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

E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa exhibit

FREE! Through January 5 Waimea resident Roen Hufford is a 2023 recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts. She curated this show, which features the work of more than 30 artists from O‘ahu, Hawaiʻi Island, California, and Mexico, most of whom learned the art of kapa-making from her at her Waimea farm. The show’s title means “The Foundation of Kapa Making Thrives/Lives.” Open Wednesdays and Thursdays. Simperman and Suli T. Go galleries, Kahilu Theatre, Waimea.

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.

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival

FREE! February 1 Celebrate the blooming of Waimea’s cherry trees, some of which date back to 1953, at Church Row Park. Activities include a craft fair, bon dances, live entertainment, and demonstrations of cooking, mochi-pounding, and tea ceremonies. Various sites, Waimea.

Kona Brewers Festival

March 8 Toast the 30th anniversary of this event, a fundraiser for nonprofits focused on cultural traditions, environmental conservation, and the well-being of Hawai‘i’s youths. Look forward to live music, ‘ono food, craft beers from local and mainland breweries, and the Trash Fashion Show spotlighting cool couture made from recycled materials. Tickets start at $100. King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, Kailua-Kona.

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.

On Golden Pond

January 3–19 The complexities of human relationships are revealed at an aging couple’s summer cottage beside a New England lake named Golden Pond. Norman Thayer, a cantankerous retired professor displaying early signs of dementia, reconnects with his only child, Chelsea, and forms an unexpected bond with the 13-year-old son of her fiancé. Tickets start at $20. Puhi Theatrical Warehouse, Puhi.

Kauai Quilt Show

FREE! February 7–19 Admire more than 70 locally made quilts, many of which will be available for sale with all proceeds going to a Kaua‘i nonprofit of the buyer’s choice. Talk story with some of the quilters and vote for your favorite quilt. Sign up for workshops starting at $35; past topics include painted tote bags and sashiko (Japanese embroidery). A handicraft boutique returns this year. Kaua‘i Society of Artists Gallery, Kukui Grove Center, Līhu‘e.

Clayton Stephenson concert

March 4 Born and raised in Brooklyn, Clayton Stephenson started piano lessons at age 7; The Juilliard School offered him a full scholarship the next year. The Kaua‘i Concert Association proudly welcomes this virtuoso—a nationally acclaimed performer at 26—to Hawai‘i. Adult tickets, $40 ($45 at the door); students, $15. Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center, Puhi.

Maui

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. 

Schaefer Portrait Challenge

FREE! January 14–March 22 This juried exhibition, held triennially since 2003, showcases the diversity of Hawai‘i’s people through portraits created by artists statewide. The winner of the $15,000 Jurors’ Choice Award, sponsored by Carolyn Schaefer, a Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) board member, will be announced on opening night. Two other award winners will be announced at a March 16 gallery event. Schaefer Gallery, MACC, Kahului.

Maui Songwriters Festival

January 15–18 This year’s 10th-anniversary event, presented in conjunction with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, will again spotlight some of the world’s best singer-songwriters, producers, and composers from Music City, including country standout Lee Brice. Genres range from country and Christian to rock and R&B. Single-event tickets start at $100. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui and people affected by the August 2023 wildfire. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.

Maui 5K

March 2 Proceeds from this 5K-run and 1-mile run/walk benefit Maui County schools that participants choose. The presenter is Maui Ocean Center (MOC), the end point for both races. Cheer on your friends and family along the routes (posted on the website), then gather at MOC for the awards ceremony and festival. Mā‘alaea.

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.

Beethoven Festival

February 6–March 9 The Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra performs Beethoven’s complete nine symphonies in a five-concert series—a first in the state. Each concert opens with a piece by a different contemporary composer, all inspired by Beethoven in different ways. Single-concert tickets start at $10.50. Hawai‘i Theatre, downtown Honolulu.

Hawai‘i Triennial 2025

February 15–May 4 Fifty artists and art collectives will be showcased in the state’s largest exhibition of contemporary art from Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and beyond. Check the website for the 10 participating venues on O‘ahu and the collaborating Hawai‘i Triennial venues on Maui and Hawai‘i island. Various sites, O‘ahu.

Honolulu Festival

FREE! March 7–9 Learn about the vibrant cultures of Hawai‘i and its Pacific Rim neighbors through food, art, crafts, attire, music, and dance. Highlights include an evening parade and the concluding Nagaoka Fireworks off Waikīkī. Honolulu and Nagaoka became sister cities in 2012, and this festival carries a message of hope for peace worldwide. Various sites, Honolulu.

Touch a Truck

FREE! March 8 Meet the operators of more than 30 big trucks on display, including utility, construction, and emergency vehicles. Now in its 10th year, this family-friendly event also offers food trucks and keiki fun, including crafts, balloon twisters, face painting, and glitter tattoos. Kapolei Commons shopping center, Kapolei.

Grease

March 21–April 6 A hit on both Broadway and the silver screen, Grease revolves around the romance of leather-clad greaser Danny Zuko and sweet, wholesome newcomer Sandy Olsson, both students at fictitious Rydell High School in the late 1950s. “Grease,” “Summer Nights,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “You’re the One That I Want”—you’ll want to sing these classics with the cast. Tickets start at $41. Diamond Head Theatre, 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.