Our Favorite Things to Do During Winter on O‘ahu

While winter on the islands may not look like snowfall and freezing temps, we have our own ways of celebrating the cooler Hawai‘i weather. The months of December through February bring on massive waves, rainy indoor days and maybe not sweater, but light jacket weather—it’s our own flavor of winter. And here are some of our favorite things to do (besides Christmas!) as we celebrate the changing of the seasons.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Skate at Ice Palace

Sure, you can skate all year-round at Ice Palace, but there’s something special about cutting ice during the winter months. Ever since re-opening a year ago after a long pandemic closure, this skate rink made a near-immediate comeback to be a popular spot for local families. We love how it’s friendly for all skills—there’s a roped off beginner area for new skaters, including a metal walker to hold onto and push in front of you. Dress warm for the cold temps inside, and don’t forget to grab a hot cocoa from the snack bar.

Ice Palace Hawai‘i, 4510 Salt Lake Blvd., icepalacehawaii.com, @icepalacehawaii

SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in December 2023 and January 2024

Attend a Magic Show

‘Tis the season for magic when the Hawai‘i International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) throws a family-friendly show with impressive illusions, prizes, comedy and plenty of audience participation. The 9th Annual Hawai‘i Magic Festival will take place on Saturday, Dec. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.

BUY TICKETS

Family-friendly event, $10 to $20, Kaimukī High School Performing Arts Center, 2705 Kaimukī Ave., @hawaiimagicfestival808

Photo: Getty Images

Go Whale Watching

Every December through April, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawai‘i in search of warmer waters. While there are many whale watching tours and cruises you can book, the best places for land-based whale watching include the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, Halona Blowhole or Hanauma Bay.

A few tips: if you see seabirds diving by the dozen, that’s a big clue that whales may be nearby. Seabirds are looking for small fish, which are also treats for humpback whales. If you do spot a whale and it disappears under the water, take note of the direction of its movement because it may come back to the surface again in that same area or just a short distance away.

SEE ALSO: 8 Things To Do in Waikīkī

Cheer on the Hawai‘i Bowl

It’s a holiday tradition—towards the end of December, hundreds of football fans gather at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex to watch the EasyPost Hawai‘i Bowl. Established in 2002, the Bowl is the first non-all-star post-season game in Hawai‘i. This year, you can watch the Coastal Carolinas play against San Jose State on Saturday, Dec. 23, at 5:30 p.m.

BUY TICKETS

Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, 1105 Lower Campus Rd., thehawaiibowl.com, @thehawaiibowl

Photo: David Croxford

Check Out the Massive North Shore Surf

North Shore waves are notoriously high during the winter, so you can sit on the sandy beach, pack snacks and bring binoculars to watch pro surfers take on the swells. World-famous surf competitions take place when the wave conditions are just right, like the Triple Crown of Surfing and Eddie Would Go, typically between December through March. If a packed beach is not your jam, consider watching the livestreams online.

SEE ALSO: Hydrofoiling With O‘ahu Waterman Jack Ho AKA @JackFromTown

Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Marathon

Run the Honolulu Marathon

A 26.2-mile journey that begins at 5 a.m. every December at Ala Moana Boulevard, the Honolulu Marathon brings together more than 30,000 runners of varying skills. The course goes through downtown Honolulu, past ‘Iolani Palace, through Waikīkī and around Diamond Head. You’ll then head out through Kāhala, out to Hawai‘i Kai, back towards Kāhala and pass Diamond Head again before ending in Kapi‘olani Park. Though the 2023 marathon has passed, you can start training up for next year’s on Dec. 8, 2024.

honolulumarathon.org, @honolulumarathon

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to the Honolulu Marathon 2023

Make a Cozy Bowl of Soup

It’s finally soup weather! Make a comforting bowl of opo or long squash soup on a breezy, rainy night. Cook diced onions and sliced or ground pork in a large pot over neutral oil. Peel and cut the opo squash into bite-sized pieces and toss it in. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover and a piece of ginger to simmer. Once the squash is soft, add your favorite greens, like cilantro or spinach, with a drizzle of sesame oil. Add shoyu and salt to taste, and serve immediately!