Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Carl Meyer

Science Reveals the Secret Lives of Sharks Lecture

Thursday, Nov. 21, 6 to 7 p.m.

Find out why sharks behave the way they do, how they survive and what we can do to coexist with them. Dr. Carl Meyer, a University of Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology researcher, tells all in his talk as part of the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium’s Tim Guard Distinguished Lecture Series.

RSVP

Free, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Art Building, 2535 McCarthy Mall, Room 132, fowaquarium.org

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu

Photo: Courtesy of Goodwill Hawai‘i

Goods Giving Saturday

Saturday, Nov. 23, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Here’s your sign to clean out your closet and cabinets before the holidays. Donate pre-loved clothing and household items at one of three Goodwill Hawai‘i drop-off locations on Saturday morning. In return, they’re giving away $6,500 in Aloha Gas cards, Car Wash 808 Express tickets, Popeyes Hawai‘i promo cards and Diamond Bakery cookies, while supplies last.

Free; Kaimukī Store & Donation Center, 3650 Waialae Ave.; Kapolei Store & Donation Center, 2140 Lauwiliwili St.; Windward City Shopping Center Donation Center, 45-480 Kāne‘ohe Bay Dr. (near Starbucks); goodwillhawaii.org, @goodwill_hawaii

SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas

Photo: Courtesy of Hō‘ikeākea Gallery

The Swell Is Coming: Ke Hō‘ea Nei Ka Nalu

Saturday, Nov. 23, through Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Explore the evolution of global surf art culture at this new exhibit featuring contributions by 19 artists from Hawai‘i and around the world, including Elyse Butler, Mark Cunningham, Wayne Levin and John Severson. Meet and mingle with artists and community members at the opening reception on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Free admission, Hō‘ikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College, Pu‘uloa Campus, 96-045 Ala ‘Ike, Pearl City, leeward.hawaii.edu, @hoikeakeagallery

SEE ALSO: Thanksgiving 2024 Part 2: More Menus From Restaurants All Over O‘ahu

Dine, Art, Shop, Love Honolulu Fest

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2 to 9 p.m.

Celebrate all Chinatown has to offer and support local businesses. Stroll down pedestrian-only Bethel Street, see performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band and feature films by NMG at Sun Yat-Sen Park and Hawai‘i Theatre, watch fashion shows from local designers at the Downtown Art Center, score discounts at select retailers and grab a bite at neighborhood restaurants.

Free, family-friendly, Bethel St., Nu‘uanu Ave., Smith St., Pauahi St., Hotel St. and King St. in Chinatown, free parking available at the former Walmart building, 36 S. King St. (entrance on Bethel St.), revitalizeoahu.org, @oer.honolulu

SEE ALSO: Can’t-Miss Local Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs on O‘ahu

Photo: Getty Images, PetrStransky; composited by Christine Labrador

Honolulu Noir Launch Party

Saturday, Nov. 23, 3 to 5 p.m.

Step into the dark side of O‘ahu with this new short story anthology by 13 writers, including Chang Apana, the Native Hawaiian/Chinese real-life cop who was the inspiration for the fictional Charlie Chan character. Talk story with several of the authors and hear excerpts of the collection.

RSVP

Free, Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., dashophnl.com, @dashophnl

SEE ALSO: Honolulu Noir Exposes the Dark Side of the City

As we approach the end of another year, our booksellers and staff at Da Shop: Books + Curiosities and our parent company Bess Press are reflecting on our most memorable reads of 2024. For the next two months, we will be eagerly sharing the books that have made a lasting impression on us, from lyrical novels to a Pasifika poetry anthology to a beloved middle grade read by a leading Hawai‘i author. So come along as we recap our year of reading, and maybe get some inspiration for that final read of the year.

SEE ALSO: 6 Books That Left a Big Impression on Da Shop Staff in 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Clairboyance

By Kristiana Kahakauwila

Selected by Kristen

I’m going to tell you a secret about Clairboyance: the story hook, Clara’s sudden ability to read boys’ thoughts, delves so much deeper than one might assume. This is the hallmark magic of beloved Kanaka Maoli writer Kristiana Kahakauwila, who is as generous and caring to her middle grade readers as she is to her characters: honoring the complexity of feeling conflicted, unmoored and longing for connection. Kahakauwila holds a sacred space for their wending journeys that unite in a cathartic resolution of cultural, communal, and familial anchoring intimately situated in this ‘āina and people.

I cried, no, bawled, reading this book, which may have caused some initial hesitation from my 10-year-old daughter when I shared it with her (oops). My daughter has since read it many times over: I often see Clairboyance tucked under her arm or in her bag and I smile, knowing this story continues to nourish us both.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Enter Ghost

By Isabella Hammad

Selected by Megan

How to capture what this novel means to me? Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad is a powerful rendering of present-day Palestine and evinces the significance of art-making under the pressures of war and occupation. The book follows actress Sonia Nasir, whose brief return to Haifa is interrupted by the request that she play Gertrude in a West Bank production of Hamlet. Written in compelling, lyrical, and masterfully restrained prose, Enter Ghost depicts Sonia’s involvement in theater as political protest and her poignant journey of self-discovery in her ancestral home. This is a novel with staying power, one I suspect I will return to again and again.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

The Postcard

By Anne Berest

Selected by Jen

An anonymous postcard arrives with nothing else written except four first names of family members. This spurs author Anne Berest to figure out who sent it and why. Between the book covers, I get a glimpse into the lives of her great grandparents, Ephraïm and Emma, her grand aunt, Noémie, and grand uncle, Jacques. It literally is a “glimpse,” as they were all murdered in the Holocaust. Their lives, their hopes and dreams, cut short for no other reason but for being Jewish.

Many emotions come up while reading this book, but gratitude is the one that stays. I am grateful to Anne for sharing their stories, as nobody wants to be forgotten. And I am grateful for the reminder that I still have time and the opportunity to add many chapters to my own story, so I better not waste it.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

We The Gathered Heat: Asian American and Pacific Islander Poetry, Performance, and Spoken Word

Edited by Franny Choi, Bao Phi, No‘u Revilla and Terisa Siagatonu

Selected by David

Poetry is not a genre I typically go for, but this title is a searingly good read. It is packed with power in short-form, personal narrative from a variety of leading authors, poets, and creatives. If you are a person who wants to understand people, the world, identity and the mere conscience of what being Asian American and Pacific Islander is today, then this is your book.

The collection of works is editorially curated by standout poets Franny Choi, Bao Phi, No‘u Revilla and Terisa Siagatonu and reads like a deeply personal dinner conversation, where you laugh, cry and yell. It is a brilliantly crafted publication that includes an immense amount of writing talent that pulls from the past, connects readers with today and casts a possible vision of tomorrow for AAPI voices.

Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl

Photo: Courtesy of Battleship Missouri Memorial

Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony

Monday, Nov. 11, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Veterans Day, and you’re invited to celebrate the milestone aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the site of Japan’s formal surrender in World War II. Also available via live stream, the ceremony will salute our nation’s service members and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served.

Free, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, complimentary shuttle service available from Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, 1 Arizona Memorial Pl., ussmissouri.org, @battleshipmissouri

SEE ALSO: 63 Restaurants Are Showcasing Their Menus With Deals During Honolulu Restaurant Week

Photo: Courtesy of Food & New Product Show

Food & New Product Show

Friday, Nov. 8, 5 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come hungry to this expo featuring more than 250 vendors serving up everything from trendy desserts to fresh oysters to holiday gifts. Enjoy food samples, cooking demonstrations, a plant sale, craft booths, entertainment and giveaways.

Family-friendly, $6 general admission, $4 military and seniors, free for keiki 12 years old and younger, Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Ave., pacificexpos.com, @pacificexposhawaii

SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in November and December 2024

2024 LOTTE Championship

Wednesday, Nov. 6, through Saturday, Nov. 9

Watch some of the best professional women golfers compete in this four-day LPGA Tour event in ‘Ewa Beach. Make sure to cheer on rookie Malia Nam of Kailua, who’s the only player from Hawai‘i in this year’s tournament.

$25 daily admission, $75 week-long pass, free for military and keiki 16 years old and younger, Hoakalei Country Club, 91-1620 Keoneula Blvd., lottechampionship.com, @lottechampionship

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu

Image: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Honolulu Stories Today Reading and Launch Party

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2 to 4 p.m.

Listen to local literature as six authors read their short stories from a new modern fiction collection, plus purchase your own copy to take home and don’t leave without getting it signed.

RSVP

Free, Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., Kaimukī, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl

SEE ALSO: Honolulu Noir Exposes the Dark Side of the City

Photo: Credit Brendon Wang

Kāhuli Festival

Saturday, Nov. 9, 3 to 9 p.m.

Learn about endangered Hawaiian land snails and how you can help protect them. Listen to talks by conservationists, authors, researchers and cultural practitioners, get hands-on with a 3D-printed shell activity, view rare snail species, admire art displays, plus enjoy live music, food and drinks by Honolulu Beerworks.

Family-friendly, $5 admission for kama‘āina and military, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St., (808) 847-3511, bishopmuseum.org, @bishopmuseum

Photo: Getty Images, PetrStransky; composited by Christine Labrador

Those of us who live here know life in Honolulu is far more nuanced than its tropical paradise image. There’s an edgy, dark side, and a new collection of short stories, titled Honolulu Noir, reflects this mysterious undercurrent. With all stories set on O‘ahu, 13 writers share tales of crime, murder and mayhem involving such characters as an Islamic State group recruiter and real-life Native Hawaiian/Chinese cop Chang Apana, who was the inspiration for Charlie Chan.

Published by Akashic Books, Honolulu Noir features never-before-published stories from writers Kiana Davenport, Scott Kikkawa, Alan Brennert, Stephanie Han, Christy Passion, Morgan Miryung McKinney, Lono Waiwaiole, Mindy Eun Soo Pennybacker, Tom Gammarino, B.A. Kobayashi, Michelle Cruz Skinner, HONOLULU contributing editor Don Wallace, and Chris McKinney, who served as the compilation’s editor. This is the first of Akashic’s global “Noir” series set in Hawai‘i.

“Being dark was really the only requirement, and the gamut of stories is wide,” McKinney says. “Alan Brennert wrote a story set in early 20th century Downtown, then you have Tom Gammarino who wrote a futuristic story set in the Ala Moana area, which is half underwater because of climate change. Michelle Skinner wrote a magical realism story about the voyage from the Philippines to Honolulu, and there’s also weird stuff with vampires.”

On Nov. 23, Da Shop will host a public book release party for Honolulu Noir, with several authors featured in the collection in attendance. Honolulu Noir is available at Da Shop and at akashicbooks.com.

McKinney said he worked closely with all the writers to edit pieces, including his daughter, Morgan, a college student and Gen Zer. “My biggest hope is for readers to see how many different voices exist in a small place,” he says. “The initial reaction might be, this is kind of weird, all over the place, but I think that’s actually its strength. You have all the ethnicities and genres, and that encapsulates Honolulu and Hawai‘i.”

Also recently published this fall by Mutual Publishing: Honolulu Stories Today: An Anthology of Modern Hawaiian Fiction. The collection of short fiction is an abridged version of a book Mutual published in 2008, with 1,000-plus pages of short stories, poems, songs and much more.

“We decided to just do short fiction and stories that took place after statehood,” says Jane Gillespie, Mutual Publishing’s production director who served as the book’s editor. “I was really impressed with the writing, and that a lot of the new writers are younger. I hope this helps people see Hawai‘i as a dynamic literary place.” The book is available at mutualpublishing.com.

SEE ALSO: HONOLULU Book Awards

Page Turners

Da Shop shares its top three Hawai‘i books to read this year.

Photos: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Every Drop Is a Man’s Nightmare
by Megan Kamalei Kakimoto

A powerful collection of stories inspired by Hawaiian mythology and local superstitions.

Significant Others
by Zoë Eisenberg

The Hawai‘i Island platonic friendship divorce story we simply cannot get enough of.

Kona Winds
by Scott Kikkawa

The popular first installment of the hard-boiled noir murder mystery series set in Honolulu.

SEE ALSO: 

Megan Kamalei Kakimoto’s Debut Book Has the Literary World Buzzing

Meet Hawai‘i’s Newest Literary and Film Star, Zoë Eisenberg

Photo: Andy Landgraf

Releasing this month, Island Homes: Casual Elegance in Design explores 21 residential and commercial projects by acclaimed Honolulu architecture and interior design firm Peter Vincent Architects. The glossy 248-page hardcover also tracks the design journey of founder-managing partner Peter N. Vincent, who shares behind-the-scenes tidbits from the builds.

SEE ALSO: New Book Dedicated to Screen Blocks in Hawai‘i

Tour a contemporary Diamond Head oasis that bears elements of Hawaiian and Chinese design, a modern Japanese restaurant inspired by machiya, a type of historic Kyoto townhouse, a plantation-style golf course clubhouse and more that showcase the firm’s commitment to sustainability, indoor-outdoor symbiosis and understated luxury.

$60, pva.com, @petervincentarchitects

Photo: Courtesy of Waimea Valley

Makahiki Festival

Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Makahiki, the Hawaiian New Year, at Waimea Valley. Watch the thrilling Te Moana Nui Games, a traditional sports competition of rock lifting, coconut tree climbing, fruit bearing and wrestling, plus enjoy live music, hula and local vendors.

Family-friendly, $5 kama‘āina admission for ages 4 and older, Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., waimeavalley.net, @waimeavalleyoahu

SEE ALSO: All the Spooky, Scary, Tricksy Halloween Fun on O‘ahu

Photo: Courtesy of Raiatea Helm

Mana Wāhine in Concert

Friday, Nov. 1, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Cue the chicken skin moments at this show spotlighting some of Hawai‘i’s most iconic female musicians and performers. Watch Kainani Kahaunaele, Raiatea Helm, Melveen Leed, Starr Kalāhiki and host Mele Apana share their talents.

$50–$125, Waikīkī Royal Hawaiian Theater (Rock-A-Hula Showroom), 2201 Kalākaua Ave., eventbrite.com, @paifoundation

SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to Honolulu Night Market: November 2024

Photo: Courtesy of Hanahau‘oli School

Hanahau‘oli School Children’s Fair

Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Looking for more fall family fun? Ride a pony, dance in the silent disco, sew your own fresh flower lei, get a keiki manicure or crazy hair makeover, play games and shop for produce and baked goods in the country store. Free parking and shuttles are available at Roosevelt High School.

Family-friendly, free admission, 1922 Makiki St., hanahauoli.org, @hanahauoli

SEE ALSO: A Sandwich Pop-Up Inspired by Bold Sri Lankan and Indonesian Flavors

Photo: Courtesy of The Carpenter Movie

Watch The Carpenter

Premiering Friday, Nov. 1

North Shore brothers and Kahuku High School grads, Kameron and Kaulin Krebs, along with their father, produced and star in a new film hitting theaters nationwide this weekend. Mixing martial arts, heavy metal and Jesus, the story follows a champion MMA-style prize-fighter whose life is impacted when he is befriended by a benevolent carpenter from Nazareth.

PG-13, showing locally at Consolidated Theatres Kapolei and Mililani, carpentermovie.com, @thecarpentermovie

SEE ALSO: Passion for Fashion at Capitol Modern

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

An Afternoon with Two Poets

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2 to 4 p.m.

Listen to poetry readings by Emily Jungmin Yoon, author of Find Me as the Creature I Am and Wo Chan, author of Togetherness!, as they share snippets from their new works. Stick around for the talk story session, book signings and to browse the book boutique for your next page-turner.

RSVP

Free, da Shop: books + curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., dashophnl.com, @dashophnl

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared online in October 2015.

Nothing sets the mood for All Hallow’s Eve like exchanging ghost stories in the dark. And these scary collections of hair-raising, spine-tingling, firsthand accounts of supernatural experiences all happened right in our backyard (Hawai‘i).

SEE ALSO: Our Favorite Ghost Stories About Haunted Places on O‘ahu

Obake: Ghost Stories in Hawai‘i

by Glen Grant

Image: Courtesy of Mutual Publishing

Within these pages are stories based on the supernatural experiences collected from Islanders from all cultural backgrounds. Their stories first appeared in the Hawai‘i Herald in 1983, and the late Glen Grant, a popular storyteller and Hawaiiana historian, compiled those stories in this book.

$9.99, Mutual Publishing, mutualpublishing.com

The Secret Obake Casebook: Tales From the Dark Side of the Cabinet

by Glen Grant

Image: Courtesy of Mutual Publishing

These eerie and chilling stories are based on 25 years of investigating Hawai‘i’s paranormal encounters. From sorcery to demonic possession, evil spirits to spooky hauntings, this book will give you chicken skin.

$13.95, Mutual Publishing, mutualpublishing.com

Haunted Hawaiian Nights

by Lopaka Kapanui

Image: Courtesy of Mutual Publishing

​

Lopaka Kapanui, who apprenticed under Grant, continues the tradition of telling stories of supernatural experiences from everyday people in Hawai‘i. This collection of stories is rooted in the ancient and modern world of the Islands.

$9.95 (out of print), Mutual Publishing, mutualpublishing.com

The Legend of Morgan’s Corner and Other Ghost Stories of Hawai‘i

by Lopaka Kapanui

Image: Courtesy of Mutual Publishing

​

You’ve probably heard the infamous story about Morgan’s Corner. This collection of stories recounts different spirit encounters at this spot. Lopaka Kapanui also differentiates between ghosts and spirits—good and bad—and shares a theory on choking ghosts. He retells stories told to him, unembellished, which makes them that much more spine-tingling.

$9.95 (out of print), Mutual Publishing, mutualpublishing.com

Hawai‘i’s Best Spooky Tales series

by Rick Carroll

Image: Courtesy of Bess Press

Native Hawaiians, local journalists and visitors share stories of strange encounters with the spooky side of Hawai‘i. Each book has more tales about ghosts in graveyards, what happens when someone breaks kapu, and other supernatural experiences. Plus, Carroll offers a guide to the spookiest sites on each of the Hawaiian Islands.

$12.95, Bess Press, besspress.com

Madame Pele: True Encounters with Hawai‘i’s Fire Goddess

by Rick Carroll

Image: Courtesy of Bess Press

The fire goddess Pele, often called Madame Pele out of respect, is well-known in Hawaiian mythology for taking on many forms. Sometimes, she appears as a beautiful young woman and other times appears as an elderly beggar asking for food and water to test the generosity of those she encounters. In this book, 23 people share their stories about their experiences with Madame Pele.

$11.95, Bess Press, besspress.com 

Hawai‘i boasts a thunderously mighty community of Filipino Americans, many of whom first immigrated to the islands in the early 20th century to work the agricultural sectors. Today, Filipino Americans make up about a quarter of Hawai‘i’s population, while their culture, history, and stories contribute to the rich diversity that makes our islands so special.

While October signals the start of Filipino American History Month, we’re shining the spotlight on some of our favorite books penned by Filipino authors. From captivating graphic novels depicting Philippine legends to delicious murder mysteries set in Tita Rosie’s kitchen, our top picks for Filipino American History Month are sure to delight readers of all ages and interests.

SEE ALSO: Read Your Way Through Hawaiian History Month

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

The Mythology Class

by Arnold Arre

This immersive and arresting graphic novel marries traditional Filipino mythology with contemporary events and action. Set in the streets of metropolitan Manila, The Mythology Class follows anthropology student Nicole Lacson as she encounters creatures of Filipino folklore only familiar from her grandfather’s bedtime stories, from tikblangs to kapres to a variety of engkantos. Winner of the esteemed Philippine National Book Award, The Mythology Class is a feat of world-building and a celebration of all things Philippine mythology.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

All Heathens

by Marianne Chan

A sweeping declaration of ownership and resistance, All Heathens is a dazzling debut poetry collection praised by the likes of Mia Alvar, Rick Barot and Hanif Abdurraqib. By revisiting Magellan’s world voyage, poet Marianne Chan seeks to makes sense of her Filipino heritage while grappling with notions of diaspora and discovery. Winner of the 2022 Association for Asian American Studies Book Award, All Heathens is a beautiful vortex in which readers will find explorations ranging from colonialism and Catholic saints to karaoke.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Hello, Universe

by Erin Entrada Kelly

Winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal for children’s literature, Hello Universe weaves four distinct points of view in a heartwarming story about finding your inner bayani, or hero. Set in the span of a single day, the novel depicts four tweens sent on an epic rescue quest that turns these neighbors into unexpected friends. Written by a first generation Filipina-American, the novel is also a celebration of Filipino culture and folklore, of Tagalog and dialects and of Filipino food.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Arsenic and Adobo

by Mia P. Manansala

And speaking of food, no list of Filipino American books would be complete without Arsenic and Adobo, the first installment of the beloved Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series. At the heart of this culinary cozy series is Lila Macapagal, who’s forced to juggle nosy matchmaking aunties, a bad breakup and her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant, only to become suspect #1 in the death of a nasty food critic/ex-boyfriend. Don’t be mistaken, this twisty tale is a great time and uses humor to explore the Filipino diaspora, queerness and badass women.

Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl

Photo: Courtesy of Gunstock Ranch

Play Like a Paniolo at Gunstock Ranch

Family Fun Night: Monday, Oct. 7, 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Music With Moonpie: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 9:30 a.m.

All About Horses: Thursday, Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m.

Wannabe cowboys and cowgirls can live out their dreams at three family-friendly events this fall break. Make s’mores around the campfire, learn to line dance and ride a pony at Family Fun Night on Monday, Oct. 7. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, join a sign-a-long with Moonpie the Cow in the petting zoo. Lastly, on Thursday, Oct. 10, horse lovers will learn all about the animal and even have the chance to paint one!

REGISTER

Free admission, $5 pony walks, $5 s’mores kits, $5 activity kits, registration is encouraged but not required, 56-250 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, gunstockranch.com, @gunstockranch

SEE ALSO: Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals on O‘ahu

Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Humane Society

Take a Shelter Dog on a Field Trip

If your kids love dogs, but you’re not ready to add one to your family permanently, check out the newly launched ‘Īlio Explorers program from the Hawaiian Humane Society. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can sign up to take a shelter dog on an outing to a park, beach or a restaurant.

$50 field trip donation fee (kama‘āina), available at the Mō‘ili‘ili Campus and Kosasa Family Campus at Ho‘opili in ‘Ewa Beach, hawaiianhumane.org, @hawaiianhumane

SEE ALSO: Instant Mood Booster: Take a Shelter Dog Out on a Field Trip

Photo: Courtesy of International Market Place

Eat for Free at International Market Place

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Take a night off from cooking and treat your ‘ohana to dinner out. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, keiki under age 12 will enjoy a complimentary meal from the kid’s menu when accompanied by two paying adults at three participating restaurants: Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi, Moani Waikiki and Stripsteak Waikiki, as part of Grand Lānai Restaurant Week.

2330 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, shopinternationalmarketplace.com, @intlmktplace

SEE ALSO: The Delicious Details for Grand Lānai Restaurant Week at International Market Place!

Work in the Dirt at Kahumana Farm

Join the work crew at this 31-acre organic farm in Wai‘anae for its volunteer days, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. See how food is grown, weed the fields, wash produce, pack veggies, build meal kits and more. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen and a hat and wear closed-toed shoes.

Free, 86-660 Lualualei Homestead Rd., Wai‘anae, kahumana.org, @kahumanaorganicfarm

Game at Dave & Buster’s

Plan a midweek trip to Dave & Buster’s when the arcade games are half price every Wednesday. Challenge each other to classics like Skee-Ball and air hokey or play the jumbo version of Hungry Hungry Hippos and the fishing simulation game, Wicked Tuna.

Power Cards start at $15 for 60 chips, 1030 Auahi St., daveandbusters.com, @daveandbusters

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Get a Mini Makeover

Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12

Celebrate the grand opening of Storybook Station’s new location at Pearlridge Center. 15-minute express makeovers ($20) will be available to transform your little one into an enchanted character with face and nail painting. Then watch the interactive princess show on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 1 p.m.

Pearlridge Center Downtown, next to Tilt in the former Journeys space, 98-105 Moanalua Rd., storybookstationhawaii.com, @storybookhawaii

Photo: Courtesy of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System

Attend Story Time

Listen to your favorite librarian share a children’s classic or a new page-tuner at read aloud sessions across the island.

• Monday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. at Kapolei Library, 1020 Manawai St.
• Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. at Mānoa Library, 2716 Woodlawn Dr.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 9:15 a.m. at Hawai‘i Kai Library, 249 Lunalilo Home Rd.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 9:30 a.m. at Nanakuli Library, 89-070 Farrington Hwy.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. at Kailua Library, 239 Kuulei Rd.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Hawai‘i Kai Library, 249 Lunalilo Home Rd.
• Thursday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. at Kapolei Library, 1020 Manawai St.
• Thursday, Oct. 10, at 9:30 a.m. Salt Lake-Moanalua Library, 3225 Salt Lake Blvd.
• Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at Waimānalo Library, 41-1320 Kalanianaole Hwy.
• Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at Kāne‘ohe Library, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy.
• Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at Windward Mall Center Court, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy.

librarieshawaii.org, @hsplshigov