Do you want to feel like you’re on the islands this Christmas season? Keep scrolling to find out some of the best Hawaiian Christmas music you should add to your playlist this year.
This post about the best Hawaii Christmas music 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.
Want to shake up your Christmas playlist this year? I’ve got something way better than the same old Mariah Carey on repeat (though I love her too).
Hawaiian Christmas music brings this amazing warmth and joy that regular holiday songs just can’t match.
I’m obsessed with these tropical takes on Christmas classics. There’s something about ukulele-backed carols and those gorgeous Hawaiian harmonies that makes the holidays feel more relaxed and joyful.
Plus, if you’re heading to Hawaii in December or just dreaming about it from your cold living room, these songs are perfect.
Here are 17 Hawaiian Christmas songs that deserve a spot on your playlist.
Quick Hawaiian Christmas Facts
What do Hawaiians say at Christmas?
The traditional greeting is Mele Kalikimaka! But people also use Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
How does Hawaii celebrate Christmas?
Pretty much like everywhere else, just with better weather. Christmas trees, decorating, gift-giving, caroling, the whole deal. The main difference? You can celebrate on the beach instead of in the snow.
The Best Hawaiian Christmas Songs
1. Numbah One Day of Christmas
This is Hawaii’s version of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” and it’s hilarious. Instead of five golden rings, you get five big fat pigs. Three guys created it over dinner in 1959, and honestly, it shows (in the best way). Your kids will crack up at how silly it gets.
2. Kana Kaloka (Here Comes Santa Claus)
Na Leo Pilimehana means “voices blending in warmth,” which is exactly what you get with this trio of high school friends. Their version mixes English and Hawaiian verses, and their harmonies are stunning. This one’s great while you’re wrapping presents or cooking.
3. Santa’s Hula
Hilo Hattie singing about Santa doing the hula in red pants and a coconut hat? Yes, please. This one’s pure fun, especially if you have kids. Just picture Santa dancing on a Hawaiian beach and try not to smile.
4. Nu ‘Oli
Kealiʻi Reichel’s version of “Glad Tidings” is beautiful and slower-paced. It’s not a dance-around-the-house song, but it brings this peaceful, reverent feeling to Christmas. Perfect for quiet moments with family.
5. Christmas Day in Hawaii Nei
The Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau describe the perfect Christmas day on the islands in this one. It’ll make you feel like you’re actually there, even if you’re stuck in a snowstorm.
6. Here Comes Santa Claus in a Red Canoe
Released in 1959 by The Surfers, this classic is still going strong. Kids love imagining Santa paddling up to Hawaii in his canoe instead of riding his sleigh. It’s upbeat and perfect for dancing around with your family.
7. Christmas Luau
Leonard Hawk wrote this one about having a traditional Hawaiian feast for Christmas. If you’re feeling ambitious, use it as inspiration to throw your own Christmas luau at home. Many Hawaiian families play this while celebrating.
8. The Merriest Hawaiian Christmas
Both The Brothers Cazimero and the Honolulu Boy Choir have great versions of this song. It’s fun, upbeat, and impossible not to move to. Perfect for decorating the tree.
9. Hawaiian Santa
Another one from The Brothers Cazimero (they’re Christmas legends). This chill song from 1999 is great for dinner or sitting around talking with loved ones. It’s got that relaxed Hawaiian vibe while still feeling festive.
10. Mele Kalikimaka
The most famous Hawaiian Christmas song, period. Robert Alexander Anderson wrote it, and Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters made it iconic in 1950. You’ve definitely heard this one before, probably multiple times every December. It never gets old.
11. My Hawaiian Christmas
Dennis Kamakahi’s soft, guitar-backed song is perfect background music. It’s simple and sweet, the kind of song that makes everything feel a little more peaceful. Great for when you want Christmas music that won’t take over the whole room.
12. O Holy Night by Willie K
Willie K (William Kahaiali’i) was an incredible Hawaiian musician who could sing everything from blues to opera. His version of “O Holy Night” alternates verses in English and Hawaiian, and his voice is absolutely stunning. One of the most beautiful Christmas carols you’ll ever hear.
13. Silent Night by The Makaha Sons
The Makaha Sons formed in 1976 and have been performing together ever since. Their harmonies in this bilingual version of “Silent Night” are smooth and gorgeous. It’s from their “Christmas Day in Hawaii Nei” album.
14. Winter Wonderland/Hawaiian Santa
The Makaha Sons somehow mashed up “Winter Wonderland” and “Hawaiian Santa” into one song, and it works perfectly. This might end up being your favorite one to dance to.
15. Christmas In The Sand
Okay, so Colbie Caillat’s song isn’t technically Hawaiian (it’s probably about California), but it fits the vibe perfectly. Santa on the beach instead of in the snow? Sounds like Hawaii to me. It’s a fun, beachy addition to your holiday rotation.
16. No Mo’ Christmas Blues
Frank De Lima and the Honolulu Boy Choir created this silly, upbeat song about Hawaiian boys who were too naughty for Christmas. Released in 2008, it’s perfect for getting kids’ energy out before bedtime. You’ll have to listen to find out if they get Christmas after all.
17. I’m Coming Home for Christmas
Robi Kahakalau and Jeff Rasmussen sing about a man who dreams of going back to Hawaii for Christmas when the snow starts falling. If you’ve ever been to Hawaii or grew up there, this slower song will hit different. It captures that longing for island warmth when you’re stuck in winter weather.
Your Questions Answered
Does Hawaii have its own Christmas songs?
Absolutely! Hawaii puts its own spin on classic carols like “O Holy Night,” “The 12 Days of Christmas,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and “Silent Night.” Plus, there are original Hawaiian Christmas songs too.
What’s the most famous Hawaiian Christmas song?
Mele Kalikimaka, hands down. Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters recorded one of the earliest versions in 1950, and it’s been a holiday staple ever since.
What are the best Hawaiian Christmas albums?
Check out Hawaiian Style Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka – a Hawaiian Christmas Party, and Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas.
Time to Build That Playlist
Hawaiian Christmas music brings something special to the holidays. Whether you’re actually spending December in Hawaii or just wish you were, these songs add warmth and joy that traditional carols sometimes lack.
The mix of English and Hawaiian lyrics, the ukulele and slack key guitar, those incredible vocal harmonies… it all creates this unique holiday vibe.
Make yourself a Hawaiian Christmas playlist and see how it changes your whole holiday mood. I promise you’ll be playing these songs year after year.
Looking for more Hawaii Christmas content? Find out how to have a Hawaiian Christmas at home, best Hawaii Christmas traditions, how to make origami poinsettias, Christmas movies set in Hawaii, the best Hawaiian Christmas ornaments, and the best Hawaiian Christmas decorations.
