Photo: Vanessa Di Lullo
In addition to Black Friday and Small Business Saturday deals at retailers across the island, local craft fairs and holiday markets ramp up in November and December. Expect to find wares from across the state, from Native Hawaiian-owned and mom-run brands, local snack companies, apparel, jewelry and much more. Skip the big-box retailers and online marketplaces to keep your dollars in Hawai‘i and support the small makers who pour their hearts into every individual piece. Happy shopping!
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
JCCH Craft & Collectibles Fair x Aki Matsuri
The Japanese fall festival traditionally celebrates the end of the rice harvest, but there’s so much more, including antique vendors, food and drink, holiday crafts made by JCCH volunteers, keiki kimono photos, and performances and demonstrations from Aloha Hawai‘i Brother Sister Duo, Hawai‘i Okinawa Creative Arts Shishimai (Okinawan lion dancing), Psycho Jane and Urasenke Hawai‘i Association Way of Tea (tea ceremony demonstration).
When & Where: Nov. 8, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, first floor courtyard and breezeway, Mō‘ili‘ili
Admission: Free
Noelani Craft & Children’s Fair
Help raise money for Noelani Elementary’s music and PE teachers, enrichment activities, and facility improvements by picking up handmade crafts and enjoying a day out with the family. While admission is free, you can buy a Keiki Fun Pass for access to the bouncy house, obstacle course and games. It’s $25 in advance or $30 day-of. Scrips will also be available for purchase.
When & Where: Nov. 8, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Noelani Elementary School, Mānoa
Admission: Free
Kaimukī Holiday Craft Fair
This fair will include participation from schools in the area, so you’re supporting student groups as well as the community. Expect crystals and jewelry, pet treats, home goods, plants, snacks and collectibles.
When & Where:
- Nov. 8, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Kaimukī High School, Kaimukī
- Dec. 13, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Kaimukī High School, Kaimukī
Admission: Free
Kalama Beach Club’s 17th Annual Artisan Fair
The historic clubhouse will host plenty of local vendors once again on the property in Kailua, with plenty of free parking.
When & Where: Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Kalama Beach Club, Kailua
Admission: Free
kalamabeachclub.com, @kalamabeachclub
808 Craft and Gift Fairs
Some of the biggest outdoor craft fairs offer trendy handmade items, accessories, unique gifts and food.
When & Where:
- Nov. 8, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Ko‘olau Center, Kāne‘ohe
- Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Koko Marina Center, Hawai‘i Kai
- Nov. 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Island Pacific Academy, Kapolei
- Dec. 6, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Restaurant Row, Kaka‘ako
- Dec. 20, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Koko Marina Center, Hawai‘i Kai
Admission: Free
808craftandgiftfairs.com, @808craftandgiftfairshawaii
Bloom Garden & Art Festival
Honolulu Maker’s Market presents this special event showcasing plants, pottery and more.
When & Where:
- Nov. 8, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., The Barn at Salt at Our Kaka‘ako
- Nov. 9, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., The Barn at Salt at Our Kaka‘ako
Admission: Free
Mālama Hawai‘i Makers Market
Created to mālama Hawai‘i’s small local businesses, this pop-up features local artists, makers and designers, plus live music and food and drink vendors.
When & Where:
- Nov. 8, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Ala Moana Center, Mauka Wing, Level 2, Ala Moana
- Nov. 15, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Waialua Community Association, Hale‘iwa
- Nov. 29, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Ala Moana Center, Mauka Wing, Level 2, Ala Moana
- Dec. 6, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Koko Head Elementary School, Hawai‘i Kai
- Dec. 13, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Ala Moana Center, Mauka Wing, Level 2, Ala Moana
- Dec. 14, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Ala Moana Center, Mauka Wing, Level 2, Ala Moana
Admission: Free
malamahawaiimarket.com, @malamahawaiimarket
Mele Kalikimaka Gift Fair
Expect treats from Aloha Crisps, Cheese Tea, Ugly Stix and more, plus apparel, jewelry and other gift items.
When & Where: Nov. 8, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Ka Makana Ali‘i
Admission: Free
islandcraftfairs.org, @islandcraftfairs
Taste of Aloha Night Market
The Nov. 8 market will be a Main Street Christmas Market—from Mickey to Stitch, Disney characters will show up in local vendors’ themed offerings. Join in by dressing up and enjoy live entertainment while you shop.
When & Where:
- Nov. 8, 4–8 p.m., Waterfront Plaza, Kaka‘ako
- Dec. 13, 4–8 p.m., Waterfront Plaza, Kaka‘ako
Admission: Free
tasteofalohahi.com, @tasteofalohahi
Waikīkī Makers Market
Every Monday night, find locally made wares from vendors such as Mo-Chan Studio, Flotsam & Co. and Nova Knits.
When & Where:
- Nov. 10, 4–8 p.m., Waikīkī Beach Walk, Waikīkī
- Nov. 17, 4–8 p.m., Waikīkī Beach Walk, Waikīkī
- Nov. 24, 4–8 p.m., Waikīkī Beach Walk, Waikīkī
- Dec. 1, 4–8 p.m., Waikīkī Beach Walk, Waikīkī
Admission: Free
islandcraftfairs.org, @islandcraftfairs
Ko‘olau Night Market
Come for the shopping, stay for the live entertainment and giveaways throughout the evening.
When & Where:
- Nov. 14, 5–9 p.m., Windward Mall parking lot (next to Leonard’s)
Admission: Free
islandcraftfairs.org, @islandcraftfairs
Kilohana Holiday Craft Fair
Raffle prizes, home décor, jewelry and woodcrafts stand out for this fair.
When & Where: Nov. 15, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Kilohana United Methodist Church
Admission: Free
islandcraftfairs.org, @islandcraftfairs
Ceramics, Textiles & Glass Fair
Hawai‘i Handweavers’ Hui, the Glass Fusion Collective and the O‘ahu Potters Association bring their wares to this fair along with demonstrations and hands-on fiber workshops for kids.
When & Where: Nov. 15, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Washington Middle School, McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili
Admission: Free
hawaiihandweavers.org, glassfusioncollective.com, @oahupottersassociation
Winter Craft Fair + Swap Meet
The Villages of Kapolei Association holds this annual fair featuring music, food trucks, local crafters, swap meet vendors and more.
When & Where: Nov. 15, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Villages of Kapolei Association, Kapolei
Admission: Free
villagesofkapolei.org, @villagesofkapoleiassociation
Lanikai Craft Fair
More than 80 vendors come together to raise money to maintain Lanikai Park and beach access points in the neighborhood.
When & Where: Nov. 22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Lanikai Park, Kailua
Admission: Free
lanikaiassociation.org, @lanikaiassociation
Koko Marina Makers Market
Expect crafters who offer things like press-on nails, gemstone and ocean-inspired jewelry, plus entertainment, prizes and giveaways throughout the day.
When & Where: Nov. 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Koko Marina Center, Hawai‘i Kai
Admission: Free
islandcraftfairs.org, @islandcraftfairs
Miffy + Matcha Mākia Market
More than 35 vendors come together with special Miffy activities and giveaways. Expect art, jewelry, fashion, food, accessories, toys and more.
When & Where: Nov. 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., The Barn at Salt, Kaka‘ako
Admission: Free
Small Shop Soirée
Meet the makers, shop an exclusive collab print, snack on treats and support local.
When & Where: Nov. 23, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Mililani Tech Park, Mililani
Admission: Free
Holiday Gift Fair
In addition to buying crafts for others, consider bringing new and unwrapped toys, clothes and gift cards for homeless keiki.
When & Where:
- Nov. 28, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., former Toys R Us building at Pearlridge Center, ‘Aiea
- Nov. 29, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., former Toys R Us building at Pearlridge Center, ‘Aiea
- Nov. 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., former Toys R Us building at Pearlridge Center, ‘Aiea
Admission: Free
islandcraftfairs.org, @islandcraftfairs
Photo: Courtesy of Islandwide Expos
Islandwide Crafts & Food Expo
More than 250 craft and food vendors draw upward of 20,000 attendees to this expo that started back in 1987. Come for the shopping, keiki activities, entertainment, contests, giveaways and more. New this year, a portion of every ticket sold will be donated to Hawai‘i Foodbank. And if you bring nonperishable food items to donate, you’ll be entered for a special prize drawing.
When & Where:
- Nov. 28, 4–8 p.m., Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Kaka‘ako
- Nov. 29, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Kaka‘ako
- Nov. 30, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Kaka‘ako
Admission:
- $7 general
- $5 seniors and military with ID
- Free for 12 and under
- Free during the final two hours on Nov. 29, and 30
- Free same-day admission for Gabriel Iglesias ticketholders on Nov. 29
islandwideexpos.com, @islandwideexpos
Photo: Kenna Reed
Keep It Kaimukī Saturday Maker’s Mart
The neighborhood shopping festival will include a pop-up holiday market at Ali‘iōlani Elementary School, where you can snag goodies from 40-plus food and retail vendors, plus take photos with a giant snow globe.
When & Where: Nov. 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ali‘iōlani Elementary School, Kaimukī
Admission: Free
keepitkaimuki.com, @keepitkaimuki
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu’s Great Neighborhoods: Kaimukī
Courtesy: Prince Waikīkī
Prince Waikīkī Holiday Marketplace
Come to the hotel lobby for local vendors popping up every Friday in December leading up to Christmas, plus special hours on Small Business Saturday.
When & Where:
- Nov. 29, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Prince Waikīkī, Waikīkī
- Dec. 5, 3–6 p.m., Prince Waikīkī, Waikīkī
- Dec. 12, 3–6 p.m., Prince Waikīkī, Waikīkī
- Dec. 19, 3–6 p.m., Prince Waikīkī, Waikīkī
Admission: Free
princewaikiki.com, @princewaikiki
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Home Market
Aloha Home Market
Created by Hawai‘i real estate agent Danielle Sherman, Aloha Home Market features home finds, furniture, art, jewelry and more.
When & Where:
- Nov. 30, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., 340 Uluniu St., Kailua
- Dec. 7, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., 340 Uluniu St., Kailua
- Dec. 14, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., 340 Uluniu St., Kailua
- Dec. 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., 340 Uluniu St., Kailua
Admission: Free
alohahomemarket.com, @alohahomemarket
Ali‘iōlani Craft Fair
This fundraiser for Ali‘iōlani Elementary School features dozens of vendors and live entertainment.
When & Where: Dec. 6, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Ali‘iōlani Elementary School, Kaimukī
Admission: Free
islandcraftfairs.org, @islandcraftfairs
54th Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Find made-in-Hawai‘i gifts such as glass artwork, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, artistic silk scarves, photography and more. More than 40 vendors will participate in Honolulu’s oldest craft fair.
When & Where: Dec. 6, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, Downtown
Admission: Free
missionhouses.org, @hawaiian_mission_houses
Windward Potters Holiday Sale
Fifteen local artists sell their unique pottery.
When & Where: Dec. 6, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Kailua Elementary School, Kailua
Admission: Free
Super Saturday Hawai‘i Winter Festival
Shop for the anime and K-pop fans in your life with collectibles, games and plenty of entertainment.
When & Where: Dec. 6, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Hawai‘i Convention Center, third level, Ala Moana
Admission: $15–$40 plus fees
supersaturdayhawaii.com, @supersaturdayhi
Holiday Pop-Up Market
INPEACE, the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, hosts its third annual market in Kapolei in collaboration with HI Street Grindz & Crafts Fest. Expect fun shopping, live music and food.
When & Where: Dec. 6, 4–8 p.m., INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship, Kapolei
Admission: Free
Photos: Yoshi Tanaka
Sunshine People Market
Curated by the team behind local womenswear boutique Here, this holiday market brings together independent makers, designers and collectors. Proceeds will be donated to the Make Lemonade Project.
When & Where: Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., The Barn at Salt, Kaka‘ako
Admission: $5
here-shop-here.com, @sunshinepeoplemarket
Mahalo I Kau Kumu Holiday Gift Fair
Say thank you to the teachers in your keiki’s life by donating school supplies at this fair, where you’ll also be able to find plenty of stocking stuffers.
When & Where: Dec. 13, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Ka Makana Ali‘i, Kapolei
Admission: Free
islandcraftfairs.org, @islandcraftfairs
Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace
Special Events Hawai‘i bring hundreds of vendors together with locally made unique wares.
When & Where:
- Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Kaka‘ako
- Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Kaka‘ako
Admission:
- $7 general admission
- $5 for ages 60 and up, students and military with ID
- Free for keiki 12 years and younger with a paying adult
A Magical Holiday Market
Support Castle High School’s athletics program by purchasing Disney-themed goods, crafts and treats from more than 100 vendors. Win an early-access pass to get in at 9 a.m. by following Main St. Magical Market on Instagram.
When & Where:
- Dec. 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Castle High School, Kāne‘ohe
Admission: Free
Hawai‘i Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
Support local crafters at this event, also known for its giveaways.
When & Where:
- Dec. 19, noon–7 p.m., Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Kaka‘ako
- Dec. 20, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Kaka‘ako
- Dec. 21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Kaka‘ako
Admission:
- $7 general admission. Get $2 off by downloading a coupon from the website.
- Free for military families and keiki under 7
hawaiiholidayfair.com, @hawaiiholidayfair
Mini Market Collective
More than 60 retail and food vendors set up outside Kapolei High School.
When & Where: Dec. 20, noon–5 p.m., Kapolei High School
Admission: Free
Hana Hou Mākeke
If you still need to find a few gifts the last weekend before Christmas, this market promises handmade and vintage goods, custom collabs, plus a DIY gift tag station with recycled paper. Or if you’re shopping for yourself, there will be changing rooms to try things on.
When & Where: Dec. 21, time 1–7 p.m., The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, Maile Ballroom, Kāhala
Admission:
- $40 for entry 1–3 p.m. Tickets available Dec. 1.
- Free admission 3–7 p.m.
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Pop-Up Market Guide: Where and When to Find Them
Brie Thalmann is the home and style editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
Katrina Valcourt is the executive editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
