Stay in the loop — your December 2025 guide to what’s happening in Waikīkī, from local buzz and recent openings to island highlights and upcoming events.
We’ve gathered what’s new and noteworthy across Oʻahu this month — from recent openings and hotel updates to dining news, activities and must-see seasonal events.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Waikīkī or already here, this guide will help you make the most of your visit with timely updates and insider tips straight from the islands.
Table of Contents
- Oʻahu Travel News
- Island Hotel Updates
- Dining & Drink Scene
- Things to Do, See & Experience
- Top 10 December Events To Know
Oʻahu Travel News
- Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden will be temporarily closed from 8–19 Dec 2025 for repaving work. The schedule may shift depending on weather conditions, so check before you go.
Island Hotel Updates
- Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, has completed renovations to its historic Banyan Wing, revealing refreshed guest rooms and enhanced local retail offerings that blend heritage with modern comforts.
Dining & Drink Scene
- Peppermint Café & Pool Bar at Courtyard by Marriott Waikīkī Beach opened a retro-modern bar inspired by fruits and botanicals, creating a relaxed poolside oasis in the heart of Waikīkī.
- Allegrini Mozzarella Deli & Market expanded with a second Waikīkī location at the corner of Kaiolu Street and Kalākaua Avenue, bringing authentic Italian flavors to more visitors and locals.
- Asato’s Waikīkī has opened inside the Hyatt Regency’s Kings & Queens boutique, offering its signature scoops and a reservation-only shave ice counter — a sweet stop while exploring the hotel shops.
- Rice & Fries quietly soft-opened in Waikīkī’s ‘Ohana Hale food truck area, serving flavors that blend Korean, American and Hawaiian influences. Menu highlights include steak, garlic shrimp and enoki mushroom plates served with your choice of rice or fries.
- UMI by Vikram Garg launched a new “Prelude” happy hour, featuring globally inspired small plates available Wednesdays through Sundays from 5–6pm — a great option for a light, creative dining experience.
- Agua Cabana opened at Ala Moana Center, serving refreshing aguas frescas and fruit-forward treats like the spicy-sweet Twister and mango Chamango — perfect for a cool break while shopping.
- ADEZ Steakhouse & Lounge opened on Kapahulu Avenue, offering a $50 three-course prix fixe menu and a lively late-night atmosphere about a five-minute drive from central Waikīkī.
- Pepper Lunch opened its first Oʻahu location at Moanalua Shopping Center, featuring customizable sizzling pepper rice and teriyaki dishes served on hot cast-iron plates.
- For a limited time, participating IHOP locations have a “Kids Eat FREE” offer through 21 Dec 2025: one free kids entrée with each full-priced adult entrée purchased daily from 2–10pm. Check local stores for participation and details.
- Victor’s Dessert Lounge opened in Honolulu on 2 Dec 2025, serving handcrafted desserts and drinks in a cozy, modern setting — a good spot for a sweet treat or casual meet-up.
- Farewell notice: JINYA Ramen Bar is scheduled to close its Ward Village location in Kakaʻako, located in the Waiea condominium tower at Auahi and Kamakeʻe streets.
Things to Do, See & Experience
- Mana Up reopened its Royal Hawaiian Center location in a larger space, now carrying products from more than 70 local companies and offering a Ko Hana Rum & Mānoa Chocolate tasting experience for visitors who want to sample local pairings.
- Chompeze, a family-friendly dinosaur attraction, opened in Waikīkī’s International Market Place and features Valorant, an 8 ft (2.4 m) tall interactive animatronic dinosaur that delights kids and adults alike.
- Birdie Time Mini Golf introduced a playful 9-hole indoor course on the 3rd floor of International Market Place — a fun option for date nights or family entertainment during vacation.
- Meta opened its first Meta Lab pop-up boutique at Ala Moana Center, where visitors can try and purchase AI-enabled eyewear including Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta models.
- Kawaii Kingdom is now open at Ala Moana Center next to Target, offering claw machines and a selection of Asian snacks. A separate pop-up also operates at Market City, just a short drive from Waikīkī.
Top 10 December Events To Know
- ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas On Ice (December): Held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, this immersive holiday light experience also features indoor ice skating for all ages.
- Honolulu City Lights (December): A long-standing holiday tradition in Downtown Honolulu, featuring festive light displays and family-friendly activities throughout the month.
- Christmas Spectacular! at Sacred Hearts Academy (December): A seasonal pageant celebrating the holidays with music and performances by the academy’s students.
- Sounds of the Ocean at Bishop Museum (28 Dec): A family-friendly planetarium event blending ocean sounds, visual art and music for a unique indoor experience.
- New Year’s Eve Events in Oʻahu (31 Dec): From beachfront fireworks and champagne soirées to themed parties and live music, Oʻahu hosts numerous celebrations to welcome the New Year. Options range from family-friendly gatherings to late-night festivities.
- For the full December calendar of events across Oʻahu, check local listings for updated schedules and ticket information.