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.

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.

Saturday, December 22:
Hawai`i Bowl.  The Hawai`i Bowl, Hawai`i’s holiday tradition, will be played at Aloha Stadium at 5:30 p.m. local time and televised nationally on ESPN. Celebrating its 17th year in 2018, the Hawai`i Bowl will pit a team from Conference-USA against a team from the Mountain West. The Hawai`i Bowl was established in 2002. The Hawai`i Bowl continues as the first non-all- star post-season game in Hawai`i since December of 2000 when the Oahu Bowl and the Aloha Bowl were played in Honolulu.  Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., Aiea.  For tickets and information call (808) 523-3688 or visit www.thehawaiibowl.com.

Sunday, December 16: 
Bank of Hawai`i Family Sunday at Honolulu Museum of Art.  Featuring entertainment and activities suitable for families and people of all ages. Explore the Museum’s galleries through art hunts, art activities, demonstrations, film screenings and entertainment. Themes change monthly and tie in with the Museum’s permanent collections and special exhibitions. Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania, Honolulu.  11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Free admission.  For information call (808) 532-8700 or visit www.honolulumuseum.org.

Saturday, December 8: 
Second Saturdays at Hawai`i State Art Museum.  Free hands-on art activities for all ages are hosted in the first floor Multipurpose Room. All materials are provided. Hawai`i State Art Museum, 250 South Hotel St., Honolulu. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or while supplies last.  For information call (808) 589-9959 or visit www.sfca.hawaii.gov.

Saturday, December 8: 
Kama`aina Christmas 2018.  Kama`aina Christmas is the museum’s premier fundraising event and proceeds make it possible for the museum to present world-class exhibitions, meet a growing demand for arts education in our community, and ensure the museum is accessible to everyone.  This year’s theme, White Christmas, will be a merry evening with a three-course meal by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, cocktails, music, and dancing. You may even be able to hear sleigh bells in the snow! The annual fundraiser will also feature a wine sale, silent auction, and wish tree.  Black tie event.  Cocktails 6 p.m., dinner 7:30 p.m., dancing and cocktails 9:30 p.m.  Honolulu Museum, 900 S. Beretania, Honolulu.  For tickets and information call (808) 535-1876 or visit www.honolulumuseum.org

Saturday, December 8:
Kapolei City Lights Opening Night Celebration & Parade.   A festive holiday event for the whole family. Visit the beautifully decorated Kapolei Hale. Get an early start on your holiday shopping at the street festival featuring food booths, craft vendors and live entertainment at Hawai`i Tourism Authority’s `Aha Mele – Hawaiian Music Series Stage. Plus, free pictures with Santa and much more. Celebration begins at 6 p.m. with a parade. PARADE ROUTE The West O’ahu Electric Light Parade travels down Kapolei Pkwy. from Fort Barrette Rd. to Kama`aha Ave.  Families are welcome to watch the parade from anywhere along the parade route in the mauka (mountain side) lanes of Kapolei Pkwy. The parade announcement station will be located at the beginning of the parade. Tree lighting ceremony will be at 7:15 p.m.  Kapolei Hale City Hall, 1000 Uluohia St., Kapolei, 6 to 9 p.m.  For information call (808) 768-3400 or visit www.kapoleicitylights.com

Saturday, December 8:
“For Love of Country” Annual Gala.  The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum will celebrate its 12th anniversary. Gala will include cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and auction. Historic Hangar 79 on Ford Island will be transformed into a spectacular venue welcoming international celebrities, corporate and military leaders and government officials. The evening gala includes entertainment, fine dining, celebrity appearances and live and silent auctions.  This is a sellout event and seating is limited, so act now to ensure you and your guest are included in this momentous and prestigious event.  Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Hangar 79, 319 Lexington Blvd., Honolulu. 6 to 10 p.m. For more Information, to sponsor tables and purchase tickets, call (808) 441-1006, or visit www.forloveofcountry.org.

Friday, December 7:
First Friday Street Festival:  Honolulu District.  Galleries and other arts venues open their doors for artist receptions, live music, and refreshments. Gallery walk maps are available at various locations in the area. 6 to 9 p.m.   Downtown-Chinatown, The ARTS at Marks, 1159 Nu`uanu Ave., Honolulu.  For information call (808) 521-2903 or visit www.artsatmarks.com.

Friday, December 7:
First Friday at the Hawai`i State Art Museum.  Free, family-friendly evening at the Hawai`i State Art Museum. Galleries will be open late, with live entertainment. Seating will be provided.  All ages welcome.  Parking available across South Hotel St. in the Ali`i Place building, or street parking in the area. Several TheBus lines stop directly in front of or close to the museum.  Hawai`i State Art Museum, 250 South Hotel St., 2^nd Floor, Honolulu. 6 to 9 p.m.  For information call (808) 589-9959 or visit www.sfca.hawaii.gov.