Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Nov. 27–Dec. 3, 2025
Attend a jazzy musical, shop Black Friday deals, see a festive parade, snap a pic with Scuba Santa and more.
Photo: Jeremy Daniel, Courtesy of Broadway in Hawai‘i
Chicago
Tuesday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 7
Broadway’s longest-running musical comes to Honolulu this week with eight shows. Set in the 1920s’ jazz age, it’s a story entwined with murder, fame and corruption, plus the legendary choreography of Bob Fosse. Snag a 20% discount on mid-to-rear balcony seats for the Tuesday and Wednesday shows with promo code HOT20 or a 25% discount when you buy the 4-pack offer for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday shows.
$49.75–$154.60, Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, broadwayinhawaii.com, @broadwayinhawaii
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Chinatown Shop Around
Friday, Nov. 28, through Thursday, Dec. 25
Spend Black Friday and Small Business Saturday supporting local entrepreneurs and artisans at the boutiques throughout Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown. The community-organized shopping event offers promotions from participating businesses, such as Fighting Eel, Ginger13, Hook & Hide and more. Receive a free tote bag when you spend $100 or more at a participating business on Friday, Nov. 28.
Select businesses in Chinatown and Downtown, @chinatownshoparound
SEE ALSO: Where to Get Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Deals on O‘ahu
Waikīkī Holiday Parade
Friday, Nov. 28, 7 p.m.
Honoring the survivors and veterans of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, local and mainland bands, military units and local dignitaries will march down Waikīkī’s main thoroughfare with festive flair. Find a spot near the announcers’ booth next to the Waikīkī Beach Police Substation to hear the full commentary. This year’s grand marshal is Amy Hill, President and CEO of Hawai‘i Foodbank, and parade go-ers are invited to donate.
Family-friendly, free, Kalākaua Ave. from Fort DeRussy to Kapi‘olani Park, Waikīkī, waikikiholidayparade.com
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to Keep It Kaimukī Saturday
Photo: Courtesy of Sea Life Park Hawai‘i
Scuba Santa at Sea Life Park
Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.
In this new twist on tradition, snap a Hawai‘i-style pic with a submerged Saint Nick and his elves at Sea Life Park. You can opt to sit in front of the Ocean Theater pool for a professional photo with Scuba Santa (for an additional charge) or take your own photos with a personal camera or mobile device for free.
Family-friendly, included with admission, $24.99 adult kama‘āina park admission, $19.99 keiki kama‘āina park admission, free admission for keiki three and under, 41-202 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Waimānalo, sealifeparkhawaii.com, @sealifepark
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to Honolulu City Lights
Photo: Courtesy of The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace
Plan Ahead: Queen Kapi‘olani Evening Tours at ‘Iolani Palace
Saturday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 28, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Book your tickets now for these exclusive nighttime tours that are guaranteed to sell out. You’ll step back into the 19th century to experience what it might have been like to attend a royal holiday soiree with performances by Chamber Music Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Opera Theatre, Ku‘uipo Kumukahi and more. New for 2025, receive a keepsake Kapi‘olani Commemorative Coin in honor of the Queen.
$60 adult, $25 keiki, free for keiki age 5 and under, 364 South King St., Downtown, iolanipalace.org, @iolanipalacehi
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
