Aloha State Daily rounded up activities for the entire family for the long weekend. In addition to Thanksgiving celebrations and Black Friday sales, enjoy some other holiday activities. Catch the tree lighting ceremony that is the start of Honolulu City Lights or cheer on the Rainbow Warriors as they close out their regular season with a game against the University of Wyoming’s Cowboys.
THURSDAY, NOV. 27
Thanksgiving. Family and friends across the nation are gathering to eat turkey and give thanks. Food & Dining Reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta prepared your guide for Where to go for Thanksgiving 2025 – part 1, part 2, and part 3. Several nonprofits, including Giving Hope Hawaiʻi, Ko Olina Charities, Meals on Wheels and The Salvation Army and Pacific Islands Division, are preparing meals for thousands of ʻohana in need. Find out where to go and how to support.
FRIDAY, NOV. 28
Lā Kūʻokoʻa. Also known as Hawaiian Independence Day, this day commemorates the signing of the Anglo-Franco Proclamation of 1843, when Great Britain and France recognized the independence and sovereignty of Hawaiʻi. To celebrate the event, kamaʻāina can enjoy free admission to Waimea Valley. There are also special events at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, which are included in regular admission. Details.
SATURDAY, NOV. 29
Paint with Solomon Enos. Ever wanted to be part of a community mural? This could be your chance. The Department of Accounting and General Services and artist Solomon Enos are teaming up to beautify the basement parking garage of the Kalanimoku Building, which houses offices for DAGS and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Enos is a renowned artist who grew up in Makaha Valley and has completed artwork for Google, Disney, Pixar, Amazon, Kamehameha Schools and more. Participants must be in middle school or older, but do not need to have prior art experience. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Details.
Tree lighting ceremony and Honolulu City Lights. Opening Night for Honolulu City Lights starts at 4 p.m. with a block party along Punchbowl Street. This year, the theme is “Navigating by the Stars,” which honors the 50th anniversary of the creation of Hōkūleʻa. At 6 p.m., the tree lighting ceremony starts for a 55-foot tree in front of Honolulu Hale. This will be followed by live entertainment behind Mission Memorial Auditorium. Free. Details.
Football. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Rainbow Warriors will close out their regular season with a game against the University of Wyoming’s Cowboys at Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Kickoff is 6 p.m. After the game, 25 seniors will be honored with the traditional Senior Night ceremony. Get tickets or watch the livestream. Details.
Keep it Kaimukī Saturday. Ready to find gifts for the holidays? Shop promotions and exclusive discounts at more than 30 participating businesses in Kaimukī. There will be free trolley rides, complimentary holiday activities, photo opportunities and live entertainment at Aliʻiolani Elementary School. The list of participating local businesses is online. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details.
Small Business Saturday. Support small businesses nationwide on Small Business Saturday. The initiative was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011. Find businesses participating in your neighborhood. Details.
SUNDAY, NOV. 30
Watch “Hawaiʻi to the World.” Watch the latest episode of "Hawaiʻi to the World", a televised talent competition, launched by Hawaiian Council, formerly known as Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. The show premiered on Sunday, Nov. 16, on Hawaiʻi News Now, simulcast on K5 and KHNL. The episodes will air weekly following Sunday night football games. The upcoming episode on Sunday, Nov. 30, features the Hawaiʻi Island Auditions with guest judge Alaka‘i Paleka. Future episodes will be released: Sunday, Dec. 7, O‘ahu Auditions with guest judge Jake Shimabukuro, and Sunday, Dec. 14, finale with a surprise guest judge.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
