Seasonal Dishes Premiere at Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya
Savor these seasonal dishes being served at all Hawaii Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya locations starting May 15 through the end of September. The Goma Hiyashi is a cold noodle dish served with a goma soy milk base and thin Japanese noodles topped with ground pork, green onions, cucumbers and a half-seasoned egg. The Ultimate Volcano Ramen features a tonkotsu mala-based broth served with thick noodles and topped with pork chashu, onions, green onions and mozzarella cheese.
Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships at Queen’s Surf Break
AccesSurf welcomes back over 90 adaptive surfers from around the world will compete in nine divisions as part of the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour, May 15-19. Events are as follows: Opening Ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, 5:30 p.m. May 15; competition begins 8 a.m. May 16 with a “Finding True North” film premiere, 7 p.m. same day at ʻAlohilani Resort; wahine events with Olympic Gold Medalist Carissa Moore, May 16-18; and finals, May 19, and a closing celebration, 6 p.m. same day at Hawaiian Aroma Caffe.
2025 World Fireknife Competition
This exciting fireknife competition culminates with the men’s finals at Polynesian Cultural Center during its “Ha: Breath of Life” show, 7:30 p.m. May 15. Tickets and info.
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, May 15-June 1. Recommended for ages 16 and up with scenes of mature themes, languages and violent scenes. 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 May 15-June 8. Tickets.
Kū I Ka Wana ʻAo: Rebuilding A Nation Series Kick Off Pāʻina
This series is focused on kanaka maoli mana wahine across various fields who are leading the way in changing the narrative in Hawaii and contributing to the rebuilding of the Hawaii nation. The kick-off pāʻina offers an evening of live music, networking, guest speakers, community screen printing and much more at Ka Waiwai ma Mōʻiliʻili, 6:30-9:30 p.m. May 16. Tickets.
Friday Night Tempo at Capitol Modern
Families are invited for an evening of live jazz music by Jazz Story, plus wander through the galleries and the Sculpture Garden, enjoy pop-up artists and food vendors, 5-9 p.m. May 16. Also view the “Botanical Rhapsody” exhibit featuring works by Hawaii fashion designers, May 16-June 21. Opening reception will be held during the Friday Night Tempo event. Free.
CAFF Springfest 2025 at Honolulu Museum of Art
Enjoy “A Blooming Celebration of Animation!” at this year’s CAA Springfest featuring diverse animated films from around the world, May 16-18. Tickets and information.
City Nature Challenge Oahu Meet-and-Greet
Bishop Museum hosts this event for CNC participants, nature nerds and anyone who wants to learn about biodiversity and connect in person with like-minded folks over food, drinks, fun activities and a special presentation, 6-8 p.m. May 16. Register.
Noah Reid at Hawaii Theatre
Actor and singer/songwriter Noah Reid is known for his powerful vocals and honest songwriting with three albums under his belt. He performs 8 p.m. May 16. Tickets.
Celebrate World Bee Day at Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation
Several events focus on taking care of the landscape and learning about bees, May 17. Start the day with a community workday at Kōkua Learning Farm, 9-11:30 a.m., then enjoy honey tasting at Kōkua General Store, 10 a.m.-noon. Conclude the day with a bee research presentation by Dr. Ethal M. Villalobos at Kōkua Learning Farm as to the essential role bees play around the world. Register.
National Kids to Parks Day at Diamond Head State Monument
Pacific Historic Parks partners with the Hawaii Division of State Parks and the National Park Trust to celebrate outdoor play at Diamond Head State Monument by offering free hands-on activities, games and educational booths to connect keiki and their families to the natural and cultural significance of one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 17. Free for Hawaii residents and visitors with valid park reservations.
Super Saturday at Capitol Modern
Free to keiki and families, enjoy an afternoon of art workshops and activities for all ages, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 17.
Frolic Hawaii’s Poke Fest at Ka Makana Aliʻi
Hawaii’s favorite dish is celebrated at the 8th Annual Poke Fest presented by American Savings Bank, 4-8 p.m. May 17. Poke spots from across the island gather will gather in the parking lot near CPK and ʻŌlino Theatres to serve up one-of-a-kind poke creations, desserts and more. Fun keiki activities, music and entertainment are all part of the fun too.
Mid-Pacific School of the Arts Film Showcase
This evening celebrates the creativity and talent of Mid-Pacific’s student filmmakers in a curated selection of bold, original films that highlight diverse perspectives and innovative storytelling at the Honolulu Museum of Art, 7:30-9 p.m. May 17. Tickets.
Community Day at Honolulu Museum of Art
Bring the family for a day of seeing and creating art, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 18. Explore the galleries and outdoor spaces, plus enjoy two hands-on art activities. Free for kamaʻāina.
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. Performances are at Tenney Theatre, 2 p.m. May 18 and 25. Tickets.
HSO - 24/25 Masterworks at Hawaii Theatre
Bestselling author and acclaimed pianist Jeremy Denk performs with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for Mozart’s greatest concerto, “Piano Concerto No. 25,” 4 p.m. May 18. Tickets.
“I Ka Makeke-Going to Market” at the Hawaii Convention Center
The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism presents its 3rd Annual Hawaii Made Conference, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. May 20. An all-day conference featuring industry leaders and stakeholders including manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, elected officials and resource partners discussing issues related to product development, commercialization and market expansion. Keynote speaker is Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up. Register.
Commerce for a Cause Pop-up Sale
Shop pre-loved designer apparel and accessories or find local products from up-and-coming entrepreneurs at YWCA Oahu at 1040 Richards Street, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 21.
Henry Kapono with Hawaiian Style Band at Blue Note Hawaii
The Henry Kapono Foundation presents season 8 of Artist 2 Artist concert series featuring Henry Kapono with Hawaiian Style Band and On The Rise Artist Ryan Hooley, 6:30 p.m. May 21. Tickets.
Korean Blockbusters at Consolidated Theatres Kahala and Pearlridge
Catch a selection of celebrated Korean cinema on the final two dates in May: “In Our Day” on May 21 and “Poetry” on May 28. Movies are at 7 p.m. for just $5. 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. May 22, 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.
“Insuring Hawaiʻi at a Reasonable Price”
The Hawaii Economic Association present a live webinar featuring Acting Insurance Commissioner Jerry Bump and Acting Deputy Commissioner Scott Saiko discussing the climbing cost of insurance with coverage that’s harder to find and explaining how new legislation could help, noon-1:15 p.m. May 22. Register.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
