Planning a trip to Hawaii in December and want to know how to spend Christmas in Hawaii? Scroll to find out the most magical Hawaiian Christmas traditions worth experiencing yourself.
This post about Hawaiian Christmas traditions 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.
So you’re thinking about spending Christmas in Hawaii? Smart move. I’ve spent enough holidays here to tell you that Hawaiian Christmas hits different, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Forget everything you think you know about December 25th. No snow, no fireplace, no heavy sweaters. Instead, picture this: surfing Santa, beach luaus, and a 50-foot Christmas tree swaying in the tropical breeze while someone plays “Mele Kalikimaka” on a ukulele.
Yeah, it’s as magical as it sounds.
The Backstory (Because History Makes It Cooler)
Here’s what most people don’t know: Christmas in Hawaii is basically a mashup of cultures that somehow works perfectly. The islands have always been a melting pot. You’ve got the original Polynesian traditions, then waves of immigrants from Japan, China, Korea, Portugal, and the Philippines, all bringing their own holiday customs.
Before Christmas even showed up, Hawaiians celebrated Makahiki, this incredible four-month festival that was all about peace, giving thanks, and stopping wars to just… celebrate life. Sound familiar? When Christian missionaries arrived in the 1820s, locals saw the similarities and started blending the two traditions together.
The first recorded Christmas here was actually back in 1786 when English Captain George Dixon threw a feast in Waimea Bay with roasted pig and coconut milk grog. By 1856, King Kamehameha IV made December 25th an official holiday. Pretty cool, right?
How to Actually Say “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian
It’s “Mele Kalikimaka.” And yes, it’s the same phrase from that Bing Crosby song that gets stuck in your head every year. Hawaiians basically took “Merry Christmas” and adapted it to work with their language (Hawaiian doesn’t have certain consonant sounds, so it became Kalikimaka instead of Christmas).
You’ll also hear “Hau’oli Makahiki Hou” for Happy New Year, which directly references that ancient Makahiki festival I mentioned.
Meet Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele
Okay, this is where it gets fun. Santa Claus exists here, but he’s been fully localized. Meet Shaka Santa, who rocks flip-flops, board shorts, an open aloha shirt, and throws the “hang loose” shaka sign.
His wife? That’s Tutu Mele (tutu means grandma), who wears a muumuu and a hibiscus flower in her hair.
You’ll see Shaka Santa all over Oahu during the holidays, especially at Honolulu City Lights. It’s adorable and somehow makes more sense than a guy in a heavy red suit in 80-degree weather. Find out where to visit Santa in Hawaii.
What People Actually Eat for Christmas Dinner
This might blow your mind: kalua pig is the star of the show, not turkey. Kalua pig is traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu, though these days plenty of people use their regular oven or a slow cooker (I’ve got an Instant Pot recipe if you want to try it at home).
You’ll also see poke, lomi lomi salmon, and poi (which is fermented mashed taro root, and definitely an acquired taste). Some families do stick with ham or turkey if they want something more “traditional,” but honestly, the local spread is way better.
Christmas Trees in Paradise
Yes, they have Christmas trees. They ship them from the mainland in early December, and you’ll see them decorated in homes and public spaces across the islands. Some locals get creative and decorate palm trees instead, which is very on-brand.
The big public tree lighting ceremonies are huge events. Honolulu City Lights has been going strong for over 40 years, and they light up a massive Christmas tree with Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele making appearances.
The Best Christmas Events in Hawaii
Honolulu City Lights
This is THE holiday event on Oahu. The entire grounds of Honolulu Hale (City Hall) get transformed with lights, decorations, and displays. There’s a giant tree, Shaka Santa photo ops, and the whole thing runs from late November through early January. The opening night usually features the Electric Light Parade, which is exactly what it sounds like, and it’s spectacular.
Christmas Parades
Hawaii goes hard on parades. The Waikiki Holiday Parade honors Pearl Harbor survivors. There’s also a boat parade where decorated boats light up the marina. Other islands like the Big Island and Kauai host their own community parades that really bring out the local spirit.
Santa Arrives by Outrigger Canoe
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Santa paddle up to the beach in an outrigger canoe, sometimes with hula dancers. It’s wildly popular on Waikiki Beach.
He comes ashore, reads his nice list to the kids, and everyone loses their minds. It’s one of those “only in Hawaii” moments.
Christmas Luaus
Many families throw backyard luaus for Christmas. It’s basically a big party with family, friends, sometimes the whole neighborhood. Food, music, celebration. That’s the heart of Hawaiian Christmas right there.
If you’re visiting, tons of hotels and resorts offer professional Christmas luaus that you can book. It’s a great way to experience the tradition even if you’re not local.
Beach Time After Presents
Opening presents happens Christmas morning like everywhere else. But then? Beach time.
People surf, build sandmen (the Hawaiian version of snowmen), and hang out by the water. Some of the big surf competitions even happen in December.
Hawaiian Christmas Carols
Caroling happens on beaches, in backyards, at parties. They often sing in Hawaiian and play ukuleles. And they put Hawaiian twists on classic songs. The local version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is pretty entertaining.
Christmas Hula Performances
Throughout December, you’ll find special hula performances with Christmas themes. Think hula dancers with Christmas trees, poinsettias, and festive music. It’s beautiful and uniquely Hawaiian.
New Year’s Traditions (Because They’re Just as Cool)
Fireworks Everywhere
New Year’s Eve in Hawaii is LOUD. The Chinese tradition of using fireworks to ward off evil spirits has stuck around big time. Honolulu especially goes wild.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village does a massive fireworks show, and honestly, the whole island sounds like a war zone at midnight (in the best way).
Mochi Pounding
This Japanese tradition has become a Hawaii staple. Families get together to pound sticky rice with wooden mallets to make mochi, those sweet rice cakes. It’s a workout, but the fresh mochi is incredible and it’s supposed to bring good luck for the new year.
Eating Ahi Sashimi
Fresh ahi tuna sashimi on New Year’s is a big deal here. It’s considered lucky, and the demand gets so high that prices skyrocket every year. People still buy it though because it’s tradition.
Chinese New Year in Chinatown
Honolulu’s Chinatown throws a proper Chinese New Year festival. Dragon dances, food stalls, the whole experience. It’s another example of how Hawaii celebrates everyone’s traditions.
First Day Hike
This is one of my favorite traditions. On January 1st, there are organized hikes at various state parks.
The most popular one goes to Makapu’u Lighthouse on Oahu. It starts with the blowing of a conch shell, and the group watches the first sunrise of the new year together. It’s actually really meaningful and a beautiful way to start the year.
Why December in Hawaii Just Hits Different
Look, Christmas anywhere can be special. But there’s something about celebrating in 80-degree weather with the ocean right there, surrounded by this incredible mix of cultures and traditions. It doesn’t feel commercial or rushed. It feels genuine.
You get to experience traditions you won’t find anywhere else. Surfing Santa? Check. Kalua pig for Christmas dinner? Check. Hula performances with Christmas themes? Check. All while the rest of the country is shoveling snow.
Plus, the locals really embrace the spirit of aloha during the holidays. There’s a warmth and generosity that makes you feel welcome whether you’re visiting or you’ve lived here your whole life.
Worth Knowing Before You Go
If you’re planning to visit Hawaii for Christmas, book early. Like, really early. Hotels fill up fast, and popular events like Honolulu City Lights can get crowded. Also, Christmas trees are pre-ordered in December, so if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen and want that full experience, plan ahead.
Most restaurants stay open on Christmas Day since it’s such a tourist destination, which is convenient. But if you want to experience a luau or any special Christmas event, definitely make reservations.
Weather-wise, it’s perfect. You’re looking at highs in the high 70s to low 80s. Pack shorts, sundresses, maybe a light sweater for evening. Don’t forget sunscreen because yeah, you can definitely get sunburned at Christmas here.
The Bottom Line
Hawaiian Christmas is its own thing. It respects the traditions people brought from around the world while adding that unmistakable island flavor. Whether you’re watching Shaka Santa arrive by canoe, eating kalua pig at a backyard luau, or hiking to catch the first sunrise of the new year, you’re experiencing something genuinely special.
And honestly? After you’ve spent one Christmas here, regular Christmas might feel a little boring. Just saying.
Mele Kalikimaka, everyone.
Looking for more Hawaii Christmas content? Check out How to Spend December in Hawaii, Hawaii Christmas Packing List, and Waikiki Christmas Activities!
