Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Like everything else, Hawaii has its own unique take on Christmas traditions. Instead of reindeer, Santa arrives via canoe. And sand sculptures instead of snowmen. And whether you’re planning a holiday trip or you already call Oahu home, there’s plenty to do during the Christmas season. Beat the winter weather with a trip to Oahu!
Here are a few of our favorite Christmas traditions in Oahu:
Santa Arrives
With no snow in Honolulu, it’s up to Santa to arrive by other means. The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort welcomes a shorts-wearing St. Nick each year as he paddles his canoe to shore. Upon arrival, the celebration includes holiday hula dancing and a meet-and-greet with free photos with Santa. The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort also offers a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 16, complete with a buffet, balloon twisting, and body painting.
Sand Sculptures at Sheraton Waikiki
There may not be snowmen in Oahu, but there are plenty of sand sculptures. The most famous of which is at the Sheraton Waikiki. They craft gigantic holiday sculptures perfect for snapping a selfie. This iconic holiday tradition at the Sheraton Waikiki has been going strong for 13 years with 32 tons of sand are transformed into two intricate sandy scenes.
Honolulu City Lights
Honolulu City Lights has been a holiday classic since 1985, and is now a month long tradition from December 7, 2019, until Jan. 1, 2020. It all kicks off with the lighting ceremony followed by an electric parade of lights, which starts at Aala Park. Special events continue throughout December including food booths, games and keiki rides.
Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
Another special event that’s uniquely Hawaiian is the Festival of Lights Boat Parade. Every year, members of the Hawai‘i Kai Marina Community Association decorate their boats with ornaments, tinsel, lights and more. Themes are up to the participants, and the best holiday displays are awarded prizes. The event also features live entertainment by the The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific.
If you’re headed to Christmas-themed events in Oahu, remember to start your trip with holiday transportation. Enjoy the fun of the seasons, and let companies like SpeediShuttle and Arthur’s Limousine handle the drive.