Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: December 8–14, 2021
Take in the bright lights of the city, shop and support local, and get blitz(en)ed with some holiday cocktails.
Show Aloha Land
Daily through Saturday, Jan. 1. Time slots are available every half hour from 6:30–11 p.m. for cars, 6:30–9:30 p.m. for trolleys.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially if you’re driving by Aloha Stadium. More than a million LED lights are displayed in the shape of happy firs, charming Christmas characters, twinkling train sets and more. To heighten the holiday feels, sing along to festive tunes playing throughout the show. And this year the experience is even bigger: Buy a seat on a trolley (so the one who usually drives the car can enjoy the show) or bring 29 of your friends for a private trolley ride. At the end, scoop up ‘ono treats from Show Aloha Land vendors, then park and eat in front of a magnificent 50-foot tree that shines oh-so brightly. Warning: Do not arrive early—cars that get there before the allotted time slot will have to drive out and return later.
$55 per car, $20 a person for single trolley seats. Private trolley rides are for 30 people, $18 per person. Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., showalohachallenge.com, @showalohachallenge
Photo: Courtesy of The Christmas Bar Hawai‘i
The Christmas Bar Hawai‘i Pop-Up
Now until Dec. 23
Cheeers! To help you get in the spirit of the holiday season, The Christmas Bar Hawai‘i is back and this time the pop-up is being hosted at Tiki’s Grill and Bar. For those who are feeling a li’l naughty, the Clause-mopolitan on Ice (Cointreau, berry vodka, lime, cranberry and pomegranate juice), Apple Pie Moonshine (vodka with apple juice and cider, brown sugar, cinnamon and spices, and a splash of Fireball) and Chilled Irishman (Jameson Cold Brew Irish Whiskey with cold brew coffee and whipped cream) are elfin’ good. For the nice peeps (and designated drivers), many of the drinks can be made virgin. There is a 45-minute time limit per table, and each table must order a food item, which isn’t a chore since the holiday menu includes decadent desserts and shareable charcuterie boards.
Open daily from noon–11 p.m. 2570 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 923-8454, @thechristmasbarhawaii
Photo: Courtesy of Pusong Filipinx
Pusong Filipinx: The Market at Bishop Museum
Sunday, Dec. 12, 1–5 p.m.
Celebrate the talented local Filipino community and swing by the Pusong Filipinx pop-up market at Bishop Museum this Sunday. Pusong Filipinx founders Lalaine Ignao and Eric Ganding have gathered more than 30 Filipino-owned businesses/creatives to participate in the market. Food-wise, we heard there’s going to be ube churros (drooool) and lechon kawali bowls from Minasa; Hella Tacos’ sisig burritos; and Sama Sama, a local boba vendor, will be pouring calamansi green tea, ube milk tea and leche flan milk tea. After you’ve had your fill of ‘ono food and drinks, shop around for healing crystal jewelry, light-up scrunchies (from a 20-year-old entrepreneur) and one-of-a-kind fashions from rising designers.
Atherton Hālau and Hale Waʻa at Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St. Reserve your tickets at pusongfilipinx.com. Parking is $5 per vehicle and Bishop Museum admission is not included in this fee.
Photo: David Croxford
Honolulu City Lights
Through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022
If you haven’t heard, or seen, Shaka Santa, Tūtū Mele and the snowman ‘ohana are back this year. Honolulu Hale is open again for visitors, so take the family to see all the holiday trees decked out in fun themes by City and County of Honolulu departments. The magnificent 55-foot-tall Christmas tree and other glowing selfie spots are perfect backdrops for holiday cards and, of course, the ’gram. The city hopes to bring back keiki rides, photos with Santa, the wreath contest and the parade next year.
530 S. King St. Parking is available in the municipal lot at Alapai and Beretania streets. honolulu.gov
Photo: Stacey Makiya
Ho‘omau Hawai‘i Market
Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
If you still have some (or a lot of) Christmas shopping to do, The Ho‘omau Hawai‘i Market at International Market Place is the perfect event to stop by for last-minute gifts while supporting local. Fifty Hawaiian-cultured businesses from around the Islands will offer goods that include: fashions for keiki and adults, timeless jewelry pieces, fun pet needs, charming wall art, stylish home accessories and more. Some of the participants that you can look forward to seeing are Aloha de Mele, Onepa‘a Hawai‘i, Short Stack Hawai‘i, Pawniolo Pets, ‘Ulu and Kalo Bakery, Surfshack Puzzles, Workshop28, Ua Body and Mahina Made. Entry to the market is free, and if you spend $10 there you’ll receive one hour of free parking with validation.
2330 Kalākaua Ave., Level 3 by the valet area. For more information visit, hoomaumarkethawaii.com, @hoomaumarket
