Things to Do on O‘ahu in December 2025 and January 2026
Revel in a Christmas snow and light show, join the Honolulu Marathon, greet the new year sunrise, cheer on the world’s best golfers and more.
FESTIVAL
Christmas Spectacular
Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday in December
Experience the magic of a snow and light show, take a photo with Santa, decorate gingerbread houses, make s’mores around a firepit and see the original musical The Year Christmas Was Almost Cancelled.
Free admission, Sacred Hearts Academy, 3253 Wai‘alae Ave., Kaimukī, moolelostudios.square.site, @moolelo.studios
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Marathon Association
MARATHON
Honolulu Marathon
Sunday, Dec. 14, 5 a.m.
More than 35,000 runners are expected to make the 26.2-mile run through downtown Honolulu, Waikīkī, and out to Hawai‘i Kai. Everyone finishes with a medal and a fresh malasada.
$225 standard entry, begins at Ala Moana Beach Park, honolulumarathon.org, @honolulumarathon
SEE ALSO: ’Tis the Season for Merry Mele and Musical Holiday Events
COMEDY
Tumua: The Chee Hoo Tour
Saturday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m.
Known for finding humor in Hawai‘i’s everyday moments, local stand-up comedian and performer Tumua Tuinei returns home during his national tour.
From $38, Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, blaisdellcenter.com, @tumua_
Photo: Westend61/Westend61 via Getty Images
HIKE
First Day Hike
Thursday, Jan. 1
First Day Hikes started in 2012 across the nation to encourage people to celebrate state parks on Jan. 1. Hawai‘i’s only official one takes place at Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, with a hālau performing an oli to greet the sunrise, followed by taiko drumming and bagpipes.
Gates open: 5:30 a.m.
Time of sunrise: 7:10 a.m.
Number of hikers expected: 800
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Length of hike: 2 miles roundtrip
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp
FESTIVAL
New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival
Sunday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Welcome the Year of the Horse with Japanese new year traditions, live performances, festival foods, cultural activities and the 74th Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony.
Free admission, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, 2454 S Beretania St., Mō‘ili‘ili, jcchawaii.org, @jcchawaii
Photo: Courtesy of Sony Open in Hawai‘i
SPORTS
Sony Open in Hawai‘i
Jan. 12–18
See 120 of the world’s best golfers tee off in the year’s first, full-field competition of the PGA Tour, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.
$40 one-day ticket, Wai‘alae Country Club, 4997 Kāhala Ave., Kāhala, sonyopeninhawaii.com, @sonyopenhawaii
THEATER
Dial “M” for Murder
Jan. 22–Feb. 8
See the thrilling stage play that inspired the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name; it follows Tony as he tries to entrap his unfaithful wife after his murder plot goes awry.
From $25, Mānoa Valley Theatre, 2833 E. Mānoa Road, Mānoa, manoavalleytheatre.com, @manoavalleytheatre
Andrea Lee is the digital editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
Katrina Valcourt is the executive editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
