9 Festive Ways to Celebrate the Winter Season in Oahu

Run the Honolulu Marathon

Although the Honolulu Marathon went virtual in 2020, it’s officially on for December 12, 2021! Masks are not required during the race but will be required in the starting area. Additionally, the start will be staggered. You’ll find full details here.

When it comes to the things that Hawaii is known for, the superlative “largest” doesn’t usually come into play. However, the Honolulu Marathon is one of the exceptions. It’s the fourth largest marathon in the U.S. overall, and, in 2012, it was the second-largest, just behind the Chicago Marathon.

The Honolulu Marathon, traditionally scheduled for the second weekend in December, is also wildly popular among two very specific groups of people:

1. First-time marathoners: If you’re going to run 26.2 miles, why not do it on a course that takes you past the spectacular views of Oahu’s coastline and its major landmarks, like Iolani Palace?
2. Japanese visitors: In fact, the Honolulu Marathon Association actually has an office in Tokyo to make entry simpler for people living in Japan. Hawaii recently updated its international travel policy so the 2021 marathon may see more international entries. However, since Japan requires a 10-day quarantine on return to Japan, it’s likely this year’s marathon will have significantly fewer entries from Japan.

The race also features awards for the fastest Hawaii-born runners and Hawaii state residents—male and female.

Tip: The word kamaaina can mean different things in different contexts. Some kamaaina discounts, for example, are available to anyone with a Hawaii driver’s license. However, when it comes to the Honolulu Marathon, the kamaaina division is reserved for those born and residing in Hawaii. If you live in Hawaii but were born elsewhere, you’ll be placed in the Hawaii Resident category.

Discover more and register at: HonoluluMarathon.org

Hit the Legendary North Shore, a.k.a. “The Seven-Mile Miracle”

Watch the Contenders Entering the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

The best in the world make an annual pilgrimage to Oahu’s North Shore to surf the area’s legendary and challenging waves. Major winter storms in the Pacific from roughly October through March bring massive swells to the “seven-mile miracle,” drawing surfers to Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Pipeline, and many more breaks to try their hand at big wave surfing.

During the winter season, the North Shore traditionally hosted the Vans Triple Crown, where the latest and greatest surfers took the opportunity to show off their skills and maybe just become the next Kelly Slater.

Going forward, the Vans Triple Crown has transformed into a digital video submission. During the eligible timeline of December 21, 2021 until January 21, 2022, surfers will catch waves at the traditional Vans Triple Crown locations of Haleiwa, Sunset Beach, and Pipeline. Surfers will then submit video clips to be eligible for prizes—and bragging rights. If you catch word of a big swell headed for the North Shore, join the interested throngs and line the beach to watch surfers from all over take their best shot on the waves. You’ll likely be treated to quite a show.

For more information about the competition, check out the Triple Crown website:  VansTripleCrownofSurfing.org

Take a Tube Ride at the Christmas Celebration at the Hukilau Marketplace

Did you know that snow graces Hawaii’s highest peaks in the winter? Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island regularly feature snow, and you’ll occasionally catch a glimpse of it on Maui’s Haleakala. However, you might not think that you’d get the chance to see it on Oahu, let alone in Laie.

If you stop by the Christmas Celebration at Hukilau Marketplace on their Snow Day, your keiki can enjoy an inner tube ride on the white stuff that will put the merriest of winter smiles on their faces. You’ll also find live music, a live Nativity, selfies with Santa himself, and more, all at the entrance to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

In 2021, activities will be held every day from December 13th–23rd from 6:30 pm–8:30 pm, except Sundays.

To see the full schedule of events, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center website: Polynesia.com/christmas

Get into the Spirit with Honolulu City Lights

It’s not just a popular song by legendary slack-key guitarist Keola Beamer. The Honolulu City Lights is a month-long celebration, presented by the City and County of Honolulu and the Friends of Honolulu City Lights, which includes holiday light displays and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

For 2021, the tree-lighting ceremony is back! Stroll on over to Honolulu Hale on December 4, 2021 to catch the mayor lighting the city’s traditional 50-foot tree. Don’t forget to wave to Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele who preside over all the merry-making from their spot on the Honolulu Hale Fountain.

Although there won’t be photos with Santa, holiday concerts, a wreath contest, or an opening night parade in 2021, the tree exhibit will return at Honolulu Hale. Attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.

For more information, visit: HawaiiNewsNow.com

Take a Turn Around the Rink at Honolulu’s Ice Palace

As of November 10, 2021, the Ice Palace is still closed for renovations, with no specific re-opening date. Keep your eye on their website for news of their re-opening. In the meantime, Kapolei Inline Hockey Arenas is hoping to open for public skating by December 4. Get the most recent updates on their website: kihapublicskate.com

If inner tubing in the show at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s celebration left your kids with a taste for winter sports, head on over to Hawaii’s only full-service ice skating rink, Ice Palace Hawaii. While the skating rink is open year-round, during the holiday season, it might just offer you that wintry blast you need to get yourself in the spirit. Plus, you can join the ranks of legendary skater Kristi Yamaguchi, who has taken her own turn around the rink.

The best part? Adults who are chaperoning young skaters (and not skating themselves!) don’t need to pay the admission fee. Skate rentals are available, just in case you’ve taken our advice and left your winter gear behind when moving to Hawaii.

For hours of operation, visit: IcePalaceHawaii.com

Keep Your Eyes out for Kohola

The return of winter also means the return of kohola, humpback whales who travel to Hawaii’s warmer waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Hop a boat tour to view these majestic creatures, or simply make your way to Hanauma Bay or the Makapuu Lighthouse and . . . be patient.

During peak whale-watching season (roughly January–March), it might only take a few minutes for you to spot a tail slap or a whale spout. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a full breach, or even see one of these gentle giants demonstrating these skills to their keiki. There’s nothing quite so “aww”-inspiring as watching a young whale attempt one of its very first breaches.

Just a gentle reminder: Regulations prohibit boats from getting within 100 yards of a whale, and you shouldn’t attempt to swim with or touch any whales you might encounter in the wild. By keeping your distance, you’ll avoid inadvertently stressing these monumental mammals or accidentally diverting them from crucial activities like feeding.

Shop the Post-Thanksgiving Holiday Craft Fairs

If you aren’t able to clean up on Black Friday, you can still get a head start on your holiday shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving at the Mission Houses craft fair, one of the oldest in Honolulu—and one that focuses on made-in-Hawaii items your family and friends on the mainland will love. In addition to art, jewelry, pottery, clothing, and accessories, you’ll also enjoy local food and music while you’re shopping.

To find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list, check out:

Make Oahu Your Winter Wonderland

If you’re used to seasonal swings on the mainland, Oahu’s weather might not feel very wintry to you. (Although, when you live here long enough, you’ll start to recognize that subtle shift in the weather!) That said, there are plenty of special activities and holiday events during Oahu’s winter season that will help you and your family make plenty of merry.

Thinking of moving to Oahu? We’d love to help! After helping tens of thousands of families and individuals relocate to Hawaii, we know how to help you make a safe, easy, and affordable move. It all starts with a complimentary quote from one of our experts.