HoMA Nights - Every Friday Evening
Join us for HoMA Nights, every Friday until 9pm, to explore the galleries, stargaze in the courtyards, enjoy art experiences and music, and connect with the museum community.
HoMA Café and Coffee Bar
The HoMA Café and Coffee Bar are open for bar service with a selection of cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic refreshments, dinner, and grab-and-go menu items.
Café: 5–8:30pm (Food served until 7:30pm)
Coffee Bar: 5–8pm
Music
Hear performances from some of Hawai‘i’s best musicians and DJs every Friday from 6-8pm.
Interactive art experiences and activities
From lawn games to scavenger hunts to art talks, guests will enjoy engaging and interactive art experiences and activities as part of HoMA Nights.
Bishop Museum’s After Hours: 2nd Friday Monthly
Need a place to pau hana? We’ve got you covered! Explore Historic Hawaiian Hall, experience unique changing exhibitions, hear about the latest scientific discoveries, and engage with Hawaiian cultural practitioners all at Bishop Museum’s After Hours events. This monthly evening event welcomes kamaʻāina and visitors to explore Hawaiʻi’s unique and unparalleled cultural and natural history. See Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s feather ʻahu ʻula (cape) and mahiole (helmet) in Hawaiian Hall; check out Hawaiʻi’s animal and plant biodiversity in the Science Adventure Center; explore the newest exhibitions in the Castle Memorial Building and J.M. Long Gallery; or spend your evening under Honolulu’s star-lit sky on the Great Lawn with food and drinks for sale by local vendors.
The Return of Kapaemahu (Free Hula Show - Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM)
The Return of Kapaemahu shares the long-hidden story of the Healer Stones of Kapaemahu— Hawaiʻi’s unique monument to healing and inclusion -- as a live hula performance steps from the site of the sacred stones on Waikīkī Beach where the healers once lived and performed their miraculous cures. This extraordinary production is composed and directed by hula master Patrick Makuakāne, the first Native Hawaiian recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Genius Award.
FREE and OPEN TO PUBLIC
Bon Dances & Obon Festivals 2025 on Oahu
IT’S BON DANCE SEASON 2025 ON OAHU!
Click on the links below to learn more about individual Bon Dances and Festivals taking place on Oahu in 2025.
JUNE 13, 2025
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Hongwanji
JUNE 13, 2025
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Hongwanji
JUNE 21, 2025
Bon Dance at Ewa Hongwanji Mission
JUNE 27, 2025
Bon Dance at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
JUNE 28, 2025
Bon Dance at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
JULY 5, 2025
12th Annual Moiliili Summer Fest & Bon Dance (New Location!)
JULY 11, 2025
Obon Bon Dance at Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawaii
Bon Dance at Haleiwa Shingon Mission
JULY 12, 2025
Obon at Koboji Shingon Mission
Bon Dance at Haleiwa Shingon Mission
Obon Festival & Bon Dance at Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawaii
JULY 18, 2025
Bon Dance at Shinshu Kyokai Mission
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission
JULY 19, 2025
Obon Festival & Bon Dance at Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission
Bon Dance at Shinshu Kyokai Mission
JULY 26, 2025
Obon Festival & Bon Dance at Aiea Hongwanji Mission
August 1, 2025
Obon Festival & Bon Dance at Haleiwa Jodo Mission
Bon Dance at Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji
August 2, 2025
Obon Festival & Bon Dance at Haleiwa Jodo Mission
Bon Dance at Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji
August 30, 2025
More bon dance dates to come.
Kama‘āina Sundays (second Sundays of the month)
Kamaʻāina Sunday | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ʻIolani Palace welcomes all residents to Kamaʻāina Sunday when guests can explore the Palace, immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture, taste ‘ono food, support local vendors, enjoy lively entertainment, and more. The free event is held on the second Sunday of every month.
Self-led audio tours will be available for the first 500 attendees. A valid Hawaiʻi State ID, Hawaiʻi driver’s license, or proof of Hawaiʻi residency is required for each complimentary ticket. One complimentary ticket per Hawaiʻi resident. Kamaʻāina are encouraged to come early!
Kamaʻāina Sunday’s entertainment and workshops are supported by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority through the Kūkulu Ola Program.
Bon Dance at Haleiwa Jodo Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday
Community members come together to experience Japanese culture and traditions including bon dance, local and ethnic foods, dress, activities and more.
Bon Dance at Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji (Friday & Saturday)
2 Nights: Friday and Saturday
Bon Dance, Taiko Performance, Food Booths, Activities
21st Annual Korean Festival 2025
Share, Promote, and Raise Awareness of Korean Culture in the Community
The Korean Festival is an annual event run by the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce, with the support of dozens of community organizations and businesses, and hundreds of volunteers. Proceeds from the Festival are used to fund service projects and ventures which benefit the Korean and larger community in Hawaii, including an annual scholarship fund for outstanding, civic-minded students entering or currently enrolled in college.
The Korean Festival presents a unique, authentic taste of Korean culture through food, dance, art, music, and entertainment. The program of festival events varies from year to year, but past Festivals have included performances such as taekwondo (Korean martial arts) demonstration, a coming-of-age traditional tea ceremony, and Korean fan and drum dances.
Bon Dance at Haleiwa Jodo Mission (Friday & saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday
Community members come together to experience Japanese culture and traditions including bon dance, local and ethnic foods, dress, activities and more.
Bon Dance at Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji (Friday & Saturday)
2 Nights: Friday and Saturday
Bon Dance, Taiko Performance, Food Booths, Activities
Kenny Endo 50th Anniversary Celebration Concerts
Enjoy an unforgettable week of concerts, workshops, and cultural experiences honoring 50 years of Kenny Endo’s taiko artistry!
🔥 Don’t miss the epic kickoff concerts:
MA vs Groove I & II – Aug 9 & 10 at Kennedy Theatre (U.H. Mānoa)
📅 August 9–15, 2025
🌐 Tickets & info → kennyendo50.com
Okinawan Festival 2025 (more info to come)
Stay tuned for more details!
Cultural performances, activities, exhibits, marketplace, bon dance.
And FOOD! Freshly made ANDAGI, shave ice, Okinawa soba, Pig’s Feet soup, Champura and more.
Bon Dance at Aiea Hongwanji
Saturday night only
Bon Dance, Taiko Performance, Food Booths, Activities
Bon Dance at Shinshu Kyokai Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday: Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Ryusenji-Soto Mission (Friday & saturday Nights)
Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Ryusenji-Soto Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday: Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Shinshu Kyokai Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday: Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Haleiwa Shingon Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
Community members come together to experience Japanese culture and traditions including bon dance, local and ethnic foods, dress, activities and more.
Dates and time subject to change.
Obon at Koboji Shingon Mission
2 Nights - Friday & Saturday!
The food booth will open by 5:30pm on Friday and following the Hatsu Bon service on Saturday. Cash only, please.
Obon Festival & Bon Dance at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church of Hawaii
2 NIGHTS - Friday & Saturday!
Traditional bon dance music and dance provided by the Young Okinawans of Hawaii. There will be food booths serving oden, BBQ plates, warabi mochi, shave ice, musubi, ramen and chow fun. We will also have games for children. We offer visitors a way to pay respect for your ancestors by lighting a candle and place their name on our alter for prayer.
Friday July 12 & Saturday July 13, 2024
Bon Dance at Haleiwa Shingon Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
Community members come together to experience Japanese culture and traditions including bon dance, local and ethnic foods, dress, activities and more.
Dates and time subject to change.
Obon Festival & Bon Dance at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church of Hawaii
2 NIGHTS – Friday and Saturday!
Traditional bon dance music and dance provided by the Young Okinawans of Hawaii. There will be food booths serving oden, BBQ plates, warabi mochi, shave ice, musubi, ramen and chow fun. We will also have games for children. We offer visitors a way to pay respect for your ancestors by lighting a candle and place their name on our alter for prayer.
Bishop Museum’s July Mele After Hours
Experience the magic of Hawaiian music under the stars at Bishop Museum’s Mele After Hours, returning Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn. This special evening celebrates the richness of Hawaiʻi’s musical heritage with a stellar lineup featuring Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom and Kalani Peʻa, the smooth harmonies of Nā Hoa, the dynamic sounds of ʻUheʻuhene, and the graceful hula of Merrie Monarch award winning, Hālau Nā Mamo o Puʻuanahulu. Beloved local radio personality Mele Apana returns as host, guiding the evening’s festivities with her signature warmth and aloha.
Mauli Ola Culture & Community
Visit Windward Mall Center Stage on July 10th, for an incredible day of mea Hawai’i, learning, and fun! Perfect for the entire ʻohana and completely FREE. Celebrate the intersection between Mauli Ola, culture, and community!
12th Annual Moiliili Summer Fest & Bon Dance (New location!)
The Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest is an annual festival held during the Bon season and is a fundamental aspect of modern-day culture and life in Hawaii. Celebrating Japanese and Hawaiian roots of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Hawaii, the Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest is home to the largest Bon dance in Honolulu.
Bon Dance at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin (Friday & Saturday Evenings)
2 Nights: Friday and Saturday
At 6 p.m., festivities begin outside with a taiko drumming performance, which will be followed by an opening aspiration from the yagura (the stage around which we dance) at 6:15 p.m. Dancing begins at 6:30 p.m.
Dancing
Taiko drumming (PBA on Friday, temple’s group on Saturday)
Fellowship
Honoring ancestors
Bontique shop in our Social Hall
Professional photos by Studio FX3 (kimonos & assistance dressing provided!)
Temple tours (from main, upper-level sanctuary or hondo)
Kids’ “Wheel of Chances” game
Ono food!
BBQ Plates & Bowls
Hot Dogs, Teri Hamburgers
Saimin
Chili
Soy Beans
Spam Musubi
Shave Ice
Andagi (Saturday only)
Baked Goods
Water, Juice, Soda
Bon Dance at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
2 Nights: Friday and Saturday
At 6 p.m., festivities begin outside with a taiko drumming performance, which will be followed by an opening aspiration from the yagura (the stage around which we dance) at 6:15 p.m. Dancing begins at 6:30 p.m.
Dancing
Taiko drumming (PBA on Friday, temple’s group on Saturday)
Fellowship
Honoring ancestors
Bontique shop in our Social Hall
Professional photos by Studio FX3 (kimonos & assistance dressing provided!)
Temple tours (from main, upper-level sanctuary or hondo)
Kids’ “Wheel of Chances” game
Ono food!
BBQ Plates & Bowls
Hot Dogs, Teri Hamburgers
Saimin
Chili
Soy Beans
Spam Musubi
Shave Ice
Andagi (Saturday only)
Baked Goods
Water, Juice, Soda
Bon Dance at Ewa Hongwanji Mission
“As we celebrate Obon, don't forget to look up into the night sky. As countless as the stars in the sky are, so are the teachings of our ancestors and the many lives that come into our lives. Let us take the time to contemplate that and appreciate the lives we have because of others.” - Ewa Hongwanji Reverend
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission (Friday & Saturday Evenings)
2 NIGHTS! Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission (Friday & Saturday Evenings)
2 NIGHTS! Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
42nd Annual Pan-Pacific Festival
Celebrate the spirit of aloha with three days of cultural performances, vibrant parades, delicious food, and family-friendly fun in the heart of Waikīkī.
35th Annual Obon Celebration at Hawaii’s Plantation Village
This year’s celebration will once again feature 10 bon dance groups from all over Oahu. The 10 groups featured are: Ewa Fukushima Bon Dance Club Haleiwa Bon Dance Club Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai Hawaii Shin Kobukai Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai Koolau Sakura Odori Kai Oahu District Bon Dance Club Senwa Kai Wahiawa Hongwanji Bon Dance Team Waipahu Soto Mission Bon Dance Class
The celebration will also feature special performances by emcee and singer Hikariyama Torao and taiko performances by Waipahu Taiyoji Taiko and Ryugen Taiko. A special lantern floating ceremony will also take place at the village pond at sunset. A limited number of lanterns will be available for purchase at the event at the Waipahu Soto Zen Temple tent.
Parking and shuttle service will be available at Waipahu Elementary School and Hawaii Tech Academy between 3:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Donations are welcomed for the shuttle service. Limited handicap parking available on site.
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana has commissioned Patricia Guerrero, internationally acclaimed flamenco dancer-choreographer and winner of the 2021 Spain National Dance Award, to create QUINTO ELEMENTO (Fifth Element), a new evening-length work set to an original score of live music by Francis Gomez. Flamenco Vivo will develop this major new work by Guerrero, an innovative talent hailed as a flamenco artist “of supernatural force, with an incredible interpretive capacity” (DeFlamenco), and present it to US audiences next season.
Striking Light, Striking Dark Duo: Shakuhachi and Song, featuring Christopher Yohmei Blasdel & Sasha Bogdanowitsch
Striking Light Striking Dark Duo formed in 2014, with the release of a CD of the same name. This CD featured selected poetry sung from the works of Rainer Maria Rilke (Germany), Pablo Neruda (Chile), John Logan, Sam Hamill (American) and the ancient Japanese Zen-inspired text, Kyotaku Denki, set to original compositions by Sasha Bogdanowitsch (voice and various world instruments) and Christopher Yohmei Blasdel (Shakuhachi).
From Emptiness to Infinity - Zen Architect Tadao Ando (short films)
There is no architect in this world whose life story and work are so out of the norm and so exceptional as the 1995 Pritzker Prize winner Mr. Tadao Ando. Born in 1941 and raised by his great grandmother, he became a certified boxer at age 17. On a trip to Tokyo in junior high, he was struck by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel and found his calling. While boxing professionally, he attended evening drawing classes, took interior design correspondence courses, and studied masters of modernist architecture on his own. From 1992 and on, Benesse Corporation president, Mr. Soichiro Fukutake, commissioned Ando to design art museums on the islands of Seto Inland Sea, in an effort to revive the diminishing population and worsening environment caused by the dumping of industrial wastes by major companies. Their visionary collaboration created Naoshima Contemporary Art Museum, a hotel annex, and Chichu Art Museum complex, with the latter dedicated to works of Claude Monet and two contemporary artists. Starting in 2010, with Kagawa government’s partnership, Mr. Fukutake launched the first Setouchi Art Triennial. By this time, the once devasted islands had become an art destination attracting millions of domestic as well as foreign tourists.
The short films will help us appreciate the self-taught architect who continues to design museums in the Seto Inland Sea even after having five internal organs removed in 2009 and 2014 due to pancreatic cancer.
His works can are concentrated in Osaka area but are also found in S. Korea, Taiwan, US, Canada, France, Germany, China, Switzerland, Itay, and Australia.
Honolulu African American Film Festival
The 14th Honolulu African American Film Festival presents films that celebrate Black excellence in art and justice. See 10 features from the US—and one from France—that highlight issues relevant to our past and present.
Chinese New Year 2025 Choy Cheng Party
As part of the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration sponsored by the City and County, DAC will commemorate the Year of the Snake and the 125th anniversary of the Great Chinatown Fire of 1900 with a special event in Chinatown Gateway Plaza's Studio 1C Gallery, January 24 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. The celebration, featuring lion dancers, firecrackers, live music by Men in Grey Suits, and other festivities, will reflect on the history of Chinatown, from the ashes of the fire to the vibrant community we have today, as well as our hopes for the future.
2025 Chinatown Parade
The 2025 Lunar New Year parade starts at the Hawaii State Capitol lawn. Participants march along Hotel Street through Downtown to Chinatown and are brought to the Chinatown Festival, formally known as Night in Chinatown. The festival will be on Beretania Street and flow into the historical ‘A'ala Park.
2025 Chinatown Festival
A family-friendly festival in Honolulu's Historic Chinatown to welcome the 2025 Lunar New Year on Saturday January 25, 2025. Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, starting the year of the Snake. The festivities include Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Free Keiki Bouncy Houses, Rest Tent, 3 Entertainment Stages, Bicycle Valet, and a Parade.
75th Annual Narcissus Queen Pageant 2025
Presented by Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii
Kuana Torres Kahele Christmas in Tahiti (2 Shows - 6:30P & 9P)
Kuana Torres Kahele Band presents Christmas in Tahiti, with very special guest dancers, Theresa and Iokia Ramento!