Listen to the Mākaha Sons and Hoʻokena at Hoʻolauʻleʻa, attend a paniolo-themed barbecue that benefits Windward Community College, or grab brunch at Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai. Aloha State Daily compiled this list of 10 things you can do on Oʻahu this Friday, Sept. 18, Saturday, Sept. 19, or Sunday, Sept. 20.
Looking to Island hop? Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra is offering its free Mele for Maui on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, which will be its first performance on Maui in 10 years and celebrates the resilience of Lahaina, Kihei and Kula after the devastating wildfires of 2023. Details.
Friday, Sept. 18
Catch the “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals.” A critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle, as well as a giant Kāhuli land snail — and coral — will come to life in performances of “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,” presented by Ocean Music Action and Hawaiʻi Theatre, which will have its world premiere this weekend. Narrated by Moses Goods, the performances include music, dance and giant puppets crafted from recycled cardboard and paper on Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, at Hawaiʻi Theatre. Based on the famous suite, “The Carnival of the Animals,” by Camille Saint-Saëns, which was composed more than 100 years ago, the “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals” focuses on endangered species, including several that call Hawaiʻi home. Tickets start at $30. Use the code MALAMA20 for a 20% discount. Details.
Enjoy Taste of Ward. More than 25 food spots in Ward Village will be serving up exclusive menus and special offers in this culinary showcase. Special features include menu items with caviar, a three-course meal, and more. The event runs from Wednesday, Sept. 16, through Wednesday, Sept. 30. Details.
Lopaka Colón is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning artist. (Courtesy of Ward Village) 
Kalaʻe Camarillo is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning artist. (Aloha State Daily Staff)
Listen to Aloha Friday Music in the Park. Ready to get in a weekend mood? Head to Victoria Ward Park, mauka, and catch live music from the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning artists Kalaʻe Camarillo and Lopaka Colón. This music series takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the third Friday of the month. Grab food and drinks from local eateries or bring your own picnic. Details.
Catch the final performances of “The Queen’s Will.” The world premiere of a new play, “The Queen’s Will,” opened at Kumu Kahua Theatre in August. Limited tickets still exist for Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19. The last performance on Sunday, Sept. 20, is sold out. Tickets are $28 for general admission, with discounts for students and seniors. Details.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Make a lantern at Chinatown 808's Mid-Autumn Festival. The volunteer-led nonprofit Chinatown 808 is bringing back its Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. The festival includes a parade, a lantern-making workshop and contest, and more than 30 food or craft vendors, plus activities for keiki and live entertainment. Details.
Attend the In the Key of Aloha / Goodtimes Together Gala. This annual benefit gala supports the work of the nonprofit Henry Kapono Foundation and will feature performances from Henry Kapono, Kalapana, Jerry Santos, Kamuela Kimokeo, and artists from the foundation’s On The Rise Program. The event includes a four-course dinner and will take place at ‘Alohilani Resort, Waikiki Beach. Individual tickets cost $250. ASD is sponsoring the event. Details.
Go to Hoʻolauleʻa. This free community event is part of Aloha Festivals and brings entertainers like the Mākaha Sons, Hoʻokena, Anthony Pfluke, Kamaka Camarillo, Baba Tavares and more to Waikīkī. The event is expected to bring more than 10,000 participants to Waikīkī, according to permits filed with the Department of Transportation Services for the City and County of Honolulu. There will be vendors and food trucks. Free. Details.
Catch Windward Community College’s Paniolo Barbecue. This event held by Windward Community College takes place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Great Lawn and features live music, hula, ʻono barbecue plates, a petting zoo, a limu touch tank, bull roping, a country market and more. There will be local vendors and games for keiki. Horse rides will be offered by the veterinary technology program. The entertainment line-up includes Hawaiʻi Loa with special guest Greg Sardinha on steel guitar, Kamuela Kimokeo, The Blue Grass Shack Band, Hālau Hula ʻo Kukunaokala and Hālau Nā Pualei O Likolehua. Lina Girl, an alumna of the college, will be the emcee. Proceeds from the barbecue benefit the college’s advancement fund to support educational opportunities and student success initiatives. Details.
Sunday, Sept. 20
Eat Brunch at Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai. Ready to celebrate a special occasion? Or just looking for an excuse to brunch? Check out Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai, which just launched its Sunday brunch, which it had previously offered only for special occasions, such as Mother’s Day. 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 what you saw and why it was special. Details.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
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