HONOLULU Magazine’s Top 10 Stories of 2024
The stories that drew the most readers this year covered everything from events and holiday celebrations to brunch and Best of HONOLULU.
Didn’t 2024 just zip by? But looking back at all of our stories, we covered a lot of ground, with more than 2 million people flocking to our site to read about events, festivals and things to do and eat throughout the year. From all of us at HONOLULU Magazine, mahalo for joining us for another year of local stories written by and for people who love Hawai‘i. Here are our top stories of 2024.
Photo: IJfke Ridgley
10. 40 Amazing Things to Do
by Christine Labrador, Andrea Lee, James Nakamura, Thomas Obungen, Diane Seo, Mari Taketa, Brie Thalmann, Catherine Toth Fox, Katrina Valcourt
Published Jan. 19, 2024
As part of our February 2024 issue, we compiled a list of must-try, unique things to do on O‘ahu, most of which are available year-round. If you’re looking for a new hobby or trying to do something fresh in the new year, check this list.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
9. Your Guide to O‘ahu’s Best Badass Brunches
by Katrina Valcourt and Robbie Dingeman
Published March 1, 2024
Our comprehensive guide covers not only some of our favorite brunch eateries but also how to choose a spot depending on your cravings, where to have a boozy brunch and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Hilton Hawaiian Village
8. Your Guide to 4th of July Fireworks Shows and Entertainment on O‘ahu
by Andrea Lee
Published June 27, 2024
Everyone wants to know how to make the most of the long 4th of July weekend, culminating in one of the year’s biggest fireworks displays.
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Hawaiian Center
7. The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
by Andrea Lee and Jasmine Chagnon
Last updated Dec. 19, 2024
’Tis the season to indulge in all kinds of festivities, from pop-up Christmas bars to holiday light displays to photos with Santa. Bookmark this list since it’ll be updated leading up to Christmas, and many of the events continue through December.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
6. Best of HONOLULU 2024: Food and Drinks on O‘ahu
by Andrea Lee, Diane Seo, Mari Taketa, Thomas Obungen, Katrina Valcourt
Published July 1, 2024
Among our Best of HONOLULU food and drink picks this year: noodle shop, restaurant vibe, farm-to-table café, sprinkle cookies and chicken tacos. See all the winners in the list online, and keep an eye out for the 2025 ballots in February.
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Note Hawai‘i
5. Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
Updated monthly
Concertgoers, bookmark this guide: a curated list of the most highly anticipated musicians performing at local venues.
Photo: Leah Friel
4. Your Guide to Farmers Markets on O‘ahu
by Maria Kanai
Published March 29, 2024
Farmers markets pop up all over the island, but it can be hard to keep track of where and when. Here’s where you can see them all in one convenient list.
Photo: Lianne Rozzelle
3. Best Restaurants in Honolulu
by Martha Cheng
Published Nov. 16, 2022
This list by our former dining editor Martha Cheng has consistently gotten the attention of local and visiting foodies for more than two years. Look forward to the next list of best restaurants by our current dining team coming up in our February 2025 issue.
Photo: Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
2. Your Insider Guide to the 2024 Pokémon World Championships
by Andrea Lee
Last updated Aug. 16, 2024
The Pokémon World Championships came to Honolulu for the first time with much fanfare and excitement, from the Worlds Trainer Town to the highly anticipated pop-up Pokémon Center to the onsite activities during the tournaments. Here’s hoping Pokémon Worlds will return in the coming years!
Photo: Courtesy of Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
1. O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2024
by Maria Kanai
Last updated Sept. 1, 2024
For the second year in a row, our bon dance schedule takes the top spot. Clearly, we’re bon dance crazy in Hawai‘i! Once Obon season starts up again, we’ll be back with all things bon dance, so stay tuned.
