Honolulu will kick off the holiday season with a festive concert titled “Kalikimaka Ho‘omau” (“It’s Christmas Every Day”) on November 28, 2023. The event, organized by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the City and County of Honolulu, and the Royal Hawaiian Band, is set to take place at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. This free concert, which does not require tickets, aims to provide a joyful experience for attendees.
Doors will open at 18:00, with the concert scheduled to begin at 19:00. With general admission seating, guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spots. Mayor Blangiardi emphasized the importance of bringing joy to the community during a challenging time, stating, “As we’re holding this conference, the headlines are talking about the strain of the shutdown. People have been through a lot. We’re trying to alleviate that as much as we possibly can, and what better opportunity now, with the holiday starting, than to kick it off with an incredible free concert?”
The concert will feature a variety of local talents, including Henry Kapono, Raiatea Helm, and the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus. They will share the stage with the acclaimed ‘Ohana Jazz Trio, made up of Noel Okimoto, Dean Taba, and Tommy James, along with Glee Club leader Kala‘i Stern, and artists Malia Ka‘ai, Starr Kalahiki, Karen Keawehawai‘i, and Kanani Oliveira. Notably, Raiatea Helm will celebrate the release of her new Christmas album, “Raiatea – I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” which will be available digitally on November 13.
The concert’s inspiration stems from a song by Kapono, titled “I Wish Christmas Was Everyday.” Kapono revealed that the idea for the song originated from a conversation with his children, who expressed their desire for Christmas to occur every day. “I thought to myself ‘That sounds like a song,’ and I’ve been singing it ever since,” he remarked.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, the event will coincide with the premiere of a new holiday lighting display at Thomas Square. The traditional Honolulu City Lights will officially launch on November 29, 2023, featuring a tree-lighting ceremony at Honolulu Hale and the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade down King Street.
For further details about “Kalikimaka Ho‘omau,” interested individuals can contact the Royal Hawaiian Band office at 808-768-6677. This concert promises to be a heartwarming start to the holiday celebrations in Honolulu.
