This Week’s Best Events: 12/1 – 12/7
Attend concerts, run trails and enjoy the Honolulu City Lights.
Photo: Alex Ferrari via JakeShimabukuro.com
Thunder From Down Under
December 4, 5, 6
Ripped men from Australia will be in town for three shows at The Republik to woo the women of Hawai‘i and make us lose our voices. Get the girls together, down some drinks at the bar and enjoy the show.
18+, $39.50-$49.50, 8 p.m., The Republik, 1349 Kapi‘olani Blvd., jointherepublik.com/events/thunder-from-down-under, thunderfromdownunder.com
Pearl Harbor Commemoration Ceremonies
December 5, 6, 7
Remember the attack on Pearl Harbor and pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives at these events that begin on Friday, Dec. 5 with a Hawai‘i Pops Concert at the Pacific Aviation Museum and ends with a Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 in Waikīkī. Arrive early for the parade, because Fort DeRussy will also be hosting a ceremony, a flyover and a canon salute prior to the parade, at 4 p.m.
Visit pacifichistoricparks.org/phh_events.php for the full list of events.
White Christmas at Diamond Head Theatre
December 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21
If you love the timeless film, then you’ll want to see the stage adaptation opening at Diamond Head Theatre this week. Follow the story of two WWII army buddies and two nightclub-dancing sisters as they help a struggling innkeeper turn his business around. Many shows are already sold out, so purchase tickets online now before it’s too late.
$22-$25, 520 Makapu‘u Ave., 733-0274, diamondheadtheatre.com
Third Annual Jake Shimabukuro and Friends Concert
Friday, December 5
Shimabukuro is closing his worldwide tour in Honolulu with a concert that celebrates his career. The concert is a musical journey through his early days as a member of local band Pure Heart to his current genre experimentations. Guest artists include The Side Order Band, Dean Taba, Noel Okimoto and his Pure Heart colleagues Lopaka Colon and Jon Yamasato.
$20-$60, 8 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com/ai1ec_event/jake-and-friends-concert/?instance_id=
Honolulu City Lights and the Watch the Electric Light Parade
Saturday, December 6
This year is the Honolulu City Lights’ 30th anniversary, which makes it the perfect time to check out its opening night festivities. There will be a tree-lighting ceremony, an electric light parade featuring Sanrio’s Hello Kitty and Santa Claus, various food vendors, keiki rides, music by Maunalua, the Aloha Barbershop Chorus and Willie K. Arrive at 4 p.m., hang out, eat, and then walk toward Bishop Street before the parade starts at 6:30 p.m. for the best viewing. Afterwards, take photos with everything.
Free, 4 to 11 p.m., Honolulu Hale, 530 S. King St., View the full program online at honolulucitylights.org
Holiday ReinBeer Bash at REAL
Saturday, December 6
Celebrate the holidays like it’s Oktoberfest at this outdoor party in the parking lot fronting REAL a Gastropub. Sip on cocktails and craft beer by REAL that includes Christmas-inspired beers, and enjoy entertainment by Streetlight Cadence and Mike Izon, chalk art by Erin Miller and fashion tips and demonstrations by Eden in Love.
21+, free, 7 to 11 p.m., Real a Gastropub, 1020 Auahi St., realgastropub.com
XTERRA Trail Run World Championships at Kualoa Ranch
December 7
If you’ve ever wanted to go trail running in Hawai‘i as part of an organized race, this is the one. People from all over the world will be gathering to compete in its championship 21K race, but there will also be a 10K, a 5K and an “adventure walk” course that will be open to runners of all skill levels.
9 a.m., Kualoa Ranch, 1-877-Xterra-1, Register online at xterraplanet.com/trailrun/worlds
A Pinch of Salt for the Holidays
Sunday, December 7
Cross your friends and family members’ names off your Christmas list at this fun, local shopping event. Featured retailers include Sig Zane, Salt Liko, Andy South, The Cut Collective, Hi‘ilani Hawai‘i and Kira Hawai‘i, among others. Onda Pasta, Beyond Burgers and Pinwheel Hawai‘i will be onsite to keep you fueled up with food as you shop, and there will be live holiday music and performances. When you’re done shopping, stop by the gift-wrapping station.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 445 Cooke St. Visit ourkakaako.com/pinchofsalt for a full list of retailers and happenings.
Hawai‘i Youth Symphony Winter Concert
Sunday, December 7
Nothing else can bring holiday cheer quite like a symphonic orchestra playing your favorite songs of the season. The talented youth symphony will also include performances by last summer’s Aloha International Piano Festival’s winners.
$18 adults, $8 students ages 4+, $8 seniors ages 55+. 4 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave. For more information, visit hiyouthsymphony.org/winter-concerts. To purchase tickets, visit ticketmaster.com/Neal-S-Blaisdell-Concert-Hall-tickets-Honolulu/venue/82460
