Things to Do on O‘ahu in December 2023 and January 2024
Tour a new exhibit, grab tickets to see an American Idol winner and shake those jingle bells—this winter’s got something for everyone.
FUNDRAISER
For Love of Country Gala
Saturday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m.
The 17th annual fundraising gala to honor veterans, complete with red carpet, features dinner by Chef Chai and a live and silent auction. Each year the event is held in Hangar 79, which was built as an aircraft maintenance facility in 1941 and famously still has bullet holes from Dec. 7 in the windows.
$350 (sold out), Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, 319 Lexington Blvd., forloveofcountry.org, @pearlharboraviationmuseum
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Make-a-Wish Hawai‘i
FUNDRAISER
Jingle Rock Run
Sunday, Dec. 3, festivities at 3 p.m., run at 5 p.m.
If you want to get active this December but the Honolulu Marathon (Dec. 10) is too intense—or just too early in the morning—go for a 2.5-mile entertainment-filled jaunt around Ko Olina Resort in the early evening instead. Jingle bells are, of course, encouraged. There’s also a keiki sprint at 4 p.m. The event raises money for Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i.
$30–$40, Ko Olina Resort, wish.org, @makeawishhawaii
Photo: Credit Spidey Smith
CONCERT
Yessah: Iam Tongi
Saturday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.
The American Idol winner returns home for his first show at the Blaisdell Arena, which has been closed since May for repairs. Expect to hear “I’ll Be Seeing You,” the debut single he performed on the show’s finale; a cover of James Blunt’s “Monsters,” which was his audition song; and his cheeky hit, “Why Kiki?”
From $27.50, Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com, @wtongi
SEE ALSO: Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
COMEDY
Tom Segura Live
Saturday, Dec. 30, 7 p.m.
We can’t help but think he’s coming back because of his mother. On his podcast—after a performance here last New Year’s Eve—his mom wouldn’t stop saying “I want to talk about Hawai‘i.” Segura even had the phrase printed on a T-shirt (in August, 100% of profits from the shirt went to the Kāko‘o Maui fund).
From $39.50, Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com, @seguratom
CONCERT
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Hear the pop star’s hits in a new way as the Range Ensemble performs some of her most popular songs, including “Love Story,” “Blank Space,” “You Belong With Me” and “Shake It Off,” in a venue filled with thousands of LED candles. For each section, seating is first come, first served.
$32–$60, Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotejazz.com, @candlelight.concerts
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Pride: LGBTQIA+ Events in January 2024
Photo: David Hockney, “Perspective Should Be Reversed,” 2014. Photographic drawing printed on paper, mounted on Dibond. Edition of 25. © David Hockney
EXHIBIT
Perspective Should Be Reversed
Through March 10, Open Wednesdays through Sundays
David Hockney’s L’enfants et les sortilèges was a favorite installation at Spalding House for almost 40 years. Fans who miss it can see more than 140 of the British artist’s other works spanning six decades from the collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. Come for a tour and talk from UH printmaking professors Charlie Cohan and Scott Groeniger on Jan. 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
$10 museum admission for kama‘āina, $20 general, Honolulu Museum of Art, honolulumuseum.org, @honolulumuseum
FAST FACT: L’enfants et les sortilèges is in storage at the Honolulu Museum of Art.
THEATER
Aitu Fafine
Jan. 25 to Feb. 25, Thursdays to Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
The world premiere of Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl’s drama has been more than a decade in the making and is a sort of sequel to her play Fanny and Belle. It’s set in Robert Louis Stevenson’s home as he and his family receive interesting visitors.
$5–$25, Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St., kumukahua.org, @kumukahua
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Theater and Musicals: Winter Lineup
