Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Dec. 25–31, 2025
Be dazzled by New Year’s fireworks, watch mesmerizing magic, laugh with Tumua, hear heart-pounding drums and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Wai Kai
New Year’s Fireworks
Wednesday, Dec. 31, midnight
Leave the fireworks to the professionals and ring in 2026 with three free shows on O‘ahu. In Waikīkī, the pyrotechnics will be launched from an offshore barge with an accompanying soundtrack on 105.9 The Wave FM. You can celebrate with a concert and fireworks display over the Wai Kai Lagoon in ‘Ewa Beach. There will also be a show from an offshore barge at Ko Olina Resort, but note that the lagoon public parking lots close at sunset.
Family-friendly, free
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Wayfind Music Festival
Saturday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hosted by Lō‘ihi Records, this inaugural event features performances and discussions around sound, culture and innovation. Don’t miss the closing concert at 7 p.m. with Grammy Award-winning musicians Kalia Vandever and Andrew Yee with Pulitzer Prize finalist Leilehua Lanzilotti and Hawai‘i to the World 2025 winner T.J. Keanu Tario.
Family-friendly, free, Capitol Modern, 250 South Hotel St., Downtown, loihirecords.com, @loihirecords
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Magic Festival
Hawai‘i Magic Festival
Saturday, Dec. 27, 5 to 7 p.m.
You’ll be saying, “How’d they do that?” all night long at the 11th annual showcase hosted by the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ Hawai‘i Chapter. Watch more than a dozen local up-and-coming and established magicians perform their slight-of-hand tricks, mind-blowing acts and enchanting effects. Arrive early to enjoy keiki activities and strolling magicians, starting at 3 p.m, before the main event starts.
Family-friendly, $10 general admission, Kaimukī High School Performing Arts Center, 2705 Kaimukī Ave., Kaimukī, onthestage.tickets, @hawaiimagicfestival
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Photo: Courtesy of Tumua Tuinei
Tumua: The Chee Hoo Tour
Saturday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 28, 7 p.m.
Squeeze a few more laughs into 2025 with two hometown shows by local comedian Tumua Tuinei as part of his latest tour. The former University of Hawai‘i football player pulls content for his jokes from his time as an athlete, cultural stereotypes and local observations that are sure to hit your funny bone.
$49.20 to $177, Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., Kaka‘ako, blaisdellcenter.com, @tumua_
SEE ALSO: Christmas Pop-Up Bars to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Photo: Courtesy of Dragon Beat Taiko Hawai‘i
Taiko Festival
Sunday, Dec. 28, 3 to 8 p.m.
Now in its 15th year, this taiko drum showcase features heart-pounding performances by the talented teachers and students from Dragon Beat Hawai‘i. You’ll also see traditional Japanese dances and songs, as well as snack on fresh mochi, chicken karaage, shumai and yakitori. Part of the proceeds will support the reconstruction of the Lāhainā Jodo Mission.
Family-friendly, free admission, Makiki Jodo Mission, 1429 Makiki St., Makiki, @dragon_beat_hawaii
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Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
