Are you coming to Oahu this month? I think that coming to local events is one of the best ways to get a feel for the local community and to experience Hawaii off the beaten path.
Luckily, in Hawaii, there is always something happening in the community. Sometimes there are so many events going on in one day that it’s hard for me to choose which one to go to! Many of these events also provide an opportunity to learn about Hawaiian history and culture and to support local businesses and organizations.
I’ve got a roundup of events that are taking place this month. From events at art and history museums to Polo and a children’s festival, there is something for everyone happening this month on Oahu.
How will you choose which ones to go to?!
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2017 Hawaii Invitational of Polo
When: September 14-17, 2017
Where: Honolulu Polo Club
41-1062 Kalanianaole Hwy
Waimanalo, HI 96795Details: Applauded as one of Hawaii’s most sophisticated annual sporting events, The Kahala Hotel and Resort Hawaii Invitational of Polo will bring together the best of the best from the world’s polo associations, entertainment, fashion, gastronomy, spirits and much, much more.
The Hawaii Invitational of Polo is a world class polo event set to gallop into paradise at the Waimanalo Polo Fields, home of the Honolulu Polo Club. The historic four-day Invitational is an unmatched sporting event for Hawaii, which celebrates a rich and revered history of the original paniolo culture dating back to the early 1880’s when Polo was heralded as ‘The Sport of Kings’ under the reign of King Kalakaua.
Admission: Ticket prices vary. Click here for details and a schedule of events.
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Living History Day
When: September 23, 2017, from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor
319 Lexington Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96818Details: History will come alive on September 23rd with Living History Day! This annual event will connect visitors to the rich history of the museum’s historic site through family-friendly activities. This year’s event will recognize the role of film and photography in documenting and preserving the events of WWII.
Events will feature student-created exhibits, WWII themed activities, re-enactors, and a special screening of the documentary “Finding KUKAN,” at 2:30 pm in the Museum Theater, followed by a discussion with the film’s director Robin Lung.
Admission: Free, but you must print the free tickets. Download free tickets here.
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Aloha Festivals: 65th Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea
When: Saturday, September 23, 2017, from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: On Kalakaua Avenue, between Lewers and Kapahulu Avenues
Details: Aloha Festivals is Hawaii’s premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawai’i’s music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique island traditions.This year’s Aloha Festivals will kick off with a block party, which will begin with the arrival of the Royal Court. Look for entertainment, lots of food and lei vendors and hula crafters along 12 city blocks of the world famous Kalakaua Avenue.
Tickets: None needed. Free admission. -
2017 Ko Olina Children’s Festival
When: Saturday, September 23, 2017, at 2:00 pm
Where: Ko Olina Resort
92-1480 Ali’inui Dr
Kapolei, HI 96707Details: Ko Olina Resort invites guests, families, and friends to celebrate the 4th Annual Ko Olina Children’s Festival. It will feature interactive video and music activities, live stage performances, family-friendly movies from Disney•PIXAR and a sunset finale feature film on the beach.
The Ko Olina Children’s Festival is a benefit for Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children (KMCWC). Following the Festival’s yearly tradition, one hundred percent of ticket proceeds benefit the KMCWC. An affiliate of Hawai’i Pacific Health, KMCWC is the state of Hawai’i’s largest health care provider and leader in the care of women, infants and children. Over the past three years, the festival has contributed a total of $155,000 to the center.
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy the schedule of family-friendly Disney/Pixar movies: Moana, Pete’s Dragon, Star Wars Rogue 1 and the sunset finale feature film on the beach, Beauty and The Beast (live action version).
Beyond the big screen, festivalgoers will find a full lineup of amusement options to choose from. The event offers live stage performances including Disney’s Aloha Fun hula show, The Playground dance studio, Hawaii Youth Percussion Ensemble, Nanakuli High and Intermediate Performing Arts Center, and the Taiko Center of the Pacific. Attendees can also choose from a variety of ongoing activities: Honolulu Community College’s MELE (Music and Entertainment Learning Experience) Program, Searider Productions photo booth, Capoeira Besouro Hawaii, Ko Olina Golf keiki golf lessons, face painting, balloon artists, and a live sand art exhibit on the beach.
Admission: Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Adult tickets are priced at $25 pre-sale or $30 at the door. Tickets may be purchased for keiki, ages four to 12, for $15.
Children 3 years of age and younger may attend the event at no charge. Attendees can also visit the Festival website for details on special room rates available. -
Eddie Ortiz and Son Caribe at Blue Note Hawaii
When: September 25, 2017, at 6:30 pm
Where: Blue Note Hawaii
2335 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815Details: Eddie Ortiz and Son Caribe have performed alongside and opened for almost every major Latin music event since 2001. Along with regular performances throughout the islands, the band also performs internationally throughout the Far East. Son Caribe’s CD “Salsa From Hawaii II” was a #1 Best Seller In Hawaii, and received GRAMMY Award consideration for 2004 Best Salsa/Merengue Album.
Tickets: Prices range from $15.00 to $35.00. Click here to buy tickets.
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ARTafterDARK Presents: Abstract Expressionism: Looking East from the Far West
When: Friday, September 29, 2017, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Honolulu Museum of Art
900 S Beretania St
Honolulu, HI 96814Details: ARTafterDARK is the Honolulu Museum of Art’s monthly art party organized by a dynamic group of young volunteers dedicated to exploring the arts. ARTafterDARK takes place on the last Friday of the month, January through October on the grounds of the Honolulu Museum of Art. Enjoy music, food, wine, activities, and explore the museum’s galleries.
Each month has its own unique theme. This month’s theme is Abstract Expressionism: Looking East from the Far West
This event will feature music, food, activities, and more. Mike and the Hawaii Jitterbugs will perform in the Central Courtyard. The Jitterbugs will teach a short class at 6:45 pm and will dance the night away Feel free to join them in their swinging celebration.
Each ARTafterDARK features an interactive activity. This month’s activity is “Abstract Express yourself,” through which you are invited to come up with a new name for your favorite work of art. Type your new title into the HoMA App, and see it projected on the big screen! The most creative name wins a limited-edition Abstract Expressionism T-shirt.
Food will be available to purchase from EAT Honolulu. Drinks will be available to purchase from Free Spirits Mobile Bartenders.
Street parking is available on Beretania and Kina‘u streets from 6 pm for free. There is also a lot behind the Honolulu Museum of Art School (1111 Victoria St.). Enter from Beretania or Young street. Lot closes promptly at 11 pm.
Admission: $25.00. Pay at the door.
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71st Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade
When: Saturday, September 30, 2017, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: From Ala Moana Park, along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park
Details: A colorful equestrian procession of female and male pau riders, extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula Halau, and marching bands will brighten Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park.
Admission: Free
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Eat the Street Presents: Cool Cars and Ko’olau Burgers
When: Saturday, September 30, 2017, from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Pali Golf Course
45-050 Kamehameha Highway
Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744Details: Ko’olau Burger Company is celebrating its Grand Opening with East End Hot Rods at the Pali Golf Course. This family-friendly event will feature $2 sliders all night, bar specials, live music, and classic cars. There will be plenty of parking, too.
Admissions: Free.
Which events will you go to?
