HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Honolulu Museum of Art is gearing up for a fantastic July with lots of fun activities for everyone. Lesa Griffith, the Chief Communications Officer at the museum, shared with KHON2.com some of the exciting events happening this month.
One of the highlights is HoMA Nights, which has been a popular event for about two years.
“We started it after the pandemic subsided, and we are revamping what happens on Fridays here,” Griffith said. The museum stays open until 9 p.m. every Friday, providing a perfect way to kick off the weekend.
On Friday, July 19th, the band Tuesday on Mars will be performing live. There will also be lawn games in the central courtyard and a special surf film screening called Corners of the Earth, Kamchatka.
“People can have dinner and drinks in our cafe, get a gourmet burger and some rosé to go with it. It’s a perfect evening,” Griffith added.
The museum is also hosting its 15th Honolulu Star Film Festival.
“This year it opens with The Shape of Things, the Dick Brewer Story,” Griffith shared.
Dick Brewer is a legendary surfboard shaper, and this documentary is the first about his life and work. The opening reception on July 11th is already sold out, but there are still tickets available for the film screening.
Besides HoMA Nights and the film festival, the museum offers various activities throughout the month. Visitors can explore the art galleries, participate in art workshops, and enjoy the beautiful museum grounds.
The Honolulu Museum of Art is not just about looking at art; it’s about experiencing it. From live music and films to delicious food and engaging activities, there’s something for everyone. As Griffith put it, “It’s a great way to start the weekend and enjoy the vibrant culture and community at the museum.”
So, mark your calendars and make sure to visit the Honolulu Museum of Art this July for a month full of fun and enriching experiences!
Friday, July 11
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival runs from July 11 to Aug. 4, showcasing surf films and events. The festival opens with “The Shape of Things: The Dick Brewer Story” on July 11, with a reception at 6 p.m. and the film at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $40 for members and $45 for general admission. Regular film tickets are $12 for members and $15 for general admission. The closing event on Aug. 4 features Bud Browne’s “Locked In!” with a special panel discussion.
This chronicle of surfing’s “da Vinci of design” dives into the mysterious and rollercoaster life of Dick Brewer at the forefront of a burgeoning surf culture in the 1960s and 70s. Post-screening discussions with the filmmakers and special guests to follow both screenings.
For more details, click here.
Saturday, July 12
Music: Temple Waves; Palm Courtyard; 6-8 p.m.
Activity: Social Scavenger Hunt; Palm Courtyard; 6-7 p.m.; chance to win two VIP passes to the Honolulu Surf Film Festival.
Artmaking Workshop: Composition and Design: An Artist’s Perspective; 6 p.m.; Registration required, click here.
Film: Maya and the Wave; Doris Duke Theatre; 7 p.m.
Café: Dinner and drinks.
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Point of Change Directed by Rebecca Coley. 2023. UK. 90 min. Screenings: Friday, July 12 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, July 14 at 2 p.m. Summary: In 1975, two surfers find the perfect wave on Indonesia’s Nias island, causing unintended consequences. Screens with “Movers and Shapers.”
Maya and the Wave Directed by Stephanie Johnes. 2022. USA. 95 min. Screening: Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m. Summary: After a brush with death, Maya Gabeira makes history in the male-dominated world of big wave surfing.
Sunday, July 13
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Many Classic Moments Directed by Gary Capo. 1978. USA. 70 min. Screenings: Saturday, July 13 at 2 p.m. and Friday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Summary: A restored 1978 classic featuring surfers like Dane Kealoha and Mark Liddell, with footage from O‘ahu and a soundtrack by Kalapana. Preceded by “Surf Wars.”
The Road to Patagonia Directed by Matty Hannon. 2023. Australia. 91 min. Screenings: Saturday, July 13 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, July 18 at 2 p.m. Summary: This documentary follows a surfer’s journey from Alaska to Patagonia by motorcycle and horse. Preceded by “Kin.”
Friday, July 19
Music: Tuesday on Mars.
Activity: Lawn games; Central Courtyard; 6-9 p.m.
Film: Corners of the Earth: Kamchatka; Doris Duke Theatre; 7 p.m.
Café: Dinner and drinks.
Art Talk: How Miyabi Works; Gallery 3; 7 p.m.
Included with museum admission, free for residents and members, registration required. Click here.
HoMA Nights guests can get the inside scoop on art during the period covered in the Hulu series “Shogun.” Robert Huey, University of Hawai’i Professor of Japanese Literature, will be in the exhibition “Miyabi: Renaissance of Court Culture” to talk about how miyabi, translated as “courtly elegance,” is achieved in traditional Japanese culture. According to Huey, miyabi comes through competition, ordering, and polishing, and relies on a shared understanding of the cultural past.
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Corners of the Earth: Kamchatka Directed by Spencer Frost. 2023. Australia. 90 minutes. Screening: Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m. Summary: Filmmakers and surfers explore the frozen, unexplored coastline of Russia’s far east in search of new waves. Preceded by “Bloody Mess.”
Saturday, July 20
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Trilogy: New Wave Directed by Andrew Mackenzie. 2024. USA. 73 min. Screening: Saturday, July 20 at 7 p.m. Summary: Follow top surfers Griffin Colapinto, Seth Moniz, and Ethan Ewing on an epic eight-trip surf adventure.
Sunday, July 21
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool Directed by Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday. 2023. Hawaiʻi. 39 min. Screening: Sunday, July 21 at 2 p.m. Summary: This film showcases Maui surf instructor Bull “Bully” Kotter and his impact on the community. Followed by a Q&A with the directors and cast. Preceded by “Ministry of Surf.”
Thursday, July 25
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Calypte Directed by Ishka Folkwell. 2023. Australia. 88 min. Screening: Thursday, July 25 at 2 p.m. Summary: Torren Martyn and Aiyana Powell embark on an epic surfing and sailing adventure in Southeast Asia.
Friday, July 26
Music: Backset Band; Palm Courtyard; 6-8 p.m.
Activity: Lawn games; Central Courtyard; 6-9 p.m.
Film: Surf Like a Girl 2024; Doris Duke Theatre; 7 p.m.
Local Designer Pop-up: Malai Hawaii; HoMA Shop; 4-8 p.m.
Café: Dinner and drinks.
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Spotlight: Basque Country Screening: Friday, July 26 at 2 p.m. Summary: Watch three films highlighting the history of surfing in the Basque Country and the adventures of its surfers and filmmakers.
Saturday, July 27
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Convergence Directed by Perry Gershkow. 2023. USA. 43 min. Screenings: Saturday, July 27 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. Summary: Follow California surf icons Conner Coffin, Nate Tyler, and Greyson Fletcher as they travel up the coast to surf, skate, and reflect on their journey. Preceded by “Spicy Knives.” Q&A with director Perry Gershkow on Aug. 1.
Wave Warriors Directed by Bill Philips. 1985. USA. 40 min. Screenings:
Screening time: 7 p.m.
This restored 1980s classic showcases surfing legends at Sunset and Pipeline. Includes a post-screening panel discussion with special guests.
Sunday, July 28
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea–Sovereignty Restoration Day
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Kamaʻāina receive free museum entrance. HoMA invites the public to join the festivities at Thomas Square Park and then visit the museum to see exhibitions like “Ke Kumu Aupuni” and “Kapulani Landgraf: ‘Au‘a.”
Art Talk: Kū I Ka Mana: Caring for Communities
Time: 2 p.m.; Place: Doris Duke Theatre. As part of the “Kapulani Landgraf: ‘Au‘a” program, artist Kapulani Landgraf and community leaders discuss traditional practices to empower Kanaka ‘Ōiwi communities. Included with museum admission, free for members, registration required at honolulumuseum.org/events.
Friday, Aug. 2
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Some Like It Classic Directed by Romain Juchereau. 2024. USA. 74 min.
Screening time: 7 p.m. A 16mm film documenting longboarding and hotdogging, highlighting influential surfboard design evolutions.
Wave Warriors Directed by Bill Philips. 1985. USA. 40 min. Screenings:
Time: 2 p.m. This restored 1980s classic showcases surfing legends at Sunset and Pipeline. Includes a post-screening panel discussion with special guests.
Saturday, Aug. 3
The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival film showings:
Of the Sea (Sou Do Mar) Directed by Bruno Lemos. 2023. Brazil/Hawaiʻi. 75 min.
Screening time: 2 p.m. The story of Brazilian surfer Bruno Lemos, who became a successful surf photographer in Hawaiʻi.
For a complete listing of all showtimes for all films, click here.
There is much to discover this month at HoMA. It’s a cultural experience that few in the world have the privilege of experiencing.