Looking make this holiday epic without ever leaving Town? If you live in Honolulu or happen to be visiting Oahu during the Christmas season, here are our 10 most memorable holiday ideas dates for the season.
1. Downtown Holiday Adventure
Mr. Donut + Shopping + City Lights
One of our favorite Saturday day-date’s is to walk down to Mr. Donuts for their daily fresh, handmade, buttermilk dream-cakes and chocolate glazed donuts.
What better way to enjoy downtown than with some delicious donuts and holiday lights? To time your downtown adventure, pick up your donuts around 3 pm (they usually close at 4pm), sit down for some delicious coffee at Downtown Coffee across the way, then burn off those calories with some shopping until the sunsets. Once the sun goes down, you’re all set to enjoy the joy of downtown’s city light display.
Not into spending the day downtown? Checkout the City-Lights Ward Trolly! For $7.25, the trolly will pick you up at Auahi Street, adjacent to the center driveway of Ward Warehouse. Reserve tickets, visit: https://www.holidaylightstour.com/
Mr Donut: 3103 United States, 134 S Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96813 (5AM-4PM)
Downtown Coffee: 900 FORT STREET MALL
2. Ode to Joy!
Hawaii Symphony + Doraku (Japanese Cuisine)
You may have missed the Nuctcracker production but for a little after-Christmas, snazzy celebration, get ready for a night at the Concert Hall, December 29th and 30th. And since you’re all dressed up, head to Doraku Kaka’ako (located across the street, on Kapiolani) after the concert for a very merry happy hour, 9-11pm.
3. Waikiki Holiday Concert
Concert + Cocktails at Hawaii Price Hotel
If you’re in the mood to play tourist or stay in Waikiki, see the Home for the Holidays Concert at the Hawaii Price Hotel. Shows start at 7:30 PM on Dec. 23. Location: Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, Mauna Kea Ballroom. Doors open 7 PM so get there early! Features performances by Kupaoa, Streetlight Cadence, Blayne Asing, Alx Kawakami and others. Cost (includes cocktail): $42. Call 952-4789 or visit http://hawaiiprincehotel.com/events
4. All She Want’s For Christmas is…PUPPIES!
Picking Your Furry-Friends Together
If there’s one thing on her list this year that can’t be put under the tree, be sure to attend the “Twelve day’s of Pet-Mas” to take home your new friend!
Adopt a pet at Hawaiian Humane Society on Dec. now-24 and take advantage of the “Twelve Days of Pet-mas” adoption special with $12 adoption fees for all animals. Call 356-2218 or visit hawaiianhumane.org/holidaydelivery.
5. Glitter & Bowtie Celebrations
For those who prefer to wear glitter, heels, or bowties to celebrate the holiday, this one’s perfect for you! Head over to The Kahala Resort to see all of the holiday festivities! From Christmas brunch to New Year’s Bash, they have it all. Oh! And while you’re at the Kahala, don’t forget to wish the dolphins a Merry Christmas.
6. Modern Holiday Fun
Poolside Brunch + Spa + Holiday Cocktails
In the mood for some holiday fun between the actual holidays? Check out The Modern’s happenings! From holiday cocktails, to festive brunches, The Modern has something for everyone.
If you’re looking to really maximize your tropical Christmas, we recommend checking out the Modern’s “Holiday Breakfast in Bed“, featuring a 3 course poolside breakfast complete with mimosa’s and an ocean view. That’s a Christmas memory worth making…
7. Seeing Santa!
Last Minute Shopping + Pictures with Santa
Need to finish your shopping and have the kiddos with you? Get photo’s with Santa on your trip to Ala Moana!
Photos with Santa are happening in the new Ewa Wing (in Bloomingdale’s Court) through Dec. 24, Mall Level 2. Hours: Through Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and till 6 p.m. Sundays; Dec. 16-23, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Dec. 24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
8. Mr. Dickens & South Shore
A Christmas Carol + Island Dinner
Head over to South Shore Grill for GoTravel’s favorite pesto salmon plate followed by the classic production of “A Christmas Carol” at Diamond Head Theater.
“A Christmas Carol, The Musical“: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3; 4 p.m. Dec. 4; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-10; 4 p.m. Dec. 11; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-17; 4 p.m. Dec. 18; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23, Diamond Head Theatre, 520 Makapuu Ave. Tickets: $15-$35. Call 733-0274 or visit diamondheadtheatre.com.
9. New Year Cruising
Jazz + Fireworks + French Cuisine
Bring in the New Year with jazz and fireworks aboard the Star of Honolulu. Enjoy a 5-course French style dinner, glass of “champagne,” super premium beverages, live Jazz, party favors and view of fireworks over the water! The tickets are in the “fancy” price range, but well worth it in my opinion!
10. The Reason for the Season
Community + Celebrating Jesus
If you live in Town and you’re looking for a casual, inviting, Christian church service to attend Christmas Eve, New Hope Town will be having service Saturday, 4-5:30pm. To learn more, visit New Hope Town’s website.
For other fantastic Holiday date ideas, check out the star advertiser.
Thank you so much for reading. We hope that this year’s holiday will be filled with the greatest joy! The team at Go Travel wishes you very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
In Joy & Aloha,
The GoTravel Team
Great suggestions! I’ve done several of these. I appreciate having this list for myself and to share.
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