“Parade” at Manoa Valley Theatre
Director Alex Munro brings the book by Alfred Uhry to Manoa in several performances, March 20-April 6. Described as “poignant and powerful,” the Tony Award-winning musical with music directed by Jenny Shiroma and choreography by David Weaver tells the true story of the infamous Leo Frank trial as a community grapples with the aftermath of a tragic crime. Tickets.
67th Kunia Orchid Society Show & Plant Sale
If you’re an orchid enthusiast, head to Leilehua High School’s gymnasium for this event, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 21 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 22. See prize-winning orchids and floral displays, a Kunia Country Store, garden supplies and orchid plants for sale, plus an orchid culture demonstration at 11 a.m. on both days. Admission is free. LHS is located at 1515 California Ave. in Wahiawa.
Friday Night Tempo
Pau hana fun and relaxation featuring live jazz by Alika & The Good News, popup artists, food vendors, and lots of art at Capitol Modern, 5-9 p.m. March 21. Free and open to all ages.
“1001 Nights Under Nā Hōkū Chef Collaboration Dinner Series”
Mother and daughter duo Chef Ahu and Nili of Istanbul Hawaii hosts its third collaboration dinner series featuring Chef Zachary Engel, bringing his Middle Eastern dishes that incorporate Midwestern spices and ingredients from his Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant, Galit. Only two seatings will be available, 5 and 7:30 p.m. March 21. $95/person with the option to add premium wine pairings. Reservations.
David Koechner
Blue Note Comedy Series presents actor, writer and producer David Koechner to the stage, March 21-22. One of the performances is The Office Trivia with Todd Packer on March 22. Tickets.
Piff the Magic Dragon at Hawaii Theatre
Voted one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch, as well as the first act to win Best Comedian, Best Magician and Best Headliner at the Best of Las Vegas Awards, Piff the Magic Dragon and his costar Mr. Piffles, The World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua, bring their shenanigans to Hawaii Theatre, 8 p.m. March 21. Tickets.
Kalo Fest
KEY Project hosts its popular Kalo Fest featuring family activities, food trucks, local vendors, live music and lots more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 22. Located at 47-200 Waihee Road.
Come to watch or compete for free in the Hawaii Esports Invitational Presented by Zippy’s at the UH West Oahu Academy for Creative Media Facility, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 22-23. The event features Hawaii’s best universities going up against top colleges from the Mainland. Eight high schools will also be competing.
Waikīkī Aquarium’s 121st Birthday Beach Cleanup
Waikīkī Aquarium invites the public to join its birthday celebration and do good at the same time, 10 a.m.-noon March 22. Help remove litter from the surrounding beach and parks followed by snacks, refreshments and educational games. Buckets and tools will be provided upon check-in. Bring your own water and reef-safe sunscreen. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
Koko Marina Makers Market
Head to Koko Marina Center and find one-of-a-kind handcrafted items and edibles in support of local businesses, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 22.
92nd Semi-Annual Great Guns 2025
Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall will host a 300-table gun show with antique and modern firearms; custom knives and military collectibles; historical, hunting and shooting sports exhibits and more over two days, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 22-23. $10 admission.
4th Annual Hawaii Caregivers Expo
Givers Guides, Gimme a Break and Caring Caregivers Show presents this event dedicated to those caring for others with the theme, “Finding Strength in Community,” at Windward Mall, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 22. Featuring over 30 exhibitors.
Festa in Strada (Street Festival)
Enjoy food, beverages, live entertainment and films inspired by the Italian culture at Kakaako’s Mother Waldron Park, 4-9:30 p.m. March 22. The free event features authentic Italian and Italian-inspired culinary delights sold by street vendors; a wine and beer garden offering Italian wines, beer and traditional spirits for sale; live Italian and European entertainment; street performers; and a film showcase hosted by the Hawaii International Film Festival. $5 parking with validation at Waterfront Plaza; validation stickers available at the Festa Italiana info booth.
Night Shift Spring Equinox Celebration at Capitol Modern
You’re invited to an evening of poetry, book reading, dance showcase, creating art, food, live DJ and more in this combined Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design and Capitol Modern event, 5-9 p.m. March 22. Free, all ages welcome. Reserve your free spot.
Hot Kūpuna Nights
Fun for entire ‘ohana, stop by Ka Waiwai ma Mōʻiliʻili for an afternoon of music, ʻohana and mele with Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, 2-5 p.m. March 23. Reserve a free spot.
Stanley Jordan at Blue Note Hawaii
Guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan rose to commercial and critical acclaim in 1985 with his forays into classical masterpieces, pop rock hits, jazz and more. He performs 6:30 p.m. March. 23. Tickets.
Zen & Paws: Sound Healing with Cats
Cat Café MOFF at Pearlridge Center presents a unique meditation session with “soothing sounds” performed by Mika Mimura I the company of cats, 7-8 p.m. March 24. Open to all ages. Bring your own yoga mat; signed waiver required to enter. $39/person.
Virtual Mo-Jo Break with the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Special guest speaker Mark Adams, director of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, takes you into the museum’s extensive 2021 renovation and Truman’s historic decision to select the USS Missouri as the site of Japan’s formal surrender marking the end of the WWII in this virtual Zoom session, noon-1 p.m. March 25. Free for Mighty Mo members, $10 general. Register.
John Craigie
Blue Note Hawaii and BAMP Project presents John Craigie with opener Honora & The Fae, 6:30 and 9 p.m. March 25. Whether solo or sharing the stage, Craigie is known for his humor, wit and poignant storytelling. Tickets.
Open Mic Night at Manoa Valley Theatre
This popular event hosted by Kyla Blasé invites performers — via song, dance, poetry, comedy, monologue or whatever you’d like to bring on stage — to do their thing on stage, 7 p.m. March 25. $5 to watch or perform. Tickets.
Henry Kapono with Keola & Moana Beamer
Henry Kapono returns in season 8 of his Artist 2 Artist concert series featuring Keola and Moana Beamer and On The Rise Artist Nick Laʻa, 6:30 p.m. March 26. Tickets.
Honouliuli 10th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff Event
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Honouliuli National Historic Site, which was established on Feb. 24, 2015, as a national park. The public is invited to a kickoff event featuring panelists Carole Hayashino, former JCCH president; David Lassner, former UH Manoa president; and current Honouliuli NHS Superintendent Christine Ogura at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, 10-11 a.m. March 27.
“The Dotted Line” Fundraising Event for Hawaii Theatre
Friends of Hawaii Theatre hosts this fundraising event celebrating World Theatre Day featuring Kalani Peʻa & Friends, 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 27. Enjoy live music, craft cocktails and savory hors d’oeuvres. Tickets.
Experience “Star Wars” with HSO
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra brings the classic “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” to life as they accompany the film performing John Wiliams’ Oscar-nominated score at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall, March 28-30. Tickets.
Sarah Silverman: Postmortem Tour
Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress and writer Sarah Silverman brings her tour to the Hawaii Theatre stage, 8 p.m. March 28. Tickets.
Hawaii Foodiecon & Spring Expo
Pacific Expos presents over 200 food vendors in one spot at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 29 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 30. Sample a wide variety of food, plus open food plate vendors will have at least one $7 plate item on the menu. Tickets.
2025 Prince Kūhiō Parade & Tribute
One of four legacy parades recognized by the State of Hawaii, the Prince Kūhiō Parade is presented by the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, 5-8 p.m. March 29. Floats, marching bands, paniolo and pāʻū riders, and parade units will make their way from Kapolei Hale along Kapolei Parkway to Ka Makana Aliʻi where there will be live entertainment and more. Hoʻokupu will be collected at the main stage and taken to Mauna ʻAla or the statue if Prince Kūhiō in Waikiki following the event.
Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour
Standup comedian Tom Papa is known as one of the top comedic voices in the country. The actor, host, author in film, TV, radio and podcasts brings his tour to the Hawaii Theatre stage, 8 p.m. March 29. Tickets.
Spring Break Special aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial
The Battleship Missouri Memorial invites kamaʻāina and military families to bring the keiki for a day of outside learning aboard the historic deck of the USS Missouri with a special “one free child admission per paying adult,” through March 30. Walk the decks, stand on the historical Surrender Deck and enjoy hands-on learning experiences. Tickets are available at the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites ticketing counter with a valid Hawaii or military ID.
Cinema Persia: A Woman’s Perspective at Doris Duke Theatre
The Honolulu Museum of Art celebrates Nowruz, the Persian New Year, with a presentation of five outstanding films by women directors of the Iranian diaspora through March 30. Full schedule of films.
“American Son” at Manoa Valley Theatre
Directed by Jeanné Wynne Herring, this powerful and timely drama follows an estranged, bi-racial couple as they await news of their son who has been detained by police. Tensions rise and their differing perspectives expose deep divides in race and bias, 7:30 p.m. April 2. Tickets.
Chris Pontius & Friends
Romer House Waikīkī presents its monthly “House Comedy” featuring Chris Pontius & Friends with Rachel Wolfson and Mike Garcia, 7 p.m. April 3 and 7 and 9 p.m. April 4. Pontius is best known for his reality series, “Jackass,” and is the cohost/co-creator of the extreme nature/comedy series, “Wildboyz.” He’ll be joined by Los Angeles-based comedian Wolfson and North Shore “laugh legend,” Garcia. Tickets.
3rd Annual Irasshai: Eat, Drink, Kanpai!
Enjoy street food-inspired tasty bites, beverages and local entertainment in support of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii at their biggest fundraiser of the year, 6-9 p.m. April 4. Tickets.
The Wahiawa Pineapple Run starts things off at 7 a.m. followed by food and retail vendors, craft fair, bounce houses, talent show, live music, a Pineapple Dessert Bake Off, Paper Plane Contest, Chee Hoo Contest and lots more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 5. Bring the family for a day of fun at Kaala Elementary School at 130 California Avenue.
HSO - 24/25 Hapa Symphony
Award-winning ʻukulele virtuoso, songwriter and producer Taimane joins the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra performing everything from one-of-a-kind mashups of Led Zeppelin and Beethoven to Andrew Lloyd Webber at Hawaii Theatre, 7:30 p.m. April 5. Tickets.
Kapa Demonstrations at Sea Life Park Hawaii
Native Hawaiian kapa practitioner Kumu Page Chang of Pūkoʻa Studios provides hands-on demonstrations honoring the traditional Hawaiian practice of kapa-making basics, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 10, May 22, June 1 and 19. The process begins with stripping and pounding the inner bark of the wauke (paper mulberry) tree and participants will get to take home their finished kapa. Free with paid park admission.
“Whispers of Waikīkī: Forgotten Stories of History and Mystery” by Lopaka Kapanui
Native Hawaiian master storyteller Lopaka Kapanui shares stories of intrigue, mystery and cultural significance of Oahu’s visitor mecca at Waikīkī Beach Marriot Resort & Spa, 5-6 p.m. April 13. Storytelling is free and takes place in the Queen’s Parlor.
Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025
The state’s largest exhibition of contemporary art created by 49 artists and art collectives invites the public to experience ALOHA NŌ at various locations on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island, through May 4. Visit the website for a full schedule of events on three islands.
Exhibition: “Healing Nature: Contemporary Art of Mongolia”
View the works of 12 Mongolian artists inspired by traditional practices and spiritual connections with nature at the East-Center Gallery, through May 4. Works include calligraphy, ink on paper, mixed media, paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles and video art.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.
