The holiday season descends on Oahu’s westside with opening night festivities for Kapolei City Lights set for Nov. 30, announced the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation.

What You Need To Know

  • A number of streets including Uluohia, Ala Kahawai, Alohikea and Kamaaha Avenue will be closed to accommodate this year’s block party, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring lots of local food and retail vendors and live music

  • Councilmember Augie Tulba will emcee the entertainment stage near the mauka end of Kapolei Hale beginning at 5 p.m. featuring Jahli’i

  • Nearly 70 organizations are scheduled to take part in the parade showcasing decorated vehicles, floats, parade walkers and lots of holiday cheer

  • Live coverage of the parade will air on ʻŌlelo 53 emceed by Flash of Star 99.1 FM

This year’s Kapolei City Lights guarantees a bigger-than-ever celebration featuring a block party, holiday parade and decorations lighting up the exterior and interior of Kapolei Hale.

A number of streets including Uluohia, Ala Kahawai, Alohikea and Kamaaha Avenue will be closed to accommodate this year’s block party, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring lots of local food and retail vendors and live music.

(Photo courtesy of Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation)

Councilmember Augie Tulba will emcee the entertainment stage near the mauka end of Kapolei Hale beginning at 5 p.m. featuring Jahli‘i, Mr. Aloooha at 6 p.m., tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Rick Blangiardi at 6:45 p.m., Kalaʻe + Kalena at 7 p.m., and Taulia Lave performing at 8 p.m.

Nearly 70 organizations are scheduled to take part in the parade showcasing decorated vehicles, floats, parade walkers and lots of holiday cheer. The parade will begin at Kapolei High School at 6 p.m. and make its way up Fort Barrette Road, taking a left on Kapolei Parkway, and ending at Kealakapu Street.

(Photo courtesy of Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation)

Phased road closures to accommodate the block party and parade will begin at noon on Nov. 30.

The city partners with ʻŌlelo Community Media this year to livestream the parade. Live coverage will air on ʻŌlelo 53 emceed by Flash of Star 99.1 FM and will re-air at the following times and dates: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 10 a.m. Dec. 25, and 10 p.m. Dec. 26.

DPR says the 2024 Kapolei City Lights’ theme of “Show Aloha this Holiday Season” comes from a key partner in this year’s celebration — Mike Gangloff of “Show Aloha Challenge” — who donated the 50-foot LED Christmas tree standing in front of Kapolei Hale. It will join other exterior and interior decorations including trees decorated by city agencies, neighborhood boards and community organizations.

The 50-foot tree courtesy of Mike Gangloff of “Show Aloha Challenge” goes up in front of Kapolei Hale. (Photo courtesy of Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation)

The decorations aim to inspire togetherness, says DPR, reminding everyone of the joy that comes from kindness, compassion and connection during the holiday season.

Kapolei Hale decorations will be available to the public from Nov. 30 through Jan. 5, 2025, during the following hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and holidays.

Honolulu City Lights celebrates its 40th anniversary on Dec. 7 with its annual block party, parade, tree lighting and other family activities, in addition to decorations donated by Gangloff.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.