Whether you’re a local resident or visiting with family for the first (or nth!) time, there’s so much to see and do on Oahu.
It can get overwhelming knowing how to spend your free time while on the island, which is why we’ve decided to start a monthly series rounding up the best family-friendly events each month of the year.
From art-making sessions at the Honolulu Museum of Art to volunteer days for budding environmentalists at the Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens, here’s a roundup of some of our favorite family-friendly events happening on Oahu in January 2023.
Here’s What to Expect This January on Oahu
Aloha Home Market, Ala Moana
January 08, 2023
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Shop made-in-Hawaii products and support local small businesses on Oahu at Aloha Home Market. In addition to shopping, visitors can expect live entertainment from local artists, food vendors, activities for the kids, and more! Located at Ala Moana Center in the Mall Level 2 Parking Lot (Diamond Head Wing) Between Macy’s & Ala Moana Hotel
For more info, visit: https://alohahomemarket.com/
Mālama Mala Conservation Workday — Invasive Species Removal at Waimea Valley
January 8, 2023
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Get your conservation gloves ready to remove invasive species at Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens! Volunteers will spend the day taking care of and protecting the rare and endangered plant and animal life that call the valley home.
To RSVP, email Volunteers@waimeavalley.net, call (808)638-5855, or sign up through the website link below.
For more information, including what to bring, visit: https://www.waimeavalley.net/volunteer
After Hours at the Bishop Museum
January 13, 2023
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In addition to exploring the Bishop Museum’s current exhibitions, Science Adventure Center, and historic Hawaiian Hall after hours, visitors can also enjoy live music by Kalani Isaac & Friends on the gallery lawn and sip on food and drinks from local vendors.
From 5:30 PM-7:30 PM, there are several kid-friendly activities with Ulu Aʻe Learning Center, such as ʻohe kāpala (create a greeting card using stamps), kōnane (outplay your opponent in a two-player strategy board game) and kiʻi pōhaku (collect the most matching petroglyphs). For ages 5-10. A parent/guardian must be present.
For more information and special after-hours activities, visit the Bishop Museum website: https://www.bishopmuseum.org/calendar/bishop-museums-after-hours-january-13-2023/
‘Ohana Volunteer Day at Waimea Valley
January 15, 2023
9:00AM – 11:30 AM
Geared towards families with children 12 and under, this family-friendly volunteer activity is an opportunity for them to give back and learn about Waimea Valley. The volunteer projects will generally be located in the botanical gardens and cultural sites.
For more information, including what to bring, visit: https://www.waimeavalley.net/volunteer
Friends of the Library of Hawaii Annual Music & Book Sale
January 14 – January 16, 2023, and January 20 – January 22, 2023
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Sat; 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Sun and Mon
A nonprofit org, the Friends of the Library of Hawaii, works to maintain free public libraries in the State of Hawaii. Their 12th annual sale will feature the FLH music collections – Over 25,000 Records, over 10,000 CDs,
plus DVDs, 20,000 Books, Comics, and more! Located at Ward Village – The former Pier 1 Imports Store 1142 Auahi Street, Honolulu*
For more information, visit: https://friendsofthelibraryofhawaii.org/2022/09/26/2023-flh-music-book-sale/
Mālama Hawaii Makers Market at the Royal Hawaiian Center Market
January 20, 2023
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Established in 2019, the Mālama Hawaii Makers Market now has several locations across Oahu. Shop local artists, makers, designers, food vendors, and more. Located at 2201 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu.
For more information, visit: https://www.malamahawaiimarket.com/
Family Sundays at the Honolulu Museum of Art
January 22, 2023
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Entry is free for kama‘āina on Family Sundays, presented by the Bank of Hawai’i Foundation. Families can expect hands-on art-making sessions, drawing contests, storytime with art-inspired books, and more.
For more information, visit: https://honolulumuseum.org/events/1671223620/
Aloha Home Market, Kailua
January 22, 2023
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Shop made-in-Hawaii products and support local small businesses on Oahu at Aloha Home Market. In addition to shopping, visitors can expect live entertainment from local artists, food vendors, activities for the kids, and more! Located in Kailua at 340 Uluniu Street.
For more info, visit: https://alohahomemarket.com/