Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Dec. 11–17, 2025
Shop and sip wine, laugh at festive comedy shows, run a marathon, adopt a furry friend and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Jonathan You
Sip, Shop & Sparkle at Ka Makana Ali‘i
Saturday, Dec. 13, 6 to 9 p.m.
Pop into 10 participating stores to sample wine (or mocktails), snack on paired pūpū and enjoy DJ beats while checking off your holiday shopping list. You’ll snag exclusive discounts and promotions offered only to event attendees, plus take home a swag bag.
Ages 21+, $57.41, Ka Makana Ali‘i, 91 5431 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, hnltix.com, @honolulumag
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to ’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice
Photo: Courtesy of Kumu Kahua Theatre
The Improv Superette’s Holiday Extravaganza
Thursday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m., A Night of Long-Form Improv
Friday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m., One Night Open Slay: A Holiday Cabaret
Saturday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Superette Sketch Show (sold out)
Sunday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., A Holiday-Themed Improv
Get ready to laugh out loud at four nights of unscripted performances by this local comedy group. With a different format each night ranging from stand-up storytelling to musical acts, choose your prescription for festive fun. Good news: the shows are also a fundraiser for the historic Kumu Kahua Theatre.
Recommended for mature audiences, $22.64, Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St., Downtown, eventbrite.com, @theimprovsuperette
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to Honolulu City Lights
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Marathon
Honolulu Marathon and Kalākaua Merrie Mile
Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 a.m., Kalākaua Merrie Mile
Sunday, Dec. 14 at 5 a.m., Honolulu Marathon and Start to Park 10k
Whether you choose the family-friendly one-mile race, a 6.2-mile course or the full 26.2-mile length, there are several ways to participate in the annual marathon festivities this weekend. Online registration has closed, but you can still sign up in person at the expo from Thursday, Dec. 11, through Saturday, Dec. 13. On Sunday, heads-up for road closures beginning at 12:30 a.m. from downtown to East O‘ahu and fireworks at 5 a.m. on the starting line along Ala Moana Blvd.
$80 Kalākaua Merrie Mile, $150 Start to Park 10K, $450 Honolulu Marathon, honolulumarathon.org, @honolulumarathon
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center
Founder’s Day at Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In honor of the Center’s 27th anniversary and its visionary founder, Loretta Yajima, enjoy free admission for the first 270 guests and special pop-up activities. Meet live butterflies, make a mini kaleidoscope craft, listen to story time and snack on celebratory cake and ice cream. You can also explore all the Center’s hands-on exhibits, perfect for keiki age 8 and under.
Family-friendly, free, Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center, 111 Ohe St., Kaka‘ako, discoverycenterhawaii.org, @hawaiichildrensdiscoverycenter
SEE ALSO: Christmas and New Year’s Special Menus at O‘ahu Restaurants
Photo: Kelli with an Eye Photography, Courtesy of the Hawaiian Humane Society
Adopt a Pet
Through Monday, Dec. 15
Wishing for a new furry friend for the holidays? As part of Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters Holiday Hope Event, the Hawaiian Humane Society is offering 50% off adoption fees for adult and senior dogs (ages 7 months and older) and all cats now through Monday. Adoptions are available at the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Mō‘ili‘ili Campus, Kosasa Family Campus at Ho‘opili and participating O‘ahu Petco locations.
50% off adoption fee, hawaiianhumane.org, @hawaiianhumane
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in December 2025 and January 2026
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
