Holiday Season in Hawaii: Festive Events & Traditions

Spending the holidays in Hawaii offers a unique blend of traditional celebrations and island culture. Trade snowmen for sand sculptures, sleigh bells for ukuleles, and cold nights for warm tropical breezes—while still enjoying the festive spirit.

Hawaiian Holiday Traditions

Mele Kalikimaka

"Merry Christmas" in Hawaiian! Made famous by Bing Crosby's 1950 song, this greeting captures the joy of celebrating Christmas in paradise.

Christmas in Hawaii Style

Hawaiian holiday traditions blend cultures and climates:

• Beach Christmas: Picnics and swimming on December 25th
• Palm tree lights: Decorated palms instead of pines
• Hawaiian Santa: Arriving by canoe rather than sleigh
• Lei giving: Flower leis as holiday gifts
• Kalua turkey: Traditional imu-cooked turkey for holiday meals

Hauoli Makahiki Hou

"Happy New Year" in Hawaiian. The new year celebration often includes midnight fireworks visible across the islands.

December Events

Christmas Boat Parades

Several harbors host illuminated boat parades:

• Kailua-Kona: Usually mid-December, boats parade past the pier
• Various harbors: Check local listings for times

Festival of Trees

Local organizations decorate trees for charity auctions. A wonderful way to see creative Hawaiian interpretations of Christmas trees.

Holiday Craft Fairs

Markets throughout the island feature local artisans selling handmade gifts, perfect for unique holiday shopping.

Hilo Christmas Parade

Downtown Hilo hosts an annual Christmas parade featuring local groups, decorated floats, and holiday cheer.

Resort Activities

Many resorts offer special holiday programming:

• Tree lighting ceremonies
• Special holiday menus
• Santa visits
• Gingerbread house displays
• Holiday entertainment

New Year's Eve

Fireworks

Hawaii has a strong fireworks tradition for New Year's. Legal firecrackers and aerial fireworks light up neighborhoods across the island at midnight.

Watch Spots

• Bayfront (Hilo): View fireworks across the bay
• Kailua-Kona pier: Central location for Kona-side celebrations
• Resort areas: Many organize professional displays

Midnight Traditions

• Fireworks to ward off evil spirits
• Eating good luck foods
• Wearing red for prosperity
• Midnight beach swims

Holiday Dining

Traditional Hawaiian Holiday Foods

• Kalua turkey: Smoked in an imu
• Lomi salmon: Side dish at holiday tables
• Haupia: Coconut dessert
• Mac salad: Essential side dish

Restaurant Celebrations

Many restaurants offer special holiday menus. Book reservations early, especially for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Holiday Season Weather

December in Hawaii offers:

• Temperatures: 70-80°F days, 60s at night
• Rain: More likely on the windward (Hilo) side
• Ocean: Whale watching season begins!
• Crowds: Peak tourist season—book early

Tips for Holiday Visitors

• Book early: Accommodations fill months in advance
• Restaurant reservations: Essential for special nights
• Car rentals: Reserve well ahead
• Embrace the warmth: Leave your coat at home
• Pack light layers: Evenings can be cool
• Join in: Locals welcome visitors to celebrations

Gift Ideas from Hawaii

Bring home Hawaiian-made gifts:

• Kona coffee
• Macadamia nuts and chocolates
• Hawaiian jewelry (Ni'ihau shells, kukui nut)
• Local art and crafts
• Hawaiian quilts
• Ukuleles