In some ways, January in Hawaiʻi is January anywhere—a time to relax and recover from the chaos of the holidays, a time to gear up for the new year. In other ways, it’s completely different. Think: whale sightings, surf contests, parties that never stop. The events are the best way to dig into every aspect of the month.
Image of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Yoga | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (O‘ahu) | Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9–10 a.m. | $10
Bring clothes to move in and get ready to stretch your body and limits with David Sanders and Yoga Teacher Friends at O‘ahu’s most beloved gay bar in Waikiki. But don’t worry, classes are conducted at your pace.
hulas.com
Chitty Bang | The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd., upstairs (O‘ahu) | Every first Thursday, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
This monthly alternative event brings in crowds, emceed by RoxyOTM with DJs SuperCW, Ace, Betty, and Tittahbite.
jointherepublik.com
Bear Fridays at Bacchus | Bacchus Waikiki, 408 Lewers St. (O‘ahu) | Every Friday evening
Meet and play with other bears and LGBTQIA community at Bacchus on Friday nights. A perfect way to wind down after a busy week at work, or to kick off a weekend to remember in Waikiki.
thealohabears.com
Scarlet Fever | Scarlet Honolulu, 80 S. Pauahi St. (O‘ahu) | Every Saturday, 10 p.m.
This tropical-inspired drag revue at this tiki bar-meets-club venue in Honolulu’s Chinatown is going to make you want to come back to Scarlet every night to see what other fun they have in store.
scarlethonolulu.com
Art Night In Lāhainā Town | Throughout Lāhainā (Maui) | Every second Friday night, 7–10 p.m.
Lāhainā is called the “Art Capital of the Pacific” because it is home to more art galleries per capita than any other town in the United States. Each second Friday, galleries stay open late to hold special shows and feature artists in action. Guests may also enjoy live music and outdoor vendor booths.
mauifridays.com/lahaina
Smash by Chitty Bang | Scarlet Honolulu, 80 S. Pauahi St. (O‘ahu) | Every third Friday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Featuring our favorite lady Roxy OTM, this new event at Scarlet Honolulu is for lesbians, lovers, LGBT, and anyone who likes to have fun.
scarlethonolulu.com
Waimea Ocean Film Festival | Waimea and South Kohala Coast (Hawai‘i Island) | January 1–8
This festival offers a breathtaking lineup of films, special guests, intimate talks, exhibits, receptions, and morning activities. The festival will be held at various Waimea and Kohala Coast venues.
waimeaoceanfilm.org
Grey Goose Day Club | Sunset Pool at the Modern Honolulu, 1775 Ala Moana Blvd. (O‘ahu) | January 3, noon–6 p.m.
Party poolside with RoxyOTM at the mic.
Rough Riders | Maui Arts and Cultural Center, 1 Cameron Way (Maui) | January 8, 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the collaborative magic of multiple award-winning artists Henry Kapono, John Cruz, and Brother Noland as they perform classics such as “Friends,” “Coconut Girl,” and “Island Style,” as well as new material.
mauiarts.org
Maui Pride LGBT & Friends Hiking Group | Makawao Forest Preserve, Kahapao Loop Trail, meet at the Starbucks parking lot on Dairy Road to carpool (Maui) | Saturday January 9, 8:30 a.m.
Wander through a wide array of trees on this five-mile hike this high-elevation forest reserve.
mauipride.org/upcomingevents
Whale-abration LGBT Whale Watching Cruise | Maalaea Harbor (Maui) | January 16, 3 p.m.–5 p.m.
Take to the high seas with the Maui Pride community aboard the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Odyssey to get up close and personal with humpback whales during their winter time in Hawaiʻi waters.
http://mauipride.org
The Sunset Pro | Sunset Beach (Oʻahu) | A three-day event, holding period January 17–27
This surf competition takes place at one of the world’s most famous surf breaks. The event kicks off when the conditions are just right, so be sure to check the website below to make sure it’s on.
http://www.worldsurfleague.com
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo *Sponsored* | Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel St. (Oʻahu) | January 17, 4 p.m.
This company of professional male dancers presents a playful, entertaining view of traditional, classical ballet for one night only, performing the full range of the ballet and modern dance repertoire, including classical and original works in faithful renditions–the comedy is achieved by incorporating and exaggerating the foibles, accidents, and underlying incongruities of serious dance. Prepare to be tickled, and dazzled.
hawaiitheatre.com
New Shanghai Circus | Maui Arts and Cultural Center, 1 Cameron Way (Maui) | January 18, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Building on traditional Chinese acts, the acrobats of New Shanghai Circus bend and twist with graceful movements to form living sculptures and perform spectacular stunts accentuated by dazzling lighting and effects at this yearly event for all ages.
mauiarts.org
Rainbow Dine-Out D’Lite | D’Lite, 1857 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei (Maui) | Tuesday January 19, 7 p.m.
Join the Maui Pride community for their monthly dinner out. This month, the star is D’Lite, a healthy alternative to fast food, with salads, sandwiches, burgers, veggie bowls and more featuring organic, all-natural, and local ingredients as much as possible.
mauipride.org
Maui Pops Orchestra “Broadway Diva Pops” | Maui Arts and Cultural Center, 1 Cameron Way (Maui) | Sunday, Jan 24, 3–5 p.m.
Enjoy this annual Broadway spectacular, featuring soloists performing well-known selections from Carmen, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, and Titanic, accompanied by the Maui Pops Orchestra.
mauiarts.org
Volcom Pipe Pro | Ehukai Beach Park (O‘ahu) | January 29–February 8
One of numerous surfing contests that light up O‘ahu’s North Shore in the winter season, the Volcom Pipe Pro at world-famous break Banzai Pipeline features some of the top professional surfers hoping to get tubed by the pounding, barreling waves. Be sure to check the website to see if the contest is on before you make the trek.
volcompipepro.com
12th Annual Kona Surf Film Festival |Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd. (Hawai‘i Island) | January 30, 3–10 p.m.
The Kona Surf Film Festival presents surf films from around the world, and benefits the Big Island community and the larger surfing community. Guests may also expect live music.
konasurffilmfestival.org