Are you thinking about heading to Hawaii for Christmas? Keep scrolling to find out the best hotels to spend Christmas in Hawaii that really know how to get into the holiday spirit!
This post about the best hotels for a Hawaii Christmas vacation 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 a hotel in Hawaii that will make your Christmas vacation unforgettable?
If you’re looking to stay at the best family hotels in Hawaii, then look no further than these top-rated hotels. They offer plenty of activities and events year round, so they are perfect for any type of traveler! Whether you want to go on an adventure or relax by the pool, these top Hawaiian hotels have it all.
And if you plan to be in Hawaii during Christmas time, they even decorate their lobbies with festive lights and trees! You won’t find another place like this anywhere else.
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning and seeing beautiful decorations everywhere around you as soon as you walk out of your room. Your kids will love exploring every inch of the hotel lobby because there is always something new to discover!
Plus, there are plenty of fun activities happening throughout the day so everyone can enjoy themselves while still having lots of time together as a family.
If you plan to be in Hawaii for Christmas, you have to stay at a hotel that offers gorgeous Christmas decorations and plenty of Christmas activities for everyone to enjoy. These hotels are often the best family hotels in Hawaii, with all the fun activities and events they offer year-round.
If you are staying in Hawaii at Christmas time, check out these Hawaii vacation hotels for a Hawaii Christmas vacation you’ll remember forever!
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Is Christmas a Good Time to Visit Hawaii?
Visiting Hawaii in December is such a great time!
While things may be more expensive, the joy you feel during this holiday is worth it! Your kids have to see what a Hawaiian Christmas is all about at least once in their lives!
It’s a great opportunity to escape the cold and snowy weather of much of the Mainland and head somewhere a bit warmer and balmier.
Plus, Hawaii really knows how to get into the holiday spirit for a very Merry Christmas!
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Here are the best credit card offers for families who travel and want to use points to pay for airfare and hotels in Hawaii.
Best Hotels for Christmas on Oahu
Now that you’re sure you want to visit Hawaii at Christmas time, here are the best places to stay for families during this holiday season!
All of these hotels have plenty of fun Christmas activities to do close by and decorate for Christmas! Your kids will love any of these best hotels on Oahu, as they are all kid-friendly too!
If you plan to spend Christmas in Oahu, here are the best hotels Oahu has to offer!
Moana Surfrider
Moana Surfrider is owned by Marriott and is located in Waikiki. This hotel goes completely all out when it comes to Christmas decorations. Every nook and cranny is filled with holiday decorations that are simply stunning.
You’ll want to take plenty of Christmas pictures with all the gorgeous decorations and festive things! Check the latest rates and availability.
During your stay at the Moana Surfrider, you can have breakfast with Santa Claus! You will also find a Christmas-themed afternoon tea service.
If you are in Hawaii during Christmas Day, you can enjoy a delicious brunch buffet at the Beachhouse as well as a tasty Christmas dinner.
You will also find Santa’s Pen, the Hawaii Christmas store in Waikiki, at the Moana Surfrider! This store is open all year round and offers super fun Christmas decorations, all Hawaii-themed! Grab some decorations to take home with you to remind you of your island Christmas vacation!
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Another stunning hotel filled with Christmas decor is the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. This is usually called the “Pink Palace,” which is fit for royalty.
But don’t let that fool you; it is one of many kid-friendly hotels in Hawaii to stay in as there are many keiki programs here to explore.
Here you will find Christmas decorations that are pink, of course! Check the latest rates and availability.
During your Christmas stay, you can eat a Royal Hawaiian Christmas dinner at the Azure both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You will also find a fun Christmas cookie decorating class.
If cookies aren’t your favorite dessert, check out the Christmas cupcake wreath-making class for another fun event during your Christmas trip.
Here you will find a stunning 34-foot Christmas tree all lit up during December. It is a beautiful sight to see and a great place to get family pictures for the holiday! And let’s not forget about the Royal Hawaiian Hotel sand sculpture!
It’s another one of the top Oahu hotels with Christmas activities to celebrate Christmas with your family.
Sheraton Waikiki
The Sheraton Waikiki is one of my favorite hotels to stay in during December. They have the coolest Christmas decorations I’ve ever seen!
Not only are there plenty of trees filled with beautiful ornaments, but they created their own Christmas sandcastle exhibit. Even if you end up not staying here, you’ll have to go visit just to see this sandcastle!
Since 2007, Sandsational has created these sand sculptures in Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The sand sculptures are quite stunning. There is a variety all around this hotel. Check the latest rates and availability.
You might see a Santa sculpture with Mrs. Claus by him. Or a family of snowmen with Santa. Sometimes they do Santa with a naughty and nice list. Every year they do something different!
The Christmas festivities do not end there! The Sheraton Waikiki Hotel has been known to do a 12 Days of Christmas program, making it one of the best hotels with Christmas events.
Every day there is a fun new activity or musical performance with Christmas songs to enjoy that is all Christmas-themed. From making a lei, crafts, hula lessons, and more, this is a super fun place to enjoy some Christmas events!
You can also enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner at Kai Market. And, you’ll be super close to Waikiki Beach!
If you are wondering where to stay in Hawaii in December, you can’t go wrong with Sheraton Waikiki!
Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Hilton Hawaiian Village is one of the best hotels for kids in Hawaii! It is a super fun place to stay with all the Christmas decorations and holiday activities they plan every year.
Christmas events start on December 20th, all until Christmas Day! There is a fun keiki ornament making where your child can make and keep one Christmas ornament. Check the latest rates and availability.
You can also enjoy holiday musical performances and many family Christmas movies to enjoy. If your child wants, they can also write a letter to Santa to place in Santa’s mailbox!
You can also enjoy a fun holiday photoshoot on Santa’s sleigh. There will also be holiday-themed lei-making and hula lessons.
Enjoy a luau on the lawn outside under the stars on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There will also be Christmas food, lunches, and dinners to enjoy.
You can’t go wrong staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village! It’s truly one of the best Hawaii hotels for families. Read my full Hilton Hawaiian Village review.
Prince Waikiki
Another fun place to stay in Hawaii with kids is Prince Waikiki. For the adults, you will find an awesome holiday-themed tiki bar to spend some time relaxing. That is just the start of Prince Waikiki’s “Holidaze” events this year, making it another one of the family hotels at Christmas time to enjoy.
Enjoy a Holly Jolly Waikiki Trolley to look at the Honolulu lights! The ride begins at Prince Waikiki and goes through the town for a fun annual Christmas parade. Enjoy viewing them with your loved ones. It is a great kid-friendly activity to experience during Christmastime!
During this holiday season, you can find many unique gifts that local artists have created! It is always nice to find fun souvenirs and support small businesses at the same time! You’ll find these pop-ups throughout the hotel lobby. Check the latest rates and availability.
These are just some of the Holidaze fun Prince Waikiki Hotel offers this year! Check them all out during your stay as you have a blast creating, dancing, learning, and more during the Christmas holidays. This is the perfect Christmas vacation spot for families for your Christmas family vacation.
Kahala Resort
You will find the entire resort decked out at the Kahala Resort. This is located in Honolulu and is one of the best Hawaiian hotels to stay with kids.
There are tons of Christmas festivities in Honolulu, so this is the perfect resort to stay at during December for your Hawaii Christmas trip. Get some freshly baked Christmas stollen or enjoy a relaxing day at the spa. Check the latest rates and availability.
You’ll find plenty of amazing activities here as they fill the holiday event calendar for everyone to enjoy for your Honolulu Christmas vacation! There is a super fun Christmas tree contest that your kids will love to participate in, along with enjoying some teddy bear tea.
You will be close by to the annual Christmas Honolulu City Lights which are amazing to see! Enjoy a delicious dinner event: Hoku’s Christmas Dinner. This is a seven-course dinner filled with tasty delights your whole family will love!
The Kahala Resort is another one of the best hotels in Hawaii for couples and families to enjoy.
Aulani Resort
Of course, the Aulani Resort is one of the best family-friendly hotels in Hawaii that your kids would be thrilled to stay in during your Christmas vacation.
The halls are decked out in Christmas gear, as are Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and all the other characters! Your entire family can make delicious Christmas cookies and treats with Santa Goofy. Check the latest rates and availability.
You will also find plenty of Christmas movie nights out under the stars. All movies are holiday-themed and family-friendly too! Be sure to listen for carollers throughout the resort, and listen as they sing carols full of holiday joy. It truly is the best place to stay in Hawaii in December if you’re going with your kids.
On Christmas Eve, Santa will visit all the little children! There is a special Christmas Luau on Christmas Day as well. There are countless things to do during Christmas at the Aulani Resort!
This is one of the best places to stay with kids in Hawaii, as every kid loves Disney. They will love everything this resort offers, especially during Christmas time.
It’s definitely one of the best hotels for families in Hawaii. If you want a Christmas vacation kids will love, head to the Aulani Resort. You can read my full Aulani resort review HERE.
Best Hotels for Christmas on Maui
Here are some of the best Hawaiian resorts and hotels on Maui for your Hawaii vacation at Christmas:
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is the perfect place to stay in Hawaii over Christmas. It is decorated with magical lights and decorations to make your Christmas in Hawaii vacation full of holiday cheer.
The on-site restaurants, Ferraro’s and Spago will be open on Christmas Day and will have holiday specials your entire family will love. Check the latest rates and availability.
But that’s not all. The real reason why this is one of the best hotels to stay at in Hawaii for Christmas is all the fun Christmas events this resort puts on!
During the evenings, there will be special kid-themed holiday activities from cookie decorating to a Hawaiian Christmas movie event.
On Christmas Eve morning, make sure to head to Wailea Beach at 10:00 AM with your kids because you will get a surprise visit from Santa! He will come on an Outrigger canoe which is something your kids will have a blast seeing.
Be sure to make a snowman in Hawaii out of sand afterward, one of the Hawaii Christmas traditions.
You can even get a Christmas tree for your room at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, making it one of the best hotels at Christmas time!
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
You will find a special Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Maui in Kapalua in early December. During this event, you will find handmade gingerbread houses and Santa Claus comes to visit too!
There will be live music, hula dancing for the kids, craft booths, pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, and so much more.
From this lighting ceremony and on until Christmas, guests will then enjoy tons of fun holiday events making it another one of the top hotels in Hawaii for your Christmas vacation. Check the latest rates and availability.
Enjoy a special morning coffee with a twist: get some Peppermint Mochas, Gingerbread Lattes, and Hot Cocoa Bombs instead!
Santa Claus is available for breakfast at the resort’s Ulana Terrace a few days leading up to Christmas Day.
For adults, take a break and enjoy some special holiday-themed spa treatments at the resort spa.
This is one of the Christmas themed resorts that would make your stay in Hawaii one of the best Christmas vacations for families.
Fairmont Kea Lani
Watch Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on an Outrigger Canoe at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui too! They will come on Christmas Eve and is one of the best Christmas events your kids will love during your Hawaii for Christmas vacation.
The on-site restaurants are open Christmas Day so your family can enjoy a delicious meal together. Check the latest rates and availability.
Plus, your whole family will love all the fun holiday events to spread the Christmas cheer at this hotel. You can make a special flower lei, make your own gingerbread houses, have your kids send a letter to Santa, make a special ornament, do cookie and stocking decorating, and have more holiday fun!
It is one of the coolest hotels in Hawaii filled with Christmas lights and perfect December weather for your vacation to the Aloha State.
Grand Wailea Maui Resort
The best place to stay for Christmas in Maui is the Grand Wailea Maui: A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Many families enjoy staying here during the holiday season for all the incredible Hawaii events put on at this resort.
There is a special Christmas tree lighting ceremony in early December followed by a special holiday marketplace. There will be local vendors sharing their Made on Maui souvenirs that would be perfect for Christmas gifts! Check the latest rates and availability.
The Grand Luau will be holding special festive luaus during the month as well, which would be quite interesting to see!
Kids will love all the holiday activities, especially for them at this resort, including sand art, spa salt blend making, ornament decorating, and more.
On the 23rd and 24th, Santa’s Candyshop will be here where your kids can enjoy tons of holiday treats! Then on Christmas Eve, enjoy a special holiday breakfast, and watch Santa arrive on a canoe in the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to make a Hawaiian snowman in the sand while you are out!
On Christmas Day there are special church services in the chapel and a holiday special brunch afterward.
The Grand Wailea Maui Resort is one of the best holiday hotels to enjoy for your Hawaiian Christmas vacation.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa offers a special Halona Kai Holiday Village during the week of Christmas and is sure to be the best Hawaii resort for Christmas.
At this special Holiday Village, enjoy a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas activities, Santa Claus, holiday music, games, food and treats, and so much more. It’s sure to be a hit with your kids! Check the latest rates and availability.
Enjoy a Christmas holiday movie under the stars to complete your evening.
It is one of the famous hotels in Hawaii that you will love to visit. Because it is in Lahaina, you can see the largest banyan tree lighting ceremony too! (Due to the fires in 2023, it probably won’t happen this year or the next.)
Montage Kapalua Bay
For your Christmas Hawaii vacation, head to the Montage Kapalua Bay. This hotel is filled with events to make your Christmas trip to Hawaii truly magical.
You can get a special Christmas box for your kids that is filled with a notebook, a letter to write Santa, milk, cookies, and a holiday book.
If you want a Christmas tree in your room, they offer those as well! Get a traditional one or a special under the sea one. You get to keep the ornaments forever too! Check the latest rates and availability.
Other events include making your own stocking and having a special holiday movie under the stars with your family.
It is the best hotel in Hawaii for Christmas and New Year’s.
Best Hotels for Christmas on Kauai
Here is one of the best Christmas island hotels on Kauai:
Koloa Landing Resort
The Koloa Landing Resort is the best resort in Hawaii on the Garden Isle. It has so many fun things to do and experience, the entire family will have a blast.
You can enjoy a special Christmas brunch at the on-site restaurant: the Holoholo Grill. Fruits, salads, cheese, banana pancakes, fried chicken, poke, ribs, a ramen bar, gingerbread cookies, and so many more delicious foods are included.
The resort has holiday lights to set the holiday cheer and has some fun events for kids and adults. Check the latest rates and more availability.
The Koloa Landing Resort has one of the best pools and waterslides out of all the islands and makes for the perfect hotels to stay in Hawaii for your trip.
Check out my Koloa Landing Resort review HERE.
Best Hotels for Christmas on Big Island
Here are the best Christmas hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii:
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
One of the best places to visit during Christmas in Hawaii is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Enjoy a Christmas buffet for dinner with both traditional and Hawaiian delights to celebrate the holidays.
This resort is in the perfect location to go whale watching with your family! Check the latest rates and availability.
Your kids will also enjoy watching some Christmas movies under the stars, including The Grinch. Santa will also make a special appearance during some of the kids activities as well.
For one of the wellness events, enjoy a fun Jingle Bell Run on December 23rd.
If you want to stay in Kailua Kona on the Kohala Coast, this is one of the best hotels in Hawaii.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
At the Mauna Lani on the Big Island, you will find some Christmas fun for the entire family.
Do you love golf? Enjoy some holiday discounts on two of the golf courses here. Check the latest rates and availability.
Make some gingerbread houses, decorate some cookies, make some leis, go on a holiday sunset tour, and so much more.
There are special meals for Christmas Eve and Day as well at the on-site restaurants. Enjoy holiday classics and some Hawaiian Christmas dishes too.
Early on Christmas morning, Santa will arrive at the beach to greet your kids.
What I like best about the Mauna Lani is there is also a complimentary kids club, so you can enjoy the spa or other fun activities while your kids have a blast.
Kona Beach Resort
The Kona Beach Resort also has a few fun Christmas activities the entire family will love. It is one of the nice hotels in Hawaii right in Kailua Kona.
There is a special Christmas parade that goes on every year to start off the festivities. It is so much fun and will get everyone in the holiday spirit. Check the latest rates and availability.
The Chefs at this resort also put on a special get-together with tons of food that are both holiday traditions and Hawaiian specials.
On Christmas, enjoy a special brunch buffet that includes poke, lobster bisque, potato salad, ginger crab, chicken, ribs, and a wide selection of tasty desserts.
Out of all these best hotels in Hawaii, this is one of the more budget accommodations to enjoy on the Hawaiian islands. The hotel rates are higher around Christmas though.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
If you want to see Santa ride a canoe escorted by dolphins, head to the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
He arrives on Christmas Day and brings treats to share with the kids. Your family can get some fun pictures with him too!
All throughout the day, you can enjoy delicious food here as well. Then for dinner, enjoy a special Christmas Luau. Check the latest rates and availability.
With the holiday lights on the palm trees and festive Christmas music all throughout the hotel, you will love your time here on this Hawaiian island.
Enjoy some gingerbread decorating, holiday coloring, an elf scavenger hunt, hot chocolate, candy canes, and more. There is something for everyone to love!
On Christmas Eve, enjoy a church service, carol in the lobby, and see Santa right at the pool! If you are heading to Hawaii for Xmas, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is a wonderful choice.
Check out my Hilton Waikoloa Village review HERE.
Fairmont Orchid
Finally, the Fairmont Orchid is the best hotel to stay in Hawaii for the holiday season. It is lit up with lights and decorations and truly has the holiday spirit wherever you go.
At each of the places to eat at this resort, you will find delicious holiday food to enjoy all season long. Check the latest rates and availability.
Once again, Santa arrives on a canoe pulled by his elves in Santa hats. This will take place at Pauoa Bay on Christmas Eve.
Instead of a tree lighting, at the Fairmont Orchid, you can enjoy a torch lighting with a special hula performance. It is one of the cool Christmas traditions in Hawaii here!
Kids and families can enjoy making their own gingerbread houses, decorating a holiday pineapple, and many other fun activities.
Adults can make their own bath bomb or sugar scrub for free and enjoy getting a massage while you are at the spa too!
Christmas is one of the best Hawaii holidays to enjoy at the Fairmont Orchid!
Check out my Fairmont Orchid review HERE.
Hawaii For Christmas FAQs
Yes, absolutely! Get away from the cold weather, snow, and ice, and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. A Christmas vacation in Hawaii is one your family will remember forever!
Yes, generally, the top Hawaii hotels get more expensive the closer to Christmas in Hawaii. You might be able to find good Hawaii Christmas vacation deals if you watch where you plan to stay. Booking way in advance may also help lower the costs. Some places offer Hawaii Christmas vacation packages too.
Oahu is said to be the best Hawaiian island to vacation on during Christmas time. It is usually cheaper and has many fun Christmas activities to do all over the island. It also is a tourist island, so you know there will be plenty of things to do and see while you’re there!
Usually Aulani will start decorating for Christmas right after Thanksgiving. Christmas at Aulani is full of wonderful Christmas lights and decorations during this time of year for the perfect Hawaii Christmas vacation for families.
Best Family Hotels in Hawaii for Christmas Wrap-Up
Now you know where to spend Christmas in Hawaii!
These are some of the best hotels for a Hawaii Christmas vacation. Each of these welcomes kids of all ages and has plenty of activities for everyone in your family. Hawaii trips in December are some of the best, so enjoy these places to stay.
Christmas is such a special season; if you plan to visit Hawaii during Christmas time, be sure to stay at one of these luxury Christmas hotels or resorts to feel this holiday spirit! These are some amazing best places to stay in Hawaii for families.