Things to Do on O‘ahu in November 2023
Treat yourself to live music, theater and the largest food festival in Hawai‘i before the holi-daze happens.
Photo: Credit Tommy Pierucki, Courtesy of Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival
FOOD & DRINK
Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival
Nov. 2–5, various times
The 13th annual Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival will feature more than 90 internationally renowned culinary talents. This nonprofit program is spread out over three weekends and takes place on O‘ahu Nov. 2–5. It aims to showcase the quality of locally grown ingredients at more than 20 events, from seminars and tastings to wine dinners and even cooking classes for kids. Proceeds from the events benefit community and ‘āina-based organizations that support sustainability, culinary and agricultural education, cultural programs and more. The program has donated more than $3.5 million since its inception.
Ticket prices and locations vary, hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com, @hifoodwinefest
ART
Project Banaba
Nov. 4–Feb. 18, 2024
Explore the history of Banaba Island in the Pacific Ocean, a place that was destroyed by phosphate mining, which led to the relocation of all its people in 1945. For the exhibition, Banaban scholar and artist Katerina Teaiwa brings together rare historical archives and multimedia works showcasing little-known facts and the ongoing impact imperial phosphate mining and global agricultural interests have on Pacific communities.
Prices vary, Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St., bishopmuseum.org, @bishopmuseum
THEATER
Clue
Nov. 16–26, 3 and 7:30 p.m.
Inspired by the classic board game and 1985 movie, Clue is the hilarious murder mystery we know and love to play—and now it’s coming to the stage. You’ll be belly laughing while you ask who? Where? What?
$25–$45, Mānoa Valley Theatre, manoavalleytheatre.com, @manoavalleytheatre
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Theater and Musicals: Fall Lineup
COMMUNITY
Ka‘iwi Coast Run & Walk
Nov. 19, 6:45 a.m.
Soak up the scenes as you run or walk 4 miles along this beautiful stretch of East O‘ahu. The course begins at Awāwamalu (Sandy Beach) and ends at Hui Nalu Canoe Club; proceeds from the event help support various programs in Hawai‘i Kai.
$55–$160, Ka‘iwi Coast, kaiwicoastrun.org, @kaiwicoastrun
FESTIVAL
ANA ‘Aha Mele
Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the music and culture of Japan and Hawai‘i—and be entertained by world-renowned Japanese pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, elementary school music students and other artists from the Islands.
From $59, Waikīkī Shell, blaisdellcenter.com, @blaisdellcenter
SEE ALSO: Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
HOLIDAY
Waikīkī Holiday Parade
Nov. 24, 7 p.m.
Held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving, this holiday parade honors survivors of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor and members of the U.S. military. Since 1998, residents and visitors alike have gathered to watch this festive march, which includes Island bands, military members and local officials, dignitaries, entertainers, keiki and more. The torch-lit 1.5-mile night parade begins at Fort DeRussy, continues along Kalākaua Avenue and ends at Kapi‘olani Park.
Free, Waikīkī, waikikiholidayparade.com
FAST FACT: King David La‘amea Kalākaua—aka the Merrie Monarch—was born on Nov. 16, 1836, in Honolulu.
Photo: Credit Sergio Garcia, Courtesy of Gateway Music Festivals & Tours
COMEDY
Live and Livid! Comedy Tour
Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m.
Catch five-time Grammy- and Emmy-nominated comedian and actress Margaret Cho. The show will celebrate her 40 years in show business and, as always, she’ll tackle a variety of important subjects with sensitivity and sharp insight.
$64–$94, Hawai‘i Theatre, hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiitheatre
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Comedy: Fall Lineup
