January 1 – 9:
9th Annual Waimea Ocean Film Festival – Various Locations  The festival brings an immersive visual experience to the island each January, offering guests heart-pounding adventure, giant surf, marine life, international expeditions and ocean action, all while garnering greater insight and understanding into the ocean environment and island culture. Breakfast Talks provide an intimate setting for guests to connect with filmmakers and special guests to ask questions and hear the behind-the-scenes stories that bring the films to life. Films will screen outdoors at Four Seasons’ Hoku Amphitheatre. Waimea venues include Kahilu Theatre, Hawai`i Preparatory Academy (HPA), Parker School Theatre and Anna Ranch. Festival passes and event schedule available online at www.waimeaoceanfilm.org.

Wednesday, January 1: 
Hatsumode 2019.  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 www.e-shrine.org.

Sunday Afternoons: 
Slack Key Guitar Concerts.  Traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and `ukulele concerts.  December 2 – Aloha Music of Hawai`i; December 9 – Hawai`i’s Cowboy Music; December 16 – Ahupua`a – Mountain to Sea; December 23 – Slack Key Tour of the Islands; December 30 – Whales Homecoming.  Award winning traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and ukulele concerts featuring songs and stories telling its history.  Tickets $25 general admission, $20 Ages 13-19 & over 50, keiki under 5 free. Free gift drawing.  A portion of the proceeds supports the Hale Halawai `Ohana `O Hanalei.  Hanalei Family Community Center, 5-5299 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei.  3 to 5 p.m.  For information and reservations call (808) 826-1469 or visit www.mcmasterslackkey.com.

Monday, December 31:
New Year’s Eve Celebration.  Bring in the New Year with this annual party that includes entertainment like carnival rides, food trucks, beer garden and a lot of magnificent firework displays. Kaka`ako Waterfront Park, 102 Ohe St., Honolulu.  6 p.m.

Tuesday, December 31: 
Hilo Bay New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display.  When the clock strikes midnight, the best place to be in Hilo will be on the waters of Hilo Bay with unobstructed views of fireworks as the explode directly overhead.

Monday, December 31: 
New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Display.  Grab you lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy this annual celebration at Poipu Beach Park.   There will be a showing of a free family-friendly movie, (TBA), on the big outdoor screen followed by a spectacular fireworks show.  Food trucks will be lined up to keep bellies happy. Poipu Beach ark, 2179 Hoone Rd., Koloa. 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Fireworks will be launched at 8:15 p.m. sharp.  For more information visit www.poipubeach.org.

Saturday, December 29: 
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, 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 or visit www.akikosbnb.com/mochi .

Saturday, December 29:
Hawaiian Sunset Saturdays.  Celebrate Kona’s spectacular sunset with live Hawaiian music and Hula.  Coconut Grove Marketplace, 75-5809 Ali`i Dr., Kailua-Kona. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free admission.  For information, visit www.kvbid.org.

Saturday, December 29: 
Kilauea Night Market at Anaina Hou.  Bring your family and meet your friends at Kilauea Night Market. The last Saturday of every month is always a good time at Anaina Hou. Food trucks, local vendors, and live music bands; it’s fun for all ages, and a good time no matter what the weather. Arrive early and play a round of mini golf. Anaina Hou Community Park, 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy., Kailauea.  4 to 8 p.m. For information call (808) 828-2118 or visit www.anainahou.org.

Thursday, December 27:
Steven Tyler. Steven Tyler is an award-winning singer, songwriter, philanthropist, author, and actor. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he has sold more than 150 million records, both as solo artist and as a member of the legendary rock band Aerosmith, and has won multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, plus an Emmy Award and the ASCAP Founders Award.  As the lead singer of Aerosmith, Tyler stands as one of the most iconic rock stars in history. He’ll be accompanied by his touring band, The Loving Mary Band. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, A&B Amphitheater, 1 Cameron Way, Kahului. Saturday 7 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.