What Hawaii Is Like During the Christmas Holiday

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be in Hawaii for Christmas?

You’ll still see lights, Santa, and all the usual holiday things you might expect. But they’ll have a twist of Hawaiian influence. Santa sometimes wears his short-sleeved red and white suit and carries his surfboard. And you will see a sandman instead of a snowman.

Here is how you can celebrate the spirit of the season in a uniquely Hawaiian way. 

Christmas Light Displays
The holiday tradition of viewing Christmas lights will not be missed! In December, Hawaii turns into a festive tropical fairyland. Honolulu City Lights is a month-long event with Hawaiian-themed holiday displays, food, and fun. The Kauai Festival of Lights is a must-see each year. The annual Lighting of the Banyan Tree in downtown Lahaina is a famous tradition. Hawaii’s hotels and resorts all deck the halls for the holidays. And you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy a stroll through.

Hawaiian Christmas Trees
The Norfolk Pine is dubbed the “Hawaiian Christmas tree.” During December, the tree farm is busy with local families trying to find the perfect tropical pine tree to take home. You will see them decorated with tropical flowers and fun ocean themes. Of course, you will also find palm trees decorated as well.

Holiday Hula Shows
Most larger towns on the islands host holiday hula shows that run through the end of December. These are fun events for the entire family. Traditional dances are mixed with holiday cheer. Lahaina and Waikiki have regular shows that are free for the public.

Santa
Every year, Santa Claus makes his way to Oahu shores with a more island appropriate entrance, paddling in on an outrigger canoe. After riding the waves onto the beach, Santa is available to take pictures with children in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort lobby.

Christmas Feasts
Christmas dinner is a big part of any holiday celebration in Hawaii, but old-fashioned turkey and ham feasts are not traditional. A typical Hawaiian holiday dinner is a community luau with kalua roast pig, poke, Lomi-Lomi salmon, and Christmas leis.

Quality Time with Friends & Family
Families hold their private luaus and picnics on the beach, enjoying a holiday surf. As usual, Ohana comes first, especially during the holidays! Locals and visitors get away from the regular hustle and bustle of life to spend time with loved ones at the beach. A Hawaiian Christmas Luau is the perfect way to share quality time together and be thankful for all you have!

There is nothing more magical than mixing the Aloha Spirit with the Christmas Spirit! The result is a memorable holiday experience that will never be forgotten.

I am honored to help you choose the best Hawaiian Island to visit.

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