Do you want to add a little Mele Kalikimaka to your Christmas decor at home? Keep scrolling for the most amazing Hawaiian Christmas decorations from Etsy and Amazon that you’ll want to snap up ASAP!
In this guide, you will find island-style Christmas decorations, outdoor tropical Christmas decorations, and tons of other great Hawaiian decorating ideas to fill your home with Hawaiian decorations.
This post about Hawaiian Christmas decorations was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
You know that feeling when you’re decorating your tree in December and suddenly miss the warm Hawaii sun? Or maybe you’re planning a beach Christmas theme this year and want to ditch the snowflakes for something more tropical?
I totally get it. While everyone else dreams of a white Christmas, I’m usually thinking about sandy beaches and Mele Kalikimaka.
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to choose between Christmas cheer and island vibes. Hawaiian Christmas decorations let you have both. And honestly? They’re way more fun than another generic snowman.
I’ve been collecting these decorations for years (one of my favorite traditions is hitting the post-Christmas sales in Hawaii), and I’ve found some seriously cute stuff.
From hula Santa inflatables that make the neighbors smile to hand-painted Mele Kalikimaka signs that bring instant aloha to your mantel, there’s something here for every style and budget.
Hawaiian Christmas Tree Toppers
Let’s start at the top. Literally. Your tree topper sets the whole vibe, so why not go coastal?
Natural Starfish Tree Topper
This is hands-down my favorite way to top a Hawaiian Christmas tree. Real starfish mounted on a cone that slides right over your tree top. Super beachy without being too literal about it.
The ones I love come in different sizes (get the 7-8 inch for most standard trees, or go bigger for taller trees). They’re natural so each one’s unique, and they look amazing with white lights. Check out this starfish topper on Etsy.
Hawaiian Christmas Ornaments
Ornaments are where you can really have fun with the Hawaiian theme. I’ve got a whole collection now, but these are the ones that get the most compliments.
Mele Kalikimaka Coastal Ornament
This one’s got that perfect beachy vibe without being over the top. It’s a coastal keepsake style ornament that says Mele Kalikimaka, and it has that clean, modern look that works whether you’re going full Hawaiian theme or just want to sprinkle in a few tropical pieces.
What I like about this style is it’s not super kitschy. It’s got beach elements but it’s tasteful enough that it won’t look out of place on a more traditional tree.
Great option if you’re just dipping your toes into Hawaiian Christmas decor (pun totally intended). Check out this Mele Kalikimaka coastal ornament on Amazon.
Personalized Hawaii State Ornament
This is the one I give as gifts to everyone who visits Hawaii with us. It’s a laser-engraved wooden ornament shaped like the Hawaiian islands, and you can customize it with names, dates, or a special message.
The wood grain shows through beautifully, giving it that natural handmade feel. I love these because they work as both Christmas ornaments and year-round keepsakes.
Hang one on your tree to remember your honeymoon, commemorate a family vacation, or mark a special trip. The personalization makes it feel really thoughtful without being expensive.
Plus, they come with a ribbon and gift bag, so if you’re buying it as a present, you’re basically done. No extra wrapping needed. Grab this personalized Hawaii ornament here.
Check out the full post of my top Hawaii Christmas ornaments!
Hawaiian Christmas Signs
If you’re not ready to commit to a full Hawaiian tree, signs are an easy way to add some island flavor to your existing decor.
Mele Kalikimaka Pineapple Sign
This hand-painted wooden sign makes me smile every time I see it. The artist does the lettering freehand, and the bright tropical colors are just happy.
Prop it on your mantel, hang it on the wall, or stick it on a shelf with some Christmas lights around it. Super versatile. Buy it on Etsy.
Surfing Santa Sign
Speaking of Hawaiian Christmas traditions, surfing Santa is a real thing in Hawaii! This flag captures that fun vibe perfectly.
It’s got Santa catching waves with that classic retro look. Great conversation starter, and it works indoors or outdoors. Grab it on Amazon.
Hawaiian Christmas Stockings
Who says stockings need to be solid red and green?
Plumeria Hawaiian Stocking
These cute stockings are gorgeous. They’ve got plumeria flowers (those are the white and yellow flowers you see everywhere in Hawaii), and a little faux fur trim at the top.
Way prettier than my old red stockings. Get it on Amazon.
Vintage Aloha Shirt Stocking
This one’s my favorite. It’s made to look like a vintage Hawaiian shirt, complete with that classic print. Available in blue. Find Hawaiian stockings on Amazon.
Hawaiian Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Ready to make your yard the talk of the neighborhood? These inflatables are pure joy.
Dancing Hula Santa Inflatable
Okay, I need to tell you about this one because we have it and people absolutely love it. This inflatable Santa actually does the hula. Like, he waves and his hips move. It’s 6-7 feet tall, lights up at night, and makes everyone who drives by smile.
Fair warning: neighbors will comment on it. A lot. But that’s kind of the point, right? Sets up in minutes and comes with stakes to keep it secure. Check prices for hula Santa inflatables.
Hawaiian Santa and Penguin Inflatable
If you want something a little different, this one’s got Santa in his Hawaiian shirt with a penguin buddy. It’s that perfect mix of North Pole meets the tropics.
Also lights up, also easy to set up, also guaranteed to get comments from the mail carrier. Grab it on Amazon.
More Hawaiian Christmas Decorations
Let’s round out your Hawaiian Christmas with some finishing touches.
Hawaiian Nativity Set
I already mentioned how much I love the tiny ceramic nativity set earlier in this post, but if you want something a bit different, there are some beautiful handmade options on Etsy. Some artisans make them from driftwood, others use coconut shells, and you can find hand-painted ceramic versions in various sizes.
What makes these special is they’re truly one-of-a-kind. Each piece is handcrafted, so yours will be slightly different from anyone else’s. Many of them feature that classic Hawaiian nativity setup with Baby Jesus in a pineapple manger, a rooster representing Kauai’s wild chickens, and a sea turtle as one of the visiting animals.
If you’re looking for something with more detail or a specific style (rustic, modern, traditional), Etsy’s your best bet. Find Hawaiian nativity sets here.
Beach Santa Nutcracker
My nutcracker collection needed some diversity, so I added this beach Santa. He’s wearing flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt, and he’s ready to hit the waves.
About 14-15 inches tall, so he’s substantial enough to make a statement on your mantel or entry table. Browse Hawaiian nutcrackers on Amazon.
Pineapple Tree Skirt
If you’re going all-in on the Hawaiian tree, you need a tree skirt to match. The pineapple-themed ones are fantastic.
This trendy Hawaii Christmas tree skirt comes in a variety of patterns, so you’ll find just the right fit for your space! See pineapple tree skirts on Amazon.
Tropical String Lights
Battery-operated lights in the shape of plumeria flowers or pineapples are perfect for adding that finishing touch. String them around your mantel, weave them through your tree, or put them in a glass bowl for a table centerpiece.
The pineapple ones are especially fun for luaus and summer parties too, so you’ll get year-round use out of them.
Mele Kalikimaka Doormat
Want the easiest Hawaiian Christmas decoration ever? Throw a Mele Kalikimaka doormat in front of your door. Done. Plus it actually serves a purpose by keeping dirt out of your house. Win-win. Grab one on Etsy.
What Makes Hawaiian Christmas Special
Hawaiian Christmas is different from mainland celebrations in some pretty cool ways. For one thing, you’ll see poinsettias everywhere because they actually grow really well there. Santa ditches the heavy red suit for an aloha shirt and often arrives by outrigger canoe or surfboard instead of a sleigh.
The Hawaiian word for Santa is “Kanakaloka,” and he’s usually depicted barefoot in shorts and that signature aloha shirt, sometimes throwing a shaka sign. Palm trees get decorated with lights instead of pine trees (though you can find Norfolk Island pines if you really want a traditional tree).
And of course, Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) is what you’ll hear instead of the usual greetings. It’s all about blending Christmas traditions with island culture, and honestly, it’s pretty magical.
Tips for Decorating Hawaiian Style
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of collecting Hawaiian Christmas decorations:
- Start small. You don’t need to replace everything at once. Add a few pieces each year and build your collection.
- Mix and match. Hawaiian decorations look great alongside traditional Christmas colors. Red poinsettias, green palm fronds, and blue ocean vibes all work together.
- Hit the post-Christmas sales. This is when I stock up on decorations in Hawaii and online. The day after Christmas is like Black Friday for Hawaiian Christmas stuff.
- Don’t be afraid to DIY. If you have old Hawaiian shirts that don’t fit, turn them into stockings or table runners. Make your own poinsettia wreath. Get creative.
- Theme your tree or go eclectic. Some people do a full Hawaiian tree with all beach ornaments. Others (like me) sprinkle Hawaiian pieces throughout a traditional tree. Both look great.
Bring Aloha to Your Holidays
Whether you’re a Hawaii lover who can’t get back this year, planning a tropical-themed Christmas party, or just want something different than the usual snowmen and reindeer, Hawaiian Christmas decorations add so much personality to your holiday decor.
They’re conversation starters. They make people smile. And they’re a great way to remember warm beaches and island vibes even when you’re stuck in the cold.
So grab that hula Santa, string up some pineapple lights, and say Mele Kalikimaka to a Christmas with a little more aloha.
Still looking for more Hawaii Christmas decoration ideas? Check out my top Hawaiian Christmas ornaments, get my free Mele Kalikimaka printable sign, and learn how to make a poinsettia wreath!
