Hawai‘i, Princess Theresa Owana Ka‘ōhelelani La‘anui Wilcox Belliveau was accused of conspiracy to commit forgery of the last will and testament of Queen Lili‘uokalani. “The Queen’s Will” runs Thursday through Sunday through Sept. 20 at Kumu Kahua Theatre. Tickets for “The Queen’s Will” are $28 for general admission, with discounts for students, kūpuna, and large group orders. Details.
Sing karaoke with a live band. Want to take the mic and sing along with back up from a live band? You can at Tavana’s at Anna’s, previously known as Anna OʻBrien’s, which is now under the direction of Tavana McMoore, the singer and songwriter who goes by his first name only: Tavana. The series, called Karaoke Stars, returns at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6. Details.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
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