Fun things to do in Hawai‘i

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu.

Hawai‘i Island

Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival

FREE! Through October 20 Hamakua Sugar Company, Hawai‘i Island’s last sugar plantation, harvested its final crop 30 years ago. Remember Hawai‘i’s sugar history and workers by enjoying a parade, youth rodeo, agricultural fair, golf and softball tournaments, and the world premiere of a documentary chronicling the company’s history. The fun also includes  food, talks, and exhibits. Dance performances represent the cultures of the workers, many of whom came here from different countries. Various sites, Honokaʻa.

Honoka‘a Renaissance Faire

FREE! November 9 Venture back in time to the days of jesters, knights, fairies, wizards, castles, and dragons. Sip mead, watch swordplay and circus acts, and glimpse your future with tarot readings. Honoka‘a Sports Complex, Honokaʻa.

Paradise Studio Tour

FREE! December 7–8 The Paradise Studio Tour Artist Collective welcomes visitors into their creative spaces. Admire work in various media, including jewelry, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, woodwork, and fused and stained glass. Some studios offer demonstrations, refreshments, or live music. Ten percent of sales is donated to the art departments of the three area high schools. Various sites, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Keaʻau.

Kaua‘i

“Wings and Woodlands: A Tribute to Native Birds and Forests”

FREE! November 1–8 Part of this year’s Makahiki O Nā Manu Nahele (Year of the Forest Birds) observance, this exhibit showcases native birds and their forest habitat through paintings, drawings, sculptures, photos, and featherwork. Other activities include a kahili-making workshop, bird-related arts and crafts for children, a display of forest bird origami created by students statewide, and screenings of When Silence Becomes the Song, a documentary about the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project. Kaua‘i Society of Artists Gallery, Kukui Grove Center, Līhuʻe.

The SpongeBob Musical

November 17–30 SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends from the popular Nickelodeon animated TV series work together to prevent a volcano from erupting and destroying their undersea home. Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre brings the story to life via lively music, songs, and dances. $15 online and $20 at the door. Children 3 and under are free. Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, Līhuʻe.

Maui

Altered Earth

FREE! Through October 19 This invitational exhibition spotlights 10 acclaimed ceramic artists from Hawai‘i and the mainland. Learn how the artists select clays and glazes and oversee the firing processes for their works, which include sculptures, vases, and vessels. Schaefer International Gallery, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului.

Maui Steel Guitar Festival

FREE! October 19 Celebrate the unique stringed instrument invented on O‘ahu by a Hawaiian teen in the late 1880s. Enjoy the music of steel guitar greats as well as talented youths. The Shops at Wailea, Wailea.

Paths of Ink

FREE! November 12–December 28 The word calligraphy is derived from the Greek kallos, meaning “beauty,” and graphein, meaning “to write.” Impressive works by artists from the U.S., Japan, and Korea range from traditional wall scrolls to innovative new approaches. Schaefer Gallery, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului.

Nutcracker Sweets

December 14–15, 21–22 This delightful rendition of the Christmas classic features 50-plus actors and dancers and new props, lighting design, and screen projections. Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, a Dewdrop, and the waltzing flowers will all be there. Adults, $20–25. Historic ‘Īao Theater, Wailuku. 

Movie Night Under the Stars at Sugar Beach Events

Monthly One weekend evening each month, family-friendly flicks such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Elf are screened under the stars on an oceanfront lawn. Food and beverages are available for sale; the menu changes to complement the movie’s theme (no outside food or drinks are allowed). Bring a light jacket, blankets, and beach chairs. $5 per person (online ticket reservations recommended). Sugar Beach Events, Kīhei.

Hawai‘i’s Woodshow

FREE! November 17–24 The Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association’s 32nd annual exhibition showcases beautiful heirloom-quality pieces made from Hawai‘i-grown tree species, both native and non-native. Awards recognize “Inspiration of Design” and “Excellence of Implementation.” Blaisdell Center, Pīkake Room, Honolulu.

White Christmas

November 22–December 8 Based on the 1954 film, this Broadway musical tells the story of World War II veterans who form a successful song-and-dance duo. They try to help their former commander save his failing Vermont inn by teaming up with two equally talented sisters—and find love to boot! Irving Berlin’s title song remains a holiday favorite. Tickets start at $39. Diamond Head Theatre, Honolulu.

Hawaii Magic Festival

December 28 The hand is indeed quicker than the eye, as members of The Hawaii International Brotherhood of Magicians prove during their 10th annual show. Audience participation adds to the fun. Adults, $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Kaimukī High School Performing Arts Center, Honolulu.

FREE! indicates free admission to the event, but additional fees may be required. Confirm hours and availability of businesses, attractions, and events before you visit. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.