It’s January in the 50th state – here’s what not to miss!
The whales, snowbirds and pro golfers are back in the islands for their annual migration. It’s also a balmy time to compete in a run, watch a surf competition or shop local. Don’t forget your new year’s resolution to spread aloha whenever you can, too.
Feature Photo: Courtesy of Maui Oceanfront Marathon on Facebook
Oahu
The talk of the island is “Auana,” the dazzling new Cirque du Soleil production at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. In the company’s first resident show — meaning you’ll have to travel here to see it, not wait for it to tour — acrobatic daredevils share the stage with hula dancers, musicians and vocalists in a Hawaii-themed show that incorporates ancient myths, Polynesian voyaging, Waikiki’s Golden Age and even “Hawaii Five-O” in surprising and delightful ways.
Here are highlights of other events around Oahu in January:
Dates TBD
Hawaii’s biggest charity golf event, now underway, is just a short ride from Waikiki. Take the Waikiki Blue Trolley to Hunakai Park, then hop on a free shuttle to the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club. Savvy spectators also buy a pass to the Sweet 16 Chalet at Hole 16 for a sumptuous lunch by Hy’s Steakhouse, Quiora and La Vie restaurants and great views. (Too late to plan? Watch the last three rounds live on the Golf Channel.)
Dates TBD
See some of the island’s top watermen participate in Da Hui Backdoor Shoot. Staged in memory of Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian waterman, the content features four-man teams competing in a variety of sports, including bodyboarding, shortboard surfing, longboarding and more.
Date TBD
Welcome the Year of the Snake with a parade that goes from the Hawaii State Capitol along Hotel Street to historic Chinatown, where a sprawling family-friendly festival continues into the night with three stages of live entertainment and dozens of vendors. Lion dancers, hula, Filipino martial arts, a DJ and tai chi are all part of the mix.
Maui
Royal Lahaina Resort, the last Kaanapali resort to reopen fully after hosting employees and others affected by the Lahaina wildfire, has created a new entertainment venue to help offset the fire’s destruction of so many venues for live music. Called Branches, the casual outdoor nightclub sits under lanterns hanging from the limbs of a towering century-ficus tree, with a bar menu that includes charcuterie and dessert boards. It’s open 6 to 9 p.m. nightly, with live music from 7 to 9 p.m.; expect a larger crowd on the third Friday of the month, when Branches features acts with local followings.
Here’s what else to watch or nosh on the Valley Isle this month:
January 18
Run from the Shops at Wailea to near Launiuopoko Beach Park in this 17th annual marathon, which also includes half-marathon, 6-mile and 5K races. competitions surfers. Proceeds benefit the community organizations that provide 18 aid stations and numerous volunteers along the oceanside route.
Dates TBD
Watch kids embrace their inner water sprite at this annual showcase for young bodyboarders and surfers. Presented by the Paia Youth and Cultural Center, the festivities include special guests and judges, live music and an awards ceremony at sunset.
Dates TBD
Got a song in your heart? Learn how to let it out — and maybe get paid for your lyrics — at this showcase of award-winning singer-songwriters, composers and producers from Nashville, Maui and beyond. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, hosts the event, which includes a tequila tasting, multiple performances and a benefit auction.
Hawaii Island
In 1964, Robert Trent Jones Sr. transformed a field of craggy black lava into the undulating greens known as Mauna Kea Golf Course, including the iconic over-the-water Hole No. 3. Now Robert Trent Jones Jr. has completed a renovation that maintains his father’s vision while enhancing the verdant fairways and bunkers made all the trickier by the coastal trade winds. If you’d prefer to watch pros rather than swing your own clubs, Mitsubishi Electric Championship brings 42 PGA Tour champions to Hualalai Golf Course. Passes include free parking and a shuttle to the Spectators Village with seating, restrooms, food trucks and good views of nine holes and a live scoreboard.
Here are more highlights for January on Hawaii Island:
Date TBD
The annual event will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through music, dancing and artwork by local children. A free lunch at noon starts the celebration at Makaeo Pavilion in the Old Airport Beach Park.
Date TBD
Dress in your best aloha finery for this recently new annual Queen’s Tea at the Hilo Yacht Club, honoring those who have portrayed Hawaiian royalty at the Merrie Monarch Festival, Aloha Week and other events. Enjoy Hawaiian tea, pastries and finger sandwiches while watching hula, listening to live music and bidding on a silent auction at this community benefit, which also includes prizes for best hat or fascinator.
Every 2nd & 4th Thursday
The Queens’ Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort hosts farmers and local producers of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, honey, jam, coffee and more at its twice-monthly Queens’ Culinary Market. Live music and a beer garden hosted by Waikoloa Shrimp Co. encourage patrons to hang out and talk story.
Kauai
Celebrate the new year by helping bring new life to Huleia River and the iconic Menehune Fishpond, also known as Alakoko. Sign up to remove invasive mangrove or other restorative tasks during Malama Huleia’s community workday. Community workdays typically take place 8 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of each month; lunch is provided, with advance registration and waiver required.
Here are other fun events on Kauai this month:
Every Friday
A short drive from Poipu, tiny Hanapepe’s main drag turns into a lively art fair every Friday, with live music, food trucks and popup vendors sprinkled amid the town’s renowned galleries and boutiques. The event kicks off at 5 p.m., but go early to secure parking and see the quaint plantation-era buildings in daylight.
January 10
Head to Kress Street in downtown Lihue for the monthly 2nd Saturday Night Market, with more than 40 vendors selling crafts, gifts, baked goods, hot food and more. Live entertainment adds to the buzz from 4 to 8 p.m.
January 11
Local artists and crafters from around the island come to this monthly night market, the second Sunday of each month at Princeville Shopping Center. Make an evening of it by enjoying dinner from a food truck, the mall’s food court or Tiki Iniki, a fun and family-friendly restaurant.
