Every Wednesday, one of our awesome HPR besties will keep you posted on happenings across our Islands that we're most stoked about. While each of us has a different perspective and set of interests, we all share a goal of helping you stay curious and connected across our Hawaiian Islands. Not yet subscribed? Subscribe today.
This week, we hear from Kyla Herrmann, HPR's On-Air Campaign & Community Events Producer.
HPR’s Social Club — it's your guide to unique, can't-miss events across the islands. Sign up for the HPR Social Club.
Have an event to share? You can submit it to our HPR Community Calendar for consideration. We might feature it in a future newsletter or on the air!
Ahoy, Social Clubbers!
Here we are in that limbo between now and the year-end finale, the pause before the sprint, the breath before the new year. What might we get up to?
Once upon a lifetime ago (no surprise to some of you), my world was entangled with the circus and clowning. I lived in a clown warehouse, managed a circus band and yes… dated a clown. While I mostly stayed on the sidelines, I’ve seen firsthand how silliness and play can do wonders for the heart and mind.
Which is why this Sunday (Dec. 21 at 10 a.m.), I’m hoping to finally step into the ring myself. The final Clown Gym of 2025 is a FREE workshop all about playing with the most expressive part of your body....YOUR FACE! No experience necessary, just whimsy and a willingness to turn your frown upside down. Join the Crystal Clown, Piper Quinn (pictured, above), at Mana Movement and play.
This week also brings us Hanukkah (Chag Sameach!) and the Winter Solstice. While I’ll be marking the season in my own ways, if I were on Hawaiʻi Island, I’d be lacing up for Queers in ʻĀina’s Solstice Hike up Puʻu Huluhulu & Stargazing (Dec. 21 at 4 p.m.), their final huakaʻi of 2025. An afternoon journey honoring Ke Ala Polohiwa a Kanaloa, learning about this beloved puʻuhonua and kīpuka, with stargazing to follow if the weather allows.
It’s a week of lasts... last campaign, last workshop, last hike... and nearly the last call to fulfill resolutions for 2025. Don’t delay. Try something new!
And if these don't quite tickle your fancy, keep scrolling for more carefully curated delights below. If you have an event you'd like to share with the HPR team, submit it to our community calendar. We might feature it in a future newsletter.
Wishing you miracles, love and light,
Kyla ✨
HPR Social Club Picks of the Week
BOOK BONANZA: F.O.L.K. December Book Sale
F.O.L.K. December Book Sale
Kailua-Kona Public Library
75-138 Hualalai Rd. in Kailua Kona
Hawaiʻi Island
Friday, Dec. 19, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Free and open to all
Head over to Kailua-Kona to catch the Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.) weekend book sale. This month, expect to find a large selection of quilting and sewing books among other treasures. Most books are only $2. Proceeds support the libraries of Kailua-Kona and Kealakekua.
SIGNING SANTA: ASL Friendly Santa Photos
ASL Friendly Santa Photos
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
275 W. Kaʻahumanu Ave. in Kahului
Maui
Saturday, Dec. 20, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meet Maui's Deaf Santa Claus and his ʻohana to enjoy a unique, memorable and inclusive holiday experience! An American Sign Language (ASL)
Interpreter Elf will be available to help guide communication and bring the magic to life.
WEEKEND TALES: Merriment & Mele Keiki Storytime
Merriment & Mele Keiki Storytime
Bess Press
3565 Harding Ave. in Honolulu
Oʻahu
Saturday, Dec. 20, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Free and open to all
Put on your favorite holiday jammies and join Kumu Mālia Helelā for keiki storytime and mele. Enjoy hot cocoa and snacks, plus shop da Shop: books + curiosities after hours!
SACRED SINGALONG: SingAlong Messiah
SingAlong Messiah
Church of the Holy Cross
4440 W. Lanikaula St. in Hilo
Hawaiʻi Island
Saturday, Dec. 20, 4:00 p.m.
Free and open to all
The 16th Annual Tom and Emma McAlexander Community SingAlong Messiah takes place this weekend in Hilo. Open to seasoned vocalists and first-time participants, join in for an evening of performance and participation. It's also ok to just attend, listen and enjoy the music.
Kings Kalohelani at the 2024 Mele Hawaiʻi Performance Series at HPR
KAUAʻI KALKIMAKA: Kalikimaka with Kamahaʻo
Kalikimaka with Kamahaʻo
Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
4331 Kauaʻi Beach Dr. in Līhuʻe
Kauaʻi
Saturday, Dec. 20, 6:00 p.m.
$60.54 general admission, purchase online
Get ready for a night filled with Hawaiian holiday cheer, live music, hula dancing, delicious food, vendors, and festive drinks with Kamahaʻo Haumea-
Thronas. Kamahaʻo brings together the spirit of Christmas with Hawaiian music and culture to celebrate the season with mele, hula, and aloha, creating a joyful gathering for ʻohana to share in Hawaiian traditions and holiday cheer. Fun fact: Kamahaʻo performed at HPR's Live from the Atherton Series - see more here.
HANDBELL HARMONY: Christmas in Hawaii -Mele Mai Paki Lima Handbell Concert
Christmas in Hawaii -Mele Mai Paki Lima Handbell Concert
Christ Lutheran Church - Mililani
95-1361 Meheʻula Pkwy in Mililani
Oʻahu
Sunday, Dec. 21, 7:00 p.m.
Free and open to all
It's Christmas in Hawaiʻi, handbell style! Get into the “ring” of the season at this free concert of merry music played on handbells and handchimes. Join the Mele Mai Paki Lima Community Handbell Ensemble as they ring medleys and melodies of the season.
ICYMI: Hawaiʻi organization gets $2.5M from Bezos fund toward helping homeless youth
Residential Youth Services and Empowerment, or RYSE, was recently awarded $2.5 million from billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez, through the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund.
RYSE Executive Director Carla Houser (pictured above with HPR's Maddie Bender) spoke with "The Conversation" about how the money will be issued over a five-year funding cycle to support homeless youth on Oʻahu. Listen on demand
Forward Together!
Mahalo for moving forward together with HPR. More than 500 listeners came together to raise over $200,000 in our end-of-year campaign, pledging
to keep our statewide “48/7” network strong as supporters of HPR.
If you didn't have a chance to give, it's not too late! Make a monthly contribution and pick up one of our exclusive logo items as a thank-you.
