The Hawai‘i Convention Center is About to Freeze Over for a First-Ever Skating Event

Get ready for some figure 808s with Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi.

Dust off those scarves and gloves usually stashed away for Mainland trips and call up 163 of your best friends. This month, an 82-by-50-foot ice rink is taking over one of the convention center’s exhibit halls for Winter Wishes—A Holiday Festival, the biggest event the center staff has ever planned. The ice will be the centerpiece, surrounded by Christmas trees, a corner for photos with Santa, a keiki craft area and a marketplace with local vendors so folks can get in some holiday shopping. A portion of the event’s proceeds, including admission fees and $10 skate rentals, will benefit literacy in local schools through Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation.

Ice America began the weeklong installation process just before Thanksgiving so the ice would be ready for the tree lighting with Yamaguchi on Nov. 29, followed by a slate of events. Our favorites so far recall roller rink days (remember those?), with ’80s-inspired Flashback Friday— big hair is encouraged—on Dec. 20, A Charlie Brown Christmas skate party set to Vince Guaraldi music on Dec. 14 and an Ugly Sweater day on Dec. 21. Concerts are currently scheduled for Sundays. Tuesdays will feature local nonprofits as partners.

One more note. Bring socks. Otherwise you’ll have to rent a pair.

Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, hours vary. Admission ranges from $10 for one day to $70 for a season pass. honoluluboxoffice.com