Oʻahu’s Top Cultural Experiences this Winter

Attractions that share Hawaiian culture can be found in art exhibitions, performances and even a world-renowned circus throughout O'ahu. As you plan your trip this year, we invite you to include some of these educational and entertaining experiences into your itinerary.

What is Makahiki?

In ancient Hawaiʻi, Makahiki (harvest season) marked the beginning of a new year. During this time, all wars and religious practices ceased and there would be a festival dedicated to the God of Agriculture, Lono. The community would offer their best foods, crafts and clothing to Lono and the aliʻi hoping for good weather in return to grow their crops. Afterward, they would play “Makahiki games,” like ʻulu maika, ʻōʻō ihe, hukihuki, pā uma and haka moa designed to develop physical, mental and spiritual strength. Communities competed against each other and were rewarded by aliʻi.

Celebrate Makahiki season at Kaimana Beach Hotel

From November to February, Kaimana Beach Hotel will host a series of activities, events, entertainment and pop-up markets to celebrate Makahiki season.

Makahiki & Mele

Visit Kaimana Beach Hotel on Nov. 27 when acclaimed local musician IZIK will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hau Tree Lounge. Valet is available. Reservations are encouraged.

Visitors shouldn't miss the many complimentary hula performances found throughout Waikīkī, where dancers share stories of Hawai‘i through mele (music), movement and tradition, from resort shows like Nā Lei Aloha to performances on the beach, such as The Return of Kapaemahu, which shares the long-hidden story of the Healer Stones of Kapaemahu — a sacred site of healing and inclusion in Waikīkī.

There are lots of opportunities to participate in a Lūʻau on O‘ahu. Here's a list of some great options across the island.

Lūʻau in Honolulu

• Paina Waikīkī (Marriott Waikīkī Resort & Spa)

• Waikīkī Starlight Lūʻau (Hilton Hawaiian Village)

• Ka Moana Lūʻau (Aloha Tower, downtown)

• Queen’s Lūʻau (International Marketplace Waikīkī)

• Nā Lei Aloha Lūʻau (Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa)

Lūʻau in Kapolei

• Mauka Warriors Lūʻau

• Paradise Cove Lūʻau

• Chief’s Lūʻau

• Germaine’s Lūʻau

Lūʻau on the North Shore

• Polynesian Cultural Center Buffet (Laʻie)

• Toa Lūʻau (Waimea Valley)

Lūʻau in Waimanalo

• Aloha Kai Lūʻau (Sea Life Park)

Polynesian Cultural Center’s HĀ Breath of Life

The story of Mana and his beloved Lani: “a Pacific isle saga of birth and death, love and family, tragedy and triumph.” “HĀ: Breath of Life,” incorporates Polynesian dance, music and fireknife performances with special effects, animation and talented dancers.

Cirque du Soleil's ‘Auana Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil’s first resident production in Hawaiʻi. ‘Auana, which means “to wander” or “veer off the beaten” path, tells the story of Hawaiʻi through eight chapters blended with Cirque du Soleil’s world-renowned acrobatics. Show director, Neil Dorward, worked with a Native Hawaiian creative team to ensure that every component of the show was in collaboration with community voices.

Special Deal from OUTRIGGER:

From now through 2026, guests who book a stay at any OUTRIGGER property receive 10% off tickets to “‘Auana”. Click here to view special resort rates and package deals. ‘Auana tickets must be purchased separately to receive the discount.

Kama‘āina will also receive a discount of up to 30% off tickets and The Aloha Friday offer allows locals to receive a free keiki (child) ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket for Friday performances.

The Family Pack offer, available to all guests, provides up to 15% off when purchasing a minimum of four tickets, including at least one adult and one child. To redeem, visit cirquedusoleil.com/auana and view all current offers under the Deals tab.

Engage in your hotel or resort’s cultural programming. After the pandemic many of Hawaiʻi’s accommodations implemented or improved its cultural programs to visitors about Hawaiian culture and how they can engage with the islands in a respectful, responsible way.

Want to not look like a tourist? Take an ʻolelo Hawaiʻi class, learn the moʻolelo of the land you are staying on or even just talk story with the cultural advisors on staff about Hawaiian values and etiquette. Not only will you enrich your experience in Hawai’i, you will go back and have something new to teach your friends and family.