What To Do in Hawai‘i in January

Triple Crown Lei 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.

Photo by John Hook

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

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

George Kahumoku Jr.’s Slack Key Show Masters of Hawaiian Music | Napili Kai Beach Resort’s Aloha Pavilion, Lāhainā (Maui) | Every Wednesday, 7:30–9:45 p.m.
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Hawai‘i’s slack key guitars and ‘ukulele played by the biggest names in Hawaiian music. This concert series features a guest artist each week and is hosted by slack key guitar master George Kahumoku Jr.
slackkeyshow.com

Slack Key Guitar & Ukulele Concerts | Kapaʻa, Hanalei, and Princeville locations (Kaua‘i ) | Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday
The longest running concert of its kind, the McMasters’ slack-key guitar and ‘ukulele concerts feature artists Doug and Sandy McMaster, who create a soothing musical ambience with a backdrop of the picturesque north shore of Kaua‘i.
mcmasterslackkey.com

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.

Friday Market at Warehouse 3540 | 3540 Kualoa Rd., Lawai (Kaua‘i) | Every Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Similar to a French market, at this Friday event, a variety of vendors carry fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, art, and other crafts, alongside the regular in-warehouse shops.
facebook.com/warehouse3540

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

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) | Every first Thursday 9 p.m.
Come on down to this party that celebrates Honolulu’s LGBT community. This monthly alternative event brings in crowds, with deejays SuperCW, Ace, Betty, and Tittahbyte.
jointherepublik.com

Art Night In Lahaina Town | Throughout Lāhainā (Maui) | Every second Friday night, 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 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

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

MauiWine Tasting | Ulupalakua Ranch, 14800 Piilani Hwy. (Maui) | Monday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
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

IngeNude | Oʻahu Fringe Festival, The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nuuanu Ave.(Oʻahu) | January 12, 9 p.m.–2 a.m. | Tickets $10
Get ready to experience the art of burlesque, drag, and cabaret at this performance during the Oahu Fringe Festival featuring students, alumni, and faculty of the Academy of Tease School of Burlesque.
oahufringe.com, buy tickets here

Oahu Fringe Festival | Chinatown, Honolulu(Oʻahu) | January 12-15 | Tickets $10
Speaking of Fringe, this all-volunteer-organized festival takes place over five days and features original performances by emerging and professional artists. Expect the unexpected.
oahufringe.com

LGBT & Friends Hiking Group | Waiheʻe Coastal Land Trust Hike (Maui) | January 14, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Meet up with hikers, then carpool to the starting point of a hike through the lower Waikamoi Forest Trail. You will be guided through its scenic water canals, cool off by its pool and waterfall, and finish off the hike through its breathtaking arboretum.
RSVP online at mauipride.org

Kaua‘i Island Crafters Fair | Church of the Pacific, Princeville (Kaua‘i) | January 14, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Explore quality handmade products from island crafters and artisans, and find gifts or keepsakes like woodcarvings, Hawaiian quilts, and jewelry.

Trivia Night | Bacchus Waikiki, 408 Lewers St. (Oʻahu) | January 16, 7–9:30 p.m.
Test your knowledge at Bacchus every first and third Monday of the month. Form a team of two or six people, enjoy drink specials and delicious food, and have good fun.
bacchus-waikiki.com

Painting with Peggy | Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawai‘i Island) | January 16, 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 

New Shanghai Circus | Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului (Maui) | January 16 & 17, 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 | Sheerwater Tavern, 1279 South Kīhei Rd.(Maui) | January 17, 6 p.m.
Join foodies and experience Maui’s hot new gastropub featuring modern comfort food, and local craft beer.
RSVP online at mauipride.org

FLYER - Power To The Positive - FRONT_cr   FLYER - Power To The Positive - BACK_cr_v2
Power to the Positive: A Night of Unity | Waikiki Shell (Oʻahu) | January 19, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | free
A night of music to uplift and unite communities, this event also features community organizations and tasty, healthy food options.
bit.ly/PowerPositiveFB

Party For A Purpose Fun Raiser | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave. (Oʻahu) | January 19, 9 p.m.–2 a.m. | Suggested donation $10
Support local organizations by joining this funfest. This event with feature KTUH deejays Mr. Nick, Mermaid, Bvby G, Mr. Modular, Patrock, and LNM. All donations will be donated to Hawaiʻi’s Planned Parenthood, ACLY, and the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation.
hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com

Rainbow Mix and Mingle | Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation, 310 Paoakalani Ave. Suite 206 E (Oʻahu) | January 21, 5–7 p.m.
In preparation for the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation’s 28th Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, the organization is hosting this social event for the local LGBT to learn and share their experiences with the film festival. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and good company.
hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com, RSVP here

Maui Pops Orchestra: Broadway Diva | Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului (Maui) | January 22, 3–5 p.m.
This annual Broadway spectacular features soloists such as Doug LaBrecque and guest artist Christiane Noll accompanied by the Maui Pops Orchestra. The program will include favorites from The Great American Songbook.
mauiarts.org

Spaghetti Dinner & Open Mic Fundraiser | My Bar Kona, 74-5606 Luhia St. (Hawaiʻi Island) | January 25, 7 p.m. | Tickets $10
Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner hosted by PFLAG Kona/Big Island, then showcase your inner rock star with My Bar’s free open mic hosted by Captain Kelly. All proceeds will be donated to PFLAG Kona/Big Island.
pflagkonabigisland.org

Bear Arcade | Dave & Busters (Oʻahu) | January 25, 6 p.m.
Drink, eat, socialize, and fundraise all in one fun night playing arcade games with The Aloha Bears.
thealohabears.com

Neko Cat Cafe | Mori, South Shore Market (Oʻahu) | January 28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join the feline fest at Hawaiʻi’s first pop-up cat café hosted by Mori, Morning Glass, and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Check out the local boutique, hang out friendly felines, and enjoy delicious food and coffee.
morihawaii.com

Volcom Pipe Pro | ‘Ehukai Beach Park, Hale‘iwa (O‘ahu) | January 29–February 10
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. Be sure to check the website to see if the contest is on before you make the trek.
volcomepipepro.com

Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu Open Rehearsal | St. Andrew’s Cathedral (Oʻahu) | Every Monday beginning January 30, 7 p.m.
Sing your heart out with Honolulu’s all-male chorus.
gmcofh.org