Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Sept. 26–Oct. 1, 2018

Experience HONOLULU’s premier dining event, celebrate two chic anniversaries, pound some poke.

By Marisa Heung

PHOTO: ross d. hamamura/sony

35th Annual Hale ‘Aina Awards Celebration

Sunday, Sept. 30, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Get out your forks: HONOLULU’s premier dining event returns this Sunday at The Royal Hawaiian. The 35th annual Hale ‘Aina Awards celebrates the Islands’ best chefs and restaurants, and you’re invited to join us for an evening indulging on award-winning dishes by some of Hawai‘i’s most-loved restaurants: Artizen by MW, Koko Head Café, Pai Honolulu, The Pig & The Lady, Pint + Jigger and more. Plus, sip on signature cocktails, wine and beer, and enjoy live entertainment all night long.

$150, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, 2259 Kalākaua Ave. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.

This month’s Weekend Picks Sponsored by:

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Honolulu PokeFest

Saturday, Sept. 29, 4 to 8 p.m.

Often imitated, never duplicated. While the raw-fish dish can now be found on restaurant menus across the Mainland, locals know that Hawai‘i still reigns as poke capital of the world. Following the success of last year’s inaugural PokeFest, Frolic Hawai‘i’s foodie event returns to Honolulu for round two. Held at Ala Moana Center this year (at the covered lot fronting Morton’s The Steakhouse), PokeFest will feature 15 locally loved poke vendors offering multiple poke dishes plus all-new creations just for the event. Poke lovers with giant appetites are invited to compete in its first-ever Poke Pound eating contest for the chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas. Admission is free, but we suggest buying a PokePass, which allows you to bypass long lines and includes either six (for the $35 pass) or 10 (for the $50 pass) appetizer-size portions from your choice of vendors.

Free admission, Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., covered lot behind Morton’s The Steakhouse. For more information and to purchase a PokePass, go here.

photo: courtesy of aloha festivals

Aloha Festivals Floral Parade

Saturday, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m.

As part of its monthlong event, Aloha Festivals’ 72nd Floral Parade brings Hawaiian culture to Kalākaua Avenue. Each year, hundreds line the street to watch the colorful procession filled with Hawaiian music, flower-decorated floats, hula dancers and local marching bands. Step back in time as pā‘ū queens from every island ride in style, from Ala Moana Beach Park to Kapi‘olani Park.

Free, Kalākaua Avenue. For more information, go here.

SEE ALSO: The 8 Best Things to Do in September 2018

Anniversaries: Allison Izu and Tara Boone Design House

Ladies, this weekend is about to be one of your chicest yet. Not one but two local boutiques are celebrating milestone birthdays with special discounts and new markdowns over the week. Show love for your local girl bosses Allison Izu Song and Tara Boone while scoring deals on new fashions. Allison Izu marks 10 years in business with the release of brand-new styles and special deals throughout the week. Tara Boone Design House in Kāhala Mall, owned and curated by fierce fashionista Tara Boone, specializes in fun, whimsical and colorful clothing and accessories from around the world. The boutique celebrates its first birthday this Saturday through Monday with special markdowns—ranging from 10 to 50 percent off—on select items.

Allison Izu, 1114 11th Ave. For more information, follow on Facebook or Instagram. Tara Boone Design House, Kāhala Mall, 4211 Wai‘alae Ave. For more information, visit taraboonedesignhouse.com or follow on Instagram.

SEE ALSO: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Local Designer Tara Boone

Looking for more things to do? Check out our events calendar.

Looking for fun new ways to experience the city? HONOLULU’s got you covered with HNLTix, your brand-new local resource for all things social—fundraisers, concerts, comedy shows, expos and everything in between. Discover your next can’t-miss event, share your favorites with friends, or promote your own event and sell tickets online. To see what’s coming up next in Honolulu, visit HNLTix.com.

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