From fall into winter, Oahu in Hawaii has a steady stream of Japan-related events. Starting with the Japanese film spotlight at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF), the season brings Shichi-Go-San (the celebration for children ages 3, 5 and 7) at shrines, the fall festival at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi (JCCH), the Honolulu Marathon, Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year) over the holidays, and the New Year’s ʻOhana Festival in January, with plans to enjoy whether you go as a family, as a couple or on your own.

This article focuses on Japan-related events held on Oahu from October 2026 through January 2027, including seasonal traditions, and summarizes dates, venues and prices to the extent we could confirm them on the organizers’ official pages.

What you’ll learn in this article

Dates, venues and prices of Japan-related events on Oahu from October 2026 through January 2027
Honolulu shrines where you can celebrate Shichi-Go-San and do Hatsumode, and their New Year visiting hours
The Honolulu Marathon week schedule (expo, day-before events and getting around on race day), plus what to wear, what to bring and things to watch out for at events

Dates and prices were checked on the organizers’ official pages as of October 19, 2026. They may change, so please check the latest information at each link before you go.

Quick guide: Japan-related events on Oahu, fall–winter 2026

Dates	Event	Venue	Price
Wed., Oct. 21 – Thu., Nov. 5	Hawaiʻi International Film Festival HIFF46 “Spotlight on Japan”	Consolidated Theatres Kahala and other venues	Paid (check the official website)
Sun., Nov. 1 – Sun., Nov. 15	Shichi-Go-San at Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha	Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha (1239 Olomea St)	Check the official website (reservation required)
Sat., Nov. 14	JCCH Craft & Collectibles Fair x Aki Matsuri (fall festival)	Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi (2454 S Beretania St)	Free
Sat., Dec. 5	Honolulu City Lights tree lighting and parade	Around Honolulu Hale (city hall)	Free
Thu., Dec. 10 – Sat., Dec. 12	Honolulu Marathon Expo	Hawaii Convention Center	Check the official website
Sat., Dec. 12	JCCH Holiday Craft & Collectibles Fair	Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi	Free
Sun., Dec. 13	2026 JAL Honolulu Marathon	Ala Moana Boulevard to Kapiʻolani Park	From $255 (online entry Oct. 13 – Dec. 3, U.S. and Canada residents)
Thu., Dec. 31 – Sun., Jan. 3	Hatsumode (Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha and Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii)	Each shrine	Free to visit
Sun., Jan. 10, 2027	JCCH New Year’s ʻOhana Festival (NYOF)	Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi	Free

Japanese films in one place: HIFF46 “Spotlight on Japan” at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival

HIFF46 (Oahu: Oct. 21 – Nov. 5)

The 46th Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) runs on Oahu from Wednesday, October 21 to Thursday, November 5, 2026, followed by screenings on the neighbor islands from November 6 to 15. This year it has a Japanese film section called “Spotlight on Japan,” and as far as we could confirm on the official screening schedule, 13 films are lined up.

The highlight is director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s new film “ALL OF A SUDDEN,” which the official schedule lists for Saturday, October 24 at 1:30 p.m. and Monday, October 26 at 7 p.m. at Consolidated Theatres Kahala (inside Kahala Mall). The lineup also includes “SUKIYAKI,” “LOOK BACK,” the sumo documentary “SUMO: SPIRIT WEIGHS NOTHING” and “CHURA VITA,” which follows Okinawa’s culture of longevity, and Japanese horror films are concentrated on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31.

Dates: Wednesday, October 21 – Thursday, November 5, 2026 (Oahu). Check the official schedule for each film’s showtimes
Venue: Mainly Consolidated Theatres Kahala (inside Kahala Mall), with some screenings at Consolidated Theatres Kapolei
Price: Ticket and pass prices are shown only after you log in, so check the official website. General sales began on September 22
Access: Driving is the easiest way to get to Kahala Mall. Use the mall’s shared parking lot
Official page: HIFF official ticket site (to filter for Spotlight on Japan, go to “Browse Events” → “Section”)

Shichi-Go-San and a fall festival: November at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi (JCCH) and the shrines

Shichi-Go-San at Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha (Nov. 1–15)

At Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha – Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu in the Kalihi area, the official calendar lists Sunday, November 1 through Sunday, November 15, 2026 as the Shichi-Go-San period. Hours are 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Blessings (private ceremonies) are by reservation, so contact the shrine in advance by email or phone.

Dates: Sunday, November 1 – Sunday, November 15, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha, 1239 Olomea Street, Honolulu, HI 96817 (near the Houghtailing exit on H-1)
Price: Not listed on the official website (ask the shrine about the blessing fee, or hatsuhoryo). Regular visits are free, and omamori (amulets) are available daily 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Access: Driving is easiest. Parking at the shrine is limited, so allow extra time
Official page: Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha – Calendar of Events

JCCH Craft & Collectibles Fair x Aki Matsuri (Nov. 14)

The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i (JCCH) in Moiliili holds its craft fair together with its fall festival (Aki Matsuri) on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Local vendors and live music fill the outdoor venue at this family- and pet-friendly event, and admission is free. The gift shop and historical gallery are open until 3 p.m.

On the same day, JCCH also holds “Shichi Go San – Keiki Kimono Dressing” by reservation. The package includes kimono dressing, a photo session (with digital files) and a blessing by Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii, and the price is $180–$200, depending on whether you are a member. Spots are limited, so book early.

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Shichi-Go-San kimono dressing by reservation)
Location: Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, 2454 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96826
Price: Free admission. The Shichi-Go-San program is $180–$200 (different rates for members and non-members; check the official page)
Access: JCCH has a parking lot. A purchase at the gift shop gets you 4 hours of parking validation
Official page: JCCH – November 2026 Craft & Collectibles Fair x Aki Matsuri

We cover JCCH’s permanent exhibits and opening hours in detail in Getting to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (JCCH) (2026).

December: the Honolulu Marathon and holiday season favorites

2026 JAL Honolulu Marathon (Dec. 13)

The Honolulu Marathon starts at 5 a.m. on Sunday, December 13, 2026, on Ala Moana Boulevard (Ala Moana Boulevard/Queen Street), goes past Diamond Head, turns around in Hawaii Kai and finishes at Kapi‘olani Park. The official site states that there is no time limit, so it is also a good fit for first-time marathoners.

The day before, Saturday, December 12, the 1-mile “Kalakaua Merrie Mile” starts at 7 a.m., and the “Start to Park 10K” starts at 5 a.m. on race day. The expo, which is also where you pick up your bib, is held at the Hawaii Convention Center on Thursday, December 10, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, December 11, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Saturday, December 12, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Runners must pick up their bibs in person with ID (there is no race-day pickup).

Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026, 5 a.m. start (Merrie Mile: Saturday, December 12, 7 a.m.)
Location: Start at Ala Moana Boulevard/Queen Street, finish at Kapiʻolani Park. The expo is at the Hawaii Convention Center (1801 Kalakaua Ave)
Price: Full marathon $255 (U.S. and Canada residents) or $320 (residents of other countries) with online entry Oct. 13 – Dec. 3. On-site entry at the expo is $460. Merrie Mile $70 ($80 on site), 10K $130 ($160 on site)
Access: Free shuttles run to the start from the Honolulu Zoo (2–4 a.m.). After 3:40 a.m., car drop-offs are allowed only at designated points such as Pensacola St/Kamaile St
Official page: Honolulu Marathon official website

For spectators, the best spots are near the finish at Kapiʻolani Park and at the Hawaii Kai turnaround. On race day, roads are closed over a wide area from Waikiki toward Diamond Head, so if you are driving, check the official traffic information in advance.

Honolulu City Lights (opening night Dec. 5, runs through December)

“Honolulu City Lights,” the holiday light display held every year around Honolulu Hale (city hall), has its opening night on Saturday, December 5, 2026. According to the official FAQ, the ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m., the city tree is lit around 6 p.m., and the Electric Light Parade runs at the same time on King Street (River St to Kawaiahao St). From the next day on, the grounds are open daily 8 a.m.–10 p.m., and the lights are on from about 6 p.m. to about 6 a.m.

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. (lighting around 6 p.m.). After that, open daily 8 a.m.–10 p.m. through December
Location: Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds (around Honolulu Hale, along King Street downtown)
Price: Free
Access: The city parking lot on the Beretania St side (Frank F. Fasi Municipal lot) is open for free. Roads in the area are closed on parade night, so arrive early
Official page: Honolulu City Lights FAQ

JCCH Holiday Craft & Collectibles Fair (Dec. 12)

On Saturday, December 12, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., JCCH (2454 South Beretania Street) holds its last craft fair of the year. Local artists sell goods with Japanese motifs, so it is a good place to look for Christmas and New Year gifts. Admission is free, the fair is outdoors, and a purchase at the gift shop gets you 2 hours of parking validation (official page).

It is not Japan-related, but on Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving, the Waikiki Holiday Parade starts at 7 p.m. on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki (Fort DeRussy to Kapi‘olani Park, about 1.5 miles).

New Year holidays: Hatsumode and the New Year’s ʻOhana Festival in Hawaii

Hatsumode (Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha and Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii)

According to Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha’s official calendar, omamori are offered early from December 26 to 30 as an “early Hatsumode” (8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.), and from New Year’s Eve night into New Year’s Day you can visit during the hours listed below. “Sagicho,” a ceremony to burn old omamori, is also scheduled for Sunday, January 17 at 1 p.m.

Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii, closer to downtown, is another classic Hatsumode spot. Its official website lists regular visiting hours of 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and amulet counter hours of 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., but special New Year hours had not been posted as of October 19, 2026, so check the official website before you go.

Dates: Thursday, December 31, 2026, 8:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. the next day; Friday, January 1, 2027, midnight – 3 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; January 2 and 3, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha)
Location: Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha (1239 Olomea St) / Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii (215 N Kukui St)
Price: Free to visit. Omamori and goshuin (shrine stamps) cost extra
Access: Driving is easiest for both. Street parking nearby fills up quickly on New Year’s Eve night, so carpool or arrive early
Official pages: Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha – Calendar of Events / Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii

JCCH New Year’s ʻOhana Festival 2027 (Jan. 10)

The New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival (NYOF), the New Year event of Hawaii’s Japanese American community, takes place on Sunday, January 10, 2027, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi and around Moiliili. This free festival brings together local food booths, cultural activities, stage performances and a craft fair, and the 2027 edition is a milestone that coincides with JCCH’s 40th anniversary and the opening ceremony of the 75th Cherry Blossom Festival.

Date: Sunday, January 10, 2027, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, 2454 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96826
Price: Free
Access: Parking information will be posted later on the official page. It gets crowded, so TheBus or carpooling is the safer choice
Official page: JCCH – 2027 New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival

If you want to pick up Japanese groceries on festival day, see 7 Japanese grocery stores in Hawaii (2026). If you are combining it with weekend shopping, 3 farmers markets on Oahu are also easy to fit into your plans.

Looking ahead: Honolulu Festival 2027 (Mar. 5–7)

Once winter is over, there is the Honolulu Festival, a cultural exchange event between Japan and Hawaii. The official website says the 31st festival is scheduled for Friday, March 5 – Sunday, March 7, 2027 (details to be announced).

What to wear, what to bring and things to know

Fall and winter days in Hawaii are comfortable, but mornings, evenings and the hours after rain can feel chilly. Bring a light layer for the Honolulu Marathon start (5 a.m.) or a late-night shrine visit on New Year’s Eve. November through January is the rainier season, so a folding umbrella or rain jacket is handy for outdoor events.

The sun is often strong at outdoor craft fairs and the fall festival, so bring a hat, sunscreen and something to drink. Many people bring pets to JCCH events, so if you have small children with you, watch where they step.

Parking is crowded at every venue. On City Lights opening night and on marathon day, roads are closed over a wide area, so we recommend TheBus, carpooling or arriving early. On the way home from evening events, avoid quiet streets and keep your belongings to a minimum. Spots for things that require reservations, such as Shichi-Go-San blessings and marathon entry, fill up quickly, so make arrangements early.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Are there Bon Dances (bon odori) in fall and winter?

Bon Dances in Hawaii are mainly held at temples during the summer season, usually from around June to September, and are rarely held in fall and winter. The JCCH fall festival in November and the New Year’s ʻOhana Festival in January featured in this article are this season’s Japanese-style festivals instead. Check each temple’s official website for the 2027 Bon Dance schedule from spring on.

Q. Is Shirokiya Japan Village Walk at Ala Moana still open?

Shirokiya Japan Village Walk at Ala Moana Center closed in 2020 and has not reopened. If you are looking for Japanese groceries and prepared foods, Japanese supermarkets such as Don Quijote and Marukai are the practical choice.

Q. Can I enjoy the Honolulu Marathon without running?

Yes. On race day anyone can cheer along the course, and the area around the finish at Kapiʻolani Park stays lively until around noon. The Kalakaua Merrie Mile the day before is just 1 mile, so it is an easy option for running as a family. The official page does not say whether the expo is open to the general public or what it costs, so check before you visit.

Summary

On Oahu in 2026, Japan-related events follow one after another: the HIFF Japanese film spotlight from late October to early November, Shichi-Go-San and the JCCH fall festival in November, the Honolulu Marathon and holiday events in December, Hatsumode over the New Year, and the New Year’s ʻOhana Festival on January 10, 2027. Many of the events are free, so they are easy to fit into your family’s plans. Dates and prices may change, so check the latest information on each official page right before you head out.

Sources and references (checked October 19, 2026)

This article is also available in Japanese.

Japanese Events on Oahu, Hawaii, Fall–Winter 2026 | HIFF Japan Films, Shichi-Go-San, Marathon, New Year