10 Non-Christmas Things to Do This December in Honolulu

Rock out at a concert, run a marathon, cheer on veterans and more.

By Jayna Omaye

Photo: Courtesy of The Eagles

Oldies (but goodies) concerts

Start your December right by joining your fellow rockers at two concerts. Catch the Eagles (their first single, “Take It Easy,” debuted in 1972, so, yes, it’s the oldies) with Jack Johnson and Guns N’ Roses in two separate concerts at Aloha Stadium. Because who isn’t a fan of “Hotel California” (1977) and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (1988)?

Eagles with Jack Johnson

Friday, Dec. 7; 7 p.m.

Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., $79 and up, ticketmaster.com

Guns N’ Roses

Saturday, Dec. 8; 6 p.m.

Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., $30 and up, ticketmaster.com

Local concerts

Photo: Courtesy of Jake Shimabukuro

If you’re in the mood for music by local musicians and artists, join the Hawai‘i Symphonic Band (with a guest appearance by Kenny Endo) for its winter concert featuring classical and Japanese music. Or join ‘ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro at Blue Note Hawai‘i (seating is first come, first served).

Hawai‘i Symphonic Band with Kenny Endo

Sunday, Dec. 9; 7–9 p.m.

The Palladium at the Ala Wai Golf Course, 404 Kapahulu Ave., free, eventbrite.com

Thursday, Dec. 20; 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., $25–$45, ticketweb.com

SEE ALSO: 7 Concerts in Honolulu to Catch in December 2018

Winter Swell Surf Exhibit at HiSAM opens

Friday, Dec. 7; 6–9 p.m.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF STEVEN KEAN

Local artists Steven Kean and Laura Mellow (she plays Sgt. Duke Lukela’s wife, Nalani Lukela, on Hawai‘i Five-0) showcase just how inspiring North Shore waves are in this art exhibit, hosted by DJ Keala Kennelly. (It will be on display through Jan. 26.) Enjoy a live performance by rock band Men in Grey Suits.

HiSAM Museum Gallery Shop x Mori by Art + Flea, 250 S. Hotel St., free, sfca.hawaii.gov

Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade

Friday, Dec. 7; 4:30 p.m.

Honor our World War II veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors and active-duty troops as they make their way through Waikīkī in a procession fit for heroes. They will be accompanied by floats, bands and a decorated F-104 Starfighter.

Opening ceremony at Fort DeRussy Park, followed by parade down Kalākaua Avenue to Waikīkī Shell for the closing ceremony, free, pearlharborparade.org

SEE ALSO: The 13 Best Events on O‘ahu This December 2018

Billabong Pipe Masters

Saturday, Dec. 8–Thursday, Dec. 20 (holding period)

Photo: Courtesy of Billabong Pipe Masters

Watch your favorite surfers catch some major waves on the North Shore at the prestigious Pipe Masters tournament.

Check for updates to see when the competition goes live at worldsurfleague.com.

Honolulu Marathon

Sunday, Dec. 9; 5 a.m.

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/Tom Pennington

Whether you’re in it to win it or not, there’s a place for you at the Honolulu Marathon. If you haven’t signed up yet, register at the Marathon Expo at the Hawai‘i Convention Center from Dec. 6 to 8. Or if you’d like to sit back and cheer on your friends and family, head to Ala Moana Beach Park, where the race begins. The course goes through Downtown, Waikīkī and Hawai‘i Kai, loops back toward Diamond Head and ends at Kapi‘olani Park. (Or just stay home and avoid the traffic.)

Ala Moana Boulevard and Queen Street, $225 and up for U.S. residents (pricing differs for international residents and active-duty military), honolulumarathon.org

SEE ALSO: 7 Free Events in December 2018

Hawai‘i Open

Friday, Dec. 21–Sunday, Dec. 23

Photo: Courtesy o Hawai‘i Open

Serve up some fun and spend a day (or three) watching and cheering on world-class tennis talent at the Blaisdell Arena. You can buy individual tickets or, if you’re feeling extra sporty, purchase a three-day pass (prices vary depending on which options and seating you choose).

Visit hawaiitennisopen.com to buy tickets and for more information.

Hawai‘i Bowl

Saturday, Dec. 22; 5:30 p.m.

Don’t miss our UH Warriors face off against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Aloha Stadium. This year marks the first time Louisiana Tech will appear in the bowl game, now in its 17th year (this will be UH’s eighth year). ESPN will be airing the game live. Catch you on game day!

Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., $20–$45 (seniors and kids are $15), thehawaiibowl.com

Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic

Saturday, Dec. 22, Sunday, Dec. 23 & Tuesday, Dec. 25

Celebrate the Diamond Head Classic’s 10th anniversary by cheering on your favorite basketball teams at the Stan Sheriff Center. Bucknell, Rhode Island and Texas Christian University return this year as headliners, accompanied by newbie University of Nevada, Las Vegas (the team made its first and only appearance in the inaugural 2009 season) and four other teams, including the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors.

General admission is $10. To buy tickets (you can purchase them individually or for all three days) and for a schedule of events, visit espnevents.com.

Cardi B, Snoop Dogg and Sublime with Rome

Thursday, Dec. 27; 6:30 p.m.

Still riding out that Bruno Mars wave and humming “Finesse”? Indulge yourself and head to Aloha Stadium (again) to watch Cardi B make her debut in Hawai‘i. She joins Snoop Dogg and punk rock band Sublime with Rome.

Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., $39 and up, ticketmaster.com