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Oahu Events in January

January Events

As Oahu opens back up many events are starting back up, while others have been canceled or rescheduled with hopes of taking place at future dates.  Take a look at Oahu event updates to learn more...

New Year's Eve Fireworks & Events

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

New Year Luau - Jan 1st - 31st, 2023

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.

Whale Watching Season Tour - Jan 1st - 31st, 2023

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...

40th Annual ‘The Eddie’ big-wave surf contest
Dec 14th 2022 - March 14th, 2023

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.

Da Hui Backdoor Shootout - Jan 4th - 15th, 2023

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 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 2023

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.

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 5th, 2023

There are always ongoing performances at the International Market Place, 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 – International Market Place Stage
  • Time – 12 PM to 12:45 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 6th, 2023

The Royal Hawaiian Band has ongoing performances around Honolulu, including Kapiolani Park and at the Iolani Palace.  Bring your beach blankets, lounge chairs, the family, and set up a picnic and enjoy the concerts taking place. 

  • Location – Kapiolani Park Bandstand
  • Time – 12 PM to 1 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

First Friday Art Walk - Jan 6th, 2023

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)

KCC Farmers Market - Jan 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, 2023

If you’re around on a Saturday morning, get yourself over to the KCC Farmers Market on the side of Diamond Head.

This festival market goes beyond produce and features some Oahu’s great pop-up restaurants, and other fun food creations such as Ono Pops and roasted locally seasoned corn ears.  This is also an opportunity to find island flowers, fresh local fruits, nuts, delicious sauces and other creations.

  • Location - Kapiolani Community College
  • Time - Every Sat (weather permitting) 7:30 AM to 11 AM
  • Cost - Free
  • Learn more - KCC Farmers Market

Magic Island Biathlon - Jan 7th, 2023

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

Aloha Home Market – Jan 8th, 2023

Enjoy a popup market with lots of Made in Hawaii booth. Everything from art creations to custom jewelry to locally crafted furniture…and lots of food booths along the way. Shop and support the local community!

  • Location – Ala Moana Center
  • Time – 9 AM to 2 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more – Aloha Home Market

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 8th, 2023

The Royal Hawaiian Band has ongoing performances around Honolulu, including Kapiolani Park, the Iolani Palace, and now on the North Shore.  Bring your beach blankets, lounge chairs, the family, and set up a picnic and enjoy the concerts taking place. 

  • Location – North Shore, Waialua Park Bandstand
  • Time – 4 PM to 5 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

Sony Open in Hawaii – Jan 9th – 15th, 2023

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 – No spectators this year... usually $60 (best if purchased online), military , vets, and children under 12 w/ adult are FREE
  • Learn more - SonyOpenInHawaii.com

Bishop Museum After Hours - Jan 13th, 2023

The Bishop Museum has started a Second Friday of each month After Hours event.  The campus remains open into the evening, but they also create a party scene on their great lawn area, with live music, food trucks, games, and some fun art exhibitions.  Each month has a different theme that alters the scene and vibe a little, and you can always count on it being a fun time!

Chinese New Year Celebration – Jan 13th & 14th, 2023

The annual Chinese New Year Celebration is not to be missed.  Welcoming the Year of the Tiger!  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 – Fri 5 PM to 10 pm, Sat 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more:  www.chinesechamber.com

Honolulu Symphony Orchestra: Jan 14th & 15th, 2023

Join the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra for a Beethoven production.  Enjoy a memorable performance into the evening.

30th Annual New Year’s Ohana Festival – January 15th, 2023


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

21st Annual Pacific Island Arts Festival - Jan TBD, 2023

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!

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 20th, 2023

The Royal Hawaiian Band has ongoing performances around Honolulu, including Kapiolani Park and at the Iolani Palace.  Bring your beach blankets, lounge chairs, the family, and set up a picnic and enjoy the concerts taking place. 

  • Location – Iolani Palace Lawn
  • Time – 12 PM to 1 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

HoMA Nights at the Honolulu Museum - Jan 20th & 21st, 2023

HoMA Nights takes place at the Honolulu Museum every Friday & Saturday nights.  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 bites from food trucks.

  • Location – 900 S Beretania St
  • Time – 6 PM to 9 PM
  • Cost - Museum Entrance Fee
  • Learn more - HonoluluMuseum.org

Bubble Run – Jan 21st, 2023

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

The Great Waikiki Festival - Jan 21st, 2023

The Great Waikiki Festival is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and music that takes place annually in Oahu. The festival brings together some of Hawaii's most talented musicians, dancers, and artisans, providing a platform for them to showcase their skills and celebrate their heritage.

Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment, including traditional hula performances, contemporary Hawaiian music, and local food and drink vendors. The festival aims to promote awareness and appreciation of Hawaiian culture while providing a fun and memorable experience for visitors and locals alike.

  • Location – Kalakau Blvd, Waikiki
  • Time – 4 PM to 10 PM
  • Cost – Free
  • Learn more - Waikiki Events

Kailua Night Market - Jan 21st, 2023

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.

Aloha Home Market - Jan 22nd, 2023

This pop-up market takes place in Kailua every once in a while, so make sure to check it out when available.  Known as the Aloha Home Market, brings many local artisans, craft makers, boutique clothing designers, and food vendors together for a day, and with live entertainment, helps bring this aloha market to life.

  • Location - 340 Uluniu Street, Kailua
  • Time - 9 AM to 2 PM
  • Cost - FREE
  • Learn more - Aloha Home Market

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 25th, 2023

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 11:45 AM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

Ko'olina Artfest - Jan 25th, 2023

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.

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing at Sunset Beach – Nov 26th - Feb 25th, 2023

World Cup is the second leg of the Triple Crown of Surfing that takes places at big waves Haleiwa Beach.  Watch hundreds of top surfer who travel from around the world to compete in 3 of these contests and beat each other out to be crowned the best surfer in the world.

Ko'olina Artfest - Jan TBD, 2023

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.

Na Mele O Ko’olina – Jan TBD, 2023

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

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 27th, 2023

The Royal Hawaiian Band has ongoing performances around Honolulu, including Kapiolani Park and at the Iolani Palace.  Bring your beach blankets, lounge chairs, the family, and set up a picnic and enjoy the concerts taking place. 

  • Location – Iolani Palace Lawn
  • Time – 12 PM to 1 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

Foam Glow 5K Race - Jan TBD, 2023

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 - www.raceentry.com/foam-glow-honolulu-hi/race-information

Pearl Harbor 5K & 10K Run - Feb 4th, 2023

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

Hawaii Beer Fest Winter Edition - Jan TBD, 2023

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

HoMA Nights at the Honolulu Museum - Jan 27th & 28th, 2023

HoMA Nights takes place at the Honolulu Museum every Friday & Saturday nights.  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 bites from food trucks.

  • Location – 900 S Beretania St
  • Time – 6 PM to 9 PM
  • Cost - Museum Entrance Fee
  • Learn more - HonoluluMuseum.org

Outrigger Sunday Showcase – Jan 29th, 2023

Waikiki Beach Walk presents Mele Halia, on the last Sunday of each month.  Mele Halia or "To recall fondly" will bring to life Hawaii’s past, present and future through Hawaiian performing arts and entertainment.  Featuring a local musical performances. 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.

Eat the Street – Jan TBD, 2023

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

February Events

Make sure to review upcoming February Events as well...

Also check out Ongoing Oahu Shows & Entertainment.

Return to Oahu Events

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