The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu in December 2020
Virtual live concerts, decorating our homes with local goods, cooking at home and running outdoors: Let’s end the year supporting some of the groups behind the handful of activities that kept us sane during this insane year. #HONOLULUSupportsLocal
The only thing that’s certain nowadays is uncertainty. Call ahead to check for changes.
Fitness
Honolulu Marathon and Virtual BeachFest
Dec. 1-31
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Marathon
One of Hawai‘i’s most popular annual events has gone (you guessed it) virtual with a new way of participating in its three races: the Kalākaua Merrie Mile (1 mile), Start to Park 10K (6.2 miles) and the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles). Complete one, two or all three races anywhere and anyway you want. Just be sure to track your run with a GPS app and submit proof before the end of the month so you can take home swag including a finisher shirt, medal and an all-access pass to the Virtual BeachFest—an online portal to expert training videos, discounts, cooking demos, Hawaiian music and dancing, kid activities and more. Still need motivation to make a move? Check out the marathon’s special running playlist on Spotify.
Anywhere, $35–$45, honolulumarathon.org
SEE ALSO: A Beginner’s Guide to Surviving the Honolulu Marathon
Charity
Selfless Season
Dec. 1 & 13
Photo: Olivier Koning
December is the perfect time to give back. The eighth annual Jingle Rock Run has become Jingle Rock Ride (Dec. 13), where families can make a donation to Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i, then follow the nonprofit’s map to the brightest holiday light displays across the island (wish.org/hawaii). And in case you were wondering, Giving Tuesday is Dec. 1 this year. Donate to more than 200 groups through our Give Big Hawai‘i website, givebighawaii.com.
How are you spending the holiday season this year? Tag us in your Instagram posts with #LuckyWeLiveHONOLULU for a chance to be featured online!
Concert
Gift of Aloha Telethon
December 6 | 2 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Amy Hānaiali‘i
Five of Hawai‘i’s favorite local musicians will join Hawai‘i Theatre’s virtual fundraiser, which will be livestreamed across various platforms (including KHON2). Support our historic theater by tuning in and making a donation. You’ll see sets by Nā Hōkū Hanohano winners Henry Kapono; John Cruz (also a Grammy Award winner); The Mākaha Sons; Taimane Gardner; and Hawai‘i’s top-selling female vocalist (and 18-time Nā Hōkū winner), Amy Hānaiali‘i.
Livestream, free to watch, hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiitheatre
SEE ALSO: Tavana’s Newest Release, “Sway,” Showcases Collaboration in a Time When We Crave It Most
Shopping
Hana Hou Holiday Market
December 6 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Home Market
Home décor lovers, unite! 2020 has been the year of cave-dwelling so the promise of a safe outdoor market featuring locally made home goods is a welcome distraction. And we can bring the fur babies? My dog has rued the day she begged me to stay home with her forever. Let’s get out and support local!
340 Uluniu St., Kailua, free to attend, alohahomemarket.com, @alohahomemarket
SEE ALSO: 2020 Holiday Gift Guide: Presents From Hawai‘i Shops for Less Than $50
Sports
The Vans Triple Crown
Carissa Moore won the surf world title in 2019 and nabbed an Olympic Games slot. Photo: Ed Sloane / World Surf League
The Billabong Pipe Masters runs Dec. 8 to 20 and the Vans Triple Crown runs from Dec. 21, 2020 to Jan. 18, 2021, so we can’t think of a better reason to head up to the North Shore to get our fill of amazing surf (especially with the Olympics being postponed to July 23, 2021). While you’re up there, be sure to visit local businesses.
worldsurfleague.com, vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com
SEE ALSO: Surf Fans Will See Lots More Action on the World Surf League Tour in 2020 and Going Forward
Dining
Send Noods
Photo: Katrina Valcourt
It’s winter and we all need some comfort food right now. Check out our top picks for noodle soup dishes around O‘ahu.
SEE ALSO: We Tried It: A Step-By-Step Attempt at Making Chef Morimoto’s Udon Noodles
Holiday
In the Cards
View this post on Instagram
Many of us can’t travel to see friends and family this holiday season so why not send loved ones locally designed cards from your favorite artists?
@hontashiga, @bradleylily, @andrewmau
This story originally appeared as “December Picks” in the December 2020 issue of HONOLULU Magazine. Get your copy at shop.honolulumagazine.com and subscribe to the print and digital editions now.
Looking to get the word out about your upcoming event or activity? Email me at katiek@honolulumagazine.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.
