House of Sakura Pop-Up at Prince Waikiki
In collaboration with the opening of House of Suntory, this unique pop-up dining experience evokes the feeling of picnicking beneath a sakura tree in full bloom while enjoying an izakaya-style menu of flavorful small dishes such as chicken karaage, miso butterfish or truffle tamagoyaki. Or indulge in the Picnic Sampler for Two featuring miso butterfish, sakura onigiri, ahi and charred salmon sashimi, and more. Craft cocktails are also available such as Suntory’s signature Toki Highball, the Umi Hikari and Sakura Yume. House of Sakura pop-up is available 5-10 p.m. May 8-11. Reservations.
Rainbow Graduation Evening Event
Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation presents a graduation program celebrating LGBTQIA+ and ally students at Hawaii Theatre, 5:30-8 p.m. May 8. Enjoy a hosted reception with non-alcoholic beverages and heavy pupu with a rainbow tassel presentation and keynote speaker. Free with RSVP.
Shen Yun
Billed as “China Before Communism,” the vibrant and mesmerizing Shen Yun is comprised of eight companies and 500 worldclass artists performing an all-new production. Enjoy an extraordinary performance for the family at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, May 8-10. Tickets.
Beach Cleanup
Waikīkī Aquarium hosts a beach cleanup open to the public at Ala Moana Beach Park across from the Magic Island parking lot, 10 a.m.-noon May 9. Buckets and tools will be provided to participants; bring your own water and reef-safe sunscreen. All collected rubbish will be weighed when done. Register.
Learn to Play Mahjong at Windward Mall
Join the Kaneohe Library in Center Court to learn the basics of Chinese Mahjong or to find a friendly group of fellow competitors, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 9. Open to all, players are limited to 20 each day. Make your reservations online or by calling 808-233-5676.
Hawaii Economic Association Webinar: How Will Federal Funding Change Under Trump?
Two of Hawaii’s leading experts — Wes Machida and Trey Gordner — break down how federal funding flows to the state and what could change under a second Trump administration, noon-1:15 p.m. May 9. Register.
Museum After Hours: Ke kāhuli leo leʻa o ka nahele
Bishop Museum partners with the Mary Kawena Pukui Cultural Preservation Society to celebrate the life, work and legacy of Mary Kawena Pukui, who spent over 50 years documenting, translating and compiling Hawaiian knowledge systems during a time when Hawaiian culture and traditions were being lost. Event runs 5-9 p.m. May 9. $10 presale, $15 at the door.
JCCH Craft & Collectibles Fair
Find unique Japanese cultural items at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s monthly fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 10. Fresh floral arrangements will be on sale for Mother’s Day with all sales benefiting JCCH and at 10:30 a.m. join President Al Furuto and members of the Japanese Sword Society of Hawaii for a talk story and Q&A about the history of samurai swords, plus see rare and authenticated swords.
KSSK Mother’s Day Morning Show at Blue Note Hawaii
Perry & The Posse present a special live broadcast featuring American Idol start Jasmine Trias, 9 a.m. May 10. Show includes a Mother’s Day Buffet and special guests Henry Kapono, Hawaiian Style Band, Andy Bumatai, Irie Love, Mindy Smokestack and Ryan Hooley. Tickets.
Love Your Momma Market
Aloha Home Market invites the public to its themed monthly market featuring furniture, art, food, housewares, locally made and handcrafted items, and more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 10. Enjoy live music by Noah Hull, pet adoptions with the Hawaiian Humane Society and a special Mother’s Day photo shoot. Located at 340 Uluniu Street in Kailua.
Mother’s Day Pop-Up with TART
Shop for a special, sustainable gift this Mother’s Day by browsing through locally made ceramics, upcycled clothing, farm fresh flowers, bouquets and more at the North Shore Arts Center located at Waialua Sugar Mill, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 10.
2nd Annual Hawaii Club Volleyball Championships
Windward Mall hosts this top-tier girls’ club volleyball competition at Center Court, the first of its kind to be held inside a shopping mall, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 10. Come and cheer on eight of the top performing teams from across the state as they compete in best-of-five set matches throughout the day in five age divisions: 12-and-under, 14-and-under, 16-and-under, and 18-and-under.
Love Songs and Lei Making
Manoa Heritage Center hosts a concert featuring harpist Megan Conley followed by lei making led by MHC garden and education team member Lilia Lorenzo, 1-3 p.m. May 10. $50/person, limited to 12 people. Register.
Mother’s Day Haku Lei Poʻo Workshop
Create a special haku lei poʻo for the mother figure in your life at this workshop by Koʻolau ʻāina crafter ʻAnakē Cynthia Hopkins at Ka Waiwai ma Koʻolau, 1:30-3:30 p.m. May 10. Supplies will be provided, bring a spray bottle with water, scissors and filled water flask. Seating is limited. Register.
9th Annual Ko Olina Children’s Festival
Bring the entire family for a day of interactive activities, entertainment, educational programs, ocean sustainability booths, good food, live performances and a sunset movie screening at Ko Olina’s Grand Lawn, 3-8 p.m. May 10. Tickets.
Special Culinary Showcase at The Pearl
Featured chefs will serve up their signature creations at this one-night only, grazing-style event inspired by each chef’s culinary beginnings at Leeward Community College’s The Pearl, 6-9 p.m. May 10. Chefs include Jasmyne Wood of Arden Waikīkī, Eric Oto of Kanpai Sushi Hawaiʻi, Maribeth Ganiron of The Pacific Club, and Shaden Sato of Halekulani Hotel creating dishes that include mushroom toast, cured salmon gravlax, ube cheesecake and more. Live jazz will be provided by Noel Okimoto and Dean Taba. The Pearl is LCC’s on-campus fine dining restaurant. $125/person. Proceeds support LCC’s Culinary Arts Program. Contact Fabi Castellano at 808-455-0300, fabiola@hawaii.edu or Don Maruyama at 808-455-0567, donaldkm@hawaii.edu to purchase tickets.
Pat Metheny at Blue Note Hawaii
Described as “one of the brightest stars of the jazz community” Pat Metheny is known for his trademark playing style redefining the traditional jazz guitar sound for a new generation of players. He performs on his Dream Box/MoonDial Tour, 7:30 p.m. May 10 and 7 p.m. May 11. Tickets.
Kamaʻāina Sunday at ʻIolani Palace
Bring the family to celebrate Lā Makuahine, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 11. Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu, Kumu Hula TeHani Kealamailani Gonzado Pimental; Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Mōʻī Jazz Ensemble; and the Royal Hawaii Band will provide entertainment throughout the day alongside family-friendly activities such as coloring and lei making and an immersive cultural workshop with ʻUmi Kai (sign up at 8:30 a.m. at the Kīnaʻu Gate on Richards Street; limited seats). Kamaʻāina with valid ID can enjoy a free self-led audio tour of ʻIolani Palace throughout the day.
Mother’s Day with Andy Bumatai and Augie T
Blue Note Hawaii presents a Mother’s Day special featuring laughs with comedians Andy and Augie, 1 p.m. May 11. Tickets.
2025 World Fireknife Competition
This exciting annual event highlights fireknife competitors from around the world returning to the Polynesian Cultural Center in a heated competition, May 13-15. Tickets and info.
Henri Herbert: Blues & Boogie Piano Show
KHVH presents boogie piano master Henri Herbert performing on the Blue Note Hawaii stage, 7 p.m. May 13. Tickets.
Korean Blockbusters at Consolidated Theatres Kahala & Pearlridge
Korean films are on the big screen at two locations, 7 p.m. every Wednesday throughout May. Lineup: “Burning” May 14, “In Our Day” May 21, and “Poetry” May 28. Tickets.
American Tune: Simon, Croce & Taylor
Award-winning singer/songwriter Tom Glynn takes the audience back to the 1970s for an evening of timeless music at Blue Note Hawaii, 7 p.m. May 14. Tickets.
Volunteer at the Rain Garden
Join Mālama Maunalua to protect the health of Maunalua Bay by working on the Rain Garden at Koko Head District Park, 9-11 a.m. May 15. The area is an important green space that helps capture stormwater runoff, filter out pollutants and support thriving native plant life. You’ll be weeding, planting and caring for the rain garden. Email lbailes@malamamaunalua.org to sign up.
Hawaii Society of Business Professionals Luncheon
HSBP hosts a luncheon featuring speaker Major General Christopher Faurot, mobilization assistant to the commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Prince Waikiki, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. May 15. Register.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
