Dreaming of a White (Sand) Christmas? Say Aloha to Christmas in Hawaii!🎄🎅🌺
From twinkling palm trees and Shaka Santa to festive luaus and whale watching, celebrate Mele Kalikimaka this year with Christmas in Hawaii.
Spending Christmas in Hawaii feels like stepping into a tropical snow globe. Just swap the snowflakes for palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights.
The holiday season here has its own rhythm.
Santa arrives by outrigger canoe, the melody of Mele Kalikimaka drifts from every store, and resort lawns are transformed into winter wonderlands under the warm Pacific sun.
December marks the start of whale-watching season in the Hawaiian Islands, and it only gets better as January rolls in.
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Seeing humpback whales breach against the backdrop of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast or the West Maui Mountains is the kind of moment that makes this time of year extra special.
I first visited Hawaii over the holidays many years ago on a family trip when I was in college. We flew from the East Coast on Christmas morning, and with the time difference, it was my longest (and most unique!) Christmas Day ever.
We spent a terrific week on Kauai and rang in the New Year at the resort’s New Year’s Eve party. It was a holiday week to remember, and since that trip, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Christmas in Hawaii.
Now that I live in Hawaii, I get to experience all the holiday fun from start to finish each year. And it’s just as magical as ever!
So if you’re planning a Christmas holiday vacation to Hawaii (or any December visit), this post is for you. Let’s start with a few basics.
What to know about Christmas in Hawaii
While it’s technically winter, the weather here is about as far from a “white Christmas” as it gets. Expect warm days in the 80s, trade winds, and the occasional light rain shower.
But the Christmas season is also Hawaii’s peak high season. So you’ll want to plan early. Especially for holiday dinners and popular attractions that require reservations and fill up quickly.
In this post, I’ll break down the top holiday events across Hawaii, island by island.
Most holiday events across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island kick off in early December and run through New Year’s. Dates and details often change from year to year, so I’ll continue to update this post as new holiday events are announced.
Whether you’re after a festive luau, a beachfront Christmas dinner, or fireworks over Waikiki on New Year’s Eve, Hawaii is one of the world’s most magical places to celebrate the holiday season.
Now, let’s go island-by-island….kicking things off with Hawaii’s most-visited island.
Oahu🎄
Oahu is where the Christmas spirit shines brightest in Hawaii—literally.
Waikiki’s best hotels take holiday decorations very seriously, and I love strolling through town to see all the festive decor.
From the giant sand sculptures at the Sheraton Waikiki to the pink Christmas trees at the Royal Hawaiian, it’s a tropical winter wonderland.
Honolulu City Lights
The island’s biggest city comes alive for the holidays with Honolulu City Lights, a month-long celebration centered around Honolulu Hale (City Hall) in downtown Honolulu. The massive tree lighting, colorful light displays, and larger-than-life statues of Shaka Santa and Mrs. Claus have been local favorites for decades.
The season-long event includes several family-friendly special nights like movie night and milk and cookies night.
This year, the Opening Ceremony, tree lighting, and Electric Light Parade will take place on November 29th, 2025. After that, Honolulu City Lights will be open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds through December 30th.
For a complete schedule, check the Honolulu City Lights Event Calendar.
One of my favorite things about running the Honolulu Marathon is the early-morning run past Iolani Palace, glowing with hundreds of twinkling Christmas lights. The palace grounds are so beautifully decorated that many runners (like me!) often stop mid-race to snap photos.
Twas the Light Before Christmas
This year, don’t miss “Twas the Light Before Christmas” at the Hawaii Convention Center (December 4–January 4). It’s Honolulu’s must-see holiday event, transforming the space into a whimsical Christmas wonderland.
Expect an immersive light show, festive storytelling, and even an indoor ice-skating rink—a rare sight in Hawaii. Families can meet Santa Claus, wander snowy paths, and enjoy bounce houses and holiday movies, while adults sip seasonal cocktails in a cozy lounge and shop local at the Holiday Marketplace.
For hours and ticket prices, check the event website.
The Royal Hawaiian Center
Waikiki’s most beautiful open-air shopping mall celebrates the season with a variety of free performances and events.
The festivities kick off with Santa’s arrival on November 26th and continue with weekly musical performances and photos with Santa every Wednesday and Saturday evening through December 20th.
For more information, visit the Royal Hawaiian Center Event Calendar.
Other can’t-miss Oahu holiday highlights include:
- Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade – Takes place on December 7th through Waikiki starting at 4:15 pm HST.
- The Honolulu Marathon – If you’re in town on Sunday, December 14th, you won’t be able to miss the annual Honolulu Marathon. With 20,000+ runners, this lively race dominates Honolulu’s city streets from 5:00am until around noon and finishes in Kapiolani Park.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks over Waikiki Beach – One of Hawaii’s most festive celebrations, this fireworks display takes place right at midnight over Waikiki Beach. Of course, if you’ve never visited Oahu over NYE, don’t be surprised to see fireworks everywhere (and all night).
If you’re dining out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, many of Waikiki’s top spots—like Halekulani’s House Without a Key, Duke’s Waikiki, and Merriman’s Honolulu—offer special holiday menus.
53 By The Sea is also serving a delicious-looking 4-course Christmas dinner menu.
Read More: From Casual Date Nights to Special Occasions, Here Are My 10 Favorite Restaurants on Oahu
Most stay open through the holidays, but reservations are essential since it’s one of the busiest times of year.
And speaking of reservations, don’t forget that some of Oahu’s top attractions (like the Diamond Head hike!) now require advance reservations. Over the holidays, it’s especially important to book well in advance.
Read More: 3 Essential Reservations to Book for the Perfect Oahu Vacation 🌺📆💻
From city lights to beachfront luaus, Oahu delivers the most festive, city-life version of Christmas in Hawaii. You’ll find plenty of options for New Year’s Eve festivities in Waikiki and around Oahu.
Read More: The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List: 50 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat🍍🌺🏖️
Looking for more fun things to do when you visit Oahu for the holidays?👇
Maui🎅
Maui might not have snow, but it still feels every bit like the Christmas season. From the twinkling palms of Wailea’s resort area to the cozy small-town charm of Upcountry Maui, this island knows how to embrace the holiday season.
Whale watching season is in full swing, and if you visit Maui in December, it’s a must!
Read More: The Everything Guide to the Best Maui Whale Watching Tours🐋
While Lahaina’s famous Banyan Tree lighting was once Maui’s signature holiday event, that beloved tradition remains paused following the devastating 2023 wildfires.
These days, the holiday spirit shines in other parts of the island—especially in Wailea, where hotels and shops go all out with decorations, live music, and festive luaus.
The season kicks off on December 15th, 2025, with the Holiday Marketplace & Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Grand Wailea Resort.
On December 24th, don’t miss Santa’s arrival on Wailea Beach by Outrigger Canoe.
And on New Year’s Eve, the annual Wailea Beach fireworks display takes place at midnight. Launching from a barge just off Wailea Beach, this spectacular display can be viewed from the public beach and many of the surrounding Wailea resorts.
The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, and Fairmont Kea Lani all host elaborate Christmas dinners, special menus, and New Year’s Eve celebrations that include everything from live Hawaiian entertainment to midnight champagne toasts by the ocean.
If you can score a reservation, check out Mama’s Fish House on Christmas Eve or Merriman’s Kapalua for an unforgettable Christmas holiday dinner. Both are open for the holidays (with reservations booked well in advance).
Read More: Maui Confidential: Is the Legendary Mama’s Fish House Worth the Hype?
And speaking of reservations, don’t forget that some of Maui’s top attractions (like the famous black sand beach on the Road to Hana!) now require advance reservations. Over the holidays, it’s especially important to book well in advance.
Read More: Headed to Maui? Here are 3 Reservations You Need to Make Now 🌺📆💻
If you’re visiting Maui’s Upcountry (and you should!), don’t miss a stop by Kula Lodge.
Enjoy your holiday meal surrounded by misty forests and cool mountain air at Kula Lodge. It’s a setting that feels surprisingly “wintery” for Hawaii.
Although the restaurant remains closed following a fire, they recently opened a food truck serving breakfast and lunch.
They are also featuring a special Thanksgiving menu for Thanksgiving day and fully prepared to-go meals if you’re staying in a vacation rental.
Read More: Maui’s Kula Lodge: Sinatra & Hepburn Adored This Sky High Retreat (& You Will, Too)
Whether you’re relaxing at a Wailea resort, whale-watching offshore, or watching the first sunrise of the year from Haleakalā, Maui is a fantastic place to spend the holidays.
Read More: Bucket List Maui: 40 Awesome Things to See, Do & Eat! 🏖️🌺🍹
Looking for more fun things to do when you visit Maui for the holidays?👇
Kauai🎁
Kauai is the gift that keeps on giving during the holiday season.
If you’re dreaming of a quieter, more laid-back Christmas in Hawaii, Kauai is pure magic this time of year. The Garden Isle trades big city parades for local celebrations, craft fairs, and small-town gatherings.
The heart of Kauai’s holiday season is the Festival of Lights in Lihue, a month-long display that transforms the Historic County Building and its gardens into a glowing wonderland.
Throughout December, the island’s towns come alive with holiday parades, craft fairs, and community festivals.
One of the most beloved events is the Waimea Christmas Parade, happening on December 6th this year. The parade winds through the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town with light-covered trucks, local hula halau, and festive music.
In Hanapepe, the town’s famous Friday Night Art Walk takes on a festive twist in December with holiday treats and local gifts that make perfect souvenirs.
When it comes to Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner, you’ll find many of Kauai’s top restaurants open with special menus.
Favorites include The Beach House in Poipu (with its unbeatable sunset views), Hukilau Lanai in Kapa‘a, and Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Just make sure to book early—tables fill up fast during this high season.
Kauai’s version of the holidays is all about slowing down and appreciating the island’s natural beauty during the holiday season.
Read More: Bucket List Kauai: 40 Unforgettable Things to See, Do, and Eat! 🌈🌺🍧
Looking for more fun things to do when you visit Kauai for the holidays?👇
The Big Island⛄
The Big Island celebrates Christmas in its own unforgettable way. You can spend the morning snorkeling in warm turquoise water and the afternoon watching snow dust the summit of Mauna Kea.
It’s the only place in Hawaii where you can experience both in a single day.
Bonus: You can swim with the mantas later that same night!
Read More: How to See Manta Rays on the Big Island (With or Without Getting Wet!) 💦🤿
On the Kona side, Kailua Village’s annual Christmas parade happens on December 13th and brings out residents and visitors alike. In Hilo, downtown streets sparkle with lights and holiday decor and markets.
Resorts along the Kohala Coast go all out for the holidays.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Fairmont Orchid, and Waikoloa Village all host sumptuous Christmas feasts, festive luaus, and New Year’s Eve parties complete with live music and fireworks over the Pacific.
I always think it’s worth visiting the big resort hotels even if you’re not staying there. The decorations alone are stunning, and the restaurants welcome outside guests for holiday meals.
Whether you’re sipping champagne at a beachfront resort or stargazing on Mauna Kea, the Big Island is a Christmas vacation experience full of wonder, nature, and pure aloha.
Read More: The Ultimate Big Island Bucket List: 40 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat! 🌋☀️
Looking for more fun things to do when you visit the Big Island for the holidays?👇
Practical Tips for Spending Christmas in Hawaii 🎄
If you’re planning to spend the Christmas holidays in Hawaii, book early—really early.
December is high season across all the islands, and both hotels and vacation rentals fill up months in advance. Restaurant reservations, holiday luaus, and tours (especially whale-watching) also sell out quickly.
Weather-wise, December and January are among the rainier months in Hawaii. Luckily, showers usually come in short bursts followed by sunshine.
Temperatures hover in the upper 70s to low 80s during the day and can dip into the 60s in higher elevations like Waimea or Upcountry Maui. A lightweight rain jacket and a sweater for cooler nights are good to pack.
Most resorts and restaurants remain open through the holidays, though a few smaller local spots may close on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, especially outside resort areas. When in doubt, call ahead to confirm hours.
And don’t forget to pack a festive outfit or two—Hawaiian-style, of course. You’ll see locals in red and green aloha shirts, Santa hats at the beach, and the occasional surfboard decorated like a reindeer.
At the end of the day, spending Christmas in Hawaii is about trading the cold for sunshine, snow for sand, and holiday stress for a slower pace. The holidays here are relaxed, joyful, and wrapped in the warmth of aloha.
Mele Kalikimaka and Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou—Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from paradise!
