Holiday Fun Events 2019
Here are exciting events, festivals, and celebrations happening all over Hawaii.
With glorious weather and entertainment options, the Hawaiian holidays are like no other. Since there is so much to do and not enough time to plan, we’ve helped out and come up with a list of some of the best Hawaii holiday events and activities that will keep you warm and joyful throughout this season.
1. Honolulu City Lights (35th Annual)
Dec 7 – 29
Honolulu City Hall 530 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/events/honolulu-city-lights-35th-annual
2. Winter Wishes – A Holiday Festival
Fri, Dec 20, 4 – 10 PM
1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Hawai‘i Convention Center’s 56,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall space will be transformed into a magical whimsical winter wonderland and will offer a full lineup of activities for the entire family, including:
– An expansive 82’ x 50’ indoor ice-skating rink featuring themed events for up to 164 skaters
– Winter Wishes Marketplace
– Photos with Santa
– Winter Wishes Christmas Tree Forest with a decorating contest
– Gingerbread House Display and Contest
– Musical Entertainment
– Holiday Craft Workshops
– Keiki Activities and Attractions
– Festive Holiday Cuisine and Beverages
https://local.aarp.org/event/winter-wishes-a-holiday-festival-2019-12-20-honolulu-hi.html
Royal Hawaiian Center Home To Santa’s Hale For The Holidays
OCCURS BETWEEN: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019 – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
Santa’s Hale is popping up at Royal Hawaiian Center to bring good tidings in the heart of Waikiki with keiki holiday activities, visits with Santa Marty, and an opportunity for kids to pen and send letters to the North Pole with Santa’s Mailbox.
3. Hawai’i Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
Sat, Dec 21, 10 AM – 7 PM
Blaisdell Concert Hall
777 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI
https://blaisdellcenter.com/event/hawaii-holiday-craft-gift-fair-5/
4 Breakfast with Santa
Sun, Dec 22, 9 – 11 AM
Kuilima Dr, Kawela Bay, HI
Where:
Kuilima Ballroom
Get into the holiday spirit with this special event, as Santa comes to visit us for a breakfast buffet!
Enjoy a unique Christmas dining experience this season and dine with Santa Clause, where all children will have the opportunity to interact with Santa and take pictures with him. Also enjoy a full breakfast buffet spread, with adult beverages available for parents.
This event will sell out, so reserve your seats early!
https://www.turtlebayresort.com/Events/Holiday-Events/Christmas/Breakfast-with-Santa
5. Chinatown Winter Walk – Dec 1st – Dec 31st, 2019
Make a point to take a stroll through the downtown Chinatown district and see the holiday transformation! Over 40 merchants will be dressing up their windows and shops for the whole month of December! Walking maps will be posted though out the area from King St to Hotel St to Pauahi to Bethal St, to Nuuanu to Smith St.
- Location – 9 block radius within the Downtown Chinatown district
- Cost – FREE
- Learn more – HCAD’s Facebook (@discoverchinatown) and Instagram (@discoverchinatownhi)
6. 5th Annual ‘The Eddie’ big-wave surf contest – Dec 1st – Feb 28th, 2020
In honor and memory of legendary Eddie Aikau, a group of sponsors hold an annual “Eddie Would Go” big wave surfing contest. The event window takes place over a three month period, waiting patiently for a big enough swell to roll into the North Shore. Watch big wave riders paddling into monstrous waves at Waimea Bay, and compete for the title. Opening ceremonies take place on Nov 29th, which is a moving event in itself.
- Location – Waimea Bay
- Time – TBD
- Cost – FREE
- Learn more – TheEddieAikau.com
7. Ko’olina Artfest – Dec 4th,
11th, 20th & 27th, 2019
Head to Ko’olina beach lagoon #3 for a day of Hawaiian music and local art display & sale! Along the arching sidewalk you find close to 40 artist displaying their artwork for viewing and sale…perfect for special gifts! There will also be Hawaiian slack-key guitarist and ukulele musicians playing during the duration of this event.
- Location – Ko’olina Beach Lagoon #3
- Time – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Cost – FREE
- Learn more – Handcrafters and Artisans Alliance
8. SEVEN DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS WITH ISLAND MUSIC AND HULA
Dec 19th – Dec 25th 2019
Stroll over to the Waikiki Beach Walk during sunset hour and watch an entertaining outdoor 1 hour hula show with live Hawaiian music performances by different groups each evening.
9. Whale Watching Tour – Dec 19th – 31st, 2019
If you’re visiting during whale migrating months (late Dec – early May) you might be fortunate to see humpback whales surfacing along the south and western coastline. Ride a catamaran or monohull boat with a small group tour from Waikiki (through the Kewalo Basin Harbor) or from Ko Olina (through the Waianae Harbor), to get a closer look at these magnificent sea mammals.
If you’re lucky, you’re get to watch the whales breaching the water and splash around, along with other surprises from local marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles. Book your Whale Watching Tour now…
10. Aloha Tower New Year’s Party – December 31st, 2019
Looking for a New Year’s celebration party? Aloha Tower will be hosting their annual New Year’s bash, with over 30 live bands and DJ performances on 7 different stages. There will also be ono eats on site provided by Eat the Street Food truck venders, and an awesome fireworks display to ring in the New Year! Consider upgrading to a VIP pass that gives you access to the upper level Sky Lounge, exclusive food tastings by Gordon Biersch, and a premier viewing spot for the fireworks.
- Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace
- Time: TBD
- Cost: TBD
11. New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Dec 31st, 2019
You don’t need big plans on New Years Eve to stroll Waikiki Beach close to mid-night and view an extravagant fireworks display, with more than 1800 shells to be fired into the sky. Tune into 105 KINE FM to listen to choreographed music to the fireworks.
- Location Waikiki Beach
- Time – 11:55 PM
- Cost – FREE
- Learn more – (808) 923-1094
Here are some other firework displays that will be happening around the island on New Year’s Eve
- Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace
- Time: 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m., and 12 Midnight
- Location: Barge off of Kahala Avenue
- Time: 10:30 p.m.
- Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Lagoon
- Time: 11:45 p.m.
- Location: The Kahala Hotel & Resort
- Time: 12 Midnight
- Location: Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina, Coves 1 & 2
- Time: 12 Midnight
- Location: Turtle Bay Resort
- Time: 11:59 p.m.
12. Bishop Museum Presents Spineless Wonders Rising From the Deep Exhibition
December 17, 2019 – March 29, 2020
Bishop Museum presents a new exhibition that gives visitors a rare glimpse into the undersea world of marine invertebrates through both an artistic and scientific lens. “Spineless Wonders: Rising From the Deep” will allow guests to explore stunning images of marine invertebrates by acclaimed nature photographer Susan Middleton, who specializes in the portraiture of rare and endangered species. Alongside the photos, guests will also encounter an array of marine invertebrates from the museum’s collections and discover how Bishop Museum’s collections and research are central to the exploration of our Pacific ocean. The exhibit will be on display in the Joseph M. Long Gallery from Sept. 21, 2019–March 29, 2020.
13. Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
December 17, 2019 – December 20, 2019
8:00am – 4:00pm
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (VTCS) is one of the longest running professional surfing series that ultimately determines the best athlete of the North Shore’s winter surf season, along with the World Surf League (WSL) Champion, event winners and a VTCS rookie. The competitive trifecta is the true test of a surfer’s caliber and clearly demonstrates that time spent on the North Shore equals success. The VTCS is star-studded with athletes from around the world and is also highlighted by a variety of social community activations on the North Shore, spearheaded by longtime partner and surfing mainstay Vans. For more information, please visit VansTripleCrownOfSurfing.com and WorldSurfLeague.com
14. Heeia Estuary Restoration
December 21, 2019
9:00am – 12:00pm
Since the Spring of 2015, Hui o Koolaupoko has been working at the mouth of Heeia Stream to clear invasive mangrove and other non-native plants in an effort to restore stream flow, re-plant native plants and improve habitat for native aquatic species and shorebirds. The majority of invasive species removal was completed in under one year and the re-planting of native species began in February 2016.
Join us (nearly) every Third Saturday to:
Secure the beauty and health of the Hawaiian Islands.
Restore habitat for fish and shorebirds.
Outplant native Hawaiian species
Take in awe inspiring views.
Play in the mud.
Play & learn while you work.
RSVP to volunteer@huihawaii.org to reserve your spot and recieve impoortant information about this work day
15. Christmas with the Animals
OCCURS ON: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019, 9:00AM – 12:30PM
Christmas will be coming early for animals at the Honolulu Zoo at its annual Christmas with the Animals event on Saturday, December 21, 2019. Holiday cheer will be in full swing, as visitors see the zoo’s beloved animals receive and “open” special enrichment gifts, such as food, treats and toys. […]
16. Koko Marina Center Craft and Gift Fair
OCCURS ON: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Mall wide Made in Hawaii craft fair! Over 60 vendors, direct sellers, resellers, the latest trends, imports, closeouts, jewelers, snacks, healing jewelry, plants, succulents, essential oils, cleaning products, unique one of a kinds, clothing, baby items, kitchenware, stationary, squishies, resin […]
17. Surf Santa & Island Melodies
OCCURS ON: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2019, 2:00PM – 5:00PM
Surf Santa steps off his board for a day of fun, at Haleiwa Store Lots. The jolly old waverider will meet and take photos with keiki of all ages, at this free family-friendly event. Entertainment includes Halau Hula ma ka Puuwai A Ka Manao at 2 p.m., singer Denny Ono at 3 p.m. and music from […
18. Forest Bathing in an Artist’s Garden
OCCURS BETWEEN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2019 – SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
On this unique forest bathing experience, you’ll be guided on a gentle, mindful stroll through gardens designed and created by the late Hawaii artist Hiroshi Tagami. The grounds of the Kahaluu Gallery and Gardens are an ideal setting to leave behind the stresses of the world and get in touch
19. Eat The Street – Kapolei Commons
OCCURS ON: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2019, 5:00PM – 10:00PM
Happy New Years… Early! That’s right we are bringing in the new year Eat The Street style, with food, family, friends and music. We are excited to be back at Kapolei Commons our West Side location for the last Eat The Street of the year. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
20. Queen Kapiolani Evening Tours
OCCURS BETWEEN: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2019 – MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019, 5:30PM – 9:00PM
The Friends of Iolani Palace invites visitors to walk the halls of the Palace by moonlight in honor of Her Majesty Queen Kapiolani’s birthday. Guests will be transported back in time and experience a royal celebration as the monarchs did during the 19th century.
21. New Year’s Eve Disco Party
OCCURS ON: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019, 7:30PM – 9:30PM
Start off New Year’s Eve with the Music of ABBA and Your Hawaii Symphony Orchestra at Historic Hawaii Theatre!
22. Town Center of Mililani Pineapple Drop
OCCURS ON: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019, 5:00PM – 12:00AM
Town Center of Mililani rings in the New Year, at its Pineapple Drop, featuring Kimberley Locke, an American Idol second runner up and host of the show Dr. & The Diva, as this year’s headliner. The free event has become Central O‘ahu’s biggest family-friendly New Year’s celebration.
23. Hatsumode 2020
OCCURS ON: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2020, 12:00AM – 4:00PM
For the Japanese community, New Years is the most important of all cultural holidays when millions of people visit a shrine on New Years day.
Embrace the spirit of the Japanese at Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha-Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu where you can be blessed for the new year
Check https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/events for more events!