Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Dec. 12–18, 2024
Watch a holiday boat parade, shop for sea-inspired gifts, meet Santa at the water park, run for a good cause and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Kai Marina Community Association
Festival of Lights Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 to 8 p.m.
It’s everything you love about a holiday parade—but on water. Watch boats sparkle and shine with lights, admire the creative (and sometimes crazy) themed décor and listen to festive music fill the sea air during this annual Hawai‘i Kai tradition. Plan your viewing location along the parade route.
Family-friendly, free, Hawai‘i Kai Marina, hawaiikaimarina.com, @hkmca_hawaii
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
Art With Heart Holiday Fair at the Waikīkī Aquarium
Friday, Dec. 13, 4 to 8 p.m.
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting local artists and marine conservation! Buy crafts and artwork, tour the aquarium exhibits, do hands-on art activities and enjoy food vendors. The proceeds will benefit the Waikīkī Aquarium’s education and stewardship efforts.
Family-friendly, $15 VIP early admission, $5 general admission, free for children age 3 and under, Waikīkī Aquarium, 2777 Kalākaua Ave., waikikiaquarium.org, @waikikiaquarium
SEE ALSO: HONOLULU Magazine Team’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide
Photo: Courtesy of Wet ’n’ Wild Hawaii
Santa & Friends Hawaiian Wonderland
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Holiday cheer is coming to Wet ’n’ Wild this Saturday with a packed lineup of festive fun and extended operating hours. Snap family photos with Santa and his friends, watch Rise of the Guardians (PG) while floating in the wave pool and frolic in a foam pit. Arrive early to snag a special treat from Santa, available to the first 200 kids through the gate before 11:30 a.m. or while supplies last.
Family-friendly, activities included with park admission, $37.99 December Buy One, Get Child Ticket Free kama‘āina offer, Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i, 400 Farrington Hwy., Kapolei, wetnwildhawaii.com, @wetnwildhawaii
SEE ALSO: Christmas Pop-Up Bars to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Christmas With the Māhaka Sons
Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Revel in the splendor of historic Hawai‘i Theatre and get in the spirit of the season with a special holiday performance by this legendary Hawaiian group. They’ll share the stage with special guests Darlene Ahuna, Raquel “Rocky” Higa, Robi Kahakalau, Kumu Hula Tatiana Tseu Fox and Na Lei O Ka ‘Iwa Ha‘a I Ka Lani.
$40–$55, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiitheatre
SEE ALSO: Can’t-Miss Local Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs on O‘ahu
Photo: Credit Rayen Watanabe
Jingle Rock Run
Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m.
Bring the whole family to this holiday-themed festival and walk or run to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i. The 2.5-mile sunset stroll passes Ko Olina’s scenic lagoons and will delight with a few surprises along the way. Plus, you’ll enjoy keiki activities, entertainment, food trucks and photo ops with Santa.
$40 adult registration, $30 child registration, free for keiki under 2 years old, Ko Olina Resort, wish.org/hawaii, @makeawishhawaii
