At sunset every evening, enjoy a torch-lighting ceremony and hula dance by the statue of legendary beach boy Duke Kahanamoku. An especially nice walk at sunset, as the tiki torches outside the hotels are lit and evening entertainment begins to warm up. While whale-watching tours are memorable, many visitors don't realize that these gentle behemoths can often be seen at play from the shore, even without binoculars. Look for them between December and April, when they're most active. Expect national TV crews, promotional tents and an air of excitement when a tourney is on.
Events depend on wave size and other conditions that change on a daily basis.
Buffalo's Big Board surfing classic runs December through February at Makaha Beach. Makaha World Surfing Championships starts mid-February at Makaha Beach. There are 181 free courts on the island, at 47 different locations.