Everything You Need to Do in Honolulu This Winter

In case you haven’t noticed, the days are now a little shorter and the nights are a little cooler -- which means winter has come to Honolulu, and we’ve got the cool events to match. We have you covered through March with lots of great opportunities for shopping, dining, sports, and festivities to keep you busy throughout the season. Here’s everything you need to do in Honolulu this winter.

Through December 20
Ehukai Beach Park
The North Shore is heaven for surfers, so it’s no surprise that global competitions are held here. Come down to watch the world’s best surfers compete for first place.  
Cost: Free beach access (expect parking fees)

Through March 6
Hawaii State Art Museum
If you like ARTafterDARK, you will enjoy First Fridays at the Hawaii State Art Museum. On the first Friday of every month, the museum stays open late until 9 pm with live entertainment, food, and bar service. Guests can enjoy the museum’s contemporary art collection in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. 
Cost: Free admission

Through March 6
Various locations
First Friday returns with downtown Honolulu’s galleries, restaurants, and bars putting their best feet forward. Come down, have a bite to eat, visit the galleries, and then hit the bars for the afterparty. Don’t miss this Honolulu must-do to begin your month. 
Cost: Free (expect cover charges at area bars and clubs)

Through March 28
340 Uluniu Street, Kailua
Held every Sunday, this Kailua market brings together an eclectic array of local farmers, food vendors, wellness enthusiasts, and craftspeople. There will be something for everyone, so make sure to head over!
Cost: Free admission

December 21
Koko Marina Center
Come to one of the island’s larger craft fairs, happening near the tail end of the Christmas shopping season. Vendors will be on-hand with a range of goods such as clothing, snacks, essential oils, exotic imports, and handicrafts. 
Cost: Free admission

December 26-28
Stan Sheriff Center
The greats of tennis are coming to paradise, and tennis fans won’t want to miss this. Don’t forget to mark your calendars. Or your racquets.
Cost: $10-$208

January 1
Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha - Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu
For the Japanese community in Hawaii, New Year’s Day is a significant day for shrine visits. One can be blessed for the new year, be “bitten” in the head by a lion, and partake in some special New Year’s soup!
Cost: Free

January 4-5
Blaisdell Concert Hall
In celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra will be performing his renowned Symphony No. 9. See the show or upgrade to the “Date Night” package, which will also feature a pre-concert cocktail reception at the Honolulu Club as well as two tickets and a small box of chocolates. 
Cost: $36-$95 for concert; $150 for date night package

January 17-18
Chinatown Cultural Plaza
Winter has come, which means that it’s time for Chinese New Year. Come for the lion dances and stay for the tasty treats and craft vendors at Honolulu’s annual Night in Chinatown and Chinatown Parade.
Cost: Free admission

January 31 - March 27
Honolulu Museum of Art
Fine art, local eats, and a dance party return to the Honolulu Museum of Art this winter. Held on the last Friday of every month, come down to the museum to start your night with local bites and cocktails before bringing your best dance moves to the central courtyard. This night at the museum is a must-do to kick off your Friday night in Honolulu.
Cost: Free admission for museum members; $25 for non-members

March 1
Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha - Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu
This annual festival seeks to celebrate the role of sake in Japanese culture and its quality as a gift to the drinker. Sake enthusiasts will want to visit for the learning and tasting opportunities.
Cost: TBD

March 6 - 8
Hawaii Convention Center
As Hawaii’s premier cultural event, the Honolulu Festival celebrates all things Hawaii and the diversity of cultures unique to Hawaii. Events include a relay race, a craft fair, stage performances, a friendship gala, and a dance convention, with the festival culminating in the Grand Parade down Kalakaua Avenue with fireworks over Waikiki Beach.
Cost: Free (donations accepted)

Sign up here for our daily Honolulu email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town.