Photo: visitors in the “Pilina” exhibit at Capitol Modern (the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum). The exhibit is open through November 2024. Free admission.
This arts and culture calendar features SFCA grantees, partners, and Hawaiʻi state and local government programs and events. Questions regarding a particular program or event should be directed to the organization listed with the opportunity. Inclusion here should not be interpreted as an endorsement.
Additional events can be found on the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s GoHawaii event calendars.
- Oʻahu Events Calendar on GoHawaii
- Hawaiʻi Island Events Calendar on GoHawaii
- Kauaʻi Events Calendar on GoHawaii
- Maui Events Calendar on GoHawaii
- Molokaʻi Events Calendar on GoHawaii
- Lanaʻi Events Calendar on GoHawaii
Festivals and Family Events
- ʻIolani Palace Kamaʻaina Sunday, July 14, 2024. 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration required. For more information, please visit the ʻIolani Palace website: IolaniPalace.org/visit/kamaaina-sundays.
- Midsummer Night’s Gleam at Foster Botanical Garden, presented by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Saturday July 20, 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Family-friendly activities, colorful performances, and thousands of light displays. Learn more and register: pros7.hnl.info/activities/details;id=6673b3fec8e72f35a8041d0f;dialog=false.
- Prince Lot Hula Festival
- Festival July 20, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Performances, culture and education demonstrations, Native Hawaiian market. Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds (downtown Honolulu). For more information, please visit the festival website at PrinceLotHulaFestival.org.
- Pre-festival “Meet, Greet, Eat…Talk Story and Hula” with Nā Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang, Vicky Holt Takamine, and Robert Uluwehi Cazimero at the PAʻI Arts and Cultural Center July 6, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the festival website at PrinceLotHulaFestival.org.
- Pawʻina: a party for dog-lovers featuring local vendors, July 6, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on the Frank F. Fasi Grounds in downtown Honolulu. For more information, please visit the Honolulu MoCA website: HonoluluMoCA.org/paw%ca%bbina.
- 83rd Annual Nā Hula Festival at the Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand, August 11, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation presents Hawai‘i’s longest-running, annual, non-competitive hula event. For more information, please visit the Honolulu MoCA website: HonoluluMoCA.org/83nd-annual-na-hula-festival.
- Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Kahala Mall (Kahala, Oʻahu), Saturday August 17, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. https://hawaiiansteelguitarfestival.com/km/hfkmindex.html
- 48th Annual Honolulu Intertribal Powwow, September 21-22, 2024 at Bishop Museum.
Workshops and Classes
- “Legacy, Lineage and the Caretakers of Hula” Asia Pacific Dance Festival workshop August 5 – 8, 2024. Free public events include talk story with kūpuna, film screenings, and panel discussion. For more information, please visit the University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa Outreach College website: manoa.hawaii.edu/outreach/asiapacificdance/2024-festival.
- Hawaiʻi State Public Library System free online education programs through public libraries include digital photography, graphic design, creative writing, and grant writing. Learn more about Gale Courses available through the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System: education.gale.com/l-hawaii.
Art Exhibitions
- Bishop Museum
- “Ka ʻUlu Wena: Oceanic Red” exhibition. Through January 12, 2025. For more information, please visit the Bishop Museum website: BishopMuseum.org/KUW.
- “Lele o Nā Manu: The Splendor and Loss of Hawaiʻi’s Birds” opening during the Bishop Museum’s After Hours event, Friday July 12, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the Bishop Museum website: Lele o Nā Manu: The Splendor and Loss of Hawaiʻi’s Birds – Bishop Museum.
- “FOCUS” at Maui Arts & Cultural Center, featuring seven contemporary Japanese photographers. Through August 7, 2024. mauiarts.org/exhibit-detail.php?id=128.
- Gallery talks: Capitol Modern (Hawaiʻi State Art Museum) “Ke Ao Lama” exhibits include “Nā Akua Ākea: The Vast and Numerous Deities”. Ke Kumu Hawaiʻi will be giving free gallery talks in the exhibit: 7/02 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; 7/05 (First Friday) 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.; 7/09, 7/12, 7/30 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; 8/02 (First Friday) 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. No reservations needed. Free. All ages welcome. CapitolModern.org/festpac#exhibits.
- “Go Figure: Figures and Portraits from Hawaii’s Artists” at the Downtown Art Center (Honolulu), July 2 – 20, 2024. Opening reception during First Friday, July 5, 5:30- 8:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the Downtown Art Center website: DowntownArtHI.org.
- “Hoʻokahe Wai, Hoʻoulu ʻĀina: Kalo and Community” exhibition at the East-West Center Gallery (University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa). A partnership between the East-West Center Arts Program and the ʻOhana of Ka Papa Loʻi o Kānewai, this exhibition shares the history, stories, and practice of kalo farming at Ka Papa Loʻi o Kānewai through works of art, video and sound installation, and photographs. May 19 – September 15, 2024.
- Sunday, July 28, 1:00–2:30 pm, Panel: He Wai Ola, Ola Kānewai (Water is Life, Kānewai Lives). Talk story on water rights, issues, and movements in Hawai‘i.
- Sunday, August 25, 1:00–2:30 pm, Panel: Uluwehi ka Papa Lo‘i ‘O Kānewai (Ka Papa Lo‘i ‘O Kānewai is a place that thrives in growth). Talk story with past and present students of Kānewai.
- Sunday, September 15, 1:00–3:00 pm, Mālama Hāloa family-friendly celebration including food samples, community partner booths, hands-on activities, and performances.
- For more information, please visit the East-West Center website: EastWestCenter.org/education/arts/gallery-exhibition-hookahe-wai-hooulu-aina-kalo-and-community
- “He Ehu, He Pōhaku” Of Mist and Stone: Annual Hawaiʻi Contemporary Exhibit at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center (Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island) exhibit on view through July 26, 2024. Performances and panel discussion July 20, 4:00 – 6:45 p.m. For more information, please visit the EHCC website: https://ehcc.org/content/he-ehu-he-pohaku
- Kauaʻi Society of Artists, KSA Gallery.
- “Kimberly Kirk Group Show” July 4 – 29, 2024.
- For more information, please visit the Kauaʻi Society of Artists website: KauaiSocietyOfArtists.org.
- “Hōʻike Haumāna Ākea” student show at the Hōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College (Pearl City) through July 27, 2024. For more information, visit the gallery website: Leeward.hawaii.edu/hoikeakea.
- “The Location of Up and Down” at Aupuni Space (Honolulu), July 13 – September 1, 2024. Solo show of works by Kainoa Gruspe, curated by Don Felix Cervantes. For more information, visit the Aupuni Space website: aupuni.space/Info.
- Wailoa Arts Center Exhibits (Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island)
- “Assemblage” July 5 – 25, 2024
- “14th Annual Abstract Only!” August 2 – September 26, 204
- “Hawaiʻi Surrealism Exhibit” October 4 – 24, 2024
- “16th Annual Hawaiʻi Nei” November 1 – December 12, 2024
- Learn more on the Wailoa Arts Center website: WailoaCenter.com.
- University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa Department of Art and Art History
- “Hoʻomana Empower” Kūkulu exhibition series at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. A project of Mauna Kea Education and Awareness, through July 31, 2024. Part of an exhibition series that will run through the summer at multiple sites across campus.
- “Satoru Abe 100 New Paintings”, through December 8, 2024.
- Learn more on the UHM Art and Art History Department website: hawaii.edu/art/exhibitions-events-museum.
Performances and Presentations
- 33rd Annual Kī Hōʻalu Guitar Festival at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, June 30, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Free in person or livestreamed. For more information, please visit the MACC website: MauiArts.org/show-info.php?id=944.
- Chamber Music Hawaiʻi 2024-25 Season
- “American Echoes” with Tresemble, Doris Duke Theatre (Honolulu) 9/7 at 7pm and Palikū theatre (Kāneʻohe) 9/8 at 4 pm.
- “Oktoberfest: Beer, Brats, and Beethoven!” with Honolulu Brass Quintet, Blue Note Hawaiʻi (Honolulu) 10/10 at 6:30 p.m.
- “Jon Nakamatsu: Beethoven & Schumann” with Galliard String Quartet and Spring Wind Quintet, Doris Duke Theatre, 10/19 at 7pm.
- “Rameau, Ravel, and Coleman” with Spring Wind Quintet, Doris Duke Theatre 11/23, 7pm, and Palikū Theatre, 11/24, 4p.m.
- “HBQ Christmas” with Honolulu Brass Quintet at Blue Note Hawaii, 12/16, 6:30 p.m.
- “Holiday Brass” at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 12/21, 6:30 p.m.
- “Reflections on Americana” with Galliard String Quartet, Doris Duke Theatre 01/25/2025, 7:00 p.m.; Palikū Theatre 12/26, 4:00 p.m.
- DLNR presentations: Ka Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele: The Year of the Forest Birds at Hawaiʻi State Public Libraries. Throughout June and July, specialists from the State Dept. of Land & Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) and various local conservation groups will share information about Hawai‘i’s birds, the threats they face, and efforts to resist extinction. Free one hour events suitable for ages 5 and older. For dates, times, and locations, please go to LibrariesHawaii.org/2024/06/07/libraries-to-host-informational-programs-on-hawaiis-forest-birds.
- Hula Kiʻi Community Education series with the Hula Preservation Society
- “Up Close and Personal with Hula Kiʻi” presentation by Kumu Hula Auliʻi Mitchell. Friday, July 19, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Capitol Modern (Hawaiʻi State Art Museum). Free admission, all ages welcome.
- “Meet and Greet the Cast of Wai Ola” Saturday, July 20, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Capitol Modern. Free admission, all ages welcome.“Wai Ola, ʻAukele and the Waters of Life, A Celebration of Hula Kiʻi” stage production at Tenney Theatre. Saturday July 20, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. and Sunday July 21, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. For more information and tickets, please visit the Hula Preservation Society website: HulaPreservation.org/hula-ki%ca%bbi-community-education-series.
- “Wai Ola, ʻAukele and the Waters of Life, A Celebration of Hula Kiʻi” stage production at Tenney Theatre. Saturday July 20, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. and Sunday July 21, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. For more information and tickets, please visit the Hula Preservation Society website: HulaPreservation.org/hula-ki%ca%bbi-community-education-series.
- Hula Kiʻi exhibit, including historic photos and videos, curated by Hula Preservation Society. On view at Capitol Modern through December 2024 (ground floor glass case). Free admission. CapitolModern.org/exhibitions.
- Summer Reading events at Hawaiʻi Public Libraries, supported in part by public funds from the SFCA to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program.
- “Stories Told Through Taiko” with Kenny Endo and Taiko Ensemble. Kailua-Kona (Hawaiʻi Island) Public Library, June 29, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Thelma Parker Memorial Library, June 29, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.;
- “Journey of Slack Key Guitar from 1830 through Today with Jeff Peterson”, Kapaʻa Public Library, Kailua-Kona (Hawaiʻi Island) Public Library, July 13, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- Folk Art of Chinese Knotting with Barbara Ho, Kailua-Kona (Hawaiʻi Island) July 11, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- Folklore and Folktales of Ireland with Niall de Burca, Kailua-Kona (Hawaiʻi Island) Public Library, July 16, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- “Wai Ola, ʻAukele and the Waters of Life” hula kiʻi with the Hula Preservation Society (HPS) and the Māhea Uchiyama Center for International Dance / Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine. Saturday July 20 and Sunday July 21 at Tenney Theatre (Honolulu). For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the HPS website: https://hulapreservation.org/waiola-%CA%BBaukele-the-waters-of-life
- Capitol Modern (Hawaiʻi State Art Museum) First Friday Producer Showcase with Slapp Good, all-ages evening of live music, July 5, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Friday Night Tempo, family-friendly evening of live music and Art+Flea urban market, July 19, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free admission. More information on the State Art Museum website calendar: CapitolModern.org/events.
- Ebb and Flow Arts 25th Anniversary Season concerts and pre-concert discussions. Free admission made possible in part by grant funding from the SFCA.
- Alexandre Dossin at Keawalaʻi Church (Makena, Maui) August 23; Lutheran Church of Honolulu (Oʻahu) August 25. Free admission.
- Manoa Valley Theatre: “Happily Eva Afta” June 27 – July 14 and “Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical” July 11 – 21. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Manoa Valley Theatre website: https://www.manoavalleytheatre.com/
- Royal Hawaiian Band free lunchtime concerts at ʻIolani Palace every Friday at noon. For more information call 808-522-0822 or visit www.IolaniPalace.org.