Holiday-themed workshops
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. Stop by for “Mele Kalikimaka Hana Hou,” 2-4 p.m. Dec. 8. Enjoy a kanikapila session by Uncle Leonard & Friends, as well as purchase $5 ornaments created by Aunty Caroline Alfonso (cash only; no registration necessary). They also offer weekly workshops, one of which is the keiki-friendly Lauhala Christmas Ornament workshop, 1-2 p.m. Dec. 11. There’s also a Gingerbread Cookie Decorating workshop with Raintree Bakery Coffeehouse, 9-10 a.m. Dec. 12 and 19. Register for workshops and find information on upcoming events here.
Sheila E.
Blue Note Hawaii
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI | 808-777-4890
An accomplished and musician who picked up the drumsticks at the age of 3, Sheila Escovedo has established herself as a top drummer/percussionist and performer. George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Gloria Estefan, Patti LaBelle and Stevie Nicks are just a few of the greats she’s performed and/or recorded with. Sheila E. performs 6:30 and 9 p.m. shows Dec. 9 and 10. Tickets are available here.
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. 9 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, noon-12:45 p.m. Dec. 10 at Iolani Palace and 10:15-11 a.m. Dec. 11 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.”
Kapolei City Lights
Kapolei Hale, 1000 Uluohia St., Kapolei 96707
Kapolei City Lights opens up for viewing on Dec. 11. The centerpiece of the festive display is a 60-foot Cook Pine tree. It’ll be surrounded by festive lights and decorations that adorn the exterior of Kapolei Hale. Kapolei City Lights continues through Jan. 9, 2022.
Planetarium 60th Anniversary
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St., Honolulu, HI 96817 | 808-847-3511
It’s a prime weekend for astronomers and astronomers at heart as Bishop Museum celebrates J. Watumull Planetarium’s 60th anniversary, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 11. Enjoy free planetarium programs, giveaways, special activities and more. Museum admission is required, however, planetarium shows are free every weekend in December. The planetarium’s limited capacity requires that everyone get a ticket at Admissions or the Hookipa Desk; they are not available online. Visit their website for tickets.
24th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
Hawaii Kai Marina
Adjacent to Koko Marina Center | 808-396-2469
Enjoy the annual Christmas Boat Parade on the water as vessels of all sizes get decked out and show off their holiday spirit at one of the community’s favorite events, 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 11.
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra
Hawaii Theatre
1130 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 | 808-528-0506
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra presents Handel’s "Messiah" on two days: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 4 p.m. Dec. 12. Artists include Jory Vinikour as conductor and on harpsichord; Sherezade Panthaki, soprano; Leon Williams, baritone; Ignace Jang, violin; Claire Starz Butin, flute; and Scott Janusch, oboe d’amore. Tickets are available here.
Pusong Filipinx the Market
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St., Honolulu, HI 96817 | 808-847-3511
Pusong Filipinx comes from the phrase, “Pusong Pinoy,” which means “heart of Filipino” that embody’s Filipino culture and identity. Stop by the market, 1-5 p.m. Dec. 12, and support Filipinx-owned small businesses and creatives featuring retail, food and artworks. Admission to the museum isn’t included. Parking is $5 per vehicle. For event information and to register to attend (up to 25 people at at time will be allowed entry), click here.
Sacred Hearts Academy
Hawaii Theatre
1130 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 | 808-528-0506
Dancers from Sacred Hearts Academy in grades 7 through 12 present their Winter Dance Recital 2021 featuring excerpts from "The Nutcracker," 6 p.m. Dec. 13. This classic, timeless piece will be followed by contemporary Christmas-themed dance pieces. Tickets available here.
Mike Lewis & Friends Present the 5th Annual Happy Birthday Frank Sinatra
Blue Note Hawaii
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI | 808-777-4890
This one-time-only performance on Dec. 14 features the “Sinatra Sensation” Jerry Costanzo and the Mike Lewis Octet. Costanzo is considered one of the best Sinatra tribute artists today and together with native New Yorker and trumpeter Mike Lewis and his big band, it’ll be a birthday bash to remember. Tickets are available here.
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.
37th Honolulu City Lights
Honolulu Hale
Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds, 650 S. King St., Honolulu, 96813
This holiday display features the City’s official 55-foot tree and the iconic 21-foot Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele perched at the front of Honolulu Hale. Visitors may take photos at the “Joy” and “Aloha” selfie stations and other social media backdrops. The popular City department tree display is also on view within Honolulu Hale. The display is open from daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Friends of Honolulu will be selling Honolulu City Lights merchandise onsite and online that helps to support the annual event. Honolulu City Lights continues through Jan. 2, 2022.
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 holiday favorites and many of his award-winning hits in a festive holiday concert, “Coming Together for the Holidays,” at MACC, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Tickets available here.
Celebrating Maui A Kama Chocolate, Hula & Moolelo
Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate
78 Ulupono St., Lahaina, HI 96761 | 808-793-6651
This event is a fundraiser for Ku Mai Ka Hula with Kumu Hula Hokulani Holt to be held at Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 11. Enjoy a gourmet bento by Chef Joey Macadangdang, chocolate tasting by CEO Dr. Gunars Valkirs, and moolelo (stories, tales) and hula by Kumu Hula Hokulani Holt and Halau Pau O Hiiaka. Tickets are available here.
Maui Pops Orchestra returns
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
One Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732 | 808-242-7469
The Valley Isle’s own Maui Pops Orchestra returns to the MACC marking its first performance in front of a live audience since the start of the pandemic. Join them 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and hear seasonal favorites at their Holiday Pops Concert featuring guest vocalist Dee Roscioli, who has a long list of Broadway and concert stage credits to her name. Tickets are available 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.
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. 10, 17 and 24.
Hawaiian Holiday Art & Crafts Festival
Keoki’s South Kona Grindz
83-5315 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, HI 96704 | 808-328-9000
Find creative works by local artists in 15 booths, live music, breakfast and lunch specials and more at the Hawaiian Holiday Art & Crafts Festival, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 11-12. More info available here.
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.
22nd Annual Wreath Exhibition
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | 808-967-7565
View a beautiful and creative array 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.
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. 10, 17 and 31. The windows of the building will also display six decorated, themed trees that showcase recycled ornaments with one at the top of the exterior steps. Lights continue through Jan. 1, 2022.
Holiday Plant Sale
NTBG’s Limahuli Garden and Preserve
5-8291 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, HI 96714 | 808-826-1668
Find native plants, canoe plants, veggie starts, fresh wreaths and handmade crafts for a friend or for yourself at the Holiday Plant Sale taking place at National Tropical Botanical Garden’s Limahuli Garden and Preserve, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 12. With every plant purchase, get a free Mamaki plant while supplies last.
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. 12 and 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 needed.
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 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.
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).
