The 8 Best Things To Do in December 2017
For a Christmas that’s merry and bright, honor those who serve, hear an award-winning artist perform holiday favorites, complete the fourth-largest marathon in the U.S. and more.
SHOPPING
A Pinch of Salt
Dec. 2
Photos: Thinkstock
Tired of the mall? Shop local at Kaka‘ako’s annual holiday shopping event, featuring pop-ups offering unique, made-with-aloha gifts.
Salt at Our Kaka‘ako, free, saltatkakaako.com
KIDS & FAMILY
Freedom Bell Opening Ceremony and Bell Ringing
Dec. 6
Photo: Courtesy of uss bowfin submarine museum & park
The Freedom Bell, cast in 2013 with parts of metal from the Twin Towers, was conceived to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. During its return visit, Dec. 6 through 10, all are welcome to ring the bell in remembrance of Pearl Harbor and loved ones.
10 a.m., USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, free, bowfin.org
THEATER & ARTS
Holiday Pops
Dec. 9
photo: courtesy of hawai‘i symphony orchestra
Get in tune with the season at Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra’s annual Christmas concert. Grammy-nominated and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winner Amy Hānaiali‘i lends her powerhouse vocals and gift of hula to a heartwarming performance of Hawaiian, traditional and contemporary favorites that will bring you holiday joy.
7:30 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall, $27–$79, hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org
To date, Amy Hānaiali‘i has received five Grammy nods and 18 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards.
FITNESS
Honolulu Marathon
Dec. 10
Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
Cross one off your bucket list at the Honolulu Marathon, the fourth-largest marathon in the U.S. It’s not too late to register—you have until Dec. 4 to sign up on the event’s website. Anyone 7 years or older can run, there’s no time limit and all finishers receive a shirt and medal.
5 a.m., Ala Moana Boulevard and Queen Street, $245, honolulumarathon.org
SEE ALSO: A Beginner’s Guide to Surviving the Honolulu Marathon
ENTERTAINMENT
The Shins
Dec. 12
Photo: courtesy of bamp project
Multiple Grammy-nominated The Shins make a stop in Hawai‘i during a world tour for a one-night-only show at The Republik. Hear new tracks off the band’s fifth album released in March, Heartworms, performed live, along with old fan favorites “New Slang” and “Caring is Creepy.”
8 p.m., The Republik, $37.50–$42.50, bampproject.com
FITNESS
Santa 5K Fun Run
Dec. 16
This untimed run takes you through a scenic 5K course in ‘Ewa Beach. Afterward, stick around for photo ops with Santa and a holiday shopping pop-up.
Kapilina Beach Homes Community, ‘Ewa Beach, $20–$55, myfunruns.com
FITNESS
Great Aloha Run In-Training Workshop
Starts Dec. 17
This free eight-week program, open to participants of all ages, has the coaching, workouts and information to whip you into running shape.
Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand, free, greataloharun.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Russ
Dec. 29
Photo: Courtesy of ticketmaster
A tour de force who writes, sings and produces his own music, this East Coast native takes over the Blaisdell Arena for one night only.
Blaisdell Arena, $39.50–$49.50, bampproject.com
READ MORE STORIES BY MARISA HEUNG
