What’s New in Waikīkī December 2025: Events and Attractions

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’re tracking the latest developments across Oʻahu this month: new dining spots, hotel updates, pop-ups and family-friendly activities, plus key destination notes to help you plan your time in Waikīkī.

Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming trip or already on island, this guide highlights what’s new and noteworthy so you can make the most of your stay in Hawaiʻi.

Oʻahu Travel News

• Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden will be temporarily closed from 8–19 December 2025 for repaving work. Visitors should check current status before planning a visit, as weather or scheduling changes can affect reopening.

Island Hotel Updates

• Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa has completed renovations to its historic Banyan Wing. The refreshed guest rooms and new local retail offerings blend modern comfort with the property’s classic Waikīkī charm.

Dining & Drink Scene

• Peppermint Café & Pool Bar at the Courtyard by Marriott Waikīkī Beach unveiled a retro-modern bar inspired by fruits and botanicals, providing a laid-back spot by the pool to enjoy cocktails and light bites in the heart of Waikīkī.
• Allegrini Mozzarella Deli & Market opened a second Waikīkī location at the corner of Kaiolu Street and Kalākaua Avenue, serving fresh mozzarella and authentic Italian market fare for visitors and locals.
• Asato’s Waikīkī arrived inside the Hyatt Regency’s Kings & Queens boutique. The local sherbet shop is offering well-known scoops and a reservation-only shave ice counter for a cool island treat.
• Rice & Fries soft-opened in the ‘Ohana Hale food truck area, blending Korean, American and Hawaiʻi flavors. Expect customizable plates—steak, garlic shrimp or enoki mushroom—served with rice or fries.
• UMI by Vikram Garg launched “Prelude,” a new happy hour with globally inspired small plates available Wednesdays through Sundays from 5–6pm—ideal for sharing before dinner.
• Agua Cabana opened at Ala Moana Center, offering aguas frescas and fresh fruit creations such as the Twister and mango Chamango—great for cooling off during a shopping break.
• ADEZ Steakhouse & Lounge opened on Kapahulu Avenue, presenting a $50 three-course prix fixe option and late-night dining, roughly a five-minute drive from central Waikīkī.
• Pepper Lunch made its Oʻahu debut at Moanalua Shopping Center, serving sizzling pepper rice and teriyaki dishes on hot cast-iron plates for a hands-on, customizable meal.
• Limited-time offer: At participating IHOP locations, “Kids Eat FREE” through 21 December 2025—one free kids’ entrée with each full-priced adult entrée, daily from 2–10pm.
• Victor’s Dessert Lounge opened in Honolulu on 2 December 2025, serving handcrafted desserts and drinks in a cozy modern setting—perfect for an afternoon treat or casual meet-up.
• Closing notice: JINYA Ramen Bar will close its Ward Village location in Kakaʻako, located in the Waiea tower at Auahi and Kamakeʻe streets.

Things to Do, See & Experience

• Mana Up reopened its Royal Hawaiian Center shop in a larger space showcasing products from more than 70 local companies. The new location also features a Ko Hana Rum & Mānoa Chocolate tasting experience for visitors who want to sample local pairings.
• Chompeze introduced a family-friendly dinosaur experience at the International Market Place, including an 8-foot interactive animatronic dinosaur named Valorant—an engaging option for kids and families.
• Birdie Time Mini Golf opened a playful nine-hole indoor mini golf course on the third floor of International Market Place—an excellent choice for date nights or family fun when you want something casual and weatherproof.
• Meta launched its first Meta Lab pop-up at Ala Moana Center, where visitors can try and purchase AI-enabled eyewear, including Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta models.
• Kawaii Kingdom opened at Ala Moana Center near Target, offering claw machines and a selection of Asian snacks. A related pop-up is also operating at Market City, a short drive from Waikīkī.

Top 10 December Events To Know

• ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas On Ice (December): This immersive holiday light display at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center includes an indoor ice-skating experience—an entertaining seasonal attraction for families and visitors.
• Honolulu City Lights (December): A longtime Honolulu tradition featuring extensive holiday lighting, festive decorations and family-friendly activities in Downtown Honolulu.
• Christmas Spectacular! at Sacred Hearts Academy (December): A holiday pageant featuring musical performances and seasonal entertainment presented by Sacred Hearts Academy.
• Sounds of the Ocean at Bishop Museum (28 December): A family-oriented planetarium program blending oceanic sounds, visual art and music for a unique educational experience.
• New Year’s Eve Events in Oʻahu (31 December): From beachfront fireworks and champagne parties to live music and themed events, Oʻahu offers many ways to ring in the new year.
• For a full list of December activities and schedules, consult the Oʻahu December events calendar to find festivals, performances and seasonal happenings across the island.