Frank De Lima
Blue Note Hawaii
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 | 808-777-4890
Catch Frank De Lima performing in the Blue Note Comedy Series with Cathy Tanaka opening the show, 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets are available here.
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra
Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall
777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, HI 96814 | 808-768-5252
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra presents the season’s classics and favorites at its Ohana Holiday Concert over three days at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 17, and 1 p.m. Dec. 19. Tickets are $5 general admission available at the Blaisdell Box Office (number above) or via ticketmaster.com; fees apply.
The Makaha Sons
Hawaii Theatre
1130 Bethel St., Honolulu, HI 96813 | 808-528-0506
One of Hawaii’s premier Hawaiian musical groups, The Makaha Sons, presents their holiday concert, “Makaha Kalikimaka,” at Hawaii Theatre. The group has released 22 CDs, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 and was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 2013. They have continued to perpetuate traditional Hawaiian music throughout Hawaii and around the world for more than 40 years. Performances on Dec. 17 and 18 feature a number of special guests beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doors open 7 p.m. Tickets are available here.
Paula Fuga
Blue Note Hawaii
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 | 808-777-4890
Hear the soulful, heartfelt voice of Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning global artist Paula Fuga in four “Home for the Holidays” performances over two days, Dec. 17-18. Joining her in two performances on Dec. 17 will be Kimie Miner, a Grammy-nominated producer, singer-songwriter and recording artist. Tickets are available here, with a livestream option also available.
Hawaii’s Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, HI 96814 | 808-768-5252
Get your gift list ready for the last weekend before Christmas because Hawaii Holiday Craft & Gift Fair takes over the Exhibition Hall with some of the state’s best crafters, Dec. 17-19. Attendees will have the chance to enter to win a West Coast trip for two. $5 admission, cash only; free for military with ID and children under 6 years with a paid adult. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 17, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 19. Tickets are available at the Blaisdell Box Office.
2021 HHSAA Cheerleading Championships
Neal Blaisdell Arena
777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, HI 96814 | 808-768-5252
Get your cheer on for Hawaii High School Athletics Association’s State Cheerleading Championships to be held noon-5 p.m. Dec. 18, at Blaisdell Arena. Featuring some of the state’s best cheerleading teams competing. $9 general admission, $5 students and seniors 65-plus, cash only. Tickets are available at the Blaisdell Box Office.
Josh Tatofi “Coming Together for the Holidays”
Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell
2805 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 | 808-768-5400
Hear Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist Josh Tatofi as he lives up to his nickname, “the Luther Vandross of Hawaii” in his holiday concert, “Coming Together for the Holidays.” He’ll perform holiday favorites and many of his award-winning hits and will be joined by singer Justin Kawika Young, who was in the band Gone West. Tickets for the 7 p.m. Dec. 18 performance are available here. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Holiday Spectacular
Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell
2805 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 | 808-768-5400
The Pas De Deux Hawaii performing arts school presents its students in "Holiday Spectacular," 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Tickets are $45 available here.
Jake Shimabukuro “Christmas in Hawaii”
Blue Note Hawaii
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 | 808-777-4890
Jake Shimabukuro has come a long way since “small-kid” time. A master on the ukulele who draws every ounce of soul from the instrument, he presents “Christmas in Hawaii” along with bassist Jackson Waldoff and special guests singer-songwriter Thunderstorm Artis on vocals and ‘first-call’ percussionist Taku Hirano. Two shows each evening, Dec. 19-21. Tickets are available here with a livestream option.
Holiday-themed Workshop
Na Mea Hawaii
1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814 | 808-596-8885
Na Mea Hawaii, meaning “all things Hawaiian,” showcases the works of Hawaii artists and crafters, specifically Native Hawaiian artists. Try your hand at cookie decorating at the Gingerbread Cookie Decorating workshop with Raintree Bakery Coffeehouse, 9-10 a.m. Dec. 19. Register for workshops and find information on upcoming events here.
Waikiki Trolley Holiday Lights Tour
Ward Village
1240 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814 | 808-591-8411
Hop aboard the Waikiki Trolley and enjoy holiday lights, Christmas sing-alongs and stories from a double-decker bus. Riders are free to disembark at Honolulu Hale to see the Honolulu City Lights or continue back to Ward Village. Departure times are every half hour 6- 8 p.m. now through Dec. 26. Tickets are adults $20, keiki 3-11 years $15, 2 and under are free, available here. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hawaii Foodbank.
Show Aloha Land – A Holiday Wonderland Light Show
Aloha Stadium
Enter through Kahuapaani St., Gate 3 | 808-483-2500
Drive through a dazzling display of a million LED lights choreographed to holiday music starting from 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Wonderland Light Show. Afterwards, park in the upper Halawa lot, cross the bridge through the 70-foot-long light tunnel for more family fun at the Mega Tree. $55 per vehicle, limited vehicles for each time slot. Tickets are available here. Runs through Jan. 1, 2022.
Honolulu City Lights
Honolulu Hale and Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds
530 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Stop by and say, “Mele Kalikimaka!” to Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele at the 37th Annual Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale. Inside Honolulu Hale, see Christmas tree displays courtesy of city department employees. New this year are selfie stations and social media stations. 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. Display continues through Jan. 2, 2022 including Christmas and New Year’s days.
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, find out on Honolulu Zoo’s Twilight Tours, 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Saturday through March 2022. Educators lead a two-hour walking tour and 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. 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.
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, to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed 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 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.
Story Time with Santa
Lahaina Cannery Mall
1221 Honoapiilani Hwy., Lahaina, HI 96761 | 808-661-5304
Bring the keiki for a 30-min. story time with Santa and take photos with him afterward, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 17 at Lahaina Cannery Mall. Only four time slots are available; 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.
Jake Shimabukuro
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
One Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732 | 808-242-7469
Jake Shimabukuro has come a long way since “small-kid” time. A master on the ukulele who draws every ounce of soul from the instrument, he now presents “Christmas in Hawaii” along with bassist Jackson Waldoff and special guests singer-songwriter Thunderstorm Artis on vocals and ‘first-call’ percussionist Taku Hirano. The group performs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 before moving on to performances on Oahu. Tickets are available here.
Sip & Shop at Lahaina Galleries
The Shops at Wailea
3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., #A23, Kihei, HI 96753 | 808-874-8583
Meet artists in person and enjoy special holiday offers, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 18, at Lahaina Galleries. Artists in attendance will include Ronaldo Macedo, Robert Lyn Nelson, Andreas Nottebohm and Steve Turnbull. For more information and to RSVP, call the number above or email art@Lgimaui.com.
Christmas 5K Run & Santa’s Half-Mile Keiki Dash
Kaunoa Senior Center
401 Alakapa Pl., Paia, HI 96779 | 808-222-2484
The Valley Isle Road Runners hosts this event for all ages. Santa’s Half-Mile Keiki Dash, a race for keiki 8 years and under, kicks off at 7:30 a.m. The Christmas 5K run starts at 7:35 a.m. A one-mile walk starts right after the 5K runners take off. Non-VIRR members are welcome. This fun event is 7:30-10 a.m., Dec. 19.
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.
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. each Sunday. Refreshments are available.
Bill Maher New Year’s 10th Anniversary
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
One Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732 | 808-242-7469
Ring in 2022 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center with the ever-popular and multiple Emmy Award-winning Bill Maher with special guests Nikki Glaser and Christopher "Kid" Reid. Tickets are available here for the 8 p.m. Dec. 30 show.
Jake Shimabukuro
Kahilu Theatre
67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Waimea, HI 96743 | 808-885-6868
Jake Shimabukuro is a master on the ukulele who draws every ounce of soul from the instrument, he presents “Christmas in Hawaii” along with bassist Jackson Waldoff and special guests singer-songwriter Thunderstorm Artis on vocals and ‘first-call’ percussionist Taku Hirano. The group performs 7 p.m. Dec. 17. 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. Place orders via email to himga@hawaii.edu; no drop-in sales are permitted. Cash only. Upcoming Friday pick ups are Dec. 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. The exhibit runs through Dec. 18. Donkey Mill Art Center is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
Hilo Community Players
Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot
323 Manono St., Hilo, HI 96720
The Hilo Community Players, Hawaii Island’s oldest theater company, presents “Christmas Cabaret,” an innovative live holiday drive-in for the community. This free event features holiday classics, festive dances, traditional stories and more performed by Hilo’s biggest talents. They’re saying Santa might even stop by! Holiday concessions will be available. The parking lot opens one hour prior to each show. Set up chairs next to vehicles; no tents or pop-ups. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19.
Kalani Pe‘a
Kahilu Theatre
67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Waimea, HI 96743 | 808-885-6868
Grammy Award-winner Kalani Pe‘a performs holiday favorites and new music from his third album in “Wrapped in a Bow Christmas Show,” 7 p.m. Dec. 18. Guest performers male vocalist Damon Williams and hula halau (groups). Tickets are available here.
West Hawaii County Band
Hale Halawai
75-5760 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | 808-322-7085
The 20-member civic band performs holiday favorites at its Holiday Concert that’s free to the public. Performance is 6:30 p.m., Dec. 19 Hale Halawai.
West Hawaii Dance Theatre & Academy
Kahilu Theatre
67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Waimea, HI 96743 | 808-885-6868
The West Hawaii Dance Theatre & Academy presents a holiday classic, “The Nutcracker Ballet,” in a reimagined production choreographed by guest choreographer and dancer Timour Bourtasenkov. Guest professional dancers are Katie Williams and Jose Sebastian from the American Ballet Theatre, along with community dance artists at noon and 3 p.m. performances on Dec. 23. Tickets are available here.
22nd Annual Wreath Exhibition
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | 808-967-7565
View a creative display of wreaths made by members of the community incorporating a variety of mediums, techniques and styles in “Fantastical Forests!” throughout December. Volcano Art Center Gallery is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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. The 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.
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 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, Dec. 17-19. “Mystery of the Christmas Star” shows at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Dec. 24 only. Tickets are available here.
Twilight Tours
NTBG’s Allerton and McBryde Gardens
4425 Lawai Rd., Koloa, HI 96756 | 808-742-2623
Explore the beautiful grounds of the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s Allerton and McBryde Gardens on guided Twilight Tours Dec. 16 and 19. Listen to birdsong as the sun begins to set and smell the fragrance of night-blooming flowers. Tours depart at 4 p.m. and offer participants access to areas that are normally off-limits such as the west end of Allerton, the secret garden tunnels and other off-the-path trails. For tickets, call the number above or visit here.
25th Annual Kauai’s Festival of Lights
Historic County Building
Lihue County Park, 4396 Rice St., Lihue, HI 96766 | 808-639-8564
View 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! Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus on the porch 6-8 p.m. Dec. 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. Lights continue through Jan. 1, 2022.
Waipa Christmas Craft Fair
Waipa Foundation
5-5785 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, HI 96714 | 808-826-9969
Enjoy the creative works of island artisans from an array of vendors, plus local foods at the Waipa Christmas Craft Fair, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 18.
Kauai Ballet Academy
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
2641 Poipu Rd., Koloa, HI 96756 | 808-346-2603
Enjoy two full-length performances of “The Nutcracker” by the Kauai Ballet Academy at 1 and 6 p.m., Dec. 18. A silent auction will also take place during the evening performance. Tickets are available here.
Solstice Kilo Interpretive Hike
Kahili Beach Preserve
Wailapa Rd., Kilauea, HI, 96754
The Hawaii Land Trust offers this unique guided hike in its “Talk Story on the Land” series to view the Ke Ala Polohiwa a Kane and Ke Ala Polohiwa a Kanaloa as the sun rises, Dec. 20. Learn about the winter solstice and the traditional Hawaiian observations and protocols, as well as native plants and animals that make their home at the preserve. Bring water, wear sunscreen. Meet 6:30 a.m. at Kahili Beach parking lot. Sign up here (scroll down to Kauai hikes).
Visit a sanctuary
Lawai International Center
Visit the website for driving directions | 808-639-1718
Open to the public just twice each month, the Lawai International Center is a place where individuals can find peace, solitude and view the 88 shrines within its grounds. Enjoy a brief video, a casual talk story session and time to walk the path at this community-supported sanctuary. Times are 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Dec. 26. Reserve a spot by calling or texting the number above or email info@lawaicenter.org. The public is also welcome to participate in Community Caring Day to help care for the center’s grounds, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Lunch is provided; no tools are needed.
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.
