Our event calendar features fun, free, and cheap things to do across the Hawaiian Islands. We focus on events for locals, but visitors will find lots of useful information. For the weekend of Kēkēmapa (December) 8-10, 2023, you'll find in-person as … [Read more...]

Free things to do in December
Listed below are the free things to do from our December events calendar. We’ll continue to update this calendar … [Read More...]

Best things to buy in December
Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to … [Read More...]

Affordable December events & entertainment
Our December events calendar offers a wide variety of affordable entertainment across the Hawaiian Islands. We’ll … [Read More...]
Hawaiian arts & culture

Hawaiian hula dance: where to see & learn hula
Here is a very brief introduction to the indigenous Hawaiian dance known as hula. It is intended to give you an … [Read More...]

Treasured heiau you can visit on every Hawaiian island
Listed below are heiau throughout the Hawaiian Islands that are open to the public. If you don’t know what heiau are, or … [Read More...]

37 onolicious local and Hawaiian foods
Local food in Hawaiʻi is influenced by several different things, including “canoe plants” brought by sea voyaging … [Read More...]
Currently featured
These are the latest hot topics and seasonal things to do. Find more topics from our menu and events on our calendar.

When and where to watch whales for free in Hawaiʻi
Winter to spring is whale watching season in Hawaiʻi. There are over a dozen other species of whales (and dolphins) plying Hawaiian waters year-round, including sperm whales and pilot whales. However, most of these are rarely seen because they swim … [Read More...]

Disaster relief: how and where to donate or volunteer
Our hearts go out to everyone on Maui. You will remain in our prayers through recovery and as rebuilding begins. Maui Wildfires November 2023 update On August 8, 2023, wildfires swept through West Maui and leveled business districts, destroyed … [Read More...]

2023 Budget-friendly Christmas dinner dine-in and to go
Here are a few recommendations for a budget-friendly Christmas dinner across the Hawaiian Islands. There are options for dinners to-go as well as dine-in restaurants. Make reservations or place a to-go order as far as possible in advance, because … [Read More...]

O’ahu: “The Eddie” big wave invitational surfing competition at Waimea Bay
The biggest surfing event in the world is a highly anticipated event each winter on the North Shore of Oʻahu. Officially "The Eddie: In Memory of Eddie Aikau", the prestigious competition invites surfers, alternates, and legends to showcase their … [Read More...]

Best places to buy Hawaiian gifts & souvenirs
Listed below, we offer a list of gifts and souvenirs that are uniquely Hawaiian, including Aloha wear, jewelry, crack seed, local honey, sea salts, quilts, tropical prints, koa wood carvings, and of course Hawaiian music. We also suggests some … [Read More...]

Maui shopping centers, malls, and outlet stores
Here's a rundown of major shopping areas on the island of Maui. We focus on shopping centers, outlet malls, and other stores offering basic necessities, discounted goods, locally made products, and cultural entertainment. Our list begins in Kahului … [Read More...]

Oʻahu: Best shopping malls for holiday sales
Holiday weekends throughout the year are especially popular times for retailers to entice you to shop and save. You can find sales and discounts on a variety of seasonal goods. Stores, shopping malls, and major brands may also host special events and … [Read More...]

Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
Here’s a list of Santa photo opportunities in locations across the Hawaiian paeʻāina. All this and toys, too! We’re indubitably impressed. Some of these are free opportunities for selfies with Santa, which are BYOC (bring your own camera or … [Read More...]

Where to see Christmas lights in Hawaiʻi
Listed below are some of the popular Christmas light displays throughout Hawaiʻi. They are listed alphabetically by island, the clockwise beginning in the north. We'll continue to update this list as organizers announce dates for Holiday lights, … [Read More...]

Contemporary Hawaiian Arts: Galleries, Craft Markets, Festivals
Listed below are resources for buying contemporary Hawaiian arts and crafts across the Hawaiian Paeʻāina (island group). You'll find several lists, including Art Galleries and permanent Craft Marketplaces, followed by seasonal Art Fairs, Craft Shows … [Read More...]

Hawaiian Islands Farmers Markets
Listed below are farmers markets currently operating throughout the paeʻāina (archipelago, i.e. Hawaiian Islands). We also provide tips for getting the most out of your shopping day and a guide to what’s in season throughout the year. Tips for … [Read More...]
Exciting updates on our calendar…
These are the newest or hottest events from our calendar. To see all events, go to our event calendar.
Oahu: Christmas parade in Waimānalo
Parade route is Waimānalo District Park down Kalanianaole Highway to Waimānalo Beach Park. More info: Waimanalo … [Read More...]
Oʻahu: Rainbow Bonsai Club Exhibition & Plant Sale in East Honolulu
Rainbow Bonsai Club annual Exhibit and Plant Sale. Demos. More info: HBA - Hawaii Bonsai Association and … [Read More...]
Oʻahu: Christmas Parade in Waianae
The parade begins at Waianae Boat Harbor, proceeds to Farrington Highway, and ends at the Waianae Mall. The parade … [Read More...]
Oʻahu: Christmas Parade in ʻAiea
Celebrate the holiday season at the holiday parade featuring marching bands, classic cars, floats, and, of course, … [Read More...]
Oʻahu: Christmas Parade in Mānoa
East Manoa Lions Club Christmas parades starts at Noelani School to Manoa Park (via Woodlawn Dr, Kolowalu St, East Manoa … [Read More...]
Oʻahu: Annual Tech Job Fair at HCC
The state's premier Tech Job Fair at the Hawaii Convention Center. Meet with leading technology, engineering, and … [Read More...]
Oʻahu: Blockchain enthusiasts holiday meetup in Kakaʻako
Celebrate the holiday season at the Blockchain in Paradise - Holiday Party. Mingle with other blockchain enthusiasts and … [Read More...]
Hawaiʻi: Hoʻohiluhilu Holiday Crafts Workshop in Kona
Create an ornament or ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamp) at the Aloali'i Cultural Resource Center. Limited spots available. … [Read More...]
Oʻahu: best jazz artists on the island in Kakaʻako
World class jazz in an intimate setting with two of the best jazz artists on the island. Don't miss this rare musical … [Read More...]