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Oahu Events in January

January Events

New Year's Eve Fireworks & Events

All Year's Eve parties, firework displays, and events can be found on the December Events page...

New Year Luau - Jan 1st - 31st, 2020

Start off the New Year with a Hawaiian Luau!  Paradise Cove is not just another event, it’s a full production with lots of activities and entertainment that some others tend to lack.  Kick off the afternoon with some Mai Tai’s and join in the celebration and festivities!

Paradise Luau

A Luau is a celebration for enjoying each other’s company, play traditional Hawaiian games, watching a Kalua Pork Imu ceremony take place, participate in a hukilau of pulling in a large fishnet from the ocean, listening to live local music, and being entertained throughout the night with many Polynesian and Hula performances.

Victoria Ward Garden Lights – Jan 1st - 31st, 2020

Extending beyond the holiday season, this is one lighting ceremony you do not want to miss!  This is holiday display by Symmetry Labs, is a creation of luminous flowers that are choreographed to music with changing colors and movement in the display.

Festivities include art displays, a holiday market, live music, and food & drinks to purchase.  There will also be carnival type rides available via ticket purchase.

  • Location – Victoria Ward Park, 980 Auahi St.
  • Time – 6 PM – 10 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn More – Ward Village Events

Whale Watching Season Tour - Jan 1st - 31st, 2020

Oahu Whale Watching Tour

If you’re visiting during whale migrating months (late Dec – early May) you might be fortunate to see humpback whales surfacing along the south and western coastline.  Ride a catamaran or monohull boat with a small group tour from Waikiki (through the Kewalo Basin Harbor) or from Ko Olina (through the Waianae Harbor), to get a closer look at these magnificent sea mammals.

If you're lucky, you're get to watch the whales breaching the water and splash around, along with other surprises from local marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles.  Book your Whale Watching Tour now...

35th Annual ‘The Eddie’ big-wave surf contest - Dec 1st - Feb 28th, 2020

In honor and memory of legendary Eddie Aikau, a group of sponsors hold an annual “Eddie Would Go” big wave surfing contest.  The event window takes place over a three month period, waiting patiently for a big enough swell to roll into the North Shore.  Watch big wave riders paddling into monstrous waves at Waimea Bay, and compete for the title.  Opening ceremonies take place on Nov 29th, which is a moving event in itself.

First Friday Art Walk - Jan 3rd, 2020

First Friday is an evening art walk that takes place in Chinatown Honolulu.  This is a popular fun event that takes place every 1st Friday of each month.  This First Friday will be have a New Years theme to it.  Surrounding merchants of art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars are known for opening up their doors, pouring wine and providing food to those stopping by.

Most neighborhood shops will have maps of participating merchants.  The event ends at 9 PM, but the fun continues into the night with thousands of people flocking into the streets.

Also participating in the free art viewing and festivities is the Hawaii State Art Museum (free from 6 PM to 9 PM)

Honolulu Symphony Orchestra: Ode to Joy – Jan 4th & 5th, 2020

An annual symphony tradition, welcoming the new year with “Ode to Joy”.  You don’t have to be a classical music lover to enjoy this production!  The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra will pair up with the Oahu Choral Society for this special Beethoven’s Symphony masterpiece.

Da Hui Backdoor Shootout - Jan 4th - 16th, 2020

In memory of Duke Kahanamoku, watch Hawaii's pro surfers battle it out as they try and capture the wave of the day and pull of some mind blowing tube rides!  There will also be bodysurfing, bodyboarding, longboarding, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, along with the shortboard action.  Holding period takes place from Jan 4th - 16th.

  • Location - Ehukai Beach Park - Pipeline
  • Time - TBD
  • Cost - FREE
  • Learn more - dahui.com

Ko'olina Artfest - Jan 3rd, 8th, 15th & 24th & 29th, 2020

Head to Ko’olina beach lagoon #3 for a day of Hawaiian music and local art display & sale!  Along the arching sidewalk you find close to 40 artist displaying their artwork for viewing and sale…perfect for special gifts!  There will also be Hawaiian slack-key guitarist and ukulele musicians playing during the duration of this event.

Sony Open in Hawaii – Jan 6th – 12th, 2020

The Sony Open PGA Tour kick off attracts some of the biggest names in professional golfing to compete in classic golf event.  Enjoy a day in the sunshine on the beautiful Kahala grounds of the Waialae Country Club, watching the pros duking it out and making golf look so simple.

  • Location – Waialae Country Club
  • Time – First Heat 8 AM
  • Cost – $60 (best if purchased online), military , vets, and children under 12 w/ adult are FREE
  • Learn more - SonyOpenInHawaii.com

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 8th, 2020

There are always ongoing performances at the Ala Moana Center Stage, but the Royal Hawaiian Band will be a special treat.  Do a little shopping and show up early for this performance as it will get crowded and be hard to get a good viewing spot. 

  • Location – Ala Moana Center Stage
  • Time – 11 AM to 12 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

Cinema in the Park – Jan 8th, 2020

Cinema in the Park is a free monthly event that takes place every 2nd Wednesday in Kaka’ako.  While movie night is free, you must RSVP and enter with tickets.  Blankets are permitted but beach chairs are not.  Grab a bite to eat, some drinks, and most importantly a seat to enjoy the festivities and entertainment.

  • Location – Victoria Ward Park
  • Time – 7 PM to 9 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more – Cinema in the Park

Magic Island Biathlon - Jan 11th, 2020

Here's a fun entry level biathlon taking place in an ideal setting. Run 5 miles through out Ala Moana Beach Park and finishing the race with a 1 mile swim along the beach.

  • Location - Ala Moana Beach Park
  • Time - 6:15 am check-in, race at 7:30 am
  • Cost - $30 to $150
  • Learn more - Waikiki Swim Club

20th Annual Pacific Island Arts Festival - Jan 11th & 12th, 2020

75 to 100 artists will be displaying all types of island art creations in Kapiolani Park (across from the Honolulu Zoo).  Make a point to stop by this free entertaining event.  There will art demonstrations, lots of food booths, great Hawaiian music entertainment, and a lion dance to top it off!

26th Annual New Year’s Ohana Festival – January 12th, 2020


This community festival takes place at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii and kicks of 2018 with some cultural fun!  Food boths and activites will take place in the Cultural Center and Moilili Field.  There will be lots of live entertainment and cultural demonstrations throughout the day.  Bring the whole family including the keikis as there will be some fun games to partake in.  Parking available at the UH of Manoa parking structure on Dole St, with complimentary shuttle service.


  • Location – Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
  • Time – 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - www.jcch.com

Ko'olina Artfest - July 15th, 2020

Head to Ko’olina beach lagoon #3 for a day of Hawaiian music and local art display & sale!  Along the arching sidewalk you find close to 40 artist displaying their artwork for viewing and sale…perfect for special gifts!  There will also be Hawaiian slack-key guitarist and ukulele musicians playing during the duration of this event.

Kona Nui Nights – July 15th, 2020

Kona Nui Nights is a free monthly event that takes place every 3rd Wednesday in Kaka’ako, and celebrates Hawaiian culture, including the language, Hawaiian music, and the dance of hula.  Grab a bite to eat, some drinks, and most importantly a seat to enjoy the festivities and entertainment.

  • Location – Victoria Ward Park
  • Time – 6 PM to 8 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more – Kona Nui Nights

Chinese New Year Celebration – Jan 17th & 18th, 2020

The annual Chinese New Year Celebration is not to be missed.  Welcoming the Year of the Rat!  There will be endless entertainment including a parade, the popular Lion Dance, fireworks, food booths and craft booths.  There will be night festivities as well.  Consider taking public transportation to this celebration as parking will be limited.

  • Location – Chinatown Cultural Plaza (100 N Beretania St)
  • Time – 5 PM to 10 pm
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more:  www.chinesechamber.com

Na Mele O Ko’olina – Jan 18th, 2020

Head to Ko’olina beach lagoon #3 for a day of Hawaiian music and local art display & sale!  Hawaii's very best Slack Key and Ukulele musicians, as well as 30 Hawaiian artists who display their artwork for sale

Kailua Night Market - Jan 18th, 2020

Every 3rd Saturday of the month a special night market takes place in Kailua around Ulunui St & Auliki St.  Join the fun and festivities into the evening.  There will be lots of local arts and crafts, food booths, and entertainment.

Outrigger Sunday Showcase – Jan 19th, 2020

Na Mele No Na Pua will bring to life Hawaii’s past, present and future through Hawaiian performing arts and entertainment.  Featuring a local musical performance by Mark Kim & Friends. This will be a fun free event to watch if you’re in the area.  It will take place outdoor on the Waikiki Beach Walk grassy area.

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 22nd, 2020

There are always ongoing performances at the Ala Moana Center Stage, but the Royal Hawaiian Band will be a special treat.  Do a little shopping and show up early for this performance as it will get crowded and be hard to get a good viewing spot. 

  • Location – Ala Moana Center Stage
  • Time – 11 AM to 12 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

Ko'olina Artfest - Jan 24th, 2020

Head to Ko’olina beach lagoon #3 for a day of Hawaiian music and local art display & sale!  Along the arching sidewalk you find close to 40 artist displaying their artwork for viewing and sale…perfect for special gifts!  There will also be Hawaiian slack-key guitarist and ukulele musicians playing during the duration of this event.

Foam Glow 5K Race - Jan 24th, 2020

Get blasted by foam blasters while running through foam stations throughout the 5K race.  End the race with friends dancing the night away in the foam glow party!  This event is great for the whole family and benifits Children's Miracle Network.  Runners get an event T-shirt.

  • Location - Kalaeloa/Kapolei
  • Time - 6:30 PM Race Start
  • Cost - $20
  • Learn more - foamglow.com

Pearl Harbor 5K & 10K Run - Jan 25th, 2020

Join a friendly 5K or 10K around Pearl Harbor.  The race will start at the Lehua Elementary School and travel towards Diamond Head along the Pearl Harbor Bike Path.  There will be prizes for the first 3 male & female finishers for both races.  Room for up to 500 participates... 

  • Location - Lehua Elementary
  • Time - 6:45 AM Start
  • Cost - $40 to $60 for the run
  • Learn more - FLPreRegister

Bubble Run – Jan 25th 2020

There are many different running themes to start the new year, and this run is as clean as it gets!  That’s right, this 3 mile race runs you through a few different “Foam Bogs”, that are basically stations filled with colorful bubbles to get you wet and color you up!  Make sure to wear white to pick up and show off more color as you go!   This race is for all ages. 

  • Location – Saratoga Ave/Hornet St in Kalaeloa (Barbers Pt)
  • Time – 2 heats:  8 am & 9 am
  • Cost - $20 to $50 (depending on early registration by Dec 20th)
  • Learn more - Bubblerun.com

Hawaii Beer Fest Winter Edition - Jan 25th, 2020

With over a 100 different breweries to try, surrounded by lots of food, adult beer games, and some retail booths to explore, and live entertainment...its guaranteed to be fun! Discover familiar and new brews from American and local breweries.

  • Location - Hawaii Convention Center
  • Time - 6 PM
  • Cost - $45 to $75
  • Learn more - Meet Hawaii

Ko'olina Artfest - Jan 29th, 2020

Head to Ko’olina beach lagoon #3 for a day of Hawaiian music and local art display & sale!  Along the arching sidewalk you find close to 40 artist displaying their artwork for viewing and sale…perfect for special gifts!  There will also be Hawaiian slack-key guitarist and ukulele musicians playing during the duration of this event.

Art After Dark at the Honolulu Museum - Jan 31st, 2020

Looking Glass!

Art After Dark takes place at the Honolulu Museum on the last Friday of each month except Nov & Dec.  This is a really fun event that allows you to explore the art and grounds after hours to the groove of a spinning DJ, popup bars and yummy appetizers being served by StreetGrindz and Pig in the Lady.  Enjoy drinks made by Free Spirit Mobile Bartenders

  • Location – 900 S Beretania St
  • Time – 6 PM to 9 PM
  • Cost - $25
  • Learn more - HonoluluMuseum.org

Honolulu Symphony Orchestra: Star Wars – Jan 31st - Feb 1st, 2020

Join the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra for a special Star Wars New Hope production.  Enjoy a memorable John Williams' performance to the classic George Lucas production. Note there will 2 performances on Feb 1st, 2 PM & 8 PM.

Eat the Street – Jan TBD

Eat the Street is an organization that gets some of the best food trucks on the island to come together in a designated area, and create a party of its own.  It takes place on the last Friday of the month.  Thousands of hungry folks seeking their next favorite dish attend each month!  Explore the different venues and taste some ono creations.  Live entertainment!!!

  • Location – 1011 Ala Moana Blvd
  • Time – 5 PM to 10 PM
  • Cost - FREE
  • More info:  Eat the Street



Aloha & Enjoy!!

Also check out Ongoing Oahu Shows & Entertainment.

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