Featured Events in Honolulu in May, 2025 (June Updated)

Lyon is happy to offer this very popular class once again! The Hawaii VINE project is a long-term research study focused on seed dispersal networks across O‘ahu. As part of our work, we collect biological data from birds. Participants will be able to observer essential field techniques in ornithology such as mist netting and banding. Participants will observe the practical skills while learning about O‘ahu’s native bird species and the ongoing scientific efforts to conserve their habitats. Instructors: The VINE crew is a group of biologists who double as bird enthusiasts! We are from various states on the mainland including Colorado, Texas, New Hampshire, Florida, and Nebraska. We range in years of experience but have all dedicated our careers to field work to conserve wildlife. Part of our passion is to share and educate on birds and conservation, so, we are thrilled to be able to offer a hands-on experience. We know how important it is to be able to learn science in real time and can't wait to share our work with the students! What to wear/bring: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction (required) You should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain. Long pants (to keep mosquitoes off. Optional: a light jacket or long-sleeved outer shirt.) Bug Spray (optional but recommended) Rain jacket or poncho Water bottle (optional but recommended) The class will be held indoors and outdoors. Proceeds from this class go to the Lyon Arboretum Education Department. Deadline for refunds: May 14th , 2025. Tickets purchased on March 12th cannot be refunded. Fees cannot be transferred to other classes. ***This class is co-sponsored by the Friends of Lyon Arboretum (FLA). FLA members receive a 20% discount on this workshop and other Lyon Arboretum Education Department classes/workshops. If you are a member, an email will be sent out prior to the opening of class registration with a discount code. Please contact us by email at info@friendsoflyon.org if you have not received your registration discount code. To learn more about the Friends of Lyon Arboretum and to become a member, please see our website.*** For questions about the class content or logistics, please call Lyon Arboretum at (808) 988-0456 or email lyonedu@hawaii.edu. For questions about ticketing, please call and leave a message for Friends of Lyon Arboretum at (808) 988-0464 or email info@friendsoflyon.org. Information Source: Lyon Arboretum Education Department | eventbrite

Join the City and County of Honolulu's Resilience Office for our second Better Buildings Benchmarking Training of the season! This training is being held online May 21st from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm , and will help Oʻahu building owners and property managers ensure compliance with Ordinance 22-17 . The training agenda will include helpful background information on the benchmarking program, how to use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, and next steps to saving energy on your utility bills! Follow along on your own Portfolio Manager account or watch live as an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager expert go through a step by step demo that covers everything from your building details, to uploading utility data, to responding to a data request from the City. Learn more about benchmarking at resilientoahu.org/benchmarking . Bring your laptop! Tentative Agenda: 12:00 PM: Better Buildings Benchmarking Introduction 12:20 PM: Live Demo of ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager 1:05 PM: Benchmarking and Beyond 1:15 PM: Question and Answer 1:30 PM: PAU! Information Source: City and County of Honolulu Resilience Office | eventbrite

Information Source: Chris Okamura | eventbrite

Information Source: Chaminade University of Honolulu | eventbrite

ABOUT At this intimate Live from the Atherton event, Brandy Nālani McDougall and Kai Gaspar will use their creative works as a springboard to talk about joy, artistic inspirations, creative processes, and more. The pair are also eager to engage with those in attendance through Q & A. Kai and Brandy often refer to themselves as "literary siblings," both being country kids who moved to the city (Honolulu) where they studied and worked together under the tutelage of poet and writer Albert Wendt. Kai's book Ulu and Brandy's most recent book 'Āina Hanau, Birth Land were both published in 2023 and the two were recently praised in the same New York Times article. This event offers the opportunity to engage with the poetics of Hawaiʻi’s past and present. All Live from the Atherton events are filmed, recorded and photographed for future broadcasts and online content. About Kai Gaspar: Kai Gaspar is a Kanaka ‘Ōiwi poet and teacher whose works have been published in Mauri Ola Contemporary Poems in English / Whetu Moana II, Hawai‘i Review, Tinfish, Yellow Medicine Review, and elsewhere. Kai learned to read by kerosene lamps on the shore of Hōnaunau, graduated from Kapi‘olani Community College, then earned a PhD at UH Mānoa. Ulu is Kai’s full-length debut. Kai was recently profiled by FLUX Hawai'i, Honolulu Magazine, and THRoB (The Hawai'i Review of Books). About Brandy Nālani McDougall: From the ahupuaʻa of Aʻapueo in Kula, Maui, Brandy Nālani McDougall (Kanaka ʻŌiwi, she/her/ʻo ia) is the author of two poetry collections, The Salt-Wind, Ka Makani Paʻakai (2008) and ʻĀina Hānau, Birth Land (2023). A Ford and Mellon-Hawaiʻi fellow, her critical monograph Finding Meaning: Kaona and Contemporary Hawaiian Literature (University of Arizona Press, 2016) is the first extensive study of contemporary Hawaiian literature and was the winner of the Beatrice Medicine Award in 2017. She is the director of the Mānoa Center for Humanities and Civic Engagement and an Associate Professor of American Studies (specializing in Indigenous studies) at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She is the Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate for 2023–2025. She lives with her keiki in Kalaepōhaku, Honolulu, in the ahupuaʻa of Waikīkī on Oʻahu. Live From the Atherto n is Hawai‘i Public Radio’s new flagship multimedia series, featuring music performances, authors and other creative, original thinkers at our Atherton Studio. Throughout 2025, Hawai'i Public Radio will host ticketed events that feature a range of music, from Hawaiian, classical, jazz and indie, as well as authors and speakers across genres including fiction, young adult, keiki and Hawaiian history. ========================================= The Live from the Atherton Author Series takes place on select Thursday evenings at the Atherton Performing Arts studio at Hawaiʻi Public Radio. The author series events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Doors open thirty minutes before the event starts. This event will be filmed, recorded and photographed. Your presence constitutes your release of all rights to your recorded voice and image, which may be used in projects by Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis — advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested. General admission tickets are $20. 100% of the proceeds from each event support the featured artists. Ticket Policy: Ticket sales are final. Sorry, no refunds. Parking: Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood (metered parking is free after 6 p.m.). Mahalo to HMSA for their sponsorship of our HPR “Live from the Atherton” events. ========================================= HPR exists to serve the people of Hawai’i. We are a trusted, community-funded public service that informs with essential news, inspires through the power of music and the arts, and connects people through conversations and convenings. See the latest in news, talk, and entertainment at hawaiipublicradio.org Feeling social? Follow us on Facebook Find us on Instagram Watch our past Atherton Concerts Subscribe to our newsletters When you purchase HPR event tickets, you are opting in to receive HPR’s email newsletters. You may update your subscription preferences or unsubscribe using the links at the bottom of our emails. Listen on demand to our programs at hawaiipublicradio.org or listen to our live stream by asking your smart speaker to "Play Hawaiʻi Public Radio" Love what we do? Become a monthly supporter. Make a gift today. Or, volunteer with us. Learn more. Look for more “Live from the Atherton” events, with thanks to our sponsor HMSA. Get the latest news when you subscribe to our newsletters . = ======================================== People with COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should stay home. People may choose to mask at any time. More information and resources can be found at https://covid.cdc.gov/ Information Source: Hawai‘i Public Radio | eventbrite

A Constitution in the Making: Power. Reform. And the Road to 1978 Thursday May 22, 2025 5:30-7:30 PM (HST) Aliʻiōlani Hale, Supreme Court 417 S King Street A panel featuring   TOM COFFMAN   BARBARA MARUMOTO GERALD SUMIDA   RICHARD BORRECA  With moderator Colin Moore Information Source: King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center | eventbrite

You're invited to a pau hana with Civil Beat reporters and staff at BeerLab HI (S. Beretania location) on Friday, May 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Come by anytime to say hi and talk story with our staff. This event is free and open to the public and includes complimentary pupu and a no-host bar. Address: 1318 S Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI, 96814 Parking: You may park in the front lot of the brewery or park on Beretania street. Street parking is free after 6:00 p.m. Rideshares are encouraged as parking is limited. Information Source: Civil Beat | eventbrite

Championship Combines, in partnership with the Aloha Volleyball Region , is proud to present the 2025 BOYS Aloha Summer Recruiting Combine ! Don't miss this great opportunity to get a late season push on the college volleyball recruiting process!!!! Friday, May 23rd 6:30 to 8 p. at the Honolulu Convention Center. In full partnership with the Aloha Volleyball Region and the 2025 Aloha Summer Classic volleyball tournament!. Open to MALE players 8th grade and older - You DO NOT have to be playing in the Aloha Summer Classic to register for the combine! This is a VIDEO Combine with College Coaches invited! All players/drills/skills will be filmed and recorded. The video, along with player contact info, will be sent to EVERY Men's College Volleyball program in the USA! PLEASE NOTE - This is a VIDEO Combine with College Coaches invited. Because Men's collegiate programs have small recruiting budgets, and the final exam period of colleges, the Combine will be recorded. Men's Volleyball college coaches will be invited, but we will also send the Video Recording and Player information to every men's program in the USA. Please note, that because of Player Privacy Concerns, we will only send the video link to college volleyball coaches..... The Player's name will be on a registered list, and at Combine check in, each player will be given a bib #, so college coaches can easily match player and contact information on the video - Players should wear normal volleyball practice gear (no need to wear uniforms or shirts with a number on them). Volleyball players will be divided by position among the courts with each court having a "court coach" - The court coaches will put the players through volleyball drills within their specific positions, along with combining positions to illustrate group skill sets. Parents are not allowed into the Combine - This allows the players to focus on skills and college coaches to evaluate, without having mom or dad looking over their shoulder or getting into the camera frame. **Please note, no refunds within 48 hours of the event or post event - Any refunds will not include the eventbrite.com fees per eventbrite.com policy*** Athletic Recruiting Counselors, arcvb.com , is the official recruiting service partner of Championship Combines! ARC is a Volleyball Only service, created by Volleyball people with over 40 years of college volleyball playing, coaching and recruiting experience - They provide Unlimited Support for their client families! Click to schedule your FREE Recruiting and Membership Evaluation! Information Source: Championship Combines | eventbrite

Airstreams Renewables, Inc., is a CSP/SkillBridge approved accelerated Renewable Energy and Commuications Tower Technician Program. It is designed to outfit our students for success through specific safety and technical lessons reinforced with practice skills. It is designed to provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of wind energy and communication towers and related industrial careers that prepared our graduates for an entry-level position in the industries. www.air-streams.com Follow us on our social media! Scan the QR code (with the arrows in the middle) and it will take you to our LinkTree. Scan the second QR code and it will take you to where we are located aboard MCB Hawaii. Questions? Contact us below: Email: angela.manipon@air-streams.com Mobile: 808-798-7650 Information Source: eventbrite

Welcome to the 50th in the 50th: Black and Gold Gala by the Mu Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc ! Join us for a night of celebration at the Honolulu Country Club . Get ready to dress to impress in your best black and gold attire. It's going to be a night filled with music, dancing, and icey vibes. Don't miss out on this special event as we celebrate this milestone in true ALPHA style. See you there! Information Source: eventbrite

A Wish, A Light, A Journey... Follow the whimsical Journey of one girl's wish upon a star. In a jungle, she encounters mischievous monkeys and fierce wolves, coming face-to-face with her fears. In the ocean, she meets spirited dolphins and bouncy jellyfish, but struggles with entanglements in the depths. Trekking through the shifting desert sands, she sees playful fennec foxes and enchantingly beautiful Empresses of Dunes. All the while, discovering the light within. We have 3 performances! Information Source: Queen Emma Ballet | eventbrite

A Wish, A Light, A Journey... Follow the whimsical Journey of one girl's wish upon a star. In a jungle, she encounters mischievous monkeys and fierce wolves, coming face-to-face with her fears. In the ocean, she meets spirited dolphins and bouncy jellyfish, but struggles with entanglements in the depths. Trekking through the shifting desert sands, she sees playful fennec foxes and enchantingly beautiful Empresses of Dunes. All the while, discovering the light within. We have 3 performances! Information Source: Queen Emma Ballet | eventbrite

A Wish, A Light, A Journey... Follow the whimsical Journey of one girl's wish upon a star. In a jungle, she encounters mischievous monkeys and fierce wolves, coming face-to-face with her fears. In the ocean, she meets spirited dolphins and bouncy jellyfish, but struggles with entanglements in the depths. Trekking through the shifting desert sands, she sees playful fennec foxes and enchantingly beautiful Empresses of Dunes. All the while, discovering the light within. We have 3 performances! Information Source: Queen Emma Ballet | eventbrite

We’re excited to invite you to our Legislative 101 program featuring our special guests from the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA)! They will be discussing local legislation and sharing how you can get involved in the legislative process to help make a positive impact in our community. In addition to the training, they will also provide a recap of the highlights from the 2025 legislative session. Come learn how to make your voice heard and be a part of the change in our community! We can’t wait to see you there! To sign up for this program please register at the Adult Reference Desk or give us a call at (808) 733-8422. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events at librarieshawaii.org/events . Information Source: Kaimuki Public Library | eventbrite

Information Source: CREW Hawaii | eventbrite

Community Town Hall: Cannabis in Hawai'i Come join us at Kaneohe District Park Come join us for a lively discussion about the future of cannabis in Hawai'i! This in-person event is a great opportunity to voice your opinions, ask questions, and learn more about the current laws and regulations surrounding cannabis in our state. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just curious abou the topic, all are welcome to attend. Let's come together as a community to discuss this important issue! Information Source: Cannabis Society of Hawai'i | eventbrite

This event celebrates our community leaders, advocates and employers who have dedicated themselves to promoting mental wellness and improving the care of people with mental health challenges through positive and innovative programs and leadership. MHAH Mahalo Award recipients will be recognized in six categories relating to mental health care, advocacy, leadership, and support. In addition to these, MHAH, along with its partner PBS Hawai`i, will also recognize five youth from across the state with a Student Voice Award. These students, who’ve participated in PBS Hawai`i's HIKI NŌ program, will be recognized for their courage in sharing their story. Mental Health America of Hawai`i is the oldest mental health organization in the state and Hawaii’s leading voice for mental health advocacy, working to increase access to care and reduce discrimination against people living with mental illness. 2025 MENTAL HEALTH MAHALO AWARDEES Venus Rosete-Medeiros Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader Hawaiʻi Rotary District 5000 Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader Mary Akimo-Luʻuwai Outstanding Government Leader Ayada Bonilla Outstanding Government Leader Amber Drake Outstanding Adult Mental Health Consumer Advocate Kai Chang-Schultz Outstanding Youth Mental Health Advocate Goodwill Hawaii Outstanding Employer Spirit Horse Ranch Outstanding Employer Karin Medigovich Outstanding Family Advocate Officer Tiare Perry Outstanding CIT Leader 2025 STUDENT VOICE AWARDEES Jazalle Amps Kaʻu High and Pahala Elementary School "Poetry" Kylie Cardenas H.P. Baldwin High School "Privileged" Lily Lawrence Waikiki Elementary School "The Riskiest Game" Emma Roy H.P. Baldwin High School "I'm Stuck in the Past" Jamie Subaru Thompson H.P. Baldwin High School "A Letter to My Dad, Father's Day" Registration closes on May 21, 2025 at 11:00PM. Self-parking at Ala Moana Hotel is $10.00 with validation, entrance is on Mahukona Street. Valet is $35.00 with validation. Information Source: Mental Health America of Hawaii | eventbrite

Join the Honolulu Mindfulness Community and the Bodhi Tree Center for a non-residential retreat and Vesak ceremony led by monastics from Deer Park Monastery in California. D ates: Fr iday, May 30th (6:30 - 9:00 pm) Saturday, May 31st & Sunday, June 1st (7 am - 4 pm) Location: Bodhi Tree Meditation Center, 654A Judd St, Honolulu, HI 96817 (Limited parking – Carpooling is highly encouraged - there may be offsite parking TBD) Theme: Building a Spiritual Community Led by: Senior Sister Kinh Nghiem, Sister Ao Nghiem, and Sister Thien Ly from Deer Park Monastery. Activities include: Sitting & walking meditation, mindful movement, total relaxation, dharma talks/sharing, and singing. Retreat Schedule : Friday (Optional) : Morning beach mindful cleanup (details TBA), 6:30-9:00 pm: Orientation & Sitting Saturday : 7 am: Walking meditation & light breakfast at Nuʻuanu Park; 8:30 am: Transition to Bodhi Tree; 12 pm: BYO Lunch; 4 pm: Closing Sunday : 7 am: Walking meditation & light breakfast at Nuʻuanu Park; 8:30 am: Transition to Bodhi Tree; Vesak – Buddha's Birthday Celebration (lunch provided); 4 pm: Closing (Full Schedule available below) What to bring : Cushion/zafu (some chairs available), yoga mat/towel, lunch for Saturday (no fridge/microwave), water bottle/mug, rain gear, appropriate footwear Cost : $75 (Sliding scale pricing available - contact honolulumindfulness@gmail.com ) Special Sunday Event: Vesak (Buddha's Birthday) Vesak is the annual celebration of the Buddha's life and enlightenment. It is the most important festival celebrated by Buddhist communities in South East Asia. The visiting sisters have graciously offered to bring this ceremony especially for the Vietnamese community of Honolulu. We will be joined by many more of our Vietnamese friends and have the opportunity to enjoy a mindful lunch together afterwards. The ceremony will include dharma talk, guided meditation, and chanting primarily in Vietnamese. We invite you to enjoy your breathing and the beautiful decorations that will adorn the alter. Look out for the ritual bathing of the baby Buddha! This act symbolizes watering the seeds of Buddha nature within all of us. Information Source: eventbrite

ABOUT DAVID ABRAHAM: Dancer, Choreographer, and Master Teacher. Graduated from the Arabian Dance School (ADS) in 2011, with Master Amir Thaleb. David is a world renowned oriental dance artist from Argentina. He is known for his unique and innovative style. His charisma captivates audiences and students worldwide. David Abraham will also be teaching workshops in Honolulu on Saturday, 5/31/25 & Sunday, 6/1/25 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. These workshops are geared for intermediate to advanced dancers eager to push their limits and refine their skills. Questions: natashiaelise512@gmail.com Workshop information can be found on the Facebook event page below: https://www.facebook.com/share/15wZKXW5Q2/ Information Source: Natashia Shiraishi | eventbrite

Join the Honolulu Mindfulness Community and the Bodhi Tree Center for a non-residential retreat and Vesak ceremony led by monastics from Deer Park Monastery in California. D ates: Fr iday, May 30th (6:30 - 9:00 pm) Saturday, May 31st & Sunday, June 1st (7 am - 4 pm) Location: Bodhi Tree Meditation Center, 654A Judd St, Honolulu, HI 96817 (Limited parking – Carpooling is highly encouraged - there may be offsite parking TBD) Theme: Building a Spiritual Community Led by: Senior Sister Kinh Nghiem, Sister Ao Nghiem, and Sister Thien Ly from Deer Park Monastery. Activities include: Sitting & walking meditation, mindful movement, total relaxation, dharma talks/sharing, and singing. Retreat Schedule : Friday (Optional) : Morning beach mindful cleanup (details TBA), 6:30-9:00 pm: Orientation & Sitting Saturday : 7 am: Walking meditation & light breakfast at Nuʻuanu Park; 8:30 am: Transition to Bodhi Tree; 12 pm: BYO Lunch; 4 pm: Closing Sunday : 7 am: Walking meditation & light breakfast at Nuʻuanu Park; 8:30 am: Transition to Bodhi Tree; Vesak – Buddha's Birthday Celebration (lunch provided); 4 pm: Closing (Full Schedule available below) What to bring : Cushion/zafu (some chairs available), yoga mat/towel, lunch for Saturday (no fridge/microwave), water bottle/mug, rain gear, appropriate footwear Cost : $75 (Sliding scale pricing available - contact honolulumindfulness@gmail.com ) Special Sunday Event: Vesak (Buddha's Birthday) Vesak is the annual celebration of the Buddha's life and enlightenment. It is the most important festival celebrated by Buddhist communities in South East Asia. The visiting sisters have graciously offered to bring this ceremony especially for the Vietnamese community of Honolulu. We will be joined by many more of our Vietnamese friends and have the opportunity to enjoy a mindful lunch together afterwards. The ceremony will include dharma talk, guided meditation, and chanting primarily in Vietnamese. We invite you to enjoy your breathing and the beautiful decorations that will adorn the alter. Look out for the ritual bathing of the baby Buddha! This act symbolizes watering the seeds of Buddha nature within all of us. Information Source: eventbrite

Pinch Pot Creature Planters: Hand building with Air-Dry Clay Come join us at Lyon Arboretum for a fun and creative in-person workshop where you'll learn how to make adorable pinch pot creature planters using air-dry clay! This hands-on event is perfect for children aged nine and above, adults, and all skill levels. An adult must accompany children. Our experienced instructor will be able to guide you through the process, so you don't need any prior experience. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and bring home a unique planter for your favorite plant! What to Bring: Apron or old clothes Creativity and a willingness to experiment! Box to transport pieces home Optional: Items from nature (e.g., leaves, twigs, stones, shells) to use for texture Sketchbook Lyon will provide the clay and the use of basic tools, as well as a small potted plant to take home with you for your planter. Cost: $45.00 Proceeds from this class go to the Lyon Arboretum Education Department. Refunds : Deadline for refunds: May 26th, 2025. Tickets purchased on March 12th cannot be refunded. Fees cannot be transferred to other classes. ***This class is co-sponsored by the Friends of Lyon Arboretum (FLA). FLA members receive a 20% discount on this workshop and other Lyon Arboretum Education Department classes/workshops. If you are a member, an email will be sent out prior to the opening of class registration with a discount code. Please contact us by email at info@friendsoflyon.org if you have not received your registration discount code. To learn more about the Friends of Lyon Arboretum and to become a member, please see our website.* ** Information Source: Lyon Arboretum Education Department | eventbrite