MākekeMaps
Weekly field guides

The week in brief

This Week in Hawaii Markets and Community Life: July 11-18, 2026

Local makers in Honolulu, a ten-day Koloa celebration, and a Kakaako night market made this a week for choosing one strong island plan.

July 11-18, 2026

This week is a good example of why Hawaii plans work best when they stay local. Shop directly from makers at Ala Moana, build a South Shore Kauai weekend around Koloa Plantation Days, or save Saturday night for Kakaako's food, retail, and entertainment. Each option rewards committing to its own neighborhood instead of trying to chase all three.

Worth making time for

Three different ways to spend time with local makers and community programming, each on its own island.

  1. Saturday in Honolulu

    Meet local makers at Ala Moana

    Mālama Hawai'i Makers Market brought local artists, makers, designers, collectors, and food vendors together at Ala Moana Center for its July edition.

    Why it matters: It is a practical shopping stop for people who want to meet small local businesses in one place instead of relying on a generic souvenir run.

    When
    Saturday, July 11
    Where
    Ala Moana Center, Honolulu
    Plan
    Mall Level 2, Mauka Wing

    Best for: gift buyers; people who want to browse local art, design, and food vendors

    See market detailsMarket organizer

  2. Opens Friday on Kauai

    Build a South Shore weekend around Kōloa Plantation Days

    Kōloa Plantation Days opened a ten-day program across Old Kōloa Town and the South Shore, with a parade, craft fair, culinary market, workshops, and the annual park celebration on the calendar.

    Why it matters: The program gives visitors more than one reason to spend time in Kōloa, from food and maker events to community history, without needing to force the whole festival into one afternoon.

    When
    Friday, July 17-Monday, July 27
    Where
    Old Kōloa Town and the South Shore
    Cost
    Most events are free; the Park Celebration has admission

    Best for: Kauai visitors with a flexible South Shore itinerary; people interested in local history, food, and community events

    See festival detailsFestival program

  3. Saturday night in Kakaako

    Make an evening of Honolulu Night Market

    Honolulu Night Market returned to Kakaako with local food and retail vendors, live entertainment, and cultural programming across an outdoor neighborhood event.

    Why it matters: It is the most social option in this week's list: a way to browse local vendors, eat, and stay out for an evening program rather than make a quick retail stop.

    When
    Saturday, July 18
    Where
    Kakaako, Honolulu
    Plan
    Parking is available nearby; rideshare is encouraged

    Best for: groups looking for a Saturday night plan; people who want food, local retail, and live entertainment in one place

    See market detailsOrganizer event page