O'AHU —  O'ahu invites you to experience the island through the lens of its people and places. The island of O'ahu is more than just a destination. It's also a vibrant, ever-fascinating, ever-changing island anchored by the connections between its natural wonder, history and vibrant communities. 
 
As the holiday season begins, we invite you to explore O'ahu in a way deepening your understanding of what makes it unique. Whether it's the warm sands and cool waters of its beaches, the diverse flavors of its favorite local cuisine, or the stories and favorite spots for just about everything shared by its residents, O'ahu offers rich, immersive experiences you won't forget when you depart. Read on to discover the latest events, attractions and experiences on island.  

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN HULA, MELE AND CULTURE

Waikiki Beach Walk

• Waikiki Beach Walk will continue to host an array of complimentary music and cultural programming in 2025, including the following, weather permitting. Free to the public, it is a great way to experience beloved Hawaiian entertainment.
  • Mele Haliʻa features entertainment from award-winning Hawai'i musicians on one Sunday each month. All performances are free of charge. 
  • Kū Haʻaheo happens every Tuesday at the Plaza Stage with live Hawai'i entertainment from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • Ka Lei Hula showcases complimentary hula practice every Sunday at 9 a.m. Classes are free and open to the public. 
  • Waikiki Beach Walk Open Market happens Mondays, from 4 to 8 p.m., offering unique souvenirs, handmade art and snacks from local businesses to take home for yourself or as a gift. 

MĀLAMA HAWAIʻI

• The Equus Hotel
  The Equus Hotel has achieved Qurator Elite Status in recognition of its hospitality standard, commitment to sustainable practices and prioritizing environmental stewardship. The Hawai'i Tourism Authority's Qurator program is a certification of excellence for Hawai'i-based businesses, awarded to properties excelling in six categories: environment, cultural support, equity, safety, community and guest experience. As part of its sustainability initiatives, The Equus Hotel participates in community programs like Project Kanu, which aims to foster a deeper connection between visitors and Hawai'i's natural beauty. Guests of The Equus Hotel receive enhanced offerings aligning with the property's sustainable tourism mission, including eco-friendly refillable amenities, energy-efficient sliding glass doors and partnerships with local businesses supporting the community. EquusHotel.com
• International Market Place 
  Hoping to inspire mindful travel as well as protect and preserve the Hawaiian Islands, International Market Place (IMP) has partnered with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii to mālama i ke kai (care for the sea). Participants in IMP's DIY Beach Cleanup Program can receive a $20 gift card. The offer is valid now through March 31, 2025. Visit the IMP Customer Service Desk on Level 1, Mauka Court for more information. ShopInternationalMarketPlace.com 
• Mālama Maunalua   
  Mālama Maunalua is a community-based nonprofit organization committed to restoring the health of East O'ahu's Maunalua Bay through habitat restoration, science and planning, and education and outreach. The nonprofit works extensively across Maunalua's ecosystems to help restore the bay's marine resources and enhance knowledge and environmental awareness of the community. Check out Mālama Maunalua's calendar of events for more information on volunteer opportunities and registering for them. MalamaMaunalua.org 

WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL 

• Aqua-Aston 
  Aqua-Aston Hospitality is pleased to announce its continued partnerships with the Waikīkī Aquarium, Honolulu International Film Festival, Honolulu Museum of Art and Bishop Museum. The partnerships aim to support local culture and heritage through immersive learning opportunities. Guests may show their Aqua-Aston key card and receive a complimentary visit for a family of up to four to the Honolulu Museum of Art and Bishop Museum. In addition to complimentary admissions for guests, Aqua-Aston sponsors special, limited-time exhibitions throughout the year. AquaAston.com 
• Aloha Home Market  
  Aloha Home Market is a pop-up market and showcase for unique Hawai'i-made items. The market features the works of furniture makers, artisans, jewelry makers, clothing designers, food vendors and more. Shoppers also enjoy live entertainment from local up-and-coming music artists, 'ono (delicious) eats, keiki (child) activities and more. Check out one of the upcoming Kailua markets: December 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.​ AlohaHomeMarket.com 
• Honolulu Cookie Company 
  Honolulu Cookie Company's Holiday Collection this year features playful cookie designs from Hawaiʻi artist and designer Jana Lam. Lam's designs were inspired by a tropical holiday and feature splashes of color and motifs aiming to capture the fun and beauty of the Islands. New for this holiday season, the Holiday Confetti flavor features sprinkles of holiday confetti, adding a dash of sweetness to Honolulu Cookie Company's classic shortbread macadamia cookie. All Holiday Collection products are available in stores and online while supplies last. HonoluluCookie.com
• Waikiki Beach Walk 
  Waikiki Beach Walk and its merchants will host a special day of shopping surprises on Small Business Saturday, November 30. Shoppers can enjoy special deals, promotions, prize drawings and delicious treats as they peruse stores lining Lewers Street. Large red bows on the fronts of participating stores will let shoppers know something special is inside.  
   
  Reyn Spooner's newest retail location at Waikiki Beach Walk offers the brand's heritage prints, seasonal designs and a large selection of collegiate and sports prints. Selections from Reyn Spooner's women's and children's clothing lines and accessories are also featured. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.  
   
  Wai Kai Farmers Market 
  Wai Kai at Hoakalei Resort in West Oʻahu hosts its weekly Farmers Market every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Situated along the Wai Kai Lagoon, the market features an array of local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods and handmade crafts. Guests can also enjoy eats from local food trucks. WaiKai.com 

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

• 'Auana 
  ʻAuana is Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group's first resident production in Hawai'i and its first show to be curated around its host destination. This exciting production will introduce Cirque du Soleil's performance artistry through the guidance and vision of several Native Hawaiian creatives, including Dr. Aaron J. Salā, costume designer Carrington Manaola Yap and choreographer Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughan-Darval. Tickets are available now. CirqueDuSoleil.com 
• Bloomberg Philanthropies' Public Art Challenge – Wahi Pana  
  The City and County of Honolulu is among eight winning cities of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Public Art Challenge securing a grant of $1 million. The Public Art Challenge initiative, launched in 2014, supports temporary public art projects addressing various civic issues throughout the U.S. Launching in 2025 and running through 2028, the City and County of Honolulu project, Wahi Pana (Storied Places), will present a series of multimedia contemporary art installations around the island of O'ahu connecting key tourist destinations with their moʻolelo (stories). Native Hawaiian and Hawaiʻi-based artists will be commissioned to collaborate with cultural experts to research and create site-specific artworks highlighting the complex histories of often overlooked cultural and historical sites affected by over-tourism. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming unveilings and events. PublicArtChallenge.Bloomberg.org 
• Hawaiʻi Convention Center 
  The Hawai'i Convention Center and Paquin Entertainment Group have partnered to bring a new holiday experience to Hawai'i. “'Twas the Light Before Christmas,” an immersive holiday adventure, will be presented at the Hawai'i Convention Center from November 22 through December 31. Guests will stroll through a wonderland of holiday music and moments, delicious treats and holiday magic. AlohaImmersive.com
• Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra  
  The Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra recently announced a new collection of 10 additional concerts for its 2024-2025 season. Designed for audiences of all ages, the performances offer a mix of popular film scores, immersive video game music and holiday favorites, including “How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert,” “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert,” “Game On!” and “The Music of Studio Ghibli.” MyHSO.org
• Kumu Kahua Theatre  
  Written by Hawai'i writer and playwright Lee Cataluna, “Kimo the Waiter” will be performed onstage at Kumu Kahua Theatre from November 7 through December 8. The production follows Kimo, who waits tables while pursuing his dream of acting professionally in the 1980s, a time with few roles for people of color except for local commercials. And sometimes, those commercial images are even more limiting than Hollywood's idea of what it means to be from Hawaiʻi. KumuKahua.org 
• Majestic by Atlantis Cruises 
  Majestic by Atlantis Cruises is ready to welcome back humpback whales migrating to Hawai'i's warm waters this winter to breed and nurse their young. From December 26, 2024, through March 31, 2025, Atlantis Cruises will offer daily whale-watching cruises along O'ahu's south shore aboard its vessel, Majestic. Majestic offers two air-conditioned decks with panoramic windows and an open-air top deck for whale spotting. Equipped with Seakeeper technology for a smooth, stable ride, the Majestic tour also includes an onboard naturalist sharing insights about humpback whales. Should the naturalist not spot a whale during the cruise, guests receive a resail pass for a complimentary return cruise. MajesticHawaii.com/whalewatch  
• SpaHalekulani  
  Halekulani's newly reimagined SpaHalekulani is now open featuring three private spa suites, a full salon and a head spa, inviting guests to enjoy a journey of the senses. Inspired by Kawehewehe, a sacred bathing place known for its natural healing waters located just below Halekulani, SpaHalekulani offers a plethora of curated experiences incorporating nature and combining traditional practices and proven techniques with innovative tools. Guests can reserve the vibroacoustic experience, which harmonizes vibration and sound frequencies to align brainwaves, with an aim of deep relaxation, enhanced awareness, stress relief and improved sleep quality. For optimal comfort and relaxation, guests can soak in a furo (Japanese bath) or enjoy the salon's weightless recliners. Halekulani.com  
• Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall 
  Broadway in Hawai'i is returning to the Islands with MagicSpace Entertainment bringing three productions to Honolulu's Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, which is set to reopen in early 2025 following renovations. The season of productions will feature the Hawai'i debuts of “Six” and “Tina,” as well as the return of “Chicago,” all Tony Award-winning shows. BroadwayInHawaii.com
• Polynesian Cultural Center 
  The Polynesian Cultural Center welcomed back “Huki: A Canoe Celebration” to its water stage in early August. The show aims to bring ancient rhythms and melodies from the cultures of Polynesia to life with dancers, music and double-hulled canoes at the center's water performance venue. Polynesia.com  

HOTELS

• Courtyard Marriott Oahu North Shore 
  Located on the North Shore of Oʻahu, the Courtyard Marriott Oʻahu North Shore has completed a property-wide transformation that includes revamped lobby spaces, upgraded recreational facilities, refreshed guest rooms and more. The 144-room property, which remained open throughout the 11-month renovation, celebrated its ninth anniversary in June. Also among the renovation's highlights are the addition of four new family rooms, including a king bed and two sets of twin bunk beds, for larger families or a group of friends. In addition, all suites were updated to include kitchenettes. Marriott.com/HNLOA 
• Espacio, the Jewel of Waikiki 
  The boutique hotel offers nine residence-style suites with multiple bedrooms and ocean views. Guests enjoy a full chefs-grade kitchen, private sauna, oceanfront balcony and outdoor hot spa, and access to Espacio's rooftop deck, infinity pool and boutique spa. Its restaurant, Mugen, offers a six-course tasting, complemented by a cocktail, and a wine program recognized by Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards. Espacio and Mugen have both achieved Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond designations. EspacioWaikiki.com 
• Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel  
  Outrigger Hospitality Group recently introduced its newly reimagined Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel. Formerly the Ohana Waikīkī East, the Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel is the brand's second craft hotel, located steps from the beach and adjacent to International Market Place. The property features 443 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, each designed to evoke a royal retreat. A collective of local artists and influencers — known as The Paradise Originals — curated the hotel aiming to immerse guests in the sights, sounds and flavors of Hawai'i. Outrigger.com 
• Royal Hawaiian  
  The Royal Hawaiian Resort's Holiday Lūʻau on December 23, 26 and 30, from 5 to 8 p.m., will celebrate the holiday season with a three-course dinner spotlighting Hawai'i. Crafted with local ingredients, the dinner will include three drink tickets. The Royal Hawaiian welcomes all to enjoy this new resort holiday tradition. Royal-HawaiianLuau.com 
• Sheraton Waikiki 
  This holiday season, Marriott Waikiki Collection guests are invited to celebrate 12 Days of Christmas at the Sheraton Waikiki, from December 13 through 24, with an array of activities for the whole family. Guests can keep an eye out for the mischievous Elf on the Shelf hidden in the hotel's lobby, and participate in festive events, including Christmas-card making on December 14 and snowman-ornament making on December 16 at RumFire. On Christmas Eve, Santa will be in the lobby from 10 a.m. to noon following his arrival via outrigger canoe. Marriott.com  

FOOD & BEVERAGE

• Favorite Son 
  The Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador recently opened Favorite Son, an all-day dining restaurant from TableOne Hospitality. Set within an indoor-outdoor courtyard, the casual, neighborhood restaurant and bar is a gathering place to share stories, dine and enjoy interpretations of classic cocktails. Favorite Son aims to pay homage to O'ahu resident sons and daughters who shaped the island's culture and locally sourced ingredients. RomerHotels.com 
• Izakaya 855-Aloha 
  Waikīkī restaurant and bar Izakaya 855-Aloha features modern interpretations of traditional small-plate izakaya fare with a Hawai'i twist. The newly opened restaurant is hosting a series of weekly happenings throughout the season, including nightly DJ sets, a weekly tarot reading, a daily pau hana (after work) gathering, a late-night happy hour and more. Izakaya855Aloha.com 
• Kōlea Hop Water  
  Launching in 2025, Kōlea Hop Water is a zero-calorie, non-alcoholic beverage brewed in Hawaiʻi offering a crisp, lightly hopped taste inspired by tropical flavors. Crafted by Kailua Beverage Company, Kōlea Hop Water is inspired by the kōlea (Pacific golden plover) and its remarkable 2,000-mile nonstop migration from Alaska to Hawai'i and back. KoleaHopWater.com  
• Menehune Grill 
  The Ilikai Hotel and Luxury Suites on O'ahu recently welcomed Menehune Grill, a new restaurant concept by the owners of Menehune Coffee Company in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. Guests can enjoy a variety of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Signature dishes include a flame-grilled loco moco, 'ono (delicious) fish and chips, and a house-smoked kālua pork omelet, along with a selection of coffee, signature cocktails, beer and wine. IlikaiHotel.com 
• OkazuMA 
  OkazuMa is a new okazuya and catering concept named in honor of Chef Jason Peel's mother and grandmother. The venture is a tribute to the cherished culinary traditions of his upbringing on the island of Kaua'i. OkazuMa offers a contemporary take on classic Hawai'i favorite eats, from musubis to bentos, crafted to evoke the vibrant tastes of Japan. Okazuma.com
• SWELL 
  'Alohilani Resort's SWELL Restaurant is introducing a new culinary experience, with refreshed food and cocktail menus spotlighting locally sourced products reflecting Hawai'i's bounty. AlohilaniResort.com

MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, and INCENTIVE GROUPS (MCI)

• International Market Place  
  International Market Place has relaunched its popular Dining Pass program for group and MCI markets. The program allows group organizers to pay one price for each Dining Pass recipient who, in turn, can select from various food and beverage items at participating International Market Place restaurants on the Grand Lānai and dining outlets such as Kūhio Avenue Food Hall. The Dining Pass is customizable for each group and prices will vary depending on the options selected by the organizers. Group purchase of the Dining Pass will reflect a double-digit discount off regular menu pricing. The discounted pricing will not be apparent to the individuals using the pass, who will be able to redeem items at full value. ShopInternationalMarketPlace.com 
• The Mirage 
  Wai Kai at Hoakalei Resort in West Oʻahu has unveiled the Mirage, a new event venue overlooking its Wai Kai Lagoon. Mirage's design and indoor-outdoor spaces offer a versatile setting for weddings, corporate events and private gatherings, accommodating up to 160 guests and providing custom catering options, parking and sunset views. WaiKai.com  

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
 
February - May 4, 2025 
Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025 — In its fourth iteration, Hawai'i Triennial 2025 (HT25) is one of Hawai'i's largest periodic exhibitions of contemporary art, involving dozens of artists, key venues and organizational partners. In 2025, for the first time, the exhibition will expand beyond Oʻahu to Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. Themed ALOHA NŌ, HT25 invites everyone in Hawai'i, from residents to visitors, to experience it. ALOHA NŌ is a call to know, an invitation to form new understandings of love as acts of care, resistance, solidarity and transformation. HawaiiContemporary.org  
 
February 14-17, 2025 
Dancers Unlimited O'ahu Homecoming Tour — Centered around a concept of MoveMEANT Destination, this tour offers a Native Hawaiian cultural immersion program for visitors and locals, featuring dancers, artists, the Hawaiian concept of ahupuaʻa (mountain-to-sea land division) and how cultural practices contribute to the care and perpetuation of the land. DUNYC-Hi.com