Are you planning a trip to Hawaii in December and want to know where to see Christmas lights in Hawaii? Keep scrolling to find out how to see Hawaii Christmas lights for a magical trip.
This post about where to see Christmas lights in Hawaii in December 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.
Are you looking for a way to make your Hawaii trip even more magical? Is seeing Christmas lights in Hawaii something you’re interested in?
You’re in luck because we have the perfect guide for you! We’ve compiled all of the best places to see holiday light displays and amazing holiday decorations in Hawaii.
If you want to get into that warm spirit of the holidays while also enjoying one of the most gorgeous islands in America, then this is definitely something you need to check out!
There are many reasons why seeing night Christmas lights in Hawaii is such an incredible experience.
For starters, it’s during a time when everything seems extra festive and bright. The weather is warm but not too hot, so it won’t be uncomfortable walking outside at night admiring all of these amazing displays.
Plus, there will be many other people around who are just as excited about seeing them! What could be better than spreading holiday cheer with others? It really makes for a wonderful family outing or romantic date night idea!
So what are you waiting for? Check out our Christmas lights Hawaii guide before planning your next vacation here!
Keep scrolling for my ultimate guide on where to see Christmas lights in Hawaii.
Where to See Christmas Lights on Oahu
If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Hawaii, here are all the town Christmas lights on Oahu. Each one is beautiful and will add joy and festivity to your Christmas vacation in Hawaii!
Christmas in Oahu is full of decorations and Christmas cheer. Here are the top places for the best Christmas lights on Oahu.
Honolulu Hale City Lights
One of the best Christmas lights in Honolulu, Hawaii, is put on by the Friends of Honolulu City Lights. It is a nonprofit that dedicates its time and energy to having an annual month-long Christmas lights display in Honolulu. Honolulu Hale City Lights takes place all December long and is entirely free!

In the past, this event featured a public wreath contest, Shaka Santa, Mrs. Claus (Mele), the Snow Family, and a beautifully lit Christmas tree.
Businesses and the surrounding town were adorned with hundreds of lights supporting the festivities. Visitors also enjoyed plenty of food options and activities for children, making it a highlight of Oahu’s Christmas season.
These displays have delighted attendees for years, and we’re excited to see what new surprises they bring in 2024.
This year, the 40th Annual Honolulu City Lights celebration kicks off on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with an opening night block party starting at 4:00 PM on Punchbowl Street and the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds.
At 6:15 PM, the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade will illuminate King Street, with floats traveling from River Street to Kawaiaha‘o Street.
This year’s enhanced decorations include a 250-foot lighted tunnel and 50 illuminated trees, adding new magic to the tradition. Visitors can explore the dazzling displays daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM through December 31, 2024. Admission remains free for all.
With decades of holiday cheer behind it and exciting new features this year, Honolulu Hale City Lights promises to remain one of the best Christmas events on Oahu!
Kaneohe Christmas Lights
Here are some of the top Christmas lights Kaneohe has to offer:
In the past, Namoku Street, affectionately known as “Christmas Tree Lane,” showcased houses adorned with vibrant lights and imaginative displays. Notable sights included a 9-foot bear on a train, Santa on rooftops, and even a rumored Where’s Waldo-themed house.
Another standout was 45-229 Nakuluai Street, famous for its handcrafted wooden Disney characters such as Harry Potter, Kung Fu Panda, and Dora, which were incorporated into their Christmas decorations. Additionally, 45-623 Hinemoe Loop created a winter wonderland with fake snow, interactive features like a Santa mailbox, and a kid-friendly play zone with snowballs and treats.
This year, Kaneohe spreads holiday cheer with updated displays and events. Namoku Street remains a must-visit, with its tradition of festive light displays attracting visitors from all over Oahu.
The 60th Annual Kaneohe Christmas Parade is another exciting event on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 9:00 AM. The parade will travel from Haiku Road near Windward Mall to Castle High School on Kaneohe Bay Drive.
Kaneohe Christmas Lights will create lasting memories for families and visitors alike this holiday season!
Kapolei Christmas Lights
Kapolei Christmas Lights bring in the holiday cheer through their joyous and fun holiday lights!
In past years, the event featured a lively block party, a holiday parade, and a grand Christmas tree illumination at Kapolei Hale. Families enjoyed local vendors, live music, and beautifully decorated floats, creating a joyful community celebration. These past displays have delighted visitors, and we’re excited to see what’s in store this year.
For 2024, the Kapolei City Lights celebration begins on Saturday, November 30, with a block party from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM near Kapolei Hale.
Attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, and local vendors. At the same time, a 6:00 PM holiday parade featuring 70 festive floats and vehicles winds down Kapolei Parkway from Kapolei High School to the event hub.
This year’s centerpiece is a magnificent 50-foot LED Christmas tree donated by the Show Aloha Challenge. The 2024 theme, “Show Aloha this Holiday Season,” encourages the community to embrace the aloha spirit.
Kapolei Hale’s dazzling decorations will be open for viewing from November 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Visiting hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and Friday to Sunday & Holidays, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
I love this one because it is not a typical Christmas lights show. The show is 20 minutes long and will continuously play on a loop. Usually, they start on the 15th of December and go until Christmas night.
It’s the best Kapolei home Christmas lights to see and experience with your family!
Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), located in Laie, has an annual Christmas event with holiday light displays, music, and tons of fun and free activities.

In previous years, the PCC hosted the “12 Days of Christmas” event. This featured a 10-minute boat ride through the center’s lagoon, live entertainment by award-winning Hawaiian artists, keiki train rides, photos with Santa, and shopping opportunities at the Hukilau Marketplace. These events provided a festive atmosphere that delighted both locals and tourists alike.
For the 2024 holiday season, the PCC is presenting Christmas at Hukilau Marketplace from December 16th to 21st, between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This free event includes twinkling lights, a fun-filled train ride, live entertainment, giveaways, a scavenger hunt, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Additionally, the Hukilau Marketplace will host Winter Wonderland events on December 15th and 22nd, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, where families can experience playing in real snow—a rare treat in Hawaii.
Drive around Brigham Young University Hawaii’s campus for even more beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. You can be sure to add this to your Christmas traditions in Hawaii! Click here to buy your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets.
Kailua Christmas Lights
On the west side of Oahu, Kailua has a street filled with Christmas lights to enjoy.
In the past years, Akumu Street has one home with a huge display filled with over 10,000 lights; however, most homes will also be decorated to enjoy. The best part is that they are all synchronized to Christmas music!
This house also has inflatable Christmas decorations, ornaments, and so many more decorations to watch in amazement. The Christmas lights with music shows are usually put on daily for a few hours every night. This is one of the best Christmas activities in Hawaii, as families can enjoy the lights and music together.
255 Kuupua Street decorates their home with an “It’s a Small World” theme. They make a display full of Christmas lights and include children from all over the world. This home wants to share the message of unity and peace on Earth with its decorations.
Also, on this street, you will find cute candy canes, lollipops, palm trees, and Snoopy the Christmas Beagle. It has a unique Christmas light display and is the best place to drive and see Kailua’s Christmas lights.
As of now, specific details about the 2024 holiday light displays on Akumu Street have not been officially announced. However, given the street’s longstanding holiday cheer tradition, residents are expected to continue to uphold this festive custom.
Check out their website for more holiday events and attractions!
Aiea Christmas Lights
Aiea, a community on Oahu, has a rich tradition of celebrating the holiday season with festive events and vibrant light displays.
Over the years, the Aiea Christmas Parade & Family Fun Fair has been a highlight, featuring decorated cars, marching bands, and community groups parading through the streets, followed by a fair offering food, games, and holiday shopping opportunities. These events have brought joy to residents and visitors alike, and we look forward to the festivities planned for this year.
For 2024, the Aiea Community Association has tentatively scheduled the Aiea Christmas Parade & Family Fun Fair for Saturday, December 14, 2024, beginning at 9:00 AM. The parade will showcase local organizations, schools, and businesses, fostering community spirit.
Following the parade, the Family Fun Fair will feature music, food, games, and holiday shopping, providing fun for all ages.
In addition to the parade and fair, Aiea residents often adorn their homes with elaborate Christmas light displays, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the neighborhood. Visitors are encouraged to drive through the community during the evenings to enjoy these decorations.
Aiea’s holiday celebrations offer a wonderful opportunity to experience local traditions and community spirit during the festive season.
Check out Aiea Community Association for more information about their Christmas lights in Hawaii!
Pearl City Christmas Lights
Pearl City, located in Oahu, has a rich tradition of celebrating the holiday season with vibrant events and festive light displays that bring joy to both residents and visitors.
Historically, the Annual Pearl City Christmas Parade has been a highlight of the community’s holiday festivities. Sponsored by the Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association, the parade features local schools, first responders, costumed characters, pageant winners, floats, scouts, youth programs, classic cars, Chinese lions, local businesses, community organizations, sports teams, and of course, Santa Claus.
Over the years, these events have fostered a strong sense of community and holiday spirit.
For the 2024 holiday season, the Annual Pearl City Christmas Parade & Cruz Night is scheduled for Sunday, December 1, 2024, beginning at 4:00 PM.
The parade will follow its traditional route, starting at Momilani Elementary School and ending at the Pearl City Shopping Center. The Cruz Night Car Show will take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM near Flagship Fastlube & Union 76 on the Makai side of Pearl City Shopping Center, featuring an impressive lineup of hot rods and classic cars.
They also have decorations that show Lilo and Stitch, Little Mermaid and Flounder, Thomas the Train, Dora and Boots, and the Kalikimaka Hawaiian Orchestra Menehune Band. They love to put on this show for all who stay at the Aulani Resort during their Christmas vacation in Hawaii.
Ewa Beach Christmas Lights
Ewa Beach, located on Oahu’s leeward coast, has a rich tradition of celebrating the holiday season with vibrant light displays and community events that bring joy to residents and visitors alike.
In the past years, the Ewa Beach Lions Club Christmas Parade has been a highlight of the festive season. The parade typically begins at Campbell High School, proceeding along North Road, Fort Weaver Road, Kuhina Street, Hanakahi Street, and returning to the starting point.
For the 2024 holiday season, the Ewa Beach Lions Club is expected to continue this cherished tradition. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the Ewa Beach Lions Club Foundation’s official website for the most current information on event schedules and participation details.
Another highlight is the Da Ohana Christmas Light Show at 91-6523 Kapolei Parkway. This synchronized light show features over 49,000 LED lights, a 20-foot Christmas tree, a snow machine, and a snow globe, offering a picture-perfect holiday experience. The show has delighted audiences for nine years and is a must-see attraction during the festive season.
Ewa Beach’s commitment to holiday celebrations through community events and individual displays makes it a delightful destination for those seeking festive experiences on Oahu.
Check out what they did last year in this video! Oh, I hope they do this again this year because it really does bring in the holiday cheer.
Waikele Christmas Lights
Waikele, a community on Oahu, has a cherished tradition of celebrating the holiday season with elaborate light displays that captivate both residents and visitors.
For the past years, Anapau Place in Waikele has been renowned for its synchronized light shows, where multiple houses coordinate their decorations to create a cohesive and enchanting experience. These displays have featured popular characters like the Minions, nativity scenes, and a variety of illuminated trees and animals.
The street is typically closed to vehicular traffic during showtimes to ensure the safety and enjoyment of pedestrians. This tradition has drawn spectators from across the island, especially after being featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2014.
As of now, specific details for the 2024 Waikele Christmas Lights have not been officially announced. However, given the community’s dedication to this annual event, the tradition is anticipated to continue.
For those planning to visit, it’s advisable to arrive early to find parking and to respect the neighborhood by keeping noise levels down and following any posted guidelines. Experiencing the Waikele Christmas Lights offers a unique glimpse into Oahu’s residents’ community spirit and festive creativity.
To get a sense of the spectacle, here’s a video showcasing the Waikele Christmas Lights:
Where to See Christmas Lights on Maui
If you want to enjoy some Christmas lights during your Xmas in Maui, take a look at two of the best places to see lights on display.
Grand Wailea
A Maui Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Grand Wailea. This resort is fully decorated during Christmastime. It has a grand Christmas tree filled with lights and decorations but also has lights over all the trees throughout the resort grounds.
You will even see a fully constructed gingerbread house village in the front lobby! How cool is that! It is one of the best Maui Christmas lights and decorations to see.
Where to see Christmas Lights on Kauai
If you want to enjoy some Christmas lights during Christmas on Kauai, take a look at the best place to see a display.
Kauai Festival of Lights
One of the biggest displays of Christmas lights on Kauai is the Festival of Lights. And the best part is that these Christmas lighting events are totally free!
Visitors love the charming “Santa’s Gone Kauaiian” theme and adorable handcrafted “Trash to Treasure” decorations created by talented teens from this island!
In twinkling lights, find their beautiful Hokulea Aloha Tree as well as the unbelievable “If Can, Can” tree; don’t miss it either. There are also plenty of other amazing items for you here at the Christmas folk art show, including SPAM can trees and surfer Santa riding his board.
It has some of the best Christmas decorations in Hawaii!
Where to see Christmas Lights on the Big Island
Here are a few fun places to see the Christmas lights on the Big Island of Hawaii!
Punalights
This event called Punalights started back in 2008 and has been growing, adding new features to its display every new year. Their display has lights and decorations that are synchronized with music.
Sometimes, there is holiday music, while others are general music. They keep a list of all their music selections for each night of its display on their Facebook page.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island offers unique holiday experiences that blend natural wonders with festive traditions.
In previous years, visitors have enjoyed the park’s serene landscapes during the holiday season, with events like the Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit at the Volcano Art Center Gallery, showcasing creative wreaths crafted by local artists.
For the 2024 holiday season, the park has announced several events:
- Holidays in Kahuku: Scheduled for December 7, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station, this free family event will feature holiday-themed activities suitable for all ages.
- Christmas in the Country: Annual Wreath Exhibition: Running from November 29 to December 31, 2024, at the Volcano Art Center Gallery, this exhibit will display a variety of wreaths created by local artists, celebrating the holiday spirit through art.
Visitors can also explore the park’s natural beauty, including the glowing vistas of active volcanic areas, offering a distinctive backdrop for the holiday season.
For the most current information on events and activities, please refer to the park’s official calendar.
Experiencing the holidays at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the season.
Kona Christmas House
At 75-6202 Piena Place, you will find 30,000 lights, interactive displays, a 23-foot Christmas tree, a walk-in snow globe, a train, and so much more. The owner started this back in 2005 and loves to continue today. I think it is one of the best Christmas tree lights in Kona!
Ocean View House
Another house decorated galore for Christmas is at 92-9150 Lehua Lane.
In past years, homeowner Kaida Houvener has transformed his property into a dazzling spectacle of Christmas lights and decorations. The popularity of this display has often led to the road’s closure to vehicular traffic during viewing hours.
As of now, specific details for the 2024 holiday season have not been officially announced.
Experiencing the Ocean View House’s Christmas display offers a unique glimpse into the festive spirit of Hawai‘i Island’s residents. This is why it is a must-visit during the holiday season.
Christmas in Hawaii FAQs
Hawaii at Christmas is a truly magical time. You can hear jolly Christmas stories and Hawaiian Christmas carols on the radio and in restaurants. You might also see Santa surfing at the beach or walking around in an Aloha shirt, throwing shakas. And you can build sandmen on the beach.
Absolutely. I’ve gotten sticker shock on quite a few of our Hawaii Christmas trips. Airfare will spike in mid-December and stay high through New Year’s Day. Prices also increase for hotels, car rentals, and some attractions.
Yes. The weather is a bit cooler, and hotel swimming pools might be cold, but you can still swim. Keep in mind that the sunrise is later, and the sunset is earlier. So, you might want to head to the beach in the middle of the day to maximize the heat.
Yes, Honolulu goes all out with its Waikiki Christmas lights and decorations throughout town and neighborhoods. It’s one of the top spots to experience town Christmas lights in Oahu during your trip.
Hawaii Christmas Lights Wrap-Up
Christmas time in Hawaii is unlike any other place during the holiday season. While there may not be snow or a winter wonderland, it will still be festive and joyful. I hope you enjoy these Christmas lights in Hawaii!
You will find neighborhood Christmas lights, Christmas drive-through lights, shows, and everything in between.
Enjoy these Hawaii Christmas lights with your family during your vacation.
Looking for more posts about Christmas in Hawaii? Find out what to do in Hawaii in December, what it’s like to spend Christmas in Hawaii, where to see the Nutcracker in Hawaii, what to add to your Hawaii packing list for Christmas, how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hawaii, and the best Waikiki Christmas activities!
