Holiday Festivities in Waikiki
Royal Hawaiian Center
2201 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 | 808-922-2299
The excitement of the holidays is in the air as the Royal Hawaiian Center kicks off the season Nov. 24 at The Royal Grove with a performance by Storybook Entertainment characters, live Hawaiian music and hula, and holiday tree lighting. All the fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with a performance followed by Santa’s arrival at 5:45 p.m. after a trolley ride down Kalakaua. He’ll then light the 34-foot-tall tree decorated with palaka bows, glittered plumeria and ukulele. Folks will then get to take a photo with St. Nick. Live entertainment continues until 8 p.m. Photos with Santa will be available 5-7 p.m. up until Dec. 22.
Thanksgiving with Anuhea
Blue Note Hawaii
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 | 808-777-4890
Hawaii-born singer-songwriter Anuhea from the Valley Isle shares her unique blend of engaging lyrics, acoustic soul, pop, rap and reggae over six performances in an intimate venue perfectly suited for the artist. Performances are at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Nov. 25-27. For reservations, click here.
Ronny Chieng: The Hope You Get Rich Tour
Hawaii Theatre
1130 Bethel St., Honolulu, HI 96813 | 808-528-0506
This stand-up comedian, actor and correspondent on “The Daily Show” with Trevor Noah starred in the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” and his Netflix stand-up comedy special, “Asian Comedian Destroys America!” He was also featured in “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon. He can be currently seen portraying Jon Jon in the Marvel Studios movie, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” With his Nov. 27 show sold out at Hawaii Theatre, the recently added Nov. 26 show is quickly selling out. Get your tickets here.
Royal Hawaiian Band Performs
Iolani Palace and Honolulu Zoo
364 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813 | 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
The nation’s only full-time municipal band performs rich historic melodies, noon-12:45 p.m. Nov. 26 at Iolani Palace and 10:15-11 a.m. Nov. 27 at Honolulu Zoo. The Royal Hawaiian Band was formed in 1836 by King Kamehameha III. Heinrich Berger was the bandmaster at its start and because of his numerous contributions to the band and to Hawaiian music overall, he came to be known as the “Father of Hawaiian Music.” It was his piece, “Hymn of Kamehameha I” that became the state anthem played at many island events, “Hawaii Ponoi.”
Hawaii International Film Festival
Online Programming
HIFF continues to push beyond boundaries as it highlights new and emerging talent in the world of film and facilitates cultural exchange through cinematic arts. The in-theater portion of the event has ended; however, online programming continues through Nov. 28. Don’t miss a world-class lineup of award-winning and premiere films. For a schedule of films and ticket information, visit hiff.org.
Ohana Volunteer Day
Waimea Valley
59-863 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712 | 808-638-5855
Volunteer as a family at Ohana Volunteer Day, a monthly event that’s open to all ages, 9-11:30 a.m. Nov. 28. Volunteers get free admission to Waimea Valley for the rest of the day that includes a free cultural activity. Registration is required by either emailing volunteers@waimeavalley.net or calling the volunteer coordinator.
Every Saturday: Take A Twilight Tour
Honolulu Zoo
At the corner of Kapahulu Ave. and Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki | 808-926-3191
If you’ve ever wondered what the zoo is like after visitors have left and the gates have closed, this is your opportunity to find out on Honolulu Zoo’s Twilight Tours, 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Saturday, through March 2022. Join a two-hour walking tour led by educators who explain animal biology and behavior, how animals prepare to sleep while others are waking up, and how the zoo is helping to conserve endangered species. Tours take place rain or shine except in extreme weather conditions. Adult $25, 13 and under $20, 2 and under are free. Military and kamaaina (resident) adult $20, 13 and under $15, 2 and under are free.
Talk Story on the Land
Maunawila Heiau
Meet at Hauula Elementary School, 54-046 Kamehameha Hwy., Hauula, HI 96717 | 808-744-2462
Hawaii Land Trust offers free, monthly guided hikes to learn about conservation, history, culture and biology on their fee-owned properties or conservation easements. On Dec. 4, a guide will share information about Maunawila Heiau’s history, its moolelo (story), laau lapaau (medicines using plants) traditions and participants will be able to malama aina (care for the land) with an activity. Meet at Hauula Elementary School at 8:30 a.m. There is no fee, but donations are welcome. Sign up for the guided hike here, scroll down to Oahu. Volunteer opportunities at this site take place 8:30-10:30 a.m. every second Saturday of each month; register here.
Honolulu City LIghts
Honolulu Hale and Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds
530 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
This year’s lighting ceremony won’t be open to the public, however, the public is invited to Honolulu Hale to greet Shaka Santa, Tutu Mele and their friends with a “Mele Kalikimaka! Merry Christmas!” at the 37th Annual Honolulu City Lights Dec. 5-Jan. 2, 2022 including Christmas and New Year’s days. Inside Honolulu Hale, see Christmas tree displays courtesy of city department employees. New this year are selfie stations and social media stations. The Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade, holiday concerts, keiki rides and photos with Santa are suspended.
Entry into Honolulu Hale requires proof of vaccination or a 48-hour negative test result and COVID-19 protocols will be observed — such as social distancing and mask wearing — inside Honolulu Hale and while waiting to take photos.
The Friends of Honolulu City Lights will also be onsite with official 2021 Honolulu City Lights merchandise for sale; purchases go toward keeping the event free to the public. Merchandise is also available online from now to the end of the event.
Stunning Works at Hawaii’s Woodshow
Hawaii Opera Plaza
848 Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813 | 808-933-9411
There is something deeply resonating when an artisan takes carving tool to wood in order to create a one-of-a-kind heirloom piece that brings out the wood’s unique beauty. This level of mastery is what you’ll discover at the 2021 Hawaii's Woodshow, Na Laau o Hawaii, the Hawaii Forest Industry Association’s 29th annual juried woodworking exhibition that runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Dec. 5 (closed Thanksgiving). View native and non-native wood that has been transformed into fine furniture, sculptures, musical instruments, accessories and bowls.
This free event promotes the critical role forests play in our island culture, economy and ecology. It also makes a point for planting native and non-native high-value hardwoods that will be important for generations to come. All entries incorporate the wood of Hawaii-grown tree species with a focus on those that were planted and have matured in the islands. Items are available online for purchase and a silent auction will run for the duration of the event.
Fall Exhibition by Island Artists
Honolulu Museum of Art
900 South Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814 | 808-532-8700
Eighteen groundbreaking Hawaii-based artists present their bold and thought-provoking works in “Artists of Hawaii Now” showing at the Honolulu Museum of Art through Jan. 16, 2022. Artists bring their personal life experiences to the exhibit and all explore the many issues of our time and place while offering a collective vision as to how we all can navigate the future. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The museum is closed Nov. 25, Dec. 10-12, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Advance online reservation is suggested. $10 Hawaii resident, $20 general admission, 18 and under are free. Don’t forget to visit the HoMA Cafe (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and find a collection of unique merchandise in the shop.
Ongoing Exhibits at Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St., Honolulu, HI 96817 | 808-847-3511
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Ankylosaurus and other behemoths ruled Earth 66 million years ago. Bishop Museum hosts the second exhibit in a prehistoric trilogy, “Expedition Dinosaur: Rise of the Mammals,” that runs through Jan. 23, 2022. Learn about these prehistoric creatures in the days before and the years following Earth’s massive extinction event that wiped them out, then see the rise of the mammals and the recovery process of the planet. Note: there is an additional $4.95 fee to enter this exhibit.
Just as Hawaiian mele (songs) share the culture, history and stories of the Hawaiian people, so do Samoan tattoos for the people of Samoa. Learn about the history behind this 2,000-year-old indigenous tradition that carries significance in connecting generations of Samoans and other Polynesians to their identity and heritage, whether they live close to home or far from it. “Tatau: Marks of Polynesia,” runs through July 4, 2022 and focuses on the Suluape family and their disciples who are continuing the Samoan tattoo tradition into the modern age. The exhibit also highlights Samoan tattooing implements along with a collection of Hawaiian implements curated by Bishop Museum that's rarely displayed to the public.
The greatest waterman of his time, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku brought surfing to a global audience in the 1900s, winning his first gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle in the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden. More than 100 years later, Carissa Kainani Moore brought the first Olympic surfing gold medal home from the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021) to Hawaii. These two Native Hawaiian gold medalists are featured in an exhibit, “Two Hawaiian Olympic Champions,” highlighting their accomplishments and awards alongside a replica of Kahanamoku’s surfboard and Moore’s winning surfboard used in the Olympic Games. Runs through Oct. 30, 2022.
Bishop Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Adults $24.95, seniors 65+ $21.95, youths 4-17 $16.95. Children 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Pint Night for the Birds Fundraiser
Maui Brewing Company Brewpub
Kahana Gateway Center, 4405 Honoapiilani Hwy., Lahaina, HI | 808-348-7898
Enjoy a pint to support the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, 6-10 p.m. Nov. 26, at the Lahaina location of Maui Brewing Co. Half of the profits from the sale of house beers goes toward protecting Maui’s native birds.
Santa Parade, Photos & More
The Shops at Wailea
3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, HI 96753 | 808-891-6770
Holiday traditions celebrate the season at The Shops at Wailea with a Santa Parade, free photos with jolly ‘ole St. Nick and a community food drive. The parade kicks off 9 a.m. Nov. 26 with Santa cruisin’ in a 1963 Cadillac from Kalama Park to the shopping center; arrival time at 10:45 a.m. Get free Santa photos at The Shops’ Wailea Window Wonderland with Santa seated behind a storefront window in a sign of the times. While waiting, kids can munch on a Peppermint Macadamia Nut cookie courtesy of Honolulu Cookie Company. Photos with Santa and the Holiday Food Drive are set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 26 and 4-7 p.m. Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Online donations are welcome Nov. 26-Dec. 18 at the Maui Food Bank website.
Ongoing weekends: Lahaina Art Show
Lahaina Cannery Mall
1221 Honoapiilani Hwy., Lahaina, HI 96761 | 808-661-5304
Meet Maui creatives and see their works of art at this weekend event at Lahaina Cannery Mall, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every weekend. Enjoy demonstrations too.
Story Time with Santa
Lahaina Cannery Mall
1221 Honoapiilani Hwy., Lahaina, HI 96761 | 808-661-5304
Bring the keiki to join the fun of this holiday happening, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 3-18 at Lahaina Cannery Mall. They’ll enjoy 30 minute of story time with Santa and can take photos with him that include a customized virtual photo frame afterward. Reservations can be made here; walk-ins are welcome and will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees will also be entered to win a prize stocking.
Talk Story on the Land
Waihee Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge
Halewalu Rd., Wailuku, HI 96793
Explore this coastal area along a shoreline trail with Scott Fisher, Hawaii Land Trust’s Chief Conservation Officer on Dec. 6. Learn about the area’s history, geology and ecology. You may even spot a whale along the way. Wear shoes, sunscreen and bring your own water in a reusable water bottle. Meet at the red house at 9 a.m. There is no fee, but donations are welcome. Sign up for the guided hike here (scroll down to Maui). Those interested in volunteering at this site 8 a.m.-noon every Friday or 8-11 a.m. every third Saturday of the month can register here.
Hui Holidays 2021
Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center
2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, HI 96768 | 808-572-6560
The nonprofit Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center hosts the annual Hui Holidays featuring local and handmade items. Find one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists and crafters, paintings, ceramic pieces, hand-blown glass ornaments, beauty products and more. Hui Holidays is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Tuesday-Saturday) through Dec. 24. Hui Noeau is a community-based visual arts education organization offering art workshops and classes for all ages, lectures, exhibitions, art events, house tours and more.
35th Annual Studio Tour and Art Sale
Volcano Village, Hawaii Island
Artists are naturally inspired by their surroundings and it’s no different on Hawaii Island where rainforests abound and Pelehonuamea continues to make herself known at nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. See how nature and artists’ creativity combine in artworks displayed in the Volcano Village Artists Hui 35th Annual Studio Tour and Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 26-28. Meet the artists on a self-guided walking tour to three studios in Volcano and view creations such as woodblock prints, quilts, pottery, hand-blown art glass, watercolors, prints and cards, books and more. Visit Volcano Village Artists Hui for info and a downloadable map. COVID-19 protocols observed at all studios: masking, hand sanitizing and social distancing.
World of Magic
Hilo Palace Theater
38 Haili St., Hilo, HI 96720 | 808-934-7010
The Hilo Elks Lodge 759 and the Palace Theater present the return of the family-friendly live show, World of Magic, featuring aerial artist Luna Sophia and magician Ron Ishimaru. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; show begins 11 a.m. on Nov. 28. Show info is also available by calling the Hilo Elks, 808-935-1717.
Beat-LeLe Performs
Kahilu Theatre
67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Waimea, HI 96743 | 808-885-6868
They may sound just like the Beatles, but they’re not — though they’re pretty close in their own unique way. You’re hearing Beatles’ hits performed by the Beatles tribute band, Beat-LeLe, performing 4 p.m. Dec. 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Kahilu Theatre. The group combines the music of the “Fab Four” with their love of playing ukulele and there you have four-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominees. Sonny Aquino as “John,” Paul Curatolo as “Paul,” Alastar McNeil as “George” and Dennis Muth as “Ringo” all hail from Oahu. Tickets are available here.
East Hawaii Master Gardeners Plant Sale
Komohana Research & Extension Center
875 Komohana St., Hilo, HI 96720 | 808-969-8203
Populate your garden with native plants, succulents, perennials, seed starts and more. Plants are available for pick up 10-11:30 a.m. every Friday at the Komohana Research & Extension Center, but orders must be placed by 10 p.m. the previous Monday. All orders are to be placed via email only to himga@hawaii.edu; no drop-in sales are permitted. Cash only. Upcoming Friday pick-ups are Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24.
‘Kona People’ exhibit
Donkey Mill Art Center
78-6670 Mamalahoa Hwy., Holualoa, HI 96725 | 808-322-3362
Island artists capture the essence of farming and the men and women who dedicate their lives to working the aina (land) through portraiture in the curated exhibit, “Kona People.” Each artist is paired with a farmer in this unique project.
“Capturing the life and story of Kona’s farmers through artistic representation is no easy task,” said Gerald Walsh III, a Hawaii Island artist. “It takes understanding, time and genuine love to embody the spirit of such individuals.”
The exhibit runs through Dec. 18. Donkey Mill Art Center is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
25th Annual Kauai’s Festival of Lights
Historic County Building
Lihue County Park, 4396 Rice St., Lihue, HI 96766 | 808-639-8564
It’s time for the annual Festival of Lights, Kauai’s largest holiday festival known for its use of recycled and reclaimed materials. It’s guaranteed to put you in a festive mood, Garden Isle style! Leisurely stroll and take pictures among the brilliantly lit County Building and coconut trees 6-11 p.m. Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 2022, and pay a visit to Santa and Mrs. Claus on the porch 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 31. The windows of the building will also display six decorated theme trees using recycled ornaments with one at the top of the exterior steps.
Kauai Mokihana Festival
Various Locations
The annual Kauai Mokihana Festival celebrates Hawaiian culture and includes educational lectures, music and a hula competition, Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 2-4. At 10 a.m. Nov. 28, a Hawaiian Church service will be held virtually in English and Hawaiian languages. The following events take place at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort: 7 p.m. Nov. 29, the Kauai Composers Concert & Contest encourages participants to perform original music; 9 a.m. Nov. 30, Eo E Liliu, a music competition for Kauai Charter Schools; 10 a.m. Dec. 2, Na Lei Pua Ole Lei Contest; 6 p.m. Dec. 3, Miss Mokihana Hula Kahiko and Hoike features soloists from various hula halau (groups) presenting hula that connects them to their birth island; and 8 a.m.. Dec. 4, Ka Hoolewa O Nathan Liberato Kahikolu Kahapea Kalama, a memorial service for one of Kauai’s most venerable living treasures and a founder of the Kauai Mokihana Festivals.
Holiday Aloha Market
National Tropical Botanical Garden
4425 Lawai Rd., Poipu, HI 96756 | 808-742-2623
National Tropical Botanical Garden hosts its annual Holiday Aloha Market at the South Shore Visitor Center, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 2. Discover locally made items from island crafters and produce vendors, a plant sale, live music all day long and more. Plus, if you’re an NTBG member, get early access to the plant sale at 9:30 a.m. on event day and get a 30% discount on purchases at the visitor center gift shop, Nov. 26-Dec. 2.
Every Wednesday: Free yoga in the Garden
National Tropical Botanical Garden
South Shore Visitor Center across from Spouting Horn Park, 4425 Lawai Rd., Koloa, HI 96756 | 808-742-2623
Bring a mat, mask and water for a socially distanced yoga session with Naomi 10 a.m. every Wednesday; check-in is at 9:45 a.m. Take part in gentle yoga while listening to Spouting Horn in the distance.
