2025 Asia Pacific Dance Festival
This event co-sponsored by the East-West Center Arts Program features a dynamic lineup of events — classes, conference sessions, captivating performances, film screenings and more — at UH Manoa’s Kennedy Theatre through June 1. Full schedule.
Ali Macofsky at Blue Note Hawaii
The Blue Note Comedy Series presents stand-up comedian, actress and writer Ali Macofsky, 6:30 and 9 p.m. May 22. Tickets.
Weedy Seadragons Premiere at Waikīkī Aquarium
Ten juveniles of the rarely seen weedy seadragons will make their debut at the aquarium’s Amazing Adaptations Exhibit, 10 a.m. May 23. These marine animals are native to waters around Australia and are relatives of seahorses and pipefish, but feature leaf-like appendages and elongated bodies.
Exhibition highlights photography of Franco Salmoiraghi
Honolulu Museum of Art will celebrate three decades of photography of Franco Salmoiraghi in “Franco Salmoiraghi: Photographs of Hawaii from the 70s, 80s and 90s,” May 23-Oct. 12. One of Hawaii’s most respected photographers, Salmoiraghi’s black-and-white images illustrate his command of light, shadow and texture.
The Illeagles: The Premier Tribute to the Music of The Eagles
Blue Note Hawaii presents San Francisco Bay Area-based tribute band, The Illeagles, a group founded in 2016 with two things in common — a love for the music of The Eagles and each member being an accomplished musician in his own right. They perform 6:30 and 9 p.m. May 23. Tickets.
Free Admission for Hawaii Educators at Battleship Missouri Memorial
The Battleship Missouri Memorial celebrates Teacher Appreciation Month with free admission, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 24. Members of the Missouri’s Education Team will be available to share information about school programs, field trip opportunities and resources to support and inspired educators and students. Must present a valid school-issued ID at check-in.
Memorial Day Events at Pearl Harbor
Beginning May 24 through 26, Pearl Harbor will be offering free guided tours of the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials, a book presentation and signing by author Gail Okawa, movie in the park, a unique live dive of the USS Arizona and commemorative ceremony on Memorial Day. Event details.
Dinosaurs Return to Bishop Museum
Along with favorites such as the T-Rex and Stegosaurus, visitors will learn about oceanic and aquatic reptiles from the Mesozoic Era in “Expedition Dinosaur: Into the Deep” starting May 24. There will be lifelike animatronic dinosaurs, Journey to the Deep Theater, tools and equipment to scan for fossils and a Bell Ranger 47J interactive helicopter display.
Royal Hawaiian Band Performs
Formed in 1836 and once known as the “King’s Band,” the Royal Hawaiian Band performs at Ka Makana Aliʻi, 3-6:15 p.m. May 24.
Lee Ritenour
Fabled award-winning LA guitarist Lee Ritenour has had an amazing career over five decades. He performs four shows at Blue Note Hawaii, May 24-25. Tickets.
Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar
The Honolulu Theatre for Youth presents the story of Joseph Kekuku, the Kamehameha Schools student, who in 1889, fabricated a steel bar to use with his guitar, creating the sound of the steel guitar. Performance at Tenney Theatre, 2 p.m. May 25. Tickets.
Hot Kūpuna Nights at Ka Waiwai ma Mōʻiliʻili
Bring your family and ʻukulele to this community kanikapilia with Kuʻuipo Kumukahi & Friends live, 2-5 p.m. May 25. $5 at the door. Reserve your spot.
74th Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony
Open to the public, the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Pūowaina (Punchbowl) will begin at 8:30 a.m. May 26, featuring speeches, ceremonial presentations and tributes along with performances.
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii at Ala Moana Beach
The community is invited to remember loved ones, honor fallen service members and offer prayers for peace with lit lanterns that will be placed on the ocean at this annual event, May 26. Individual lanterns will be available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (while supplies last) or write a message that will be placed on a Collective Remembrance Lantern that will be floated by volunteers. Event details.
The Wave at Manoa Valley Theatre
Featuring Henry Kapono, Tavana and Henry Kapono Foundation On the Rise Artists Danny Carvalho, Ryan Perez and Anthony Pfluke, The Wave performs reimagined contemporary classics, 7 p.m. May 28. Tickets.
Local Comedy Showcase at Blue Note Hawaii
The Blue Note Comedy Series and Comedy U brings back the Local Comedy Showcase with host Heather Brown featuring Jasmine Bautista, Alvin Walker, Eric Patrick and Andrew Joyce, 7 p.m. May 28. Tickets.
Korean Blockbusters at Consolidated Theatres Kahala and Pearlridge
Catch the final Korean film for just $5, “Poetry,” 7 p.m. May 28. Tickets.
Science & Sustainability Festival 2025
Bishop Museum scientists, educators, cultural practitioners and community partners will highlight the ongoing work to protect biodiversity and build a sustainable future at this one-day event at the museum, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 31. Attendees can also enjoy keiki activities, workshops, exhibitions, special presentations and interactive performances, and food and drink vendors. Register.
Miss Hawaii Competitions at Hawaii Theatre
Competition for Miss Hawaii Teen and Miss Hawaii will run across three nights: Miss Hawaii Teen, 7 p.m. May 29; Miss Hawaii Preliminary, 7 p.m. May 30; and Miss Hawaii Finals, 7 p.m. May 31. Tickets.
Israel Vibration, Duane Stephenson & Roots Radics
The Reggae Music Never Dies Tour celebrating the release of Israel Vibration’s new album "Reggae Music Never Dies” comes to Hawaii in three performances, May 29-30. Tickets.
Raqs Aloha Showcase featuring David Abraham
The Honolulu Museum of Art presents a performance by world-renowned oriental dance artist David Abraham known for his unique and innovative style that has captured audiences worldwide, 7-9 p.m. May 30. Tickets.
HT25 HUB Celebration
The public is invited to celebrate the spirit of Aloha Nō at the Davies Pacific Center as the HT25 HUB comes to a close. Enjoy hands-on activities, a special live performance, poetry reading, ʻono bites and the art of Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 31. $5 parking fee at First Hawaiian Bank. All ages welcome. Register.
If you love tabletop games, this event is for you. A trio of friends — Van Fujishige, Meg Fujishige and Courtney Kubanek — who share a love for tabletop games, conventions and community aim to create a safe and welcoming environment for community gamers over two days at the Hawaii Convention Center, May 31-June 1. The event is being capped at 499 attendees, so pre-registering is recommended.
King of the West
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, E-40, Too Short, Du Quik, Xzibil, Cuhdeejah, Kash and King, and Kamaiyah perform live at the Blaisdell Arena, 7 p.m. May 31. Tickets.
The Films of Kenji Misumi
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander month, the Doris Duke Theatre screens recently restored Misumi films that include the Sword trilogy, and selections from his Lone Wolf and Cub series from the hugely popular Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman movies, through May 31. Schedule and tickets.
Kapa Demonstrations at Sea Life Park Hawaii
Native Hawaiian kapa practitioner Kumu Page Chang of Pūkoʻa Studios provides hands-on demonstrations honoring the traditional Hawaiian practice of kapa-making basics, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 1 and 19. The process begins with stripping and pounding the inner bark of the wauke (paper mulberry) tree and participants will get to take home their finished kapa. Free with paid park admission.
August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Runs”
Directed by Lillian Jones and Peggy Anne Siegmund, this production by The Actor’s Group makes its run at the Brad Powell Theatre, through June 1. Recommended for ages 16 and up with scenes of mature themes, languages and violent scenes. Tickets.
TUBE Live Around Special 2025
Known as the “Beach Boys of Japan,” “summer” band TUBE first appeared at Aloha Stadium to celebrate their 15th anniversary in 2002. They return to Hawaii for their 40th anniversary performance at the Tom Moffat Waikiki Shell, 6:30 p.m. June 1. Tickets.
An Evening with Tommy Emmanuel CGP
World-renowned acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, known for playing multiple parts simultaneously, performs at Hawaii Theatre, 8 p.m. June 3. Tickets.
Bobby Lee: Live at Hawaii Theatre
American stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster Bobby Lee performs in a just-added show, 9:30 p.m. June 6. Tickets.
Jefferson Starship at Hawaii Theatre
Supergroup Jefferson Starship brings their Runaway Again World Tour to Hawaii, 8 p.m. June 7. Tickets.
“Kim’s Convenience” at Manoa Valley Theatre
Described as a “warm, witty comedy about a family, their store and the daily moments that bring them together,” “Kim’s Convenience” has sharp humor and plenty of heart, making its run through June 8. Tickets.
Kōnane at Bishop Museum
People of all ages and playing abilities, as well as intermediate to advanced players are invited to take part in the Hawaiian game of strategy, critical thinking and resource management — kōnane — 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 11. The event will feature experts sharing the history, moʻolelo, strategies and philosophical perspectives of the game in honor of King Kamehameha, a legendary strategist and kōnane player. Register.
Mālama ʻĀina Kākou
Tickets are on sale for this fundraising benefit for Hawaiʻi Land Trust bringing together conservation advocates in an island-style pāʻina on the historic grounds of Lanikūhonua, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 4. Attendees will enjoy delicious cuisine from local chefs Ed Kenny, Keaka Lee and Mark Noguchi’s Pili Group, complimentary cocktails and live entertainment by Robi Kahakalau and Kalaʻe Camarillo. Tickets.
