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Oahu Events in January 2025

As the sun sets on the festive lights of December events and we welcome the dawn of a new year, Oahu, the vibrant heart of the Hawaiian Islands, continues to beckon with an enticing array of events in January 2024.  

Best of Oahu brings you the complete events taking place in January, 

Let's get started!

Events in Oahu Happening in January 2025

Month-Long Events in January 2025

New Year Luau - Jan 1st - 31st, 2025

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, 2025

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...

Ko'olina Artfest - Jan 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 30th, 2025

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.

KCC Farmers Market - Jan 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th, 2025

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

January Events 1st - 7th

First Friday Art Walk - Jan 3rd, 2025

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)

Night Market in Koko Marina - Jan 4th, 2025

1st Saturday of the month a special night market takes place in the Koko Marina Shopping Center.  Join the fun and festivities into the evening.  There will be lots of local arts and crafts, food booths, and entertainment.

  • Location - Koko Marina Center
  • Time - 4 PM to 9 PM
  • Cost - Free
  • Learn More - Koko Marina Center

Da Hui Backdoor Shootout - Jan 4th - 16th, 2025

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.

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 5th, 2025

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

January Events 8th - 14th

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 8th, 2025

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

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 9th, 2025

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 Queen's Court Stage
  • Time – 12 PM to 12:45 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

Sony Open in Hawaii – Jan 9th – 12th, 2025

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 – $40 (best if purchased online), military , vets, and children under 12 w/ adult are FREE
  • Learn more - SonyOpenInHawaii.com

Bishop Museum After Hours - Jan 10th, 2025

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!

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 10th, 2025

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

Magic Island Biathlon - Jan 11th, 2025

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

32nd Annual New Year’s Ohana Festival – January 11th, 2025

This community festival takes place at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii and kick off the year with some cultural fun!  Food booths and activities 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

Island Crafters Market – Jan 11th, 2025

Enjoy a fun 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, Level 2 of the Mauka Wing
  • Time – 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more – Malama Hawaii Market

Honolulu Symphony Orchestra: Jan 11th, 2025

Join the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra for a tribute to Sinatra by Jimmy Borges.  Enjoy a memorable performance into the evening.

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 12th, 2025

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 – 1 PM to 2 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

Island Craft Fairs – Jan 12th, 2025

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 – 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more – Island Craft Fairs

42nd Annual ‘The Eddie’ big-wave surf contest - Dec 14th 2024 - March 13th, 2025 - Completed

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.

January Events 15th - 21st

Pacific Island Arts Festival - Jan TBD

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 17th, 2025

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

Koko Marina Center Craft & Gift Fair - Jan 18th, 2025

Where better to have a craft and gift fair, than in an outdoor shopping center.  There will be over 70 vendors selling everything from crafted jewelry, art work, electronics, clothing, food creations, and lots of handcrafted goods. With free parking and food vendors on site cooking up a storm, it's hard to pass up!

  • Location - Koko Marina Center
  • Time - 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Cost - FREE
  • Learn more - Koko Marina Center

Haleiwa Town Spring Festival - Jan 18th, 2025

Head to the North Shore for some festival fun in Haleiwa.  The streets will be lined with local artist, merchants, food vendors, and entertainers.  This is your chance to purchase locally made items, enjoy great local eats, and enjoy Hawaiian entertainment. One day only!

  •     Location - Waialua Community Association
  •     Time - 9 AM to 2 PM
  •     Cost - Free
  •     Learn more -  Malama Hawaii Market

Kailua Night Market - Jan 18th, 2025

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.

HoMA Nights at the Honolulu Museum - Jan 18th, 2025

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

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE - Jan 20th, 2025

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King with a Waikiki Festival with floats, stages and lots of Hawaiian culture and music. 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 – Ala Moana Blvd thru Waikiki to Kapiolani Park
  • Time – Starts at 8:30 AM
  • Cost – Free
  • Learn more - Waikiki Events

January Events 22nd - 31st

Aloha Home Market - Jan TBD

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 22nd, 2025

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 22nd, 2025

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, 2025

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

Chinese New Year Celebration – Jan 24th & 25th, 2025

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) & Hotel St
  • Time – 9 AM to 10 PM, Parade Starts 3 PM on 25th
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more:  www.chinesechamber.com

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 24th, 2025

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

Hawaii Beer Fest – Jan 25th, 2025

Treat Dad to a day of tasting up to 100 different micro beers, adult games, sampling food pairings, while being entertained with some hip DJ entertainment on the Bishop Museum lawn!  Doesn’t get much better than this!

  • Location – Bishop Museum
  • Time – 6 PM to 9 PM
  • Cost - $50 to $80
  • Learn more - Hawaii Beer Fest

Koko Marina Center Craft & Gift Fair - Jan 25th, 2025

Where better to have a craft and gift fair, than in an outdoor shopping center.  There will be over 70 vendors selling everything from crafted jewelry, art work, electronics, clothing, food creations, and lots of handcrafted goods. With free parking and food vendors on site cooking up a storm, it's hard to pass up!

  • Location - Koko Marina Center
  • Time - 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Cost - FREE
  • Learn more - Koko Marina Center

Foam Glow 5K Race - Jan TBD, 2025

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

HoMA Nights at the Honolulu Museum - Jan 25th, 2025

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

Royal Hawaiian Band FREE performance – Jan 26th, 2025

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 – 3 PM to 3:45 PM
  • Cost – FREE
  • Learn more - RHB-Music.com

Eat the Street – Jan TBD, 2025

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

Preview of Exciting Happenings in Oahu

January offered diverse events, from cultural celebrations to sports moments. We anticipate February's exciting happenings, new connections, and engaging festivities. Let memories from Oahu Events of January inspire you to create cherished moments in February Events.

Check out ongoing Oahu Shows & Entertainment.

Check out February Events

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