Events

December 19, 2019 - December 20, 2019

Market on the Plaza

A splendid farmers market appears magically in the heart of Waikiki every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. You’ll find terrific local products to sample, savor and stash in your recyclable bag to take home: jams, jellies, honey, mochi and chocolates for that sweet tooth; seasonal veggies and fruits to balance the menu; Big Island abalone, local beef jerky, coconut water and more! It all happens in convenient, refreshing, open-air Waikiki Beach Walk, which is a delightful place to dine and shop throughout the week. Have fun!

December 20, 2019 - December 21, 2019

Friday Night Fireworks

We’re a bit spoiled where fireworks are concerned. Growing up, watching them was an annual event. Now it’s weekly, thanks to the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Every Friday night, the skies light up on the Ewa (away from Diamond Head) end of Waikiki. The show is brief but potent, and vivid colors spilling over the ocean make for a dazzling display.

You can see the fireworks from nearly anywhere on the beach, as long as your toes are in the sand. One inviting spot is the Barefoot Beach Cafe on the far Diamond Head side of Waikiki. Music, BBQ, families — maybe we’ll see you there!

December 21, 2019 - December 22, 2019

Art on the Zoo Fence

A marvelous way to begin your Saturday or Sunday is with a stroll down Kalakaua Avenue toward Diamond Head. Many restaurants along the way are open for breakfast; we favor Tucker & Bevvy on Kapahulu Ave., right across from the Honolulu Zoo.

To the right of the zoo, hanging on the fence that separates the lions and tigers from the truly dangerous animals, is an array of original art — the most recent examples of a Waikiki tradition spanning more than 50 years. Best of all, the artists are there, too!

From whimsical to mysterious to bold and cheerful, the artwork is a rainbow of individuals’ expressions of their home, Hawaii. All of the pieces are for sale at reasonable prices, and the artists are happy to discuss their work.

By the way, if you’re a late sleeper, not to worry: The exhibit is open until 3 pm.

December 22, 2019 - December 23, 2019

Flyin’ High!

When no parades, festivals or earthquakes are scheduled, we like to single out great everyday experiences you will love. A doors-off helicopter flight is one of them!

Hovering above Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the North Shore is a thrill, doors or no doors. Without doors, though, that thrill is multiplied ten times. And with the price being the same, you gotta go for it.

Magnum Helicopters is generally regarded as No. 1 in Hawaii’s helicopter industry. The company has a spotless safety record and Hawaii’s most experienced pilots — an unbeatable combination, high in the sky.

The circle-isle tour is simply terrific — The thrill of the world’s highest roller coaster, the perspective of a soaring seabird, the awe of unimagined discoveries, the “I can’t believe I’m doing this” of life’s great adventures — wow! As you’d expect, Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews are universally positive. This aerial safari spans nearly the entire island, and the photo ops are beyond words!

When making reservations, be sure to ask for your free Oahu landmarks photo album, available only to Oahu Today readers. It’s worth fifteen bucks, and it makes a great gift for the folks back home!

December 23, 2019 - December 24, 2019

Massage Day

Monday is Massage Day in Waikiki. Why not? Massages are deeply appreciated gifts for those you love, and there’s no better way to pamper yourself. Here are two special spas that we heartily recommend:

Spa Pure

Top-ranked Spa Pure has a couples package combining four treatments over two hours. It’s the best spa package in town, hands-down. Customer service is terrific, and highly skilled masseuses and masseurs will have you walking out on cloud nine! Within 10 minutes of most Waikiki hotels, open till 10 pm.

Shiatsu & Massage Center

This convenient spa offers a full range of massage services, silky sheets, all-natural oils and a healing ambience glowing with Himalayan salt lamps. Great Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews. Waikiki Beach Walk, open till 11 pm.

December 24, 2019 - December 25, 2019

Hula by Torchlight

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, weather permitting, the Kuhio Beach hula mound — right next to the Duke Kahanamoku statue on Kalakaua Ave. — is alive with authentic Hawaiian music and hula at sunset. Members of some of Hawaii’s finest halau (hula studios) are joined by local entertainers for an hour-long salute to sunset, beachside and free to the public.

The green flash is quite real … see it here!

December 25, 2019 - December 26, 2019

Wednesday: Poi-fect for a luau!

When you’re in Hawaii, you go to a luau. It’s the ultimate Hawaiian party, a unique expression of aloha. When it’s a celebration of ‘ohana (family), as well, it’s even better — and that’s what makes Germaine’s Luau so very special.

Germaine’s is all about family. Multiple generations of performers have thrilled guests for decades: today’s hula dancer’s mom, and even her tutu (grandmother), might very well have taken the stage before her. A tradition of sharing and caring is what the real Hawaii is all about, and you’ll find it here.

PS We admit that Germaine’s is just as much fun the other six days of the week. But Wednesday is Hump Day in Hawaii as much as it is elsewhere, and there’s no better way to buoy your spirits, even if you’re flying high already.

For reservations, just call 808.949.6626 or wend your way to germainesluau.com. Have fun!

December 26, 2019 - December 27, 2019

Market on the Plaza

A splendid farmers market appears magically in the heart of Waikiki every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. You’ll find terrific local products to sample, savor and stash in your recyclable bag to take home: jams, jellies, honey, mochi and chocolates for that sweet tooth; seasonal veggies and fruits to balance the menu; Big Island abalone, local beef jerky, coconut water and more! It all happens in convenient, refreshing, open-air Waikiki Beach Walk, which is a delightful place to dine and shop throughout the week. Have fun!

December 27, 2019 - December 28, 2019

Friday Night Fireworks

We’re a bit spoiled where fireworks are concerned. Growing up, watching them was an annual event. Now it’s weekly, thanks to the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Every Friday night, the skies light up on the Ewa (away from Diamond Head) end of Waikiki. The show is brief but potent, and vivid colors spilling over the ocean make for a dazzling display.

You can see the fireworks from nearly anywhere on the beach, as long as your toes are in the sand. One inviting spot is the Barefoot Beach Cafe on the far Diamond Head side of Waikiki. Music, BBQ, families — maybe we’ll see you there!

December 28, 2019 - December 29, 2019

Art on the Zoo Fence

A marvelous way to begin your Saturday or Sunday is with a stroll down Kalakaua Avenue toward Diamond Head. Many restaurants along the way are open for breakfast; we favor Tucker & Bevvy on Kapahulu Ave., right across from the Honolulu Zoo.

To the right of the zoo, hanging on the fence that separates the lions and tigers from the truly dangerous animals, is an array of original art — the most recent examples of a Waikiki tradition spanning more than 50 years. Best of all, the artists are there, too!

From whimsical to mysterious to bold and cheerful, the artwork is a rainbow of individuals’ expressions of their home, Hawaii. All of the pieces are for sale at reasonable prices, and the artists are happy to discuss their work.

By the way, if you’re a late sleeper, not to worry: The exhibit is open until 3 pm.