While you are in Hawaiʻi, do you want to party? Stay fit, yoga-style? Eat out? Experience the culture? Any of the above? Then check out these events.
The featured image above from the 2015 Le Dîner en Blanc. This year, it is taking place on August 27. See the last event in this list for more information.
Chitty Bang | The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd., upstairs (O‘ahu) | Every first Thursday, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
This monthly alternative event brings in crowds, emceed by RoxyOTM with DJs SuperCW, Ace, Betty, and Tittahbite.
jointherepublik.com
Open Mic Mondays | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (O‘ahu) | Mondays, 6–9 p.m.
Grab the mic and let your inner vocalist shine at Waikiki’s longstanding gay bar. Come alone or with friends – all performers receive a free drink either way.
hulas.com
Scarlet Fever Drag Revue | Scarlet Honolulu, 80 S. Pauahi St. (O‘ahu) | Saturdays, 10 p.m.
Keep the party going all night at Scarlet Honolulu, one of the island’s craziest dance clubs. LGBTQ or not, all are welcome to check out Scarlet’s weekly drag show.
scarlethonolulu.com
Art Night In Lahaina Town | Throughout Lahaina (Maui) | Every second Friday night, 5:30 -10 p.m.
Lahaina is called the “Art Capital of the Pacific” because it is home to more art galleries per capita than any other town in the United States. Each second Friday, galleries stay open late to hold special shows and feature artists in action. Guests may also enjoy live music and outdoor vendor booths.
mauifridays.com/lahaina
Hula’s Catamaran | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (O‘ahu) | Saturdays, 3–4:30 p.m.
Set sail on Hula’s wild, weekly Catamaran voyage and catch a scenic glimpse of Waikiki from the waves. Tickets can be bought the day of sail from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
hulas.com
Kripalu Yoga with Jo Caron | 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano (Hawai‘i Island) | Wednesdays, 5:30–7 p.m. | $5
Whether you’re a longtime practitioner or just a yoga beginner, yoga classes with certified Kripalu-style yoga instructor Jo Caron offer an opportunity for rejuvenation, relaxation, and mindfulness.
volcanoartcenter.org
Plastic Fantastic? | Spalding House, 2411 Makiki Heights Dr. (O‘ahu) | Through October
This spring exhibition at Spalding House, the second location of Honolulu Museum of Art, which is set on an enchanting campus in Makiki Heights, focuses on plastic—its history, its discovery, and how it is used for everything from water bottles to works of art. The exhibition also explores the material’s effect on the environment and cultures worldwide.
honolulumuseum.org
ʻUkulele Lessons | Volcano Art Center Gallery at Volcano National park (Big Island) | August 5, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Cost of entry to park
Learn how to strum Hawaiʻi’s most recognizable instrument, the ʻukulele, with its four strings and signature twang.
volcanoartcenter.org
Mango Festival | Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa (Hawai‘i) | Aug. 6, 10 a.m. –5 p.m.
Taste a variety of mango grown on the island and participate in agricultural exhibits, dance, hula, and music for both adults and the keiki at this zero-waste event.
facebook.com/MangoFestivals
2016 Paradise Ride | Kauaʻi | August 6 & 7 | $300 in funds raised for causes
Experience some of Kauai’s most breathtaking scenery during this ride (not a race) covering 120 miles over two days, along the beaches of Kauai, over mountains, and through jungles. Every dollar raised goes toward Malama Pono’s causes, including the fight against HIV/AIDS.
malama-pono.org
Heiva I Kaua‘i | Kapaa Beach Park (Kaua‘i) | Aug. 6 & 7 | $6
This is the 15th year of this Tahitian dance and drumming competition. Between shows, enjoy local food and Polynesian crafts while watching Pacific Island art and culture demonstrations. Children under 6 admitted for free.
heivaikauai.com
Blazing Saddles Hawaii | Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom OR Scarlet Honolulu (O‘ahu) | Tuesdays, 6:30–9:15 p.m.
Kick off your Sunday shoes for Hawaii LGBT and straight community social dance night. Dances include line dancing, two-step, waltzes, swing, and more. Free dance lessons are offered between 6:30 and 7 p.m.
blazingsaddleshi.org
Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival | Honolulu Museum of Art Doris Duke Theater | Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from August 6-27 | various costs
The 27th annual Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival works to raise awareness of and celebrate the LGBT community. This year, it features 19 excellent films and three shorts showcases.
hrff.gala-engine.com
Obon Dance & Festival | Hamakua Jodo Mission (Hawai‘i) | Aug. 13, 7 p.m.
Join residents and tourists alike in dancing to welcome back the spirits of departed loved ones in this Buddhist traditional festival. Note: These festivals take place around the islands through September, look for posted signs.
LGBT & Friends Hiking Group | Kahakuloa Ridge (Maui) | Aug. 13, 8:30 a.m.
Join the Maui LGBT community for a roughly three-mile hike gaining 400 feet in elevation that weaves along a stream and offers a retreat into nature. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks. You will carpool from a predetermined location, check the website to find out more.
mauipride.org, RSVP to [email protected]
Bear Boat| Bacchus Waikiki, 408 Lewers St. (O‘ahu) | August 14, 11:30 a.m. | $35 members/$40 non-members
Meet up with other bears at Bacchus before heading to the beach to board an open-bar boat to sail the seas. Afterwards, head back to Bacchus for lunch, included in the price of a ticket.
thealohabears.com
Rainbow Dine-Out Group | Asian Star Vietnamese Café in Wailuku, 1764 Wili Pa Loop (Maui) | Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Meet both local and visiting LGBT ʻohana for a delicious meal at Gannon’s, voted one of the Top 100 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in America by Business Insider. Enjoy contemporary dishes on an outdoor lanai overlooking the ocean.
mauipride.org
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival | Waikiki Beachwalk (O‘ahu) | Aug. 14, 12–6 p.m.
Slack key guitars, which produce a soulful, sweet melody, originated in Hawai‘i. Listen to Hawaiian-inspired songs while eating local food and creating island crafts.
slackkeyfestival.com
Sexy HNL Dance Party | Above Ultra Lounge, 444 Niu St. | Saturday, August 20, 10 p.m. – 4 a.m.| $10
Deejay Vaughn and Deejay Kuya will set the playlist for dancing the night away at this popular Waikiki club. A Honolulu Pride (TM) Fundraiser, the Sexy HNL Dance Party will even feature Carousal LGBT Nights headliner Damian Levine!
facebook.com
North Hawai’i Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony | The Fairmont Orchid (Hawai‘i) | Aug. 28, 5–7:30 p.m.
Decorate and light a lantern, then float it into Pauoa Bay while Taiko drummers, chanting, and Buddhist prayers fill the air at sunset. Food and beverages will be available.
northhawaiihospice.org
First Annual Laie Breadfruit Summer Fest | Marriott’s Courtyard Oʻahu North Shore, Laie (Oʻahu) | August 27, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
This event celebrates the traditions and new innovations of the use of ‘ulu, or breadfruit. There will be food, arts and crafts, retail products from local vendors, entertainment, rides, and lots of games!
millwoodohanaproductions.com
Le Dîner en Blanc | Surprise location, will meet at assigned departure location | August 27
This annual all-white pop-up picnic was launched in Paris nearly 30 years ago, and the tradition has spread to cities around the globe. Thousands of diners dressed in white converge for an elegant picnic in a public location that is kept secret until the last minute. This year, Chef Zach Sato from Hotel Wailea is creating a special dinner menu and picnic baskets. *Register by August 4*
honolulu.dinerenblanc.info