Oahu Events
December
Jazz in The Gallery
Third Thursdays
A monthly dinner concert series featuring jazz artists, fine dining, fine wine and spirits. Reservations recommended. 6 to 9 p.m. Formaggio Grill, (808) 254-8888
Bishop Museum After Hours
Second Fridays
Museum exhibits are open for viewing from 5:30 to 9 p.m., along with cultural demonstrations, keiki activities and a night market with food trucks and local vendors. Bishop Museum, (808) 847-3511
HoMA Nights
Every Friday and Saturday
Honolulu Museum of Art remains open until 9 p.m. with opportunities to explore the galleries, stargaze in the courtyards and enjoy live art experiences and music. Honolulu Museum of Art, (808) 532-8700
Made with Aloha Gift Fair
Every third Saturday and Sunday
Support dozens of small local businesses, selling their handcrafted jewelry, baked goods, unique apparel, charms and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Pearlridge Center, (808) 689-9091
PENNY ’S WAIKIKI - MALASADAS Royal Hawaiian Center, Honolulu Fresh, hot and made-to-order … the best malasadas in Waikiki! Located on the second floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center food court, enjoy pillowy, sugary, delicious malasadas with various sugar dustings or crème filled flavors like coconut, ube, nutella or original custard. Get your malasada fix daily from 6a – 9p! (808) 744-0422pennyswaikiki.com |
RAINBOW DRIVE-IN Kapahulu, Kalihi, Pearlridge, Ewa, Family owned since 1961, Rainbow Drive-In is known for their generous portions of simple, hearty Hawaii comfort food. Stop by one of four locations for the best Loco Moco or a delicious plate lunch. After enjoying a famous Slush Float for dessert, leave with one of our exclusive logo-emblazoned merch items from the Rainbow Tiki shop. (808) 737-0177rainbowdrivein.com |
Haoleland
Through 12/3
When a wealthy Native Hawaiian developer proposes a theme park exploring the influences of Caucasians in Hawaiʻi, the Board of Commissioners debates the proposal and confronts their shared complicity in a complicated Island history. Kumu Kahua Theatre, (808) 536-4441
Project Banaba
Through 2/18/2024
The Project Banaba exhibition by Katerina Teaiwa commemorates the history of Banaba Island in the Pacific Ocean, which was destroyed by environmentally devastating phosphate mining during the 20th century. Bishop Museum, (808) 847-3511
Honolulu City Lights
Throughout December
The City and County of Honolulu throws a month-long Christmas lights and decorations display. Opening night on December 2 includes the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade, tree lighting ceremony and food booths. Free. Honolulu Hale, honolulucitylights.org
Loud Luxury
12/1
Canadian music production and DJ duo Loud Luxury consisting of Andrew Fedyk and Joe Depace perform. The Republik, (808) 941-7469
Trey Kennedy
12/1
Stand-up comedian, podcaster and social media personality Trey Kennedy performs as part of his Grow Up tour. Hawai‘i Theatre Center, (808) 528-0506
AESTHETIC HAWAII GALLERY KAILUA 602 Kailua Road, Kailua From the founders of Genesis Gallery in Waikoloa for 30 years to the next generation, Aesthetic Hawaii in Kailua, Oahu is one of the state's largest galleries, representing more than forty artists from the Islands and beyond. Aesthetic Hawaii features paintings, glass, wood sculpture and jewelry by artists including Heather Brown, NEILL, Tabora, Coleman, Garcia, Palm and more. Aesthetic Hawaii is locally owned and operated. (808) 990-3248 |
HapaSymphony featuring Na Leo Pilimehana
12/2
Kick off the holiday festivities with Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning group Na Leo Pilimehana. Hawaii Theatre Center, (808) 528-0506
Don McLean
12/2&3
Don McLean is one of America's most enduring singer-songwriters and is forever associated with his classic hits “American Pie” and “Vincent.” Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
HSO - Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony
12/3
The sounds of India and East Asia in Hovhaness’ Silver Pilgrimage, written in and for Hawai‘i join Schwertsik’s Shrunken Symphony and Mozart’s final symphony. Hawaii Theatre Center, (808) 528-0506
McKinley High School Christmas Craft Fair
12/3
Support the McKinley High School Band and Orchestra by shopping for unique decorations, handmade jewelry and thoughtful presents. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. McKinley High School, (808) 594-0400
Comedy Brunch with Frank DeLima
12/3
Frank DeLima is one of Hawaii's most popular and beloved comedians. For more than 45 years, this award-winning comic has been entertaining local residents and tourists alike with his zany parodies, outrageous sense of humor and spontaneous creativity. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Hana Hou Holiday Market
12/3,10 & 17
A pop-up market and showcase featuring furniture makers, artisans, jewelry makers, clothing designers, food vendors, and more. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Aloha Home Market Kailua, (808) 782-7576
An Evening of Jazz
12/4
Willie Bradley and Jesse “JT Jazz” Thompson perform along with special guests RiShon Odel, Riya Davis and Award-Winning Guitarist Nils. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
12/6
The music of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed under the gentle glow of candlelight in a live, multi-sensory musical experience. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Kaimukī Christmas Parade
12/7
A neighborhood parade featuring schools, bands, local businesses, legislators and council representatives and Santa Claus. The event also marks the official lighting of the Kaimukī Christmas tree on the top of Pu‘u o Kaimukī. 6 p.m. Wai‘alae Avenue, kaimukihawaii.com
Cherry Poppin' Daddies Tiki Christmas
12/7
Following their rise to fame in the ’90s with a blend of punk, ska and swing, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies have become known for penning lush arrangements of songbook classics. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
WAIMEA VALLEY 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa Waimea Valley is a wahi pana (storied place) deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Today Waimea is home to six cultural sites and 5,000 unique plants from all over the world. Allow the wonders of Waimea to speak to you as you walk through this place of healing. Experience the tranquility and the sites that hark back to a bygone era in Hawaii’s history. (808) 638-7766 |
YOUNG’S FISH MARKET City Square Shopping Center, Kapolei Commons Home of the famous laulau! Young’s Fish Market has been Hawai‘i’s go-to for delicious local foods since 1951. Laulau, kalua pork, poke and more... We have everything to satisfy your Hawaiian-food cravings. Want to send a taste of Hawai‘i to loved ones on the mainland? Send a Laulau Care Package delivered right to their door! Visit our website for information! (808) 841-4885 |
Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
12/7
Helicopters, marching bands and floats parade in Waikīkī on the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The event honors Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans, active-duty military and their families. Kalākaua Avenue, pearlharborparade.org
I'll Be Seeing You
12/8
A live radio show featuring musical hits of 1940s jazz, swing, big band, blues, the great American songbook, and the golden age of Hawaiian. Featuring a revised script from the sold-out 2021 production. STUDIO 101, (808) 596-7858
ARMNHMR
12/8&9
From remixes and EPs to their debut album “The Free World,” duo ARMNHMR intertwines ethereal melodies with expertly crafted heart-pounding bass drops. The Republik, (808) 941-7469
Wayne Newton
12/8–10
Mr. Las Vegas himself, entertainment superstar Wayne Newton is known for his iconic signature song, “Danke Schoen” in addition to countless other top hit singles. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
All that Sparkles Holiday Market
12/9
A pop-up market and showcase featuring furniture makers, artisans, jewelry makers, clothing designers, food vendors, and more. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Ala Moana Shopping Center, (808) 782-7576
Holiday Craft and Collectibles Fair
12/9
Vendors from around the island share their collections of artwork, swords, pottery, kimonos, jewelry and textiles. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, (808) 945-7633
Kalākaua Merrie Mile
12/9
This easy, one-mile run is held the day before the Honolulu Marathon, ending with a party on Queen’s Beach with live music and post-race fun. The race begins at 7 a.m. Kalākaua Avenue, honolulumarathon.org
Honolulu Marathon
12/10
The Honolulu Marathon is the fourth-largest marathon in the United States, attracting more than thirty thousand runners annually. The scenic 26.2-mile course includes views of Waikīkī, Diamond Head, Koko Head and Koko Crater. 5 a.m. Downtown, honolulumarathon.org
I'll Be Seeing You Fundraiser
12/10
Support Hawai‘i Opera Theatre and STUDIO101 with this live radio show featuring musical hits of 1940s jazz, swing, big band, blues, the great American songbook, and the golden age of Hawaiian. Includes high tea, champagne, dessert and a cast meet-and-greet after the show. STUDIO 101, (808) 596-7858
Frank Sinatra Birthday Celebration
12/12
Native New Yorker and trumpeter Mike Lewis presents a celebration of what would be Frank Sinatra's 108th birthday with his very own Big Band. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Sheila E & The E-Train
12/13&14
Sheila E is a world-class drummer and percussionist, GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Hawaii Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
12/16&17
An annual craft fair with Hawai‘i-made jewelry, toys, clothes, snacks, ornaments and more for holiday shopping along with holiday activities. Neal Blaisdell Center, (808) 223-6040
Hoʻokena For the Holidays
12/17
Four-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners and three-time GRAMMY Award nominees, Ho‘okena is recognized for their excellence in recording, composing and creating Hawaiian contemporary music. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Bank of Hawaii Family Sundays
12/17
HoMA offers creative activities for keiki of all ages, community-focused programming, and entertainment. Free museum admission for local residents. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Honolulu Museum of Art, (808) 532-8700
Alvvays
12/18
Canadian dreampop band Alvvays performs. This is an All Ages accompanied by an adult event. The Republik, (808) 941-7469
A Raiatea Christmas
12/18
Chamber Music Hawaii presents an evening of holiday classics sung by renowned musician and falsetto singer Raiatea Helm and backed by the Honolulu Brass Quintet. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Nurse Blake: Shock Advised
12/21
Nurse, creator, advocate and touring comedian Nurse Blake shares new stories with a comedic twist of the ins and outs of being a nurse as part of his Shock Advised tour. Hawaii Theatre Center, (808) 528-0506
Candlelight Holiday
12/21
The music of holiday classics like Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite performed under the gentle glow of candlelight in a live, multi-sensory musical experience. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic
12/21,22 & 24
The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, an eight-team men’s college basketball
tournament, features twelve games over three days. Stan Sheriff Center, (808) 523-3688
BAT TLESHIP MISSOURI MEMORIAL Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu Complete your Pearl Harbor experience. The USS Missouri is no ordinary ship—it is America’s most historic battleship. Home to 2,700 sailors, nine 66-foot-long guns, 1,220 projectiles and a deck big enough to host a surrender ceremony presided over by General Douglas MacArthur. Ask about the new Captain’s Tour and Chief Engineer’s Tour. Shuttle service from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial visitors center included with admission. (808) 455-1600 |
2023 EasyPost Hawai‘i Bowl
12/23
One of the biggest bowl games of the college football world, the annual Hawai‘i Bowl is a
local holiday tradition. Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, thehawaiibowl.com
A Charlie Brown Christmas
12/24&25
Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. Mike Lewis presents the 7th annual celebration of the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s classic soundtrack. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
KSSK Presents John Tesh Big Band Live
12/26–28
Over the course of a staggering 50 recordings and numerous popular PBS specials spread over a quarter-century, John Tesh has never failed to inspire masses of fans with his always-evolving musical muses. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Tom Segura Live
12/30
Stand-up comedian Tom Segura is known for his Netflix specials Ball Hog, Disgraceful, Completely Normal and Mostly Stories, as well as co-hosting and producing a number of comedy podcasts. Blaisdell Arena, (808) 768-5252
The Clairvoyants Holiday Spectacular
12/30
Amélie van Tass and Thommy Ten are “The Clairvoyants,” and award-winning mentalism entertainment duo bringing their mix of mind-reading, magic tricks and illusions to the stage. Hawaii Theatre Center, (808) 528-0506
January
Fukubukuro
1/1
Celebrate a Japanese New Year’s Day tradition with more than forty participating retailers by purchasing a happy grab bag filled with merchandise worth at least double the sales price. Ala Moana Center, (808) 955-9517
Old Dominion
1/4
Current Country Music Awards Vocal Group of the Year and Album of the Year nominees Old Dominion perform as part of their No Bad Vibes Tour. Blaisdell Arena, (808) 768-5252
93.9 The Beat and Hawaii News Now Presents Luenell
1/4
Luenell is the self-proclaimed “Original Bad Girl of Comedy.” She may be small in stature, but she more than makes up for it with her big personality, booming voice and infectious laughter. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Hawaii Pop Con 2024
1/6&7
Hawai‘i’s largest sports, trading cards and pop culture convention features vendors, meet and greets, live performances and more. Blaisdell Arena, (808) 768-5252
2024 Sony Open
1/8–14
The Sony Open in Hawai‘i is the first full-field event of the 2024 PGA Tour, attracting the world’s finest golf professionals. Waialae Country Club, (808) 523-7888
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
1/10
The music of Taylor Swift performed under the gentle glow of candlelight in a live, multi-sensory musical experience. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
HSO - Brahms Serenade No. 1
1/14
Maestro Anthony Parnther guest conducts Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra with pianist David Kaplan to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 paired with Brahms’ Serenade No. 1 and Florence Price's dark and enigmatic tone poem, The Oak. Hawaii Theatre Center, (808) 528-0506
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend
1/19&20
A weekend honoring the past and future inductees of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. Events include the Polynesian Bowl, a celebration dinner and enshrinement ceremony. Various locations, (702) 715-5355
Aitu Fafine
1/25 - 2/25
Famed writer Robert Louis Stevenson and his family become infatuated with two fascinating ʻafakasi visitors who come to stay at their home in Vailima, Sāmoa. Written by Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl. Kumu Kahua Theatre, (808) 536-4441
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
1/26
The best of composer Hans Zimmer performed under the gentle glow of candlelight in a live, multi-sensory musical experience. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890
Hawaii News Now Presents Dan Cummins
1/27
Stand-up comic and podcaster Dan Cummins performs as part of his 2023 Burn It All Down Tour. Blue Note Hawaii, (808) 777-4890