Things to Do on O‘ahu in July and August 2024

Catch Carrie Underwood and Kapena live, celebrate all things ‘ukulele, get inked at a tattoo expo and enjoy local music in the open air.

July 1, 2024

Katrina Valcourt,

Photo: Courtesy of Full Coverage Communications

CONCERT

An Evening with Carrie Underwood

Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, 8 p.m.

The superstar behind some of the best modern country hits (what’s a karaoke night without “Before He Cheats”?) makes her debut in the Islands. Make sure to arrive on time—there will be no opening act.

$48.85 and up, Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., rbpconcerts.com, @carrieunderwood

CONCERT

Sheraton Starlight Festival and Lexus Films in Concert Series

July 20 to Aug. 18

If you’ve never seen the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra perform live—or even if you’re a longtime fan—its summertime performances are some of the most fun as the musicians play tunes from films including Jurassic Park and Star Wars, as well as hits from the ’80s and other themes.

$15 and up, Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell, 2805 Monsarrat Ave., myhso.org, @hawaiisymphonyorchestra

SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2024

COMEDY

Ronny Chieng: The Love to Hate It Tour

July 23, 24, 26 and 27, 7 p.m.

He’s not just the cringey heart surgeon from Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.—comedian Ronny Chieng has had roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, plus comedy specials on Netflix. Shows are at 7 p.m. nightly with a bonus 10 p.m. show on Saturday, July 27.

$35 and up, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hawaiitheatre.com, @ronnychieng

Photo: Credit Tina Mahina

FESTIVAL

Hawai‘i ‘Ukulele Festival

Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

Roy Sakuma’s famed ‘Ukulele Festival Hawai‘i is no more, but this new event that debuted in 2023 just might fill its shoes. It’s not only ‘ukulele performances—this free festival also includes a food court, community information booths, ‘ukulele-inspired merch, a Hawaiian cultural activities zone and more.

Free, Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand, 2686-2882 Kalākaua Ave., hawaiiukulelefestival.com, @hawaiiukulelefestival

FESTIVAL

Pacific Ink & Art Expo

Friday, Aug. 2, to Sunday, Aug. 4

For the first time since 2019, this event returns with tattoo contests, local musicians, food and food eating contests, motorcycle displays and more. Come by to get inked by your favorite artist or just to have a good time.

$30 and up, Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Ave., hawaiitattooexpo.com, @hawaiitattooexpo

SEE ALSO: Pursuits: Ink Master Steven Lam

Photo: Courtesy of Kapena

CONCERT

Original Kapena 40th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m.

Remember in 2015 when Kelly Boy De Lima, Teimoni Tatofi and Tivaini Tatofi performed “One Last Hana Hou,” a final concert 10 years after they’d stopped performing together? Well, it wasn’t the end: This August, the trio reunites for a special one-night-only concert celebrating the original lineup of the band.

$29 and up, Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell, 2805 Monsarrat Ave., hifinest.com, @kapenamusic

CONCERT

Wildest Show Concert Series

Wednesdays through July 24, 5 p.m.

Families are invited to explore educational activities at the zoo’s popular after-hours events; gates open at 4:30 p.m. The July shows feature the Mākaha Sons (July 10), Robi Kahakalau (July 17) and Brother Noland (July 24).

$5 to $15, Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave., honoluluzoo.org, @thehonoluluzoo