The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
Here’s the rundown of all the holiday events across the island where you can get festive through the end of the year.
Author: Admin Staff - Lou Badillo
Christmas Pop-Up Bars to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
More choices than ever for holiday cocktails, festive photo ops and over-the-top decorations around Honolulu.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Dec. 11–17, 2025
Shop and sip wine, laugh at festive comedy shows, run a marathon, adopt a furry friend and more.
Frolic’s ‘Onolicious 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: 14 (Edible) Treats Foodies Will Love
Part 2 of Frolic’s foodie gift guide is (almost) all locally made, so you know you’ll be on Santa’s nice list.
Holiday Fun Awaits at ’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice
This season, ’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice presented by American Savings Bank isn’t just a festive experience — it’s a celebration packed with special mini-events that make every visit feel unique. Wine Wednesday Pau Hana Specials Wednesdays…
Christmas and New Year’s Special Menus at O‘ahu Restaurants
More than 100 tantalizing dine-in and takeout choices for your holiday feasting. Keep checking back as we add more!
RumFire Pō‘ipū is turning up the flavor on Kaua‘i’s south shore.
RumFire Pō‘ipū is turning up the flavor on Kaua‘i’s south shore. Our refreshed menu brings bold island-inspired dishes, new handcrafted cocktails, and the island’s most extensive rum collection, best enjoyed with 180° ocean…
Your Insider Guide to ’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice
Skate on an 8,000-square-foot ice rink and explore an immersive winter wonderland at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
2025 Holiday Gift Guide: HONOLULU Magazine Staff Picks
What’s on our gift list this year? Local-kine stationery, lei ornaments, a furrific fundraiser calendar and more from Hawai‘i businesses.
Merry & Maika‘i! We're Loving Foodland's New Holiday Gifts Collection
From Hawai‘i-style ornaments and kitchenware to home accessories and hostess presents, here’s what’s topping our must-give list.
At Big Island Candies, Holiday Gift-Giving is Merry, Bright, and Just Right!
Since 1977, Big Island Candies has been crafting Hawaii’s finest cookies, chocolates and confections. Their Holiday 2025 collection of specialty gifts features their signature dipped shortbreads and other go-to goodies. One of the offerings in the collection is…
Duk Kee’s Got a Deal—A Full Family Meal for $88
The beloved Kaimukī restaurant offers a family-sized prix fixe menu that changes every month.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Dec. 4–10, 2025
Celebrate Kapolei City Lights, explore a winter wonderland, roll your own sushi, see a voyaging art exhibition and more.
Honolulu Pride: LGBTQIA+ Events in December 2025
Catch Kalani Pe‘a’s Hawaiian Christmas Show, enjoy a screening of Miracle on 34th Street and slay (or sleigh) at a holiday-themed drag show.
20 Fun, Stylish, Handy Gifts That Foodies Can Use
Part 1 of our holiday gift guide rounds up awesome (non-edible) finds from local boutiques, artists and makers.
Da Shop’s Ultimate Bookish Gift List
Check out the nine titles Da Shop booksellers are gifting this holiday season.
Kalapana: A Nā Mele Performance 50 Years in the Making
See the legendary band like never before on PBS Hawai‘i on Monday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m.
Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
Have a merry holiday with these musicians across O‘ahu.
8 Food Spots Outside Honolulu Worth the Drive
Eateries that townies should visit—for reasons they may not realize.
Hawai‘i Is Your Place, So Fight for It
Former two-term governor John Waihe‘e III calls for young people to rise up. Now.
Take Care of Other People, and Be Bold About Showing Your Aloha
Blanche McMillan chose to shelter houseless people in her community during the pandemic despite lacking government approval.
Take Care of Your Community, and Don’t Forget to Laugh
81-year-old Edward Kuba shares his values and lessons learned over his decades of life.
Appreciate the Ride
All his life, waterman Mark Cunningham has answered the call of the ocean. Amid the waves, he’s learned the importance of humility, gratitude and caring for the earth.
“I’m Just a Happy Person, That’s All”
Superager Stella Shimabukuro is a living example of the happiness of being.
When You Have a Little, Share a Little
As a Vietnam War refugee, Elizabeth Thu Hai Pham has learned the power of giving and receiving a helping hand.
New Indie Label Hawai‘i Eyewear Co. Is Making Quite the Spectacles
Designed by a local optometrist, these eyeglasses and sunglasses come in a plethora of styles and can be customized.
The Best Lawyers in Hawai‘i 2026
The number of legal practice areas here—104—attests that life is complicated. But there’s no need to face those complications without an advocate.
Tails of the City: Meet Super Foster Darlene Ogoshi
Darlene Ogoshi has taken in nearly 100 animals since 2020, helping them develop so they can find forever homes.
When and Where to See Big Wave Surf Events This Winter
Check out the winter swells and epic surf meets happening through February (if the conditions are right).
Surfer Kaimana Banes’ Sculptural Ocean-Inspired Lights
Kaimana Banes draws from his time on the sea and shore for his stoneware sculptures that double as lights.
Honouliuli, Hawai‘i’s Longest-Running Internment Camp, Will Open for Tours
The national historic site marks where Japanese American citizens and prisoners of war were detained during World War II.
Should You Still Get Vaccines?
We asked our state epidemiologist to help clarify the confusion.
Everything’s Coming Up ‘Ulu
Once mostly a potato substitute, the starchy fruit now stars in desserts, pastas and more.
At Free Stores, It’s All for Free
Take what you want at the donation-based “stores” at no cost.
Things to Do on O‘ahu in December 2025 and January 2026
Revel in a Christmas snow and light show, join the Honolulu Marathon, greet the new year sunrise, cheer on the world’s best golfers and more.
Merry Mele: HONOLULU Magazine’s Hawai‘i-Style Holiday Playlist
We tapped local music aficionados—DJs Tittahbyte, Delve, Compose, Packo and Aloha Got Soul’s Roger Bong and DJ O’Spliff—for their favorite local holiday songs.
New in Town
Places and activities that have opened recently, featured in HONOLULU Magazine.
’Tis the Season for Musical Holiday Events
Enjoy holiday-themed concerts, musicals, dance performances and movie nights.
Home Tour: Peek Inside Ginger13 Designer Cindy Yokoyama’s Cozy, Art-Filled Abode
The jewelry designer and shop owner gives us a tour of her eclectically appointed home.
Celebrate the Holidays at Ward Village
Experience the magic of the season at Ward Village. Expect festive events and celebrations throughout the neighborhood now through the end of December. Support keiki and seniors in need during…
Ward Village – Your One-Stop Holiday Shopping Destination
With a variety of local, national, and global boutiques, you're sure to find something for everyone on your list. During Black Friday, November 28th, shop the seasonal offers happening throughout the…
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.
KC Drive Inn Favorites Are Back
If you’ve missed the beloved eatery, you can get some classic menu items now at Shingon Mission.
Your Insider Guide to Honolulu City Lights
Free, festive fun pops up in two locations this holiday season starting on Saturday, Nov. 29.
