Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Jan. 1–7, 2026
See Iam Tongi in concert, buy beautiful beads, view art inspired by the history of Honouliuli Internment Camp and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Note Hawai‘i
Iam Tongi
Thursday, Jan. 1, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 2, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Kick off the new year with this local crooner and American Idol champion in Waikīkī. Catch one of his four shows at the intimate supper club, witness his charismatic charm and sip a mai tai or martini.
$85–$95, plus $20 food and beverage minimum, Blue Note Hawai‘i, Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, bluenotejazz.com, @wtongi
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Photo: Courtesy of The Whole Bead Show
The Whole Bead Show
Friday, Jan. 2, 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 4, noon to 4 p.m.
Calling all jewelry makers and crafters! Shop an astonishing selection of vintage, handmade glass and crystal beads, plus gemstones, pearls and all the supplies you need to string your own baubles. There will also be a local vendor selling intentional jewelry with aspirational messages, perfect to inspire your new year’s resolutions.
Family-friendly, free admission, Neal S. Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, wholebead.com, @wholebeadshow
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“Whom Do You See” by Mark Stewart, mixed media collage. Photo: Courtesy of Downtown Art Center
Honouliuli National Historic Site’s 10th Anniversary Exhibition
Friday, Jan. 2, 5:30 to 8 p.m., opening reception
Commemorating Honouliuli Internment Camp, this community art exhibit displays local artists’ interpretations of the historic World War II site. View works from mixed media artist Mark Stewart, printmaker Laura Smith, textile artist Michelle Schwengel-Regala and more. The free exhibit is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, through Jan. 17. Read more about the restoration of Honouliuli.
Free, Downtown Art Center second floor, 1041 Nu‘uanu Ave., Downtown, downtownarthi.org, @honouliulinps
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University of Hawai‘i Men’s Volleyball
Friday, Jan. 2, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 4, 5 p.m.
Cheer on the Rainbow Warriors as they kick off their season with two matches against the Highlanders of New Jersey Institute of Technology. The 2025 Big West Conference champions will play 17 matches at home this season, including Loyola Chicago, UCLA and Big West opponents UC Santa Barbara and CSUN. Check out the full schedule.
Family-friendly, $8–$25, Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 1355 Lower Campus Road, Mānoa, hawaiiathletics.com, @hawaiimvb
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in December 2025 and January 2026
Photo: Courtesy of Eco Mindful Lei
Plant Intention Workshop
Saturday, Jan. 3, 6 to 8 p.m.
Start 2026 with a guided meditation using sustainably sourced, Hawai‘i-grown plants to inspire peace, clarity and renewal. Learn about the meaning and energetic qualities of each plant, create your own intention bundle smudge wand, sip fresh floral tea and listen to soothing sounds.
$48, Yoga Under The Palms, 3574 Wai‘alae Ave., Kaimukī, yogaunderthepalms.com, @eco.mindful.lei
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Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
