Waikīkī in December 2025: What’s New & Noteworthy

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 dialed into everything unfolding across Oʻahu this month — from exciting new arrivals to key destination updates and local insider tips worth knowing about.

Whether you’re planning your upcoming trip to Waikīkī or already here, we’ll keep you in the loop and help you make the most of your stay with the latest and greatest from Hawaiʻi.

Oʻahu Travel News

• Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden will be temporarily closed 8-19 Dec 2025 for repaving work. Weather may affect the schedule.

Island Hotel Updates

• Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, has recently completed a renovation of its historic Banyan Wing, unveiling refreshed guest rooms and new local retail experiences.

Dining & Drink Scene

• Peppermint Café & Pool Bar at Courtyard by Marriott Waikīkī Beach reveals a retro-modern bar inspired by fruits and botanicals, offering a relaxed oasis by the hotel in the heart of Waikīkī.

• Allegrini Mozzarella Deli & Market, an authentic Italian eatery, has opened a second location in Waikīkī at the corner of Kaiolu Street and Kalākaua Avenue.

• Local sherbet shop Asato’s Waikīkī has opened inside the Hyatt Regency’s Kings & Queens boutique, featuring its famous scoops and a reservation-only shave ice counter.

• Rice & Fries has soft opened in Waikīkī’s ‘Ohana Hale food truck area with Korea, America and Hawai’i flavors. Choose from steak, garlic shrimp or enoki mushroom plates with rice or fries.

• UMI by Vikram Garg has launched its new “Prelude” happy hour, featuring globally inspired small plates from 5-6pm Wednesdays through Sundays.

• Agua Cabana has opened at Ala Moana Center, serving ice-cold aguas frescas and fresh fruit treats like the spicy-sweet Twister and mango Chamango — an ideal mid-shopping refresher.

• ADEZ Steakhouse & Lounge has opened on Kapahulu Avenue, offering a $50 three-course prix fixe menu and late-night dining vibes (located a 5-minute drive from Waikīkī).

• Pepper Lunch has opened its first Oʻahu location at Moanalua Shopping Center, serving customizable sizzling pepper rice and teriyaki dishes on hot cast-iron plates.

• For a limited time at participating IHOP locations “Kids Eat FREE” through 21 Dec 2025. One free kids entree with each full-priced adult entree purchase, every day from 2-10pm.

• Victor’s Dessert Lounge opened in Honolulu on 2 Dec 2025, serving handcrafted desserts and drinks in a cozy, modern lounge — perfect for a sweet daytime treat or casual catch-up.

• Goodbye: JINYA Ramen Bar is set to close its Ward Village location in Kakaʻako — located in the Waiea condominium tower at the corner of Auahi and Kamakeʻe streets.

Things to Do, See & Experience

• Mana Up reopened its Royal Hawaiian Center store in a larger space, now featuring products from 70+ local companies plus a new Ko Hana Rum & Mānoa Chocolate tasting experience.

• Chompeze, a family-friendly dinosaur experience, has opened in Waikīkī’s International Market Place. It features Valorant — an 8ft (2.4m) tall, fully interactive animatronic dinosaur.

• Birdie Time Mini Golf brings a playful 9-hole mini golf experience to the 3rd Floor of International Market Place in Waikīkī — perfect for date nights and indoor family fun while on vacation.

• Meta has opened its first-ever Meta Lab pop-up boutique at Ala Moana Center, offering hands-on demos and purchases of its AI glasses — including Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta models.

• Kawaii Kingdom is now open at Ala Moana Center next to Target, offering claw machines and Asian snacks. There’s also a pop-up operating at Market City just a 5-minute drive from Waikīkī.

Top 10 December Events To Know

• ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas On Ice (Dec): Held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, this immersive holiday light displays also features an indoor ice-skating experience.

• Honolulu City Lights (Dec): A beloved December tradition featuring festive light displays and family-friendly holiday fun in Downtown Honolulu.

• Christmas Spectacular! at Sacred Hearts Academy (Dec):A holiday pageant at Sacred Hearts Academy showcasing music and performances celebrating the Christmas season.

• Sounds of the Ocean at Bishop Museum (28 Dec): An family-friendly planetarium experience at Bishop Museum blending ocean sounds, art and music.

• New Year’s Eve Events in Oʻahu (31 Dec): From beachfront fireworks and champagne soirées to themed parties and live music, Oʻahu welcomes the New Year with a full lineup of celebrations.

• For the complete lineup of December happenings, see our Oʻahu Events in December calendar.