Things to Do in Oahu in Winter 2019 - December & January Activities & More

Who doesn’t want to escape to beautiful Oahu in the depths of winter? Avoiding all that shoveling, ice scraping, the bad driving conditions...sign me up for a Hawaiian vacation any day. Winter is actually one of the more popular seasons for Oahu, too, as it attracts a lot of holiday-time vacationers looking to get away for a bit of warmth and sun during a festive time of year. To help you plan that perfect Hawaiian winter getaway, we’ve put together a list of fun things to do in Oahu in Winter 2019-2020, including some of the best holiday activities and attractions.

Save on Winter Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions is included on the Go Oahu pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available Oahu passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special Winter events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Oahu pass.

13 Days of Christmas at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Where: Polynesian Cultural Center, Hukilau Marketplace When: December 13- 23, 2019 (except Sundays) This year, Christmas at the Hukilau Marketplace event is a super special occasion for all visiting families to Oahu. Enjoy snow days in the Winter Wonderland where you can play and go tubing in real snow December 23 from 3.30pm-8.30pm, a playful display of lights, trees, and other holiday decor, nativity presentations, caroling, a train ride, and plenty of tasty holiday fare for the whole family. It's a wonderful, all-encompassing event that truly brings the spirit of Christmas to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Getting in: Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included on the Go Oahu pass and holiday events are included with admission unless otherwise noted.

Go Whale Watching

Between the months of November and April, over 10,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters for the winter. Peak season for whale watching is in February and March, so this is the perfect time of year to book your whale watching adventure. Whale watching in Oahu is extra special because you’ll get a chance to witness these majestic creatures, which native Hawaiians traditionally consider the guardians of the islands, in their natural habitat. One popular option for those who wish to catch sight of a humpback up close is to hop on board the Makani Catamaran. During this two-hour sail through the sparkling waters of the Pacific, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to whale-watch as you cruise through the water in comfort. Getting in: Makani Catamaran tickets are available on the Go Oahu pass.

Go on a Hike

If you’d prefer to stay on land, consider the Makapuu Lighthouse Hike, a two-mile trek to the beautiful and historic lighthouse on the southernmost part of Hawaii. During the hike, you’ll be lead to the Halona Blow Hole, a spot famous for its spectacular views of humpback whales during the migration. You could also opt to see some other scenic parts of Oahu on fun and only moderately vigorous treks like the hike up to Diamond Head, the historic volcanic crater with gorgeous, glittering, “diamond-like” formations in the inside. Getting in: Makapuu Lighthouse Hike tickets and Diamond Head Hike tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

Try Your Hand at Surfing

Hawaii is known around the world as the place to catch the biggest waves in the winter. In fact, the sport of big wave surfing was born here! Two of the best places to watch are Waimea Bay, which is where big wave surfing started in the ‘50s, and the Banzai Pipeline, a dangerous spot that’s in an ideal position for spectators. Of course, if you want to surf yourself, you’ll need to find someplace a little less intense. Out on Maunalua Bay, the waters are calm and incredibly crowd-free. If you don’t mind the crowds and would rather find a surf spot closer to your accommodation, check out Waikiki Beach. It’s one of the world’s most famous and historic surfing destinations—it’s where “Big Kahuna” Duke Kahanamoku and his friends grew up and surfed all day back in the early 20th century. If you're a surfing rookie, why not take a lesson while on vacation? It's on many bucket lists and is loads of fun to boot. Getting In: Surf Lesson by Sea & Board Sports Hawaii are available on the 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Oahu pass.

Save a Little Beach Time

There are hundreds of little beaches to choose from along the coast of Oahu and it can be hard to choose the best one. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor spots on the island: Kualoa Ranch is an enormous recreational complex, in the midst of which lies some of Hawaii’s most beautiful and most-filmed scenery. It’s in this complex that you’ll find Secret Island Beach, a secluded beach with beautiful views of Kaneohe Bay. You’ll also have access to hours of outdoor recreational fun, like kayaking, snorkeling, and volleyball. Home to more than 5,000 tropical plant species, the Lyon Arboretum is a tropical rain forest right outside Honolulu. It’s a great escape from the busy resort area, and the gorgeous setting is ideal for both exploration and relaxation. Getting in: Secret Island Beach Half-Day Experience tickets and Lyon Arboretum tickets are available on the Go Oahu pass.

Soak up Some Culture

While you may be tempted to spend most of your time outdoors enjoying the sun and warmth, there is plenty to be enjoyed indoors as well. Oahu has a vibrant arts scene and a lot of historical architecture the whole family can enjoy.

If you’re an arty sort of person, visit the Honolulu Museum of Art - they have beautiful and compelling special exhibits year-round, in addition to a number of fun seasonal events that locals enjoy. If what you’re really looking for is the perfect exploration of Hawaiian heritage, then look no further than the Polynesian Cultural Center, an impressive and comprehensive interactive museum of the cultures of Hawaii and all of Polynesia. With seven distinct cultures represented in different areas, tons of authentic activities to try out, and a mountain of delicious local food to try, it’s a must-see attraction. Getting in: Honolulu Museum of Art tickets and Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included on the Go Oahu pass.

Sony Open in Hawaii® Golf Tournament

In addition to the great Hawaiian sport that is surfing, Oahu also attracts another classic sport this time of year with the Sony Open golf tournament. This year’s tournament runs from January 6-12 2020 with a large portion of the proceeds going to charity. It’s held at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu and tickets are available to the public. Prefer to swing a few clubs yourself? If you visit after the tournament the course is open to all. Getting in: Information about participating and spectating can be found on the Sony Open website.

Mingle at Local Festivals

There are so many wonderful, small cultural events going on all the time throughout Hawaii that it’s hard to choose just one to attend. Here are a few of our favorites. January 24-26, 2020 - the 17th annual ‘Iolani Luahine Hula Festival features a plethora of excellent hula dancing and other dance performances. It’s a great way to help preserve a valuable part of Hawaiian culture and enjoy some authentic performances as well. Fun fact: the festival is named after Iolani Luahine, an admired and famed hula dancer.

Honolulu City Lights

Throughout the month of December, Honolulu City Lights is hosting a handful of fun, festive, and free family-friendly events, including free "photos with Santa" nights, a free family movie night, milk & cookies night, fun festival rides, and more. Getting in: for more information, check the Honolulu City Lights website.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in Oahu in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more. Remember, many of these options are included on the Go Oahu pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Oahu pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.