Ready to celebrate the weekend? From live music to new eats, Aloha State Daily has your list of ways to spend Friday, Nov. 13, Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15.
Friday, Nov. 13
Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana celebrates 50 years with album, concert. More than five decades ago, nine people evaded the U.S. Coast Guard to land on Kahoʻolawe and protest the bombing of a sacred space for Native Hawaiians. This year, the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana has been hosting events across the state to reignite the call for aloha ʻāina, or care for the land. Catch the 50 Years of Aloha ʻĀina Concert and Celebration: Laʻa, Maʻa, Paʻa! from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Great Lawn of the Bishop Museum. The event honors the release of the new album “50 Years of Aloha ʻĀina”. Tickets are $10 for ʻōpio and kūpuna and $25 for adults. Proceeds from the concert go to PKO. Details.
Go to Oʻahu: Zamna. This melodic house and techno festival born in Tulum, Mexico, will hold its first event in Hawaiʻi this week with nine entertainers at Echoa Ridge in Kapolei. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the show runs from 3 to 11 p.m. Attendees must be at least 18 years old. Headliners include WhoMadeWho and Arodes, along Hawaiʻi-born DJ Fiyah, and more. A roundtrip bus will leave from Hawaiian Brian’s and return there for an after party that starts at midnight. Tickets start at $180, plus fees. Parking and round-trip bus fare are an additional cost. Details.
Watch Italian films. The 2026 Italian Film Festival is back for its second year in Honolulu with three films over three days. This collaboration between the Friends of Italy Society of Hawaiʻi, the Honolulu Museum of Art, and the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco features the films: “La vita va così (Life Is Life),” “Gioia mia (Sweetheart),” and “Nonostante (Feeling Better)” on Friday, Nov. 13, Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, respectively. Films are in Italian with English subtitles. This year, movie goers can enjoy a new suprise: focaccia and wine they can enjoy while watching the film. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for college students; and free for youth, ages 18 years old and younger. Details.
Saturday, Nov. 14
Go to the “I Am An American: The Nisei Soldier Experience.” This traveling exhibit opened at the Capitol Modern last week and shares the history of the second-generation Japanese Americans called “Nisei" who served in World War II, including in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service. Several of the soldiers featured have Hawaiʻi roots. The museum is open on Veterans Day. Free. Details.
See “Moana 2” in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Catch a screening of Disney’s live action “Moana 2” in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Bring a blanket and picnic dinner. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. This event is presented by Kūmau Productions, Ko Olina and Hawaiian Council. Arrive at 5 p.m. and settle in before the movie begins at sunset. Parking is $10, cash only. Screening is free. Details.
Watch football. The Rainbow Warriors will take on the North Dakota State University Bison at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. The game theme is Military Night. The evening will also include remembrances and video tributes in honor of former head coach June Jones, who died last month. There will also be a military aircraft flyover to celebrate Veterans Day weekend. Active duty military, Department of Defense civilians, and retired members of the military get access to 50% off select tickets. Details.
Participate in a pet costume contest. Bring your favorite furry friend to this annual costume contest, which is part of Jack the Hotel Dog’s sixth birthday celebration at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. The top three winners take home prizes, including a staycation and vendor goodies. Register at 4 p.m. The contest starts at 4:30 p.m. The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club was recently named the No. 6 Best Pet-friendly Hotel in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The event will include a DJ and local vendors. Details.
Catch the Kimchi Day Festival. The fourth annual Kimchi Day Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Makiki District Park. The festival, hosted by The United Korean Association of Hawaiʻi, highlights Korea’s rich culinary heritage and showcases connections between Hawaiʻi and Korea. Free. Details.
Sunday, Nov. 15
Make Thanksgiving Plans. It is already mid-November, which means Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. Ready to make plans? Food & Dining Reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can help with her guides to Where to go for Thanksgiving 2026 – part 1 and Where to go for Thanksgiving 2026 – part 2.
Eat soup dumplings. This new eatery in Kakaʻako recently soft opened in the space that was once Phuket Thai and Better Bites Thai and More. Sijie Special Noodle makes handmade noodles and soup dumplings, among other dishes. The eatery is open daily, from 11:30 a.m. to midnight. Details.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
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