The 13 Best Events on O‘ahu This December 2018
Mark your calendar for a lineup of comedy, concerts, fashion, film and more happening this month.
HOLIDAY
Honolulu City Lights
Saturday, December 1
Photo: RON SLAUSON
The Honolulu City Lights debuted in 1985 with a display of Christmas trees in Honolulu Hale. This year’s event kicks off with a parade and party on Dec. 1.
SEE ALSO: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2018 Honolulu City Lights
CONCERTS
December is a good month to rock on or just enjoy some old-school power ballads.
photo: getty images
Na Leo Pilimehana
Dec. 1 & 2, 7 p.m.
Hawai‘i Theatre, $30–$75, hawaiitheatre.com
Eagles with Jack Johnson
Dec. 7, 7 p.m.
Aloha Stadium, $79.50–$499.50, bampproject.com
Guns N’ Roses
Dec. 8, 6 p.m.
Aloha Stadium, $60.50–$250.50, bampproject.com
Richard Marx
Dec. 12–15, 8 p.m.
Blue Note Hawai‘i, $85–$150, bluenotehawaii.com
Johnny Mathis
Dec. 21 & 22, 7:30 p.m.
Blaisdell Concert Hall, $69–$99.50, blaisdellcenter.com
SEE ALSO: 7 Concerts in Honolulu to Catch in December 2018
MUSIC
Kuana’s Winter Wonderland
Friday & Saturday, December 7 & 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 9, 2 p.m.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KUANA TORRES KAHELE
We still miss the Brothers Caz Christmas concerts, but Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musician, songwriter and dancer Kuana Torres Kahele will bring the holidays to the historic theater this month. Expect songs from his Hilo for the Holidays album as well as a few guests and performances from Miss Aloha Hula and Miss and Master Keiki Hula.
Hawai‘i Theatre, $35–$75, hawaiitheatre.com
SEE ALSO: 7 Free Events in December 2018
SPORTS AND FITNESS
Billabong Pipe Masters
Saturday, December 8 to Thursday, December 20 (holding period)
PHOTO: David Croxford
The world’s top surfers (and surfing fans) will be waiting for big waves for the last competition of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Expect traffic on the roads and the beach.
‘Ehukai Beach Park, free, vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com
SEE ALSO: 24 O‘ahu Hikes We Really Like
GIVE BACK
Miracle on Merchant Street
Wednesday, December 12, 6–9 p.m.
It was more than 30 years ago when Murphy’s Bar and Grill regulars first brought in a few dozen toys for local kids. Now, Don Murphy’s annual celebration fills a Downtown street with family fun and gathers more than 300 gifts for keiki at the Ronald McDonald House. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to join keiki activities, a free Murphy’s buffet, a trolley ride past the holiday lights and a visit with Saint Nick.
Merchant Street, Free, murphyshawaii.com
HOLIDAY
A Washington Place Christmas
Friday, December 14, 5–8 p.m.
courtesy of washington place foundation
Walk through history amid holiday lights at this rare evening event at Washington Place, which features a tour of the galleries and exhibits and festive musical performances. The original home built by John Dominis is best known as the private residence of Queen Lili‘uokalani and her husband, Dominis’ son, John Owen Dominis. Make your reservations as soon as possible, beginning Dec. 1. These tours usually sell out.
Washington Place, Free, washingtonplacefoundation.org
SPORTS & FITNESS
Jingle Rock Run
Sunday, December 16
Don your gay apparel and race around the state Capitol at this festive fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i. Don’t forget the antlers for Fido. Pets are welcome for a fee.
Around the State Capitol, $25–$40, hawaii.wish.org
SPORTS & FITNESS
Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic
Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, December 22, 23 & 25, various times
Get your fill of college hoops at this 12-game, three-day tournament, with eight teams including UNLV, TCU and, of course, home favorite UH. The title game happens Christmas Day and will air on ESPN2.
Stan Sheriff Center, $10-$110, hawaiianairlinesdiamondheadclassic.com
SEE ALSO: For more events in December, visit honolulumagazine.com’s online calendar
COMEDY
Bill Maher’s Annual New Year’s Comedy Extravaganza
Monday, December 31, 7:30 p.m.
End 2018 with a scathing night of comedy. Natasha Leggero, Wendy Liebman and Bill Maher perform and wrap up in time for you to watch the midnight fireworks.
Blaisdell Concert Hall, $45.50–$95.50, blaisdellcenter.com
Looking for fun new ways to experience the city? HONOLULU’s got you covered with HNLTix, your brand-new local resource for all things social—fundraisers, concerts, comedy shows, expos and everything in between. Discover your next can’t-miss event, share your favorites with friends, or promote your own event and sell tickets online. To see what’s coming up next in Honolulu, visit HNLTix.com.
Find more events at honolulufamily.com/calendar and honolulumagazine.com/calendar.
