The 8 Best Things To Do in January 2018

Start off the year right with a family-friendly fun run, a two-day conference for entrepreneurs, an epic citywide race for buried treasure and more.

January 2, 2018

Marisa Heung,

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Day

Jan. 6

Photos: Thinkstock

This year, kids can give back to a local nonprofit by signing up with our sister publication, HONOLULU Family, to plant seedlings, tend to a lo‘i, spruce up a local theater and more.

Various locations, free, honolulufamily.com

Poi Poundaz, Hawai‘i’s largest video game tournament, takes place Jan. 6 at Artistry Honolulu.

SPORTS

2018 Sony Open

Jan. 8–14

Part of the PGA Tour, the Sony Open welcomes golf pros to the Islands every year. Proceeds are donated to Friends of Hawai‘i Charities.

Wai‘alae Country Club, $20–$185, sonyopeninhawaii.com

COMEDY

Hannibal Buress

Jan. 11 & 12

photo: courtesy of blue note hawai‘i

Comedian Buress’ stand-up act gained him his first fans, but it was a routine calling out Bill Cosby, which went viral in 2014, that put him on the radar for the rest of us. He’s since written for Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, acted in Comedy Central’s Broad City and co-hosted Adult Swim’s The Eric and Andre Show. The comedian hits Hawai‘i this month for two nights of shows.

Blue Note Hawai‘i, $45, hannibalburess.com

THEATER & ARTS

As One

Jan. 11, 13, 14 & 16

As One follows a woman named Hannah along her transgender journey, with humor and empathy. The 75-minute opera features two singers and a string quartet.

Aloha Tower Pier 10 Cruise Ship Terminal, $35, hawaiiopera.org

ACTION & FUN

Adventure Hunt O‘ahu

Jan. 28

photo: courtesy of adventure hunt

This 21st-century treasure hunt takes contestants on a citywide race, chasing after clues and completing fun challenges. The first to reach the buried treasure box—filled with GoPros, selfie sticks, shades, Red Bulls and more—wins. All finishers earn the chance to win Adventure Hunt’s grand prize: a trip for two to Panama.

9 a.m., various locations, $59, adventurehunt.co

CONFERENCE

East Meets West 2018

Feb. 1 & 2

photo: chenoa farnsworth

East Meets West brings investors and entrepreneurs together in Hawai‘i for a startup event featuring international speakers, discussions, pitch opportunities and the chance to network with key influencers across the globe. This year’s focus will be on travel tech, social impact technologies and blockchain technology, a core component of the cryptocurrency bitcoin.

Kualoa Ranch and the East-West Center, $95–$995, eastmeetswest.co

KIDS & FAMILY

Jersey Fun Run & ‘Ohana Fest

Feb. 3

photo: courtesy of espn 1420

Don your favorite team’s colors and head to Aloha Stadium for this family-friendly event. Open to people of all ages, the Jersey Fun Run course takes fans through parts of the stadium typically only open to players, coaches and event personnel. Inside the stadium, the ‘Ohana Fest will have live music, food, giveaways and more before and after the race. Disclosure: ESPN 1420 is a sister aio company of HONOLULU.

8 a.m., Aloha Stadium, $15, espn1420.com

MUSIC

Kimié Miner

Proud as the Sun

Photo: Courtesy of Kimié Miner

Following her award-winning eponymous album, Proud as the Sun celebrates womanhood as Miner is expecting her first child, to whom the album is dedicated. Catch her live Jan. 13 and 14 at Blue Note Hawai‘i.

Haku Records, $15, kimieminer.com

Looking for more things to do? Check out our events calendar.