Your Guide to the Perfect Holiday Week (and NYE) in Honolulu: December 26, 2019–January 2, 2020
We’ve survived Christmas, Hanukkah is still going and New Year’s Eve is on its way: Here is a quick list of things to do in the final week of 2019 (and the first couple of days of the new decade).
Straight No Chaser Open Bar Tour
Thursday, January 2, 7:30 p.m.
An a cappella group might make you think of the overdramatic high schoolers of Glee. We can promise that these YouTube sensations who originated from Indiana University are anything but. The band brings its music and signature comedic style back to Honolulu with its new Open Bar tour, which will include pop and soul classics such as Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” and James Brown’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.”
Blaisdell Concert Hall, $39.50–$69.50, ticketmaster.com

PHOTO: COURTESY OF RICK BARTALINI PRESENTS
Bill Maher’s 9th Annual New Year’s Comedy Extravaganza
Tuesday, December 31 | 8 p.m.
Every year Bill Maher justifies his holiday in Hawai‘i by ringing in the new year at the Blaisdell with a big comedy act starring his famous friends. We get it. So we once again welcome the hilarious HBO host of Real Time to the Islands because we in turn get to LOL with Sarah Silverman and Larry Miller (plus there’s always a good chance of surprise appearances).
Blaisdell Concert Hall, $45.50–$95.50, blaisdellcenter.com
Rent
Now until Sunday, December 29, various times
Seen the movie so you think you can miss the live show? Think again. Powerhouse numbers such as “Take Me or Leave Me,” “One Song” and musical geek favorite “La Vie Bohème” will inspire a younger generation of “Rentheads.” Plus, two local actors have joined the cast, with Joshua Tavares (who hails from the Big Island) taking on the role of drag queen Angel Dumott Schunard. Just be ready to walk out of the Blaisdell singing the lyrics “five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes” over and over again.
Blaisdell Concert Hall, $50–$80
New Year’s Eve
Tuesday, December 31
Before we begin, we’re here to remind you to reserve your new year’s eve dinners, parties and shindigs ASAP. Check out our list of Honolulu’s 13 best celebrations or scroll down for a few new events we’ve just added.
An Evening with Rufus Wainwright
Friday, December 27 | 5–10 p.m.
Dream Weekend Music Festival Featuring Usher, Ice Cube, Migos and Marshmello
Saturday, December 28 | 5–11 p.m.
Tom Segura
Saturday, December 28 | 7:30 p.m.
The Last Laugh of 2019!
Saturday, December 28 | 7:30–9 p.m.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF HAWAI‘I THEATRE CENTER
Howie Mandel
Sunday, December 29 | 8 p.m.
Gary Owen
Thursday, January 2 | 6:30–11 p.m.
Looking for more things to do? Check out our events calendar.
Looking for fun new ways to experience the city? HONOLULU’s got you covered with HNLTix, your brand-new local resource for all things social—fundraisers, concerts, comedy shows, expos and everything in between. Discover your next can’t-miss event, share your favorites with friends, or promote your own event and sell tickets online. To see what’s coming up next in Honolulu, visit HNLTix.com.
Read more stories by Katie Kenny