Hawaii may seem like the land of perpetual summer, but it’s not official until the summer solstice, which is today. Along with south shore swells, summer also brings the longest days of the year, with as much as 2 1⁄2 hours of additional daylight. Here are some ideas for making the most of your extended twilight time.

Outdoor fun & fitness

>> Take a soothing swim at your favorite beach or grab a surfboard, paddle board, kayak or canoe to unwind after a long day at work. Visit oceansafety.soest.hawaii.edu for current weather and surf conditions, jellyfish warnings, safety alerts and to find out where lifeguards are posted.

>> Take a walk around your neighborhood or a public park with friends, or join in evening exercise classes at Kapiolani, Ala Moana and other parks. One option is Tai Chi with Gregory Yuen from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Kapiolani Park. Call 599-5050.

Garden strolls and more

>> Enjoy a Garden Night Walk at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 13. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Located at 45-680 Luluku Road; call 233-7323.

>> The free Twilight Summer Concert Series at Foster Botanical Garden continues from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday with Steve Min & His Ohana. Other entertainers scheduled for the series of Thursday concerts are Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii (June 30); Saloon Pilots (July 7); KFC-Hawaiian Music: Keith Haugen, Frank Uyehara & Carmen Haugen (July 14), Manoa Strings (July 21); artist to be announced (July 28).  Located at 50 N. Vineyard Blvd.; call 522-7064.

>> On July 16, frolic at a Midsummer Night’s Gleam from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Foster Botanical Garden, where 2,500 luminaries will light up the garden’s pathways. The free festivities include Scottish dancers, a Chinese lion dance and the Chris Yeh Quartet, plus children’s activities from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

>> Hike the Makapuu Lighthouse trail. Give yourself a couple of hours to enjoy spectacular ocean and shoreline views on this 2-mile round-trip hike on a paved trail. Even late in the day it can get hot, so bring sun protection and water. The trailhead is off Kalanianaole Highway within the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline. The trail closes at 7:45 p.m. (through Labor Day); go to www.hawaiistateparks.org.

>> Visit Downtown art galleries, bistros, boutiques and more during First Friday festivities from 5 to 9 p.m. on, naturally, the first Friday of each month. For a less-hectic alternative, go on the third Fridays for Slow Art Fridays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Check www.firstfridayhawaii.com for more information.

>> Enjoy the Kualoa Sunset Experience at Kualoa Ranch on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The package includes a tour of the ranch and movie sites, an ancient fishpond, a gardens tour and buffet dinner of ribeye, macadamia-crusted mahi mahi and grilled island chicken. Cost is $89; $55 for children. Call 237-7321.  

Summer concerts

>> The Waikiki Aquarium presents its Ke Kani O Ke Kai summer concert series, with Olomana performing June 30, Amy Hanaiali‘i on July 14, Na Palapalai with Mailani on July 28, and Brothers Cazimero on Aug. 11. All shows begin at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 ($15 for keiki ages 7 to 12; under 6 free). Call 550-8457 or visit www.honoluluboxoffice.com.

>> At the Honolulu Zoo, spread out a blanket and feast on a picnic dinner or concession stand food while enjoying the Wildest Show Summer Concert Series at 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 10. Performers include Roy Sakuma and Friends on Wednesday; Kelly Boy Delima (June 29); Manoa DNA (July 6); Ukulele Extravaganza featuring Ohta San (July 13); Melveen Leed (July 20); Jimmy Borges and His Jazz Friends (July 27); Frank Delima (Aug. 3) and Hookena (Aug. 10). Admission is $3; proceeds benefit the Honolulu Zoo Society’s conservation education programs. Call 926-3191 or visit www.honzoosoc.org.

>> Amy Hanaiali‘i headlines the Summer Sunset Concert from 4 to 9 p.m. Aug. 14 at Lani­kuhonua Cultural Institute, 92-1101 Aliinui Drive in Kapolei. Na Palapalai and kumu hula O’Brian Eselu with Halau Ke Kai O Kahiki will also perform. Food and drinks from Pat’s Piggery, Poke Stop, Waialua Soda and Erin’s Shave Ice can be purchased on-site. Tickets are $30 at the concierge desk at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, or purchase by calling 550-8457 or visit www.honoluluboxoffice.com.

Twilight tours

>> Observe the after-hours behavior of the exotic animals at the Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki during Twilight Tours, offered from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The tours are geared toward children ages 5 and up. It’s $10 for children ages 4 to 12, $14 for everyone else ($2 discount for members).

>> Stargazing at the Zoo happens from 6:30 to 9 p.m. July 22 and Aug. 19, with a short animal tour followed by a Starlab presentation by the University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy and stargazing with telescopes. Cost is $12 for children ages 4 to 12, $16 for others.

Call 971-7195 or email education@honzoosoc.org.