Monday, January 1:
Hatsumode 2018.  For the Japanese community, New Year’s is the most important of all cultural holidays when millions of people visit a shrine on New Year’s Day.  Embrace the spirit of the Japanese in Hawai`i and be blessed for the New Year, get your head bitten by a Japanese Shishi Lion for good luck, be invigorated by taiko drums and partake of ozoni mochi soup. An event that is culturally exciting and spiritually enriching.  Hawai`i Kotohira Jinsha-Hawai`i Dazaifu Tenmangu, 1239 Olomea St., Honolulu. Midnight to 5 p.m. Parking is available with free shuttle at Damien Memorial School, 1401 Houghtailing St., Honolulu. Shuttle runs continuously between midnight to 3:30 a.m., and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call (808) 841-4755 or visit http://www.e-shrine.org/.

Sunday, December 31: 
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Poipu Beach Park. The event includes food trucks, live entertainment or a movie in the park, activities for the keiki and spectacular display of fireworks. Admission is free and open to the public.  Poipu Beach Bark, 2179 Ho`one Rd., 5:30  to 9 p.m.  For information visit http://poipubeach.org/new-years-eve-fireworks/.

Friday, January 5:
Ozomatli & G Love.  G LOVE and Ozomatli join forces to take you on an unforgettable musical journey.  G LOVE, with his solo acoustic, foot-stomping, street-side Blues, will warm up the stage for Ozomatli, an American six-piece band formed in Los Angeles renowned for their riotous live shows that feature a wide array of musical styles – including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, hip hop, and others.  Ozomatli has won two Grammy awards, a Latin Grammy (and multiple nominations); two Latin Billboard awards; an Alma award; and countless film, TV, commercial, and game placements, as well as national tours with the Dave Matthews Band, Los Lonely Boys, Lenny Kravitz, and many others.  An exciting third set will feature G Love and Ozomatli together, bringing down the house in a full octane dance party.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, One Cameron Way, Kahului. 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit http://mauiarts.org/.

Saturday, December 30: 
Annual Wailea Village Mochi Pounding. Celebrate making traditional rice cakes the “old-fashioned” way.  Everyone takes their turn at pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck. Hearty local style lunch available to purchase for $5. New Year’s crafts, food vendors, fortune telling, massage, I Ching readings, floral arrangements, plantation stories, Okinawan taiko drumming, Hawaiian entertainment & more.  Akiko’s Buddhist Bed & Breakfast, 29-2091 Old Mamalahoa Hwy. (Hwy 19 – 15 mile marker), Hakalau.  8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; fire building begins at 7 a.m. For information call (808) 963-6422.

Saturday, December 30:
Howie Mandel.  Howie Mandel is a comedian, actor, television host, and voice actor known as host of the NBC game show, Deal or No Deal, and as a judge for eight seasons on the hit talent competition series, America’s Got Talent.  Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum; from his work on the Emmy-award winning, St. Elsewhere, to the international animated children’s series, Bobby’s World, he’s become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.  Howie has done countless comedy specials both on cable and network television. He has also hosted his own syndicated talk show, The Howie Mandel Show, and continues to be a mainstay on the talk-show circuit. This show will include adult content. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, One Cameron Way, Kahului. 7:30 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit http://mauiarts.org/.

Thursday & Friday, December 28 & 29: 
Phil Lesh & Friends.  Phil Lesh & Friends is an American rock band formed and led by Phil Lesh, former bassist of the Grateful Dead.  Two-time Grammy winning guitarist, songwriter and producer Eric Krasno will be a special guest along with the same ultra-talented lineup of musicians who performed during last year’s successful Hawai`i run; Grahame Lesh, Ross James, Alex Koford, & Jason Crosby, who will all come together for an experience not to be missed.  The Phil & Friends concept takes the music of the Grateful Dead and an ever-increasing number of other influences and touring members to explore and interpret the music in new ways.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, One Cameron Way, Kahului. 7:30 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit http://mauiarts.org/.

Wednesday – Sunday, December 27 – 31:
New Year’s Eve with Kenny G.   In what’s becoming a New Year’s tradition, Blue Note Hawai’i, the state’s premier venue for the world’s most celebrated artists, welcomes back jazz superstar Kenny G for five nights.  Blue Note Hawai`i, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu.  For show times, tickets, and information, call (808) 777-4890 or visit http://www.ticketweb.com/search?q=blue+note+hawaii+kenny+g&loc=honolulu-hi&REFID=kennyannounce&PL=bluenote&REFERRAL_ID=twet714681.

Saturday, December 23: 
Waimea Valley’s Christmas Brunch & Free `Aha Mele Concert.  Celebrate Christmas with your ‘ohana (family) at Waimea Valley. Family style brunch by North Shore catering company, Ke Nui Kitchen. Purchase of brunch includes admission into Waimea Valley day of only. The line-up features Hawaiian artists, Mailani, Paula Fuga, and Jerry Santos. Reservations are highly recommended. Brunch adult is $49.95 and keiki (children) 4-12 years old $24.95 (tax and gratuity included). Brunch begins at 10 a.m., show starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.  Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa.  For reservations and information call (808) 638-5000 or visit https://www.waimeavalley.net/.

Thursday. December 22: 
Hawaiian Music Series.  Relax under the stars and enjoy a free concert featuring local musicians. Chairs are limited and blankets, mats, and low beach chairs are welcome. The Baldwin Home Museum is located in the heart of Lahaina, on the corner of Front and Dickenson Streets, Lahaina. 6 to 7:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 661-3262 or visit http://lahainarestoration.org/.

Thursday, December 21:
The Inspirational Film Festival – It’s A Wonderful Life.  Bring your friends and family to see the movie on the big screen, the way it was meant to be seen.  One $20 ticket pays for all movies at the festival, which continues in February with more movies to see.  Kukui Grove Cinema 4, 4368 Kukui Grove St., Lihue.  6 to 8:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 245-5055 or visit http://kukuigrovecinema.com/.