HONOLULU — Musical notes drift alongside the sounds of animals settling down to sleep, on the grounds of a lush botanical garden and within a quiet historic valley. Movies delight or deepen understanding in the middle of Waikiki. And the traditional summer bon dance draws communities even closer for an evening of bon odori and honoring ones’ ancestors.
The lineup of summer offerings continues through July and into August with lots to enjoy with family and friends. Nothing beats being under the open sky and stars — even better when accompanied by a full moon! But whatever the venue, relax and enjoy these summer staples.
Wildest Show Summer Concert Series, Honolulu Zoo | 6 p.m. July 17, 24 | Tickets
Just as zoo residents settle down for the evening, you’ll get to enjoy the final two summer concerts featuring Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning artists and your favorite island performers along with education stations, interactive keiki activities, trivia games and more. Artists from Henry Kapono Foundation’s On The Rise program kick off performances every Wednesday at 5 p.m. followed by these artists at 6 p.m.: Robi Kahakalau, July 17, and Brother Noland, July 24. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate: $15/non-members, $5/ages 3-12.
Twilight Concerts at Foster, Wahiawā & Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens | Various dates
The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation holds its annual summer concerts at three botanical gardens on the following days:
• Foster Botanical Garden, 5:30-6:30 p.m. - A military band performs on July 18, and Tapestry on July 25. On July 20 from 3-9 p.m., a summer family favorite returns after five years – Midsummer Night’s Gleam – offering musical performances, keiki activities, food and beverages for purchase and more. Register for $3/adult and $1/6-17 years. Infant to 5 years is free. Non-reservation entry will be available but limited.
• Wahiawā Botanical Garden - The last two concerts are both 5-6 p.m. featuring Tapestry on July 19 and JOBY (reggae) on Aug. 2.
• Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden - This summer’s final concert featuring Summer takes place, 5-6 p.m. July 26.
Symphony at the Shell, Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell | 7:30-10 p.m. July 20, 21
Conductor Dane Lam leads the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra into the reaches of the Star Wars galaxy far, far away as they perform John William’s epic soundtrack narrated by Composer in Residence Michael-Thomas Foumai, July 20. Tickets.
The following night, Mahler’s Symphony No.5 comes to life accompanied by Nā Hōkū ʻŌpio Young Stars Shane Komeiji on flute and Brian Park on cello, July 21. Tickets.
Dane Lam and HSO perform another summer concert featuring hits from the stage and screen and a winner of the Nā Hōkū ʻŌpio Young Stars Competition, Luke Watanabe on trombone, performing Grondahl’s “Concerto for Trombone,” July 25. Tickets.
HSO performs John Williams’ iconic score live to the action-packed film, “Jurassic Park,” as it’s projected onto the big screen in HD, July 27-28. Tickets.
Symphony in the Park, Kailua District Park | 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 24
Music Director Dane Lam and the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra head to the windward side for a free concert featuring summertime symphonic hits and winner of the Nā Hōkū ʻŌpio Young Stars Competition, Cayne Hiraoka on the alto saxophone, performing Ronald Binge’s “Concerto for Alto Saxophone.”
Summer Concert Series, Waimea Valley | 2 p.m. July 27, Aug. 31 | Tickets
Bring the ʻohana for an afternoon of Hawaiian music and hula performed in the lush folds of historic Waimea Valley and hosted by Kimo Kahoano on the Main Lawn. Concert lineup: Kamuela Kahoano, Walea, Ben Vegas, Na Leo Unplugged (40th anniversary special performance), July 27, and Paʻahana, Pomai Keawe & Family, Nuʻe, Maunalua, Aug. 31.
Nashville Nights, Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa | 7 p.m. Aug. 8, Sept. 26 | Tickets
Country music artist Eric Paslay brings Nashville to Waikiki as he performs hits such as “Friday Night,” “Song About a Girl” and “She Don’t Love You” for audiences, Aug. 8. Then next in the lineup is the duo of Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles who make up Love and Theft, performing their hits, “Angel Eyes,” “Better Off” and “You Didn’t Want Me,” Sept. 26.
Prince Waikiki Summer Flix, Prince Waikiki Resort | 7 p.m. or sunset July 17, 24, 31
The Hawaii International Film Festival and Prince Waikiki once again team up for this second annual offering of films featuring a mix of Hollywood blockbusters and HIFF selections of award-winning Hawaii films. There will be drink specials and special menu items and films held on the Muliwai Deck, 5th floor, are free. Some of the screenings will also have live Q&As with special guests. Seating is first come, first served. Film lineups: July 17, Hawaiian Heroes Shorts: “Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool,” “Seeing with Hawaiian Eyes” and “Amefil.” July 24, “Next Goal Wins” based on a true story about the American Samoa soccer team. July 31, “Songs of Love from Hawaiʻi,” a drama that unveils 120 years of Korean American history in Hawaii through music.
Studio Ghibli Summer Festival, Consolidated Theatres Kahala | Wednesdays/Thursdays | Tickets
This may not be “under the stars,” but it’s still fun for the family, especially if you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films shown Wednesdays and/or Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Lineup: July 17/18, “Howl’s Moving Castle”; July 24/25, “From Up on Poppy Hill”; July 31/Aug. 1, “Castle in the Sky”; Aug. 7/8, “Porco Rosso”; Aug. 14/15, “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind”; and Aug. 21/22, “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.”
Screen on the Green, Waimea Valley | Sundown July 18, 25
Pack up your chairs and blankets and enjoy a free movie on the Main Lawn following the Haleiwa Farmers Market: July 18, “Barbie,” and July 25, “Hometown Legends.”
If you’ve never visited Waimea Valley at night, mark your calendars for Moon Walks on Aug. 17, Sept. 15 and Oct. 19. Explore Waimea Valley under the dappled light of the full moon escorted by staff. The first walk begins at 8 p.m. and all visitors out of the valley by 10 p.m.
15th Annual Surf Film Festival, Honolulu Museum of Art | Through Aug. 4
This month-long festival looks at the history of surfing and toward its future through 16 different films, some of which highlight individuals who have played a major role in surf culture. The festival closes on Aug. 4 with a screening of Bud Browne’s “Locked In!” followed by a talk story panel of intergenerational surfing greats.
Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express, Windward Mall | Through Aug. 7
Bring the kiddos to enjoy family movies, 11 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday through Aug. 7. Summer Movie Express tickets are just $1 with snacks priced at $5 for a snack pack that includes a junior-size drink, snack-size popcorn and fruit snacks with an optional $3 Dippin’ Dots add-on. Lineup: July 23/24, “Trolls Band Together” & “Sonic the Hedgehog 2”; July 30/31, “Lyly, Lyle Crocodile” & “Kung Fu Panda 3”; and Aug. 6/7, “Minions: The Rise of Gru” & “Sing 2.”
Typically observed in August over three days, the Obon season is based on the Buddhist belief that one’s ancestors return home to visit their descendants during this time. Families sometimes light paper lanterns on the family altar to help their ancestors find their way home.
For many in Hawaii, the Obon season equals bon dance season when local Buddhist temples hold obon services and the popular bon dance that are open to everyone.
It’s a boisterous, fun time complete with thundering taiko drums, festive lights, lots of local goodies to eat and the bon odori. You don’t even need to know the dance movements — just learn as you go! Aunties and uncles are more than happy to show you the moves.
Here’s a partial list of bon dance coming up:
• Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 808-973-0150, 1631 S. Beretania St., Honolulu - 7-10 p.m. July 19-20
• Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission, 808-622-1429, 162 California Ave., Wahiawa - 7-10 p.m. July 19-20
• Jikoen Hongwanji Mission, 808-845-3422, 1731 N. School St., Honolulu - 5:30-9:30 p.m. July 20
• Waianae Hongwanji Mission, 808-696-3125, 85-762 Old Government Rd., Waianae - 6:30 p.m. July 20
• Haleiwa Jodo Mission, 808-637-4382, 66-279n Haleiwa Rd. A, Haleiwa - 7-10 p.m. July 26-27
with Toro Nagashi Ceremony (Floating Lanterns), 9 p.m. July 27
• Palolo Hongwanji Mission, 808-732-1491, 1641 Palolo Ave., Honolulu - 5-9:30 p.m. July 26-27
Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.