Hawaii for Christmas: 15 Can’t-Miss Holiday Attractions and Events
White sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and swaying palm trees might not conjure thoughts of Christmas, but who says you have to spend the holidays shivering?
Thinking of going to Hawaii for Christmas? Just imagine celebrating Christmas surrounded by swaying palms and the soothing sounds of ocean waves. In Hawaii, the holiday season is a magical blend of tropical scenery and heartfelt traditions.
Picture yourself swapping snow with sand, singing carols under the stars. From holiday parades to unique luaus, Christmas in Hawaii offers festive activities for everyone. As they say on the islands, Mele Kalikimaka!
Whether you’re a sun-seeker or a culture enthusiast, you’ll find unique ways to make your Hawaii Christmas vacation unforgettable.
Top Hawaii at Christmas Festive Activities for A Tropical Holiday
Imagine spending your early December holiday season surrounded by palm trees instead of pine trees, warm sand, and the sound of ukuleles. Hawaii offers unique and festive activities that blend island culture with Christmas cheer, creating a tropical holiday experience like no other.
Waikiki Trolley Holiday Lights Tour
Where: Waikiki, Honolulu, HI
When: Dates for 2024 to be announced
Hop on board the Waikiki Trolley for a dazzling holiday adventure! Explore the city’s most spectacular Christmas lights while enjoying festive tunes and heartwarming tales. You’ll even get to visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland for hot cocoa, crafts, and plenty of holiday cheer! It’s the perfect way to experience the magic of the season in Waikiki.
Holualoa Music & Light Festival
Where: Holualoa Village, HI
When: Saturday, December 7th, 2024, 5:30–8:30 PM
Get ready to immerse yourself in a Hawaiian holiday wonderland! The Holualoa Music & Light Festival is a dazzling celebration of music, art, and community spirit. Enjoy the sweet sounds of Christmas songs by local legends like John Keawe while exploring the village’s charming shops and art galleries.
Watch as the town tree lights up the night sky and get ready to meet the jolly old elf himself! It’s a perfect evening for families, friends, and anyone looking to experience the true aloha spirit.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – 83rd Commemoration
Where: Pearl Harbor, HI
When: December 7, 2024
Join thousands of people as we pay our respects on the 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Let’s honor the brave men and women who sacrificed so much. This year’s theme, “Forging Ahead,” is all about celebrating their courage and inspiring future generations.
Related Post: 10 Best Things to Do in Honolulu Hawaii According to Locals
It’s a day for reflection, but also a call to action to keep their legacy alive. Let’s come together to remember, honor, and inspire.
Holidays with the Animals at Honolulu Zoo
Where: Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI
When: Dates for 2024 to be announced
Get ready for a wild holiday adventure at the Honolulu Zoo! Watch as your favorite animals unwrap special treats and enjoy festive surprises. It’s a paw-some chance to learn about wildlife conservation while having a blast. Bring the whole family for a day of fun, education, and holiday cheer!
Honolulu City Lights
Where: Honolulu, HI
When: December 7, 2024
Honolulu City Lights is a dazzling celebration that transforms the city into a sparkling winter wonderland. Enjoy live music, delicious treats, and stunning light displays that capture the spirit of Aloha.
Bring the whole family to witness the magical Christmas tree lighting and create unforgettable memories. It’s a festive event that brings the community together for a truly special holiday experience.
Fun Fact: Shaka Santa, a beloved 21-foot tall statue, dons red shorts and a warm aloha shirt, greeting Honolulu City Hall visitors with his iconic “shaka” hand gesture during the festive season.
Related Post: Hanauma Bay Hawaii – Top Oahu Snorkel Spot
Grand Wailea’s ‘Tis the Season of Aloha
Where: Grand Wailea, Wailea, Maui, HI
When: Key events on December 16, December 22, and December 24, 2024
Experience a unique Hawaiian holiday celebration at Grand Wailea‘s ‘Tis the Season of Aloha. Delight in a series of festive events that capture the spirit of the islands with luxurious touches and local traditions.
Tree Lighting on December 16: Join the magical Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 PM at the main entrance. The evening starts with live entertainment and heartfelt opening remarks, culminating in the dramatic lighting of the tree.
Holiday Marketplace on December 22: From 4 PM to 8 PM in the lobby, explore the Holiday Marketplace featuring over 30 local vendors. This event is an excellent opportunity for last-minute holiday shopping, offering unique Made-on-Maui gifts in a festive setting.
Santa’s Arrival on December 24: Witness a special only-on-Maui event this Christmas Eve from 8 AM to 9 AM at Wailea Beach as Santa makes a grand entrance on an outrigger canoe. This unique arrival is a memorable sight for children and adults alike, offering a tropical twist to Santa’s traditional sleigh.
These events are perfect for families and visitors looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit with a distinctively Hawaiian flair at one of Maui’s premier resorts.
Christmas In Tahiti by Blue Note Hawaii
Where: Blue Note Hawaii, 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
When: Sunday, December 15, 2024; Shows at 6:30 PM (Doors 5:00 PM) and 9:00 PM (Doors 8:30 PM)
Immerse yourself in a tropical holiday celebration with “Christmas In Tahiti” at Blue Note Hawaii, presented by the renowned Kuana Torres Kahele Band. This unique event combines the enchanting performances of special guest dancers, Theresa and Iokia Ramento.
Related Post: Things to Do in Hawaii With Kids – Surf, Sun, and Sandy Toes Adventures!
All with the soulful sounds of Tahitian music, creating a captivating blend of Polynesian culture and Christmas spirit.
Rock-a-Hula Christmas Special
Where: Rock-A-Hula Theater, 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
When: December 25, 2024
A tropical twist with Hawaii in Christmas! This epic Christmas day starts with a starlit luau feast, complete with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music. Then, it’s showtime!
Rock-a-Hula‘s amazing dancers, singers, and even celebrity impersonators will wow you with their incredible talent. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays in paradise!
Jingle Rock Run
Where: Ko Olina Resort, Kapolei, HI
When: Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 3:00 PM
Lace up your sneakers and spread some holiday cheer at the Jingle Rock Run! This isn’t just a race; it’s a festive fun day benefiting Make-A-Wish Hawaii. Dress up in your favorite holiday gear, enjoy the stunning Ko Olina scenery, and rock out to live music while supporting an amazing cause.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual walker, this event is perfect for everyone. Grab your friends and family and get ready for a day of fun, fitness, and philanthropy!
Holiday Parades in Hawaii During Christmas Season
Hawaii’s holiday parades are a vibrant and joyous spectacle, combining island culture with festive cheer. You’ll experience colorful floats, traditional music, and, of course, Santa in Hawaiian style. Check these events out:
Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade (Saturday, December 14, 2024, Kailua-Kona, HI): Join the festive fun at the Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade, where the community gathers to celebrate the season with floats, bands, and holiday cheer. Perfect for families looking to experience local traditions and festivities, this parade showcases the best of Kailua-Kona’s Christmas spirit.
64th Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade (Saturday, December 7, 2024, Waimea, HI): Experience the magic of the holiday season at the 64th Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade. This evening event features a delightful mix of floats, equestrian units, and local bands, under the enchanting setting of twilight, making it a must-see for visitors and residents alike.
Waikiki Holiday Parade (Friday, November 29, 2024, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI): Celebrate and remember the Waikiki Holiday Parade, an event honoring Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans. This unique parade features bands, military units, and local dignitaries, creating a moving tribute along the scenic torch-lit Kalakaua Avenue.
Hawaiian Christmas Traditions FAQs
What is a Traditional Hawaiian Christmas Dinner?
A traditional Hawaiian Christmas dinner often features Kalua Pig, a whole roast pig cooked in an underground oven surrounded by banana leaves and hot rocks. This festive meal is usually accompanied by other local delicacies like poi, lomi salmon, and poke.
What is Hawaiian Christmas Called?
In Hawaii, Christmas is commonly referred to as "Mele Kalikimaka," which is the Hawaiian phrase for "Merry Christmas." This expression captures the festive spirit of the holidays in the unique Hawaiian cultural context.
Spend Your Christmas Holiday at Hawaiian Islands With Tripster!
Discover the magic of Christmas Hawaii with Tripster! Enjoy exclusive deals on hotels, activities, and vacation packages. From festive lights to tropical fun, create unforgettable memories. Our travel guide is your key to a perfect island holiday, too. Book now and embrace the Aloha spirit for a wonderfully-celebrated Christmas!
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