Get ready for a magical holiday in Kailua with our comprehensive event guide. From Kailua devotees to casual tourists, our guide illuminates the city's festive offerings.
This holiday season, the Honolulu City Lights brings a dazzling spectacle to the streets, featuring vibrant displays and a giant Christmas tree that enchants visitors. For those with a passion for sports, the World Surf League: HIC Haleʻiwa Pro showcases some of the finest surfing talent in awe-inspiring waves. And the Honolulu Marathon is something you definitely don’t want to miss, inviting runners and spectators alike to celebrate the spirit of community and endurance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Kailua
- Honolulu City Lights (Honolulu)
- Honolulu Marathon (Honolulu)
- World Surf League: HIC Haleʻiwa Pro (Haleʻiwa)
- Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade (Honolulu)
- Kaimukī Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting (Kaimukī)
- Holiday Performances at Kāhala Mall Center Stage (Honolulu)
- Merry Shop & Strolls at Ka Makana Ali‘i (Kapolei)
- Hawaiʻi Holiday Craft & Gift Fair (Waipahu)
- Craft Fair & Sidewalk Sale at Koko Marina Center (Hawai‘i Kai)
- What the Truck?! Event at Waikele Center (Waipahu)
See these and even more events listed below!
Kailua Holiday Light Displays
Honolulu City Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display with cultural activities.
Description:
Honolulu City Lights is a month-long celebration in downtown Honolulu featuring a 50-foot Christmas tree, Shaka Santa, and Tūtū Mele, along with an electric light parade, wreath contest, and live entertainment.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Honolulu City Lights
Kailua Holiday Markets and Shopping
Merry Shop & Strolls at Ka Makana Ali‘i
What to Expect:
Family-friendly shopping with local vendors and live music.
Description:
Merry Shop & Strolls at Ka Makana Ali‘i offers a family-friendly shopping experience with local vendors, live music, and community activities.
Where: Kapolei | More Info: Merry Shop & Strolls at Ka Makana Ali‘i
Craft Fair & Sidewalk Sale at Koko Marina Center
What to Expect:
Showcase of over 70 local vendors selling handmade and locally produced items.
Description:
The Craft Fair & Sidewalk Sale at Koko Marina Center features over 70 local vendors selling handmade and locally produced items. This event is a great opportunity to support local businesses and discover unique, island-made products.
Where: Hawai‘i Kai | More Info: Craft Fair & Sidewalk Sale at Koko Marina Center
Hawaiʻi Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
What to Expect:
Unique, handmade items from Hawaiian artists.
Description:
The 53rd Annual Holiday Craft Fair at Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site features over 40 vendors selling unique, handmade items from Hawaiian artists, including glass artwork, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, and more.
Where: Waipahu | More Info: Hawaiʻi Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
Islandwide Crafts & Food Expo
What to Expect:
Family-run holiday craft fair with local vendors.
Description:
The Islandwide Crafts & Food Expo is Hawaii's biggest and funnest family-run holiday craft fair, featuring gorgeous crafts and 'ono foods since 1987. Named Hawaii's Best Holiday Market by Food & Wine Magazine in 2019 and 2022, this event showcases wonderful crafters and food makers.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Islandwide Crafts & Food Expo
Aloha Home Market: Hana Hou Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Showcase of Hawaii's finest local artisans and makers.
Description:
Aloha Home Market is Hawaii's premier pop-up market showcasing unique local treasures and handmade items. The event features furniture makers, artisans, jewelry makers, clothing designers, and food vendors. Admission is free, allowing attendees to explore and shop from Hawaii's finest local artists and small businesses.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Aloha Home Market: Hana Hou Holiday Market
Kailua Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Performances at Kāhala Mall Center Stage
What to Expect:
Live music and entertainment at a central mall location.
Description:
Enjoy live performances at Kāhala Mall Center Stage, featuring a variety of local and regional artists showcasing their talents in music, dance, and more.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Holiday Performances at Kāhala Mall Center Stage
Friday Night Tempo at Capitol Modern
What to Expect:
Live performances by renowned musicians in a family-friendly setting.
Description:
Friday Night Tempo at Capitol Modern features live music by Mike Lundy and Maryanne Ito, blending genres like neo soul, hip hop, and jazz. The event is part of the recurring series every third Friday, with galleries and the Sculpture Garden open to visitors.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Friday Night Tempo at Capitol Modern
Kailua Other Holiday Activities
World Surf League: HIC Haleʻiwa Pro
What to Expect:
World-class surfing competition at a renowned wave.
Description:
The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleʻiwa Pro is a premier World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 event held in Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii. It brings together top-tier surfers from the region and beyond, featuring Championship Tour (CT) competitors, Challenger Series standouts, and emerging QS surfers. The event is a significant milestone in determining regional and global surfing qualifications.
Where: Haleʻiwa | More Info: World Surf League: HIC Haleʻiwa Pro
Honolulu Marathon
What to Expect:
No time limit, emphasizing Aloha spirit.
Description:
The Honolulu Marathon is a 26.2-mile run through downtown Honolulu, past Iolani Palace, and around Diamond Head, culminating in Kapiolani Park. With no time limit, participants can enjoy the scenic course and festive atmosphere.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Honolulu Marathon
Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
What to Expect:
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor with a massed band and choir performance.
Description:
The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade honors Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans, and active duty military by featuring a massed band and choir performance, classic cars, floats, and various performances. It commemorates the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, celebrating the transformation from enemies to allies.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
Kaimukī Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with over 40 participating groups.
Description:
The Kaimukī Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting features marching bands, scout troops, schools, businesses, and Santa Claus, celebrating the holiday season with a festive procession along Waialae Avenue.
Where: Kaimukī | More Info: Kaimukī Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
What the Truck?! Event at Waikele Center
What to Expect:
Diverse street food options from local vendors.
Description:
What the Truck?! at Waikele Center features 50 local vendors serving a diverse array of Hawaiian, Filipino, Samoan, Chamorran, Puerto Rican, Thai, Vietnamese, and Soul foods. The event is smoke-free and alcohol-free, with music played from a speaker. It's a great place to pick up good food from long-time vendors, especially if you come early to avoid the shortest lines.
Where: Waipahu | More Info: What the Truck?! Event at Waikele Center
Rooftop Stargazing at Royal Hawaiian Center
What to Expect:
Free public stargazing with a personal view of the moon and Hawaiian night sky.
Description:
Join us for a free public stargazing event at the Royal Hawaiian Center, where you can enjoy a personal look at the moon and the Hawaiian night sky from the fourth floor rooftop. This monthly event is open to the public and first come, first served.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Rooftop Stargazing at Royal Hawaiian Center
Aliʻi Sunday at Kawaiahaʻo Church
What to Expect:
Honoring Hawaiian aliʻi with full regalia.
Description:
Aliʻi Sunday at Kawaiahaʻo Church is a revered tradition honoring Hawaiian aliʻi (royalty) with full regalia, celebrating their leadership and Christian legacy.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Aliʻi Sunday at Kawaiahaʻo Church
Butterfly Tea at The Veranda
What to Expect:
Interactive Monarch Butterfly dome with kid-friendly activities.
Description:
Join us for a delightful Butterfly Tea at The Veranda, featuring a keiki tea set, milk shakes, butterfly chrysalis boxes, and assorted toys. This interactive event includes kid-friendly activities and is perfect for families.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Butterfly Tea at The Veranda
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Kaneohe (4 miles)
- East Honolulu (8 miles)
- Honolulu (10 miles)
- Pearl City (15 miles)
- Waipahu (17 miles)
- Mililani Town (18 miles)
- Ewa Gentry (19 miles)