What’s Hot on O‘ahu: January 2019

Oahu • December 28, 2018

December is over, and 2018 is pau! Let’s look ahead at our picks for what’s during the first 31 days of the new year:

Sony Open in Hawai‘i  

Professional golfers from far and wide—and their fans—will descend upon the Wai‘alae Country Club January 7-13 for the 2019 Sony Open in Hawai‘i. This charitable golf tournament generates over $1 million in proceeds benefiting over 150 non-profit charities in the state of Hawai‘i. 

The event kicks off with a number of smaller pro-am events that lead up to the start of the First Round on January 10, with the Second, Third and Final Rounds following on subsequent days. An awards ceremony closes things out on the evening of January 13.

Past champions have included household names like Vijay Singh and Jack Nicklaus, and 2018 saw Patto Kizzire take home the trophy. Who will it be this year?

Visit sonyopeninhawaii.com for a full schedule of events.

HoMA’s ‘Ho‘oulu Hawai‘i’ Ending Soon  

The Honolulu Museum of Art’s exhibit, “Ho‘oulu Hawai‘i: The King Kalākaua Era,” has been a popular exhibit since it opened in September, and will soon draw to a close on January 27. This exhibit provides a special insight into a nation and its king in a way that’s seldom been explored before.

King Kalākaua had a rather cosmopolitan outlook and saw Hawai‘i as having an important role as a citizen of the world. He made use of art, design, philosophy and technology to prove his point, and to show Hawai‘i to the greater world.

This exhibit displays never-before-seen treasures from numerous museums, State Archives, and collections, including fashion and textiles, paintings, original ‘ukulele, photographs, sculpture and other period artifacts.

By seeing Hawaiian art and politics converge, we can better understand the Hawai‘i of today.   honolulumuseum.org

Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Returns

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational—commonly referred to as “The Eddie”—makes its return this year after taking a year off.

The late Eddie Aikau was a lifeguard and award-winning surfer, who was lost at sea in 1978 while trying to find help for his crewmates. Today, Aikau is a revered figure in Hawai‘i and his namesake surf contest is one of the most prestigious events in ocean sports with only 28 surfers and alternates invited to participate.

The window for this event is December 1 through February 28, and will only be run if wave faces consistently reach a minimum height of 30 feet (20-foot high swells). As such, the contest has only been run nine times since its inception in 1985.

For more happenings on O‘ahu and the neighbor islands, visit our Events calendar !

[A version of this article appears in the Jan-Feb, 2019 issue of This Week O‘ahu] 

a big dark storm rolling in off the shore of waimea hawaii
By Gavin Hillman June 23, 2025
Many wonder if Hawaii has a dangerous hurricane season - and generally no, they don't. This guide goes over everything you should know about hurricanes in Hawaii.
By Gavin Hillman June 17, 2025
If you're planning a trip to Oahu, there's one thing you absolutely can't miss — the beaches. Oahu is home to some of the most famous and diverse coastlines in the world. Whether you want to snorkel with tropical fish, surf world-class waves, take long walks on soft sand, or simply relax under the sun, there's a beach on Oahu for you. In this guide, we'll take you through the top beaches to visit on Oahu , what makes each one special, and tips for getting the most out of your beach days.
By Gavin Hillman June 17, 2025
Hawai‘i’s breathtaking beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural traditions make it one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the world. But before you pack your bags and book that long-awaited trip, it’s essential to understand the current travel requirements and restrictions for visiting the Hawaiian Islands. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about traveling to Hawaii in 2025, including passport and ID rules, airline requirements, health-related protocols, inter-island travel, and tips for a stress-free island getaway. 
a sea turtle swimming through clear blue water
By Gavin Hillman June 6, 2025
Want to see some Sea Turtles during your time on Oahu? Check out our full guide to turtle watching on Oahu! From the best spots to guided tours here is everything you need to know!
hawaiian airport runway with 3 planes and hawaiian designs on the tail
By Gavin Hillman June 6, 2025
Here's everything you need to know about what to pack for a trip to Hawaii - from beach essentials to the small things this is a complete Hawaii packing guide.
Volcanic summit landscape of Haleakalā National Park with rugged crater and clouds below.
By Gavin Hillman May 25, 2025
Discover everything you need to plan your trip to Haleakalā National Park on Maui. Explore sunrise tips, hiking trails, cultural sites, camping, and top photo spots in this complete visitor guide.
Looking for the best waterfalls on the island of Kauai? Check out our list of the top 5.
By Gavin Hillman May 24, 2025
Explore the top 5 must-see waterfalls on Kauai, Hawaii — from iconic roadside cascades like Wailua Falls to remote jungle treasures like Hanakāpīʻai Falls. Learn how to get there, what to expect, and tips for making the most of your waterfall adventure.
Scuba diver swimming alongside a green sea turtle in clear Hawaiian waters.
By Gavin Hillman May 23, 2025
Everything you need to know about scuba diving in Hawaii — from top islands and dive sites to marine life, certification tips, and the best time to dive. Perfect for beginners and pros alike.
A shark is swimming in the ocean near a coral reef.
By Hawaii April 30, 2025
Discover the latest shark facts in Hawaii, including safety tips, common species, and insights from local experts. Stay informed and safe during your island adventures.
By Cheryl Lee April 30, 2025
Time to get out and explore! The island’s full of awesome spots—just keep an eye out, some might ask for a reservation or an entrance fee to get in.
More Posts