Christmas in Hawaii is always a great idea! Just ask Shaka Santa (or the many residents who celebrate the Holiday season in the islands)!
“Mele Kalikimaka,” I say with a smile to my neighbors, friends, and family. It means “Merry Christmas” and is a common phrase used in Hawaii during the holiday season. I look forward to hearing it every year.
Christmas Festivities in Hawaii
The islands become very festive for the Christmas season. Throughout the month, Hawaii celebrates Christmas with contemporary holiday musical and theatrical performances.
You can go through a drive-thru light display at Aloha Stadium, visit a number of local craft markets, and watch a boat parade.
However, the most exciting thing I look forward to is Christmas in Downtown Honolulu…
Honolulu City Lights
On the first Saturday in December, Downtown Honolulu is struck by the annual evening Honolulu City Lights holiday displays.
Driving to this Hawaii Christmas festivity, you’ll see the light decorations strung through the Chinatown neighborhood and along Downtown Honolulu office buildings.
Thousands gather in front of Honolulu Hale, waiting for the mayor to light the city’s official 50-foot Norfolk Pine Christmas tree.
As the evening continues, enjoy an electric light parade that delivers the Christmas spirit from floats, marching bands, and lit vehicles. Try local foods from various food booths while listening to live entertainment. Take pictures alongside unique decorated gingerbread houses, wreath displays, island-decorated Christmas trees, and festive colorful Christmas statues.
Additionally, every year, they create a different Christmas theme, which makes it worth visiting again and again.
The main attraction in Downtown Honolulu is the Hawaiian style 21-foot tall “Shaka Santa.” He sits relaxed with his toes slightly above the Honolulu Hale fountain, like a vacation in Hawaii before his next stop. And by his side is his wife, “Tutu Mele,” dressed in a Hawaiian muumuu. They’re both smiling for a great picture moment.
Ala Moana Christmas in Hawaii
Looking for something to do throughout the holiday season? Children and adults across the islands can share their wish lists and take pictures with Santa Claus at Ala Moana shopping center.
The largest outdoor mall becomes a hot spot for Christmas in Hawaii. It is dressed with festive wreaths, lit Christmas trees, and large ornaments.
What’s more, on the center stage of the mall, the local choir sings traditional Christmas carols that you can hear throughout the Ala Moana shopping center, giving you a more seasonal shopping experience.
Making the Most of Christmas in Hawaii
Christmas in Hawaii is very memorable. The weather outside is pleasant, but in the evenings, it gets just chilly enough to feel festive (possibly below 60 degrees!)
If you want a unique way of celebrating this holiday, step into the island style of Christmas and indulge in the sun during the winter season. Enjoy the Christmas spirit of Hawaii. Mele Kalikimaka a me Haou’oli Makahiki Hou, meaning Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
