Sometimes in Hawaii it’s easy to forget when the holidays are just around the corner; while much of the world is preparing for a white Christmas, we are lounging on the lanais sipping Mai Tais in the sun. Okay, maybe we don’t spend every day in paradise relaxing, but we want to make sure you do while you’re on vacation! So, we’ve compiled a list of Oahu’s top events for the month of December. From holiday parades to historic celebrations there is something for everyone!
Honolulu City Lights
Honolulu Hale Dec. 2022
This annual celebration kicks off with the parade and tree lighting ceremony at the Honolulu Hale (City Hall). Large statues and light structures decorate the entire property for a month, creating a cheerful and exciting holiday spectacle viewable for the whole season. On opening night there are rides for the keiki as well as food vendors. Festivities begin around 4 pm.
Visit HonoluluCityLights.org for more information.
WSL Haleiwa Challenger
Oahu Nov. 26 – Dec. 7
The pipeline is world famous for its beautiful barrel waves, and for all the fans on the beach, it’s popular too since the break is closer to the shoreline.
For more information, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
Various locations Dec. 7
Every year the entire country commemorates the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
What better place to memorialize and learn than Pearl Harbor itself? Various services and performances are featured at Pearl Harbor and throughout Oahu.
For more information visit the National Park Service Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Honolulu Marathon
Waikiki Dec. 11, 2022
Whether you’re a part of the race or watching from the sidelines, you can’t miss one of the biggest marathons in the world, and one of the biggest annual events on the island.
Visit HonoluluMarathon.org for more information.
For any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you.
We can be reached at 808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com
This November, be sure to check out the many exciting events taking place in Oahu! Below are some of the 2022 November events we’re most excited to see.
Ko’olina Artfest
Taking place every Wednesday from 9AM-5PM, the Ko’olina Artfest is a wonderful place to enjoy live music and check out work by local artists. The Ko’olina Artfest is held at Ko’olina Beach Lagoon #3, and it is free to enter. This isn’t a November-exclusive event, but it’s still very much worth checking out during your stay.
Learn more about the Ko’olina Artfest.
12th Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
In 2022, the annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival will celebrate its 12th year. The festival takes place over 10 days across Maui, the Big Island and Oahu, with Oahu’s events scheduled from November 3rd through the 6th. In total, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival features a roster of over 150 world-renowned chefs, culinary personalities, winemakers and mixologists. If you’re in town during the festival, you’ll definitely want to add at least one of its events to your itinerary.
Check out the schedule of events and learn more about the 12th Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.
28th Annual Made in Hawaii Festival
Taking place from November 11th to the 13th over Veterans Day Weekend at the Ala Moana Center, the annual Made in Hawaii Festival is a great opportunity to shop all things Hawaiian! Nearly 400 vendors will be in attendance to offer locally produced foods, books, fashionable clothes, handmade crafts, jewelry, and more! Head to the Made in Hawaii Festival website to learn more!
Ticketing and event information for the 28th Annual Made in Hawaii Festival
If you’re visiting Oahu during November, then be sure to check out these exciting events in-between your beach days and other island adventures. For more exciting events, head over to GoHawaii’s Oahu Events Calendar. Lastly, be sure to book your Waikiki stay with Marina Hawaii Vacations!
If you are on Oahu now, make sure to head to Waikiki for the annual Duke’s OceanFest. This celebration continues through next Sunday, August 28th. OceanFest is a tribute to the most legendary Hawaiian surfer and waterman, Duke Kahanamoku; it is held every year around Duke’s birthday.
The festival includes ocean and beach sports including beach volleyball, paddleboard racing, swimming, surf polo, tandem and longboard surfing, and more. There is no cost to attend, and events can be found throughout Waikiki all week. If you are staying with Marina Hawaii Vacations, just head out to Duke’s Beach, or start there and walk along the Waikiki beaches to see the various events. A full calendar of events can be found at https://dukesoceanfest.com/event-schedule/. Other events include a luau and a movie showing next weekend. For more information on Duke’s OceanFest, visit https://dukesoceanfest.com.
For any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at 808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com
Susie Bowman
This fun event features live farm animals, traditional contests, and kids’ rides and games, as well as one of the biggest plant sales on Oahu. This annual farm fair is free for kids and students with valid ID. There is a small Admission fee for adults.
Visit http://www.hawaiistatefarmfair.org for more information.
Visit http://www.madeinhawaiifestival.com for more information.
visit http://dukesoceanfest.com for more information.
The Wildest Show in Town at the Honolulu Zoo
The Hawaiian islands are some of the most magnificent places on Earth. With sparkling waters from the Pacific Ocean, gorgeous flora and fauna, and interesting spectacular mountain-top views across the island of Oahu, it is easy to see how these islands are at the top of many bucket lists. When you stay with us at Marina Hawaii Vacations, lace up your hiking boots and explore the best natural places on Oahu island.
The Best Easy Hikes
Many who visit Hawaii are not avid hikers. Numerous trails are great for beginners to get out and take in the natural beauty of the island. The Diamond Head hike is a favorite due to its breathtaking views and easy-to-navigate trails. Many other paths, such as Manoa Falls, Pali Twin Falls, and Hanauma Bay Trail offer beautiful water views. Whether it’s waterfalls or views of the ocean, these hikes are sure to make any sea lover swoon.
As of May 12th, 2022 all out-of-state visitors must have an advanced reservation to enter Diamond Head State Monument. The reservation system will activate on April 28th, 2022 allowing for reservations to be made 14 days in advance. Click here to reserve.
For The Intermediate Hiker
If you love hiking but are not interested in extremely difficult trails, there are a large number of intermediate trails that would be perfect. Many of these trails will take you through a bit of wilderness to hidden gems that you can only reach by foot. Waterfalls, pools, and caves are waiting for you to discover them without too many dangerous terrains or challenging climbs.
Taking It To The Extreme
Test your skills and stamina with hikes to the tops of beautiful summits and through harsh jungle trails. Pali To K1 is a perfect example of a trek that offers heart-stopping climbing opportunities, as well as challenging hiking terrain. One of the most exciting and hazardous hikes is the Kalihi Saddle. Make your way over an eroding, basalt ridge line and through overgrown areas to the top. Trails such as these are not for the faint at heart and require advance knowledge in climbing and hiking as well as the appropriate gear. Be aware of the trails that you are hiking as some may be labeled as illegal treks and stay aware of the difficulty of each trail you consider traversing.
The best way to take in the most beautiful areas of the island is with a hike. Whether it is a beginner hike along the shore or an advanced hike to the summit of one of our gorgeous mountains, it is well worth the trip. Stay with us at Marina Hawaii Vacations in Honolulu, Hawaii, for a comfortable place to return to and relax after a day of hiking.
The sounds of the waves lapping the shores and the squeak of worn leather fill the air in perfect harmony when you go horseback riding on Oahu. As your horse carefully picks its way through the Oahu trails, you’ll reach the beach opening and find yourself entranced by the water. At this moment you’ll realize what they mean when they say, “Life is better when seen between a horse’s ears.”
When you stay with Marina Hawaii Vacations in our vacation rentals in Honolulu Hawaii, this image becomes a reality with a horseback ride through the island.
Finding The Right Horseback Riding Trails
Whether you are a seasoned rider or this is your first time out, there are multiple stable organizations on the island that have access to varying levels of trails.
For a laid-back walking tour through some of Oahu’s most beautiful landscapes, visit Kualoa Private Nature Reserve. On the far north end of the island, you can discover a horseback riding experience for everyone. From fast-paced advanced rides to couples rides to explore with your honey, any rider can find the ideal adventure at Gunstock Ranch. One of the best horseback riding experiences you can have on our beautiful island is with Hawaii Polo Trail Rides. These oceanfront trail rides will take your breath away before your horse’s hooves hit the sand. You can head out with a group, book a private ride, or even book a lesson on polo.
These and many other stables are a fantastic way to see Oahu from every corner and experience the joy of getting in the saddle.
A Few Tips To The Best Ride On Oahu
Horseback riding is a pastime that not many people get to experience; here you have the opportunity to climb into the saddle as well as explore our beautiful island all in one. Though this may be a magical moment you will never forget, there are a few things to keep in mind when you set out for your ride.
1.) Wear the appropriate apparel
It may be a warm, tropical climate on Oahu; however, it is essential to wear two key clothing items for an optimal experience. Boots with a heel are preferred, as this will keep your feet where they need to be in the saddle and prevent your feet from slipping in the stirrups. Long pants or jeans are also recommended to keep you from getting pinched by the fenders of the saddle and keep your legs protected through wooded areas.
2.) Stay relaxed
The majority of horses used in programs like this are calm and used to trail riding. That said, any horse can be easily spooked. When you’re standing around the horses or out riding, try not to make loud noises or sudden fast movements. If you act calm and cool, then the horse will follow suit.
3.) Posture
Most riding facilities can give you a quick crash-course on safe riding posture. Essentially, the best way is to sit up tall and keep your legs slightly in front of you with your heels down. This will prevent you from leaning forward, and it will improve your balance.
A Marina Hawaii Equine Adventure
For the ultimate equine adventure while staying at Marina Hawaii Vacations, book a stay in one of our beautiful vacation rentals in Waikiki and check out one of the many surrounding trail ride opportunities. Saddle up and head out for a unique adventure! There is no better way to experience our beautiful island than from the back of a horse.