When you think of a traditional holiday season, the Hawaiian Islands are probably the last place to cross your mind. But, if we’re being honest, we absolutely LOVE spending Christmas in Hawaii. Not only can you still enjoy twinkling light displays, Christmas tree farms, and hot chocolate (if you crank up your A/C, that is), but you can experience a plethora of entirely unique Christmas traditions you’ll only find in Hawaii. Whether you’ve lived in Hawaii your entire life or are headed to Waikiki for vacation, you’re going to love this one unique holiday tradition: Santa Claus’ arrival.
Santa Claus is coming to town, and when that town just so happens to be located on a remote island chain in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, his vehicle of choice isn’t his trusty sleigh pulled by reindeer. Instead, Santa arrives in Hawaii on an outrigger canoe with a crew of skilled paddlers.
Outrigger Waikikii Beach Resort/Facebook
Santa will arrive on Waikiki Beach in early December, the date can change so make sure you do your research! And be sure to arrive early so you can get a good viewing spot!
Hans Hedemann Surf School/Facebook
Then, after he washes the sand off of his feet, he will be available for free photographs in the lobby of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.
Outrigger Waikikii Beach Resort/Facebook Take note of the traditional Santa Claus robes cut off at the thigh.
This is one of the most anticipated holiday events in Hawaii and it is put on by Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the Hans Hedemann Surf School. It’s fun for the whole family and is sure to fill everyone — from keiki to kapuna — with holiday cheer!
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort/Facebook
As one of the nation’s happiest states, we can guarantee that Santa’s nice list for the islands is a long one.
Outrigger Resorts/Facebook
It doesn’t get more Hawaiian than this. Mele Kalikimaka, everybody!
Hans Hedemann Surf Waikiki/Facebook
Isn’t this such a charming way to welcome the arrival of Santa in Hawaii? For more information, visit the Outrigger event page.
Outrigger Waikikii Beach Resort/Facebook
Hans Hedemann Surf School/Facebook
Take note of the traditional Santa Claus robes cut off at the thigh.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort/Facebook
Outrigger Resorts/Facebook
Hans Hedemann Surf Waikiki/Facebook
If there’s only one event you attend in Hawaii to celebrate the holiday season, it should be the Honolulu City Lights. Oh, and if you’re looking for a real Christmas tree this year, look no further than Helemano Farms.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmastime in Hawaii November 05, 2022 Sara Dager Which Christmas lights in Hawaii can’t be missed? There is really something special about the Christmas lights displays in Hawaii. With the extra stunning scenery as a backdrop, the lights stand out so spectacularly. One truly unique experience is the Banyan Tree Christmas lights. Every year this massive tree, both the oldest and largest of its kind in Hawaii, comes alive with massive strings of cheerful colored lights. Over 6,500 of them! Another special display is the Honolulu city lights. The entire city puts on a splendid show, and if you come at the right time you can even take a magical trolley ride through this Christmas wonderland! Does Hawaii have any Christmas towns? To find the real spirit of joy, you have to visit one of the many Christmas towns in Hawaii, there are tons to choose from, but we do have a couple that top our list. A visit to Kapolei will treat you to a breathtaking lighted parade full of themed floats all decked out for the holidays. There are also visits with Santa, carnival games, and a tree lighting ceremony in this whimsical Hawaiian Christmas town. Another adorable Christmas town in Hawaii is Laie. This small town celebrates with a big event called Christmas in Polynesia, where you have the chance to admire the lights while riding on a canoe! What are the best Christmas events in Hawaii? Despite the incredibly warm weather and lack of snowfall, Hawaii really knows how to celebrate the holiday season. One of our favorite holiday events in the Aloha state is the Hawaii Kai Boat Parade. The boats at the Hawaii Kai marina get decorated to the nines for this special parade. Each year the boats decor is different and it’s so much fun to pull up a chair close to the water and watch as they float by, often with a costumed crew to match the boat. There are even judges to award the best boat!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmastime in Hawaii
November 05, 2022
Sara Dager
Which Christmas lights in Hawaii can’t be missed? There is really something special about the Christmas lights displays in Hawaii. With the extra stunning scenery as a backdrop, the lights stand out so spectacularly. One truly unique experience is the Banyan Tree Christmas lights. Every year this massive tree, both the oldest and largest of its kind in Hawaii, comes alive with massive strings of cheerful colored lights. Over 6,500 of them! Another special display is the Honolulu city lights. The entire city puts on a splendid show, and if you come at the right time you can even take a magical trolley ride through this Christmas wonderland! Does Hawaii have any Christmas towns? To find the real spirit of joy, you have to visit one of the many Christmas towns in Hawaii, there are tons to choose from, but we do have a couple that top our list. A visit to Kapolei will treat you to a breathtaking lighted parade full of themed floats all decked out for the holidays. There are also visits with Santa, carnival games, and a tree lighting ceremony in this whimsical Hawaiian Christmas town. Another adorable Christmas town in Hawaii is Laie. This small town celebrates with a big event called Christmas in Polynesia, where you have the chance to admire the lights while riding on a canoe! What are the best Christmas events in Hawaii? Despite the incredibly warm weather and lack of snowfall, Hawaii really knows how to celebrate the holiday season. One of our favorite holiday events in the Aloha state is the Hawaii Kai Boat Parade. The boats at the Hawaii Kai marina get decorated to the nines for this special parade. Each year the boats decor is different and it’s so much fun to pull up a chair close to the water and watch as they float by, often with a costumed crew to match the boat. There are even judges to award the best boat!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There is really something special about the Christmas lights displays in Hawaii. With the extra stunning scenery as a backdrop, the lights stand out so spectacularly. One truly unique experience is the Banyan Tree Christmas lights. Every year this massive tree, both the oldest and largest of its kind in Hawaii, comes alive with massive strings of cheerful colored lights. Over 6,500 of them! Another special display is the Honolulu city lights. The entire city puts on a splendid show, and if you come at the right time you can even take a magical trolley ride through this Christmas wonderland!
Does Hawaii have any Christmas towns?
To find the real spirit of joy, you have to visit one of the many Christmas towns in Hawaii, there are tons to choose from, but we do have a couple that top our list. A visit to Kapolei will treat you to a breathtaking lighted parade full of themed floats all decked out for the holidays. There are also visits with Santa, carnival games, and a tree lighting ceremony in this whimsical Hawaiian Christmas town. Another adorable Christmas town in Hawaii is Laie. This small town celebrates with a big event called Christmas in Polynesia, where you have the chance to admire the lights while riding on a canoe!
What are the best Christmas events in Hawaii?
Despite the incredibly warm weather and lack of snowfall, Hawaii really knows how to celebrate the holiday season. One of our favorite holiday events in the Aloha state is the Hawaii Kai Boat Parade. The boats at the Hawaii Kai marina get decorated to the nines for this special parade. Each year the boats decor is different and it’s so much fun to pull up a chair close to the water and watch as they float by, often with a costumed crew to match the boat. There are even judges to award the best boat!
