As the end of 2011 gets closer, Oahu is promoting a range of distinctive events to entice travelers its way. From live performances and historical tributes to major sports contests, the next two months are packed with appeal for a variety of visitors. Here’s a list of 10 fun ways that clients can wrap up the year, island-style.
Nov. 10-Dec. 11: “A Jivebombers Christmas.” Kumu Kahua, a top local theater, presents a holiday play with a unique sense of place. The premise: a group of Japanese-American internees raised on jazz, jive and swing dancing decide to raise the camp’s spirits, so they put on a Christmas show. www.kumukahua.org
Nov. 12-Dec. 20: Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Oahu’s North Shore, home of 30-foot winter waves, hosts three final events on the Association of Surfing Professionals’ calendar: Reef Hawaii Pro, Vans World Cup of Surfing and Billabong Pipe Masters. The winner is crowned surfing’s new World Champion. www.triplecrownofsurfing.com
Nov. 24-Jan. 3: Santa’s German Gingerbread Village. Fourteen feet high and 24 feet wide, this holiday creation is made out of 200 gallons of icing, 130 pounds of chocolate and 60 sheets of gingerbread. Dominating the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel lobby, it’s hard to miss. www.princess-kaiulani.com
Dec. 1-31: Holiday Festivities at Paradise Cove Luau. Throughout December, this Oahu oceanside attraction enhances its standard luau experience with heart-warming, island-style holiday songs and dances, a tree-lighting ceremony, treats for the children and pictures with Santa and Tutu (grandmother) Claus. www.paradisecove.com
Dec. 2-8: The 70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Honoring this key milestone are a symposium with acclaimed authors, historians and Pearl Harbor survivors; historic displays; patriotic entertainment, including a USO tribute concert and movie screenings; Pearl Harbor boat tours; and the anniversary commemoration itself. www.nps.gov/valr
Dec. 9-11: A Cazimero Christmas. For 35 years, Robert and Roland Cazimero have been pioneers in the renaissance of Hawaiian music and, today, they continue to remain extremely popular with audiences. Their soaring vocal harmonies result in an evocative island sound. Look for their show at the Hawaii Theatre, a restored 1922 downtown Honolulu jewel. www.hawaiitheatre.com
Dec. 11: Honolulu Marathon. From elite stars to first-time marathoners, thousands of runners from around the world converge on Oahu to tackle this scenic 26.2-mile course. Along the way, they are rewarded with cheering crowds, hula dancers and spectacular views of the ocean, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. www.honolulumarathon.org
Dec.16-18: “The Nutcracker.” The treasured ballet returns to the Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu. This production is notable because it features more than 165 young local dancers and stars from major ballet companies, including this year’s featured artist: Chi Cao, star of the film “Mao’s Last Dancer.” www.blaisdellcenter.com
Dec. 24: Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. Gridiron fans get a kick out of this annual football tradition, where they can wear shorts outdoors in December. The college bowl pits a team from the Western Athletic Conference against a team from Conference USA, with action under sunny skies at Aloha Stadium. www.sheratonhawaiibowl.com
Dec. 31: The Local Divas. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is wrapping up its 50th anniversary year with a performance by The Local Divas, comprised of beloved island singers Carole Kai, Nohelani Cypriano and Melveen Leed, each a standout in her own right. www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
