The 8 Best Things to Do in December 2015

December always makes us feel warm and fuzzy with all the positive vibes in the air. Here’s how to get out and share it with others.

December 2, 2015

Katrina Valcourt,

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

‘Ulu Hou Festival

Photo: Thinkstock

Dec. 4–6

Healthy food, thought-provoking films and Q&As with filmmakers will shed light on living a positive life. We’re especially looking forward to Saturday’s screening of Supermensch, a documentary about the legendary producer Shep Gordon, who currently lives on Maui.

Doris Duke Theatre, uluhoufestival.com

CHARITABLE

For the Good Hawai‘i Anniversary Gala

Photo: Thinkstock

Dec. 10

This event-planning company does more than coordinate special occasions; it focuses on growing a community of people doing good things. This year’s gala, “Make Room for Good Things,” will honor those who have made a difference, with a portion of proceeds going to nonprofit organizations.

Pomaika‘i Ballrooms, Dole Cannery, $30, forthegoodhawaii.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Joshua Radin and Friends

Photo: courtesy of creative artists agency

Dec. 12

This show is a 5-for-1, with headliner Joshua Radin (who has created top soundtracks for shows that include Scrubs, Bones, House, One Tree Hill and Grey’s Anatomy) accompanied by Meiko, Cary Brothers, My Name Is You and Rosebud.

7 p.m., The Republik, $27–$32, bampproject.com

CHARITABLE

Holiday Pops

Photo: Thinkstock

Dec. 12–13

Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra’s MusicthatPOPS series celebrates classic holiday songs. Throw in tickets to Disney in Concert: Tale as Old as Time and Totally ’80s (or any other two MusicthatPOPS concerts) for a special package deal as low as $73 total.

$27–$29, Blaisdell Concert Hall, hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org

FAMILY

Jingle Rock Run

Photo: rayen watanabe

Dec. 20

Stroll, jog or sprint through the town to raise money for keiki with life-threatening illnesses. If you’re not feeling active, you can still help by volunteering with Make-a-Wish Hawai‘i during the event. P.S. Reindeer antlers and Santa hats encouraged.

5 p.m., Begins and ends at ‘Iolani Palace, $25–$40, hawaii.wish.org

ENTERTAINMENT

Mahermageddon

Photo: Thinkstock

Dec. 31

Bill Maher returns to Honolulu for his annual New Year’s Eve show, this time bringing along David Spade and Jeff Ross.

Blaisdell Concert Hall, $45.50–$95.50, ticketmaster.com

MUSIC

Lehua Beauty

Sean Na‘auao

Seventeen years after his first Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award, Sean Na‘auao continues to blow us away with catchy, modern hits that take us back to traditional Hawaiian music. Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, who has composed songs for Na‘auao in the past, is back with the title track and “He Aloha ‘Oe, E Ka Lehua E,” which also features the vocals of Hū‘ewa, Na‘auao’s son’s band.

Mountain Apple Co., 13.98, mountainapplecompany.com

BOOKS

Photo: Courtesy of Watermark Publishing

Aloha, Lady Blue: The Mystery of Kāhala Road

Charley Memminger

Charley Memminger’s 2013 crime novel, set in Hawai‘i, debuts in soft cover in time for the holidays. This edition’s subtitle honors the title Memminger originally wanted for the novel, Kāhala Road. Watermark, a sister company of HONOLULU in the aio family, also publishes MANA: A Journal of Hawai‘i this month.

Watermark Publishing, $12.95, bookshawaii.net

Go to bit.ly/volunteerhonolulu for some ideas of where to volunteer this season.