What To Do in Hawaiʻi in December

Fireworks Hawaii

While you are in Hawaiʻi, do you want to party? Stay fit, yoga-style? Eat out? Experience the culture? Any of the above? Then check out the events below.

 

Aloha Friday on the Porch | Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawai‘i Island) | Every Friday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Join Hawaiian practitioners on the porch of the Volcano Art Center who share stories or lead hands-on workshops teaching how to make lei or gourd instruments, or demonstrate lauhala weaving, kapa beating, or ukulele playing.
volcanoartcenter.org

Open Mic Nite | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (Oʻahu) | every Monday, 6–9 p.m.
Start off your week with some fun at Waikiki’s legendary gay bar. Whether you’re a soloist or part of a band for the night, all performers receive a free drink.
hulas.com

MauiWine Tasting | Ulupalakua Ranch, 14800 Piilani Hwy. (Maui) | Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. everyday
Come delight each of your senses and taste exquisite handcrafted wines. This rare vineyard experience will give you some unforgettable memories and is steeped in rich culture. It is perfect for a romantic getaway or a fun group experience with friends.
mauiwine.com

Painting with Peggy | Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawai‘i Island) | The first and third Monday of December from noon – 3 p.m.
Margaret “Peggy” Stanton will teach a series of workshops for artists at all levels. Bring your own supplies and easels and come get inspired to do your best work!
volcanoartcenter.org 

Blazing Saddles Hawaii | Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom & Scarlet Honolulu (Oʻahu) | Every Tuesday of the month except the second at Ala Wai Golf Course, 6:30-9:15 p.m.; every second Tuesday of the month at Scarlet, 6:30-9:15 p.m.
Learn the two-step, waltzes, line-dancing, swing and much more! Free dance lessons take place from 6:30-7pm. No entrance fee and all events include food and refreshments.
blazingsaddleshi.org

Free Fireworks | Waikiki (Oʻahu) | Every Friday of the month, 7:45 p.m.
Every week, Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts a free fireworks show. Watch with a drink in hand from their pool bar, or await the show with a sit on the beach.

Hula’s Catamaran | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (Oʻahu) | every Saturday, 2–5 p.m.
Grab your captain hat and set sail with Hula’s Famous Gay Catamaran Cruise through the waters of Waikiki.
hulas.com, buy tickets here

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | The Safehouse at The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd #30 (Oʻahu) | December 1, 9 p.m.
Come on down to this this monthly party that celebrates Honolulu’s LGBT community. This monthly alternative event brings in crowds, emceed by RoxyOTM with DJs SuperCW, Ace, Betty, and Tittahbite.
jointherepublik.com

World AIDS Day Event | Seascape Restaurant at Maui Ocean Center (Maui) | December 1, 6–8 p.m.
Come honor the lives of those have been affected by HIV & AIDS. This is a free community event held by the Maui AIDS Foundation. Musical performances and free snacks and beverages will be available.
worldaidsdayhawaii.org

World AIDS Day Memorial Service | The Cathedral of St. Andrew (Oʻahu) | December 1, 6:30p.m.
The World AIDS Day Hawaii Committee is holding their annual public memorial service in recognition of World AIDS Day. A light snack reception will be held after the ceremony.
worldaidsdayhawaii.org

The 75th Commemoration of the Attack on Pearl Harbor | Various locations around Honolulu (Oʻahu) | December 1–11
Celebratory events and solemn ceremonies will honor this day that will forever live in infamy. This festival, marking the days surrounding the horrific attack on December 7, will feature band performances, documentary showings, and a block party throughout locations around the island.
pearlharbor75thanniversary.com

Festival of Lights | Various Locations (Kauaʻi) | December 2–24, 6–8 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with a parade starting on December 3rd from Rice Street to the Historic County Building. The parade culminates in festive seasonal lights being lit. Every evening thereafter, visit the building and experience holiday cheer, inside and out.
kauaifestivaloflights.com

Honolulu City Lights | Honolulu Hale and King Street (Oʻahu) | December 3–30, evening
Bring your Christmas spirit and say “Mele Kalikimaka” to the Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele statues. The grounds of Honolulu Hale will be decorated with festive displays and holiday lights.
honolulucitylights.org

Trivia | Bacchus Waikiki, 408 Lewers Street (Oʻahu) | December 5 & 19
Show off your knowledge during trivia night at Bacchus every first and third Monday of every month! Form a team of two to six players, enjoy drink specials and tasty treats, and win that grand prize of drink tokens! Never a cover and always fun!
bacchus-waikiki.com

24th Annual DJs Against Aids | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (Oʻahu) | December 8, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. | Suggested Donation, $10; Limited tables available, $60
Come join Hawaiʻi’s DJs and dance community to help stop the spread of HIV and assist those who currently live with HIV and AIDS. 100 percent of the proceeds goes towards The Life Foundation. Celebrate life and dance the night away in support of this event that has been helping those affected by AIDS for over 20 years.
hulas.com, buy tickets here

Art Night in Lahaina Town | Lahaina Town (Maui) | every second Friday night of the month (December 9), 7–10 p.m.
Lahaina 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 Friday, galleries stay open late to hold special shows and to feature artists in action. Also enjoy live music and outdoor vendor booths.
mauifridays.com/lahaina

LGBT & Friends Hiking Group | Waiheʻe Coastal Land Trust Hike (Maui) | December 10, 8:30 a.m.
Meet up with hikers, then carpool to the starting point of a hike through the Waihe’e Coastal Land Trust, which offers beautiful and lush scenic views. After your workout, have lunch with the hiking group at Fat Chicks burgers at Waihe’e Golf Course.
RSVP online at mauipride.org

Booze Cruise with The Aloha Bears | Bacchus Waikiki, 408 Lewers St. (Oʻahu) | December 11, 11:30 a.m. | $35 members, $40 non-members
Meet other Bears at Bacchus before setting sail through Waikiki, while enjoying an open-bar on water. Guests are also invited back to Bacchus for lunch, included in ticket price.
thealohabears.com

Way Too Merry | Hawaii Theater Center, 1130 Bethel St. (Oʻahu) | December 11, 5:30 p.m.
Sing along and dance in your seat with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu’s holiday concert and renditions of “A Drag Queen Christmas” and “Deck the Rooftop.”
gmcofh.org

Honolulu Marathon | Begins at Ala Moana Beach Park (O’ahu) | December 11, 5 a.m.
This world-famous 26.2 marathon will test the endurance of 30,000 runners, joggers, and walkers.
honolulumarathon.org

Maui Pride’s Holiday Party & Toy Drive | Nalu’s in the Azeka Plaza, Kihei (Maui) | December 13
Gather with Maui’s LGBT community for this dine-out event celebrating the holidays, and bring a toy that will be donated to a child in protective care of Women Helping Women. RSVP early!
mauipride.org

Annual Hula’s Christmas Show 2016 | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (Oʻahu) | December 16, doors open at 9 p.m., show starts at 10:15 p.m. | Advanced tickets $10, Tables $60
This year will have live performances of Christmas songs and hula! Dress up in your holiday gear and wear red and white, or aloha attire.
hulas.com, buy tickets here

Trivia | Bacchus Waikiki, 408 Lewers Street (Oʻahu) | December 5 & 19
Show off your knowledge during trivia night at Bacchus every first and third Monday of every month. Form a team of two to six players, enjoy drink specials and tasty treats, and aim to win.

bacchus-waikiki.com

Bear•Arcade | Dave & Busters (Oʻahu) | December 28, 6 p.m.
Drink, eat, socialize, and fundraise all in one fun night playing arcade games with The Aloha Bears.
thealohabears.com

Wailea Village Mochi Pounding | 29-2091 Old Mamalahoa Hwy. (Hawai‘i Island) | December 30, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Honor the Japanese tradition of making mochi by hand to ring in the new year. After making some of your own mochi, enjoy a variety of food vendors, fortune telling, plantation stories, and crafts.
akikosbnb.com

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Poipu Beach Park | Poipu Beach Park (Kauaʻi) | December 31, 5 p.m.
This event is free to attend and includes live entertainment, a movie in the park, keiki activities, and a variety of food trucks. End the night with a spectacular display of fireworks.