HONOLULU —Oahu’s summer entertainment scene means being outdoors under the open sky and stars with good friends and/or family enjoying offerings that range from the sounds of Celtic pipes and drums to the lilting tunes of Hawaiian music to the steady beat of taiko drums at a community bon dance.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, leave your work worries in the (home) office and get out to enjoy summer’s unique offerings.
Music
Ke Kani o Ke Kai Summer Concert, Waikiki Aquarium | 5-9:30 p.m. June 20 | Tickets
Instead of its usual concert series, this year will feature a singular, one-night-only event because of a major construction project set to begin on July 1. The all-star lineup features Na Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning musicians including Kawika Kahiapo, Bobby Moderow, Robi Kahakalau, Makana, Crossing Rain and 2024 Merrie Monarch Festival Overall Winner Halau Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai o Ha‘eha‘e with guest artists Joe Berinobis, Dean Wilhelm, Anthony Pfluke and Dwight Kanae. Bring your own beach chair or blanket; no outside food or drink allowed but there will be food available for purchase. Doors open 5 p.m., concert is at 6 p.m.
The construction project will unfold in three phases and involve the demolition of the Edge of the Reef exhibit, which will not be rebuilt due to funding constraints. Funds raised from the concert will go toward the rebuilding effort.
Twilight Concerts at Foster, Wahiawā & Ho‘omaluhia 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. - June 20, Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii; June 27, PB’s Pop and Rock; July 11, Honolulu Wind Ensemble; July 18, military band TBA; and July 25, Tapestry. There will also be a Midsummer Night’s Gleam - Tanabata Festival, 3-9 p.m. July 20.
• Wahiawā Botanical Garden, 5-6 p.m. - Artists have yet to be announced, but concert dates are scheduled for June 21, July 5 and July 19.
• Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden, 5-6 p.m. - Artists have yet to be announced, but concert dates are on June 28, July 12 and July 26.
Wildest Show Summer Concert Series, Honolulu Zoo | 6 p.m. June 26, July 10, 17, 24| Tickets
Just as zoo residents settle down for the evening, you’ll get to enjoy weekly 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.: June 26, Ledward Kaapana; July 10, Mākaha Sons; July 17, Robi Kahakalau; July 24, Brother Noland. 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.
Summer Concert Series, Waimea Valley | 2 p.m. June 29, July 27, Aug. 31 | Tickets
Bring the ‘ohana and enter the lush folds of historic Waimea Valley for an afternoon of Hawaiian music and hula hosted by Kimo Kahoano on the Main Lawn. The lineup for each day: June 29, Kekoa Kane, Mike Tulba, Patrick Landeza & Sons and Ledward Ka‘apana; July 27, Kamuela Kahoano, Walea, Ben Vegas, Na Leo Unplugged (40th anniversary special performance); Aug. 31, Pa‘ahana, Pomai Keawe & Family, Nu‘e, Maunalua.
Movies
Prince Waikiki Summer Flix, Prince Waikiki Resort | 7 p.m. or sunset June 26, July 3, 10, 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. Dates: June 26, “Beetlejuice” and HIFF short films “Christmas Lights” and “The Tempo of Solitude: A Musical Exploration of Community and Harmony.” July 3, Pasifika Award winners: New Zealand’s “Red White & Brass” and from Hawaii, “E Malama Pono, Willy Boy.” July 10, “Barbie.” 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 Hawai‘i,” a drama that unveils 120 years of Korean American history in Hawaii.
Studio Ghibli Summer Festival, Consolidated Theatres Kahala | Wednesdays/Thursdays | Tickets
So 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. Films are Wednesdays and/or Thursdays at either 11 a.m. or 7 p.m. Here’s the lineup: June 20, “Kiki’s Delivery Service”; June 26/27, “Ponyo”; July 3, “Whisper of the Heart”; July 10/11, “Spirited Away”; 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”; July 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 4, 11, 18, 25
Pack up your chairs and blankets and enjoy a free movie on the Main Lawn following the Haleiwa Farmers Market: July 4, “Kung Fu Panda 4”; July 11, “Wish”; July 18, “Barbie”; and July 25, “Hometown Legends.”
Bonus summer offering: Mark your calendars for Moon Walks returning to the valley 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.
15th Annual Surf Film Festival, Honolulu Museum of Art | July 11-Aug. 4
This month-long festival looks at the history of surfing and toward its future, starting with an opening reception and screening of “The Shape of Things: The Dick Brewer Story,” 6 p.m. July 11. 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. In between, check out the films that illustrate the rich history of surfing.
Bon Dance
The Obon season is typically observed in August over three days and is based on the Buddhist belief that it’s a time when one’s ancestors return home to visit their relatives. Families sometimes light paper lanterns on the family altar to help their ancestors find their way home.
In Hawaii, communities throughout the state gather at local Buddhist temples that hold bon dances between June and August. Everyone is welcome to these events to take part in the bon dance – just learn as you go! – and enjoy local food (some made by the congregation, some by local vendors) and fun.
This very short list is just the start with many more bon dance to come in July and August.
•Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission, 1067 California Ave., Wahiawa - 6-10 p.m. June 21-22
• Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Hwy., Honolulu - 6-10:30 p.m. June 28-29
• 11th Annual Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest, 1100 University Ave. - 5-10 p.m. July 6
• Jodo Mission of Hawaii, 1429 Makiki St. - 5 p.m.Aug. 17
