7 Free Events in Honolulu to Catch in November 2018

Share your gratitude for the community and prepare for the holiday season by getting a headstart on gifts at these local events.

By Marisa Hartzell

Surf Art & the Surfer by Surfing the Nations

Nov. 2–3

Photo: Courtesy of Surfing the Nations

The local humanitarian group, Surfing the Nations, holds an evening of local grinds, art and live entertainment for its Sixth Annual Surf Art & The Surfer event. Don’t miss an opportunity to browse (and buy) the surf-inspired art, pick up food and watch the open mic to discover new musicians and entertainers at the two-night event.

6–10 p.m., Surfing the Nations, 56 Ohai St., Wahiawā, surfingthenations.com.

Arbor Day Honolulu Festival

Nov. 3

Photo: Courtesy of Foster Botanical Gardens

Did you know Arbor Day in each state is determined by the best tree-planting times in each area? Seize the opportunity by celebrating Arbor Day at Foster Botanical Garden. Grab a free tree (one plant per family, whiles supplies last) and enjoy free admission to the beautiful 14-acre sanctuary in the middle of Downtown. Besides the art displays, kids activities and live performances, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the types of trees that would work in your yard and the important role they play in our environment.

9 a.m.–2 p.m., Foster Botanical Garden, 180 North Vineyard Blvd., eventbrite.com.

Loko Ea Fishpond Community Workday

Nov. 10

Photo: Courtesy of Mālama Ea Foundation

Every third Saturday of the month, Mālama Ea Foundation holds a workday at the 400-year-old Loko Ea or “rising pond.” Bring the entire ʻohana, gloves and food to share (light lunch will also be provided), and don’t miss this special opportunity to connect with the land and the community.

8:45 a.m.–12 p.m., Loko Ea Fishpond, 62-540B Kamehameha Highway, Haleʻiwa, lokea.org.

Kalākaua Festival

Nov. 10

Photo: Courtesy of Millwood ʻOhana Productions

If you want to shop, eat and support local businesses to benefit the Hawaiʻi Special Olympics, mark your calendar for the Kalākaua Festival. The block party that stretches between Seaside and Kapahulu avenues will feature farm-to-table samples from Hawaiian Fresh Farms, food vendors, crafts and keiki rides.

4–10 p.m., Kalākaua Avenue between Seaside and Kapahulu avenues, milwoodohanaproductions.com.

Paʻakai Marketplace

Nov. 16

Photo: Courtesy of Salt at Our Kakaʻako

Billed as a cultural showcase, catch the monthly Paʻakai Marketplace at Salt at Our Kakaʻako focuses on local vendors and artists. Bring the whole ʻohana (and your furry family members since Salt is pet-friendly) to shop, stop by the spin-the-wheel to win prizes and listen to live entertainers including Jason Midro and Daniel Nakashima.

5 p.m., The Barn at Salt at our Kakaʻako, 691 Auahi St., saltatkakaako.com.

Waikīkī Holiday Parade

Nov. 23

Photo: Courtesy of Waikīkī Holiday Parade



The annual Waikīkī Holiday Parade marches down Kalākaua Avenue every year to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor and honor the American military. Thousands of spectators are expected to gather around the streets to watch as local and Mainland marching bands make their way from Fort Derussy to Kapiʻolani Park for a colorful holiday spectacle.

Starts 7 p.m. at Fort De Russy, Kalākaua Avenue, waikikiholidayparade.com.

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

Holding periods:

Hawaiian Pro, Haleʻiwa, Nov. 12–24

Vans World Cup of Surfing, Sunset, Nov. 25–Dec. 6

Billabong Pipe Masters, Pipeline, Dec. 8–20

Photo: Courtesy of World Surf League

Get your low-back chairs, binoculars and cameras ready to watch some of the best surfers on the planet fight for the title of the Vans World Cup Champion on the 7-mile miracle that is Oʻahu’s North Shore. The Vans Triple Crown is comprised of three events: Hawaiian Pro, Vans World Cup of Surfing, and the Billabong Pipe Masters. Witness the power and beauty of the North Shore swells, as well as some jaw-dropping barrels and wipe-outs that will likely remind you why we leave this to the professionals.

Check vanstriplecrown.com to see when competitions will go.