Royal Hawaiian Band Performs
Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Iolani Palace and Honolulu Zoo
The nation’s only full-time municipal band performs rich historic melodies, 11-11:45 a.m. Dec. 2 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, noon-12:45 p.m. Dec. 3 at Iolani Palace and 10:15-11 a.m. Dec. 4 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 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.”
Volunteer: Hanai Aina Work Day
Waimea Valley
59-863 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712 | 808-638-5855
The ahupuaa of Waimea is always on the lookout for volunteers to assist in restoring the native land by clearing invasive species and planting native Hawaiian plants such as lama, wiliwili, koa, ohia lehua and alahee. Restoring upland forests helps protect the watershed and improves water quality. The next Hanai Aina work day is set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 2 and 5, with a hike up to Kalahee Ridge (weather pending). It’s open to ages 12 and up, but note that individuals must commit to the entire time. RSVP is required by emailing volunteers@waimeavalley.net or by calling the number above. Participants will receive an email confirmation.
The Stars Tonight Online
Bishop Museum’s J. Watumull Planetarium
The Planetarium Education staff presents an in-depth view of Hawaii’s night sky, 7-8 p.m. Dec. 4. Find Orion, the brightest stars most prevalent during winter months and planets. You’ll also learn about the Geminid meteor shower and how you can best view it. Fee is $6, free for Bishop Museum members. Registration is required for this virtual event that will be conducted via Zoom.
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 (medicinal 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.
Candy Cane Lane Drive-Thru
Koko Marina Center
7192 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825 | 808-295-7197
Drive into Koko Marina Center, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 5 to greet Santa and pick up a holiday goodie bag provided by the merchants. One bag per child while supplies last. Visit their website for a map of the route.
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St., Honolulu, HI 96817
This annual epicurean event is a program of the nonprofit Hawaii Ag and Culinary Alliance. Ticket purchases support local farmers, ranchers and fishers and invests in a new generation of chefs at isle culinary colleges as well as agricultural education for keiki.
This year features a single event on the Great Lawn at Bishop Museum, 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 5. Attendees get to enjoy a Backyard BBQ & Mele on the Lawn presented by Kamehameha Schools. It’s a night of slow-cooked grilled and smoked fare curated by the chefs of Easy ‘Que, Nui Kealoha Catering, Sunset Texas Barbeque, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers and TEX 808 BBQ & Brews. Look for homegrown side dishes featuring ulu, or Hawaiian breadfruit, in cooperation with the Hawaii Ulu Cooperative.
Brook Lee, 1997 Miss Universe and host of “Modern Wahine,” emcees the evening’s program under the stars. Must be 21 years or older to attend the event.
Honolulu City Lights
Honolulu Hale and Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds
530 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
It’s time for the 37th Annual Honolulu City Lights kicking off Dec. 5 that runs through 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.
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.
Sounds of Aloha Chorus
Hawaii Theater
The Sounds of Aloha Chorus presents “Songs of the Season,” a barbershop choral event for Hawaii Theater. Tickets are available here for this livestreamed event that takes place at 4 p.m. on Dec. 5.
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. View native and non-native wood that has been transformed into fine furniture, sculptures, musical instruments, accessories and bowls. Items are available online for purchase, and a silent auction will run for the duration of the event. Admission is free.
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; closed 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 that 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 are 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.
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.
Kauluhiwaolele Maui Fiber Arts Conference
Kaanapali Beach Hotel
2525 Kaanpali Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761
The Kauluhiwaolele Maui Fiber Arts Conference, Dec. 1-4, is an intensive four days of weaving instruction by 20 kumu (master practitioners) from throughout the state to those who are experienced in weaving. Registration for the conference is available here. The general public is welcome to the dinner and Hawaiian craft fair and workshops in the hotel lobby.
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. every Friday evening Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at Lahaina Cannery Mall. They’ll enjoy 30 min. of story time with Santa and can take photos with him afterward; reservations can be made here. Holiday entertainment is also available 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday. Attendees will also be entered to win a prize stocking.
8th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival
War Memorial Special Events Field
700 Halia Nakoa St., Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793
This year’s Made in Maui County Festival combines in-person and virtual shopping opportunities for an even wider audience, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Dec. 4. More than 30 Maui, Molokai and Lanai vendors present their unique products in-person at the War Memorial Stadium, as well as online. The public can even video chat with vendors and view special programming.
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. 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, handblown 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.
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.
Every Sunday: The Maui Gift & Craft Fair
Lahaina Gateway
305 Keawe St., Lahaina, HI 96761 | 808-661-1505
Called “West Maui’s Largest Gift and Craft Fair!” this event features more than 50 vendors selling jewelry, fine art, glassworks, photography, historical print and map reproductions, crafts, bath and body products, apparel, pottery and more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Food refreshments available on site.
Josh Tatofi Performs
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
One Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732 | 808-242-7469
Nicknamed “the Luther Vandross of Hawaii,” Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist Josh Tatofi performs in a festive holiday concert, “Coming Together for the Holidays,” at MACC, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Tickets available here.
Photos with Santa
Prince Kuhio Plaza
111 East Puainako St., Hilo, HI 96720 | 808-959-3555
Capture a memorable holiday moment in time with a family photo taken with the holiday season’s brightest star, Santa Claus! Openings for the Santa Magic photo experience are available through Dec. 21. Sign up here to reserve your space.
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 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.
Planetarium Programs
Imiloa Astronomy Center
600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, HI 96720 | 808-932-8901
Listen to a live traditional storytelling about the stars of the Makalii in Hawaii’s winter sky with “Magnificent Makalii,” learn what what an astronomer does in “We are Astronomers” and gain a new perspective of Earth in “Fragile Planet” at Imiloa Astronomy Center. These three programs are scheduled throughout the day Friday through Sunday, Dec. 3-19. 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.
24th Annual Holualoa Village Music & Light Festival
Holualoa Village
On the slopes of Mt. Hualalai
The close-knit Holualoa community gathers to kick off the holiday season, Hawaiian style, with the lighting of the town tree, a visit by Santa Claus, live music, gallery gatherings, art openings, food, drink and lots more at the annual Music & Light Festival. All ages are welcome to make new friends and catch up with old ones, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4.
Volunteer: Stewardship at the Summit
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Spend the morning helping to clear the aina (land) of invasive Himalayan ginger on park trails in Stewardship at the Summit, 8:45 a.m.-noon, Dec. 4, then spend the rest of day discovering the beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Bring your own water, snacks, rain gear and sunscreen. It’s about a mile-long roundtrip hike on rough, uneven terrain to the work site from Kilauea Visitor Center. For more information, email Paul or Jane at field@hawaii.edu. Groups can contact Kupono McDaniel at 808-985-6015. Upcoming dates are Dec. 10 and 18.
Film showing: “I Was a Simple Man”
Historic Palace Theater
38 Haili St., Hilo, HI 96720 | 808-934-7010
One of the films premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and shown at this year’s Hawaii International Film Festival, “I Was a Simple Man” is a ghostly drama that takes place on Oahu’s North Shore that tells the story of an elderly man facing the end of his life. Written and directed by Christopher Makoto Yogi. Showings are 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Doors open 30 min. before each show. Tickets: $10 general, $9 seniors, students and veterans.
‘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.
Every Monday: Niaulani Rain Forest Tour
Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus
19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano, HI 96785 | 808-967-8222
Immerse yourself in a native Hawaiian rainforest on a weekly guided tour, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Niaulani is one of Kilauea’s last old-growth koa and ohia rainforests. You’ll learn about its significance, continual threats, how native species are different from their colonizing ancestors, uses of Hawaiian flora and more. Tour takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately. Reservations aren’t required but are appreciated for groups of five or more. Donations are appreciated. Custom tours are also available.
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 amid the brilliantly lit County Building and coconut trees 6-11 p.m. through 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 themed trees using recycled ornaments with one at the top of the exterior steps.
Kauai Mokihana Festival
The annual Kauai Mokihana Festival celebrates Hawaiian culture and includes educational lectures, music and a hula competition. The last three events are Na Lei Pua Ole Lei Contest, 10 a.m. Dec. 2; Miss Mokihana Hula Kahiko and Hoike, which features soloists from various hula halau (groups) presenting hula that connects them to their birth island, 6 p.m. Dec. 3; and Ka Hoolewa O Nathan Liberato Kahikolu Kahapea Kalama, 8 a.m. Dec. 4, which is a memorial service for one of Kauai’s most venerable living treasures and a founder of the Kauai Mokihana Festivals. Visit the event website for more information.
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.
Kauai Island Crafters Fair
Kauai Veterans Center
3215 Kapule Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766
Local crafters and artisans focus their passion into unique and fine quality products such as Hawaiian print fabric quilts; shell, silver and gold jewelry; wood and bone carvings; paintings; photographs; sun catchers; and more. Start on your holiday shopping list or wrap it up and meet the maker behind each unique piece, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 4.
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.
