In the words of one classic Hawaiian holiday song, “Here we know that Christmas will be clean and bright / the sun will shine by day and all the stars by night.” The same goes for other winter holidays in the islands, too. And balmy weather isn’t the only attraction: Lighted parades and illuminated palm trees also give the islands a cheery glow this time of year.
Speaking of lights, don’t forget to close the curtains in lodgings near the ocean at night during this time of year, and switch off any lights on your lanai. That’s because fledgling shearwaters use moonlight to fly out to sea and can easily get disoriented by too many lights by the shore. (If you happen to find a downed bird, check this list to learn where to take it.) Sea turtle hatchlings will also appreciate the darkness.
Here are some highlights of how to have a “Mele Kalikimaka” or just a fun December getaway in Hawaii.
Feature Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Wailea on Facebook
Oahu
The brilliantly lit, whimsical Civic Center display known as Honolulu City Lights celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The opening celebration on Dec. 7 begins with the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade along downtown King Street at 6 p.m, ending at Honolulu Hale., home to a 50-foot Christmas tree and the iconic island figures of Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele among other fanciful decorations. The free installation is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through December.
Here are highlights of other events around Oahu in December:
December 7 & 8
Runners can have all day — and night — to run the Honolulu Marathon, which starts near Ala Moana Beach Park and rewards the finishers in Kapiolani Park with malasadas. Still, if 26.2 miles seems a bit much, opt to do the Kalakaua Merrie Mile on Dec. 7, a loop that starts in Kapiolani Park and ends with a beach party, or the Start to the Park 10K on Dec. 8, which lets runners start with the marathoners but peel off early.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Waikiki’s annual events.
December 8-20
This surf event is an invitational competition for men and women with handpicked pros at tricks that’ll make your jaw drop. Allow plenty of time to head to the North Shore to watch these talented surfers at work; big waves draw big crowds.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of North Shore’s annual events.
December 15
Support Make-A-Wish Hawaii by participating in the annual Jingle Rock Run at the Ko Olina Resort each December. Festivities start at 3 p.m. with live entertainment, kids’ activities and crafts, and food trucks on the lawn, followed by a 4 p.m. sprint for ages 12 and younger. Just in time for sunset, the 2.5-mile Jingle Rock Run passes all four lagoons.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Ko Olina annual events.
Maui
The wildfires that destroyed so many homes in Lahaina and Kula also took out thousands of trees that had provided fruit, fragrant flowers, shade and bird habitats. The newly reopened Royal Lahaina Resort is supporting the replanting efforts of Treecovery Hawaii through its new “A Tree for You and Me” package. With a three-night minimum stay through Jan. 5, guests in one of the resort’s recently renovated private bungalows will have a native alahee tree, which grows much like a Christmas tree, placed in their room and receive a complimentary breakfast buffet for two. When they check out, they can take home a keepsake ornament while the tree will be donated to Treecovery.
Here’s what else to watch or nosh on the Valley Isle this month:
December 16
A marketplace with island-made gifts by more than 30 local vendors gets the Grand Wailea’s annual holiday party started at 4 p.m. in the Main Lobby. Head to the tree-lined front drive for live entertainment at 6 p.m. and a countdown to the official tree illumination of the trees at 7 p.m.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of South Side annual events.
December 14, 15, 21, 22
A collaboration between Momentum Dance Maui and Maui OnStage, this annual show at the historic Iao Theater in Wailuku is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and celebrate a Christmas classic. Explore boutiques such as Native Intelligence and restaurants such as Top Chef Sheldon Simeon’s Tiffany’s in the vintage downtown area before or after the performance.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of North Side, East Side and Central annual events.
December 25
Festive events at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, include holiday themed concerts by ukulele virtuoso Taimane on Dec. 6 and pop-reggae-R&B vocalist Anuhea on Dec. 28; pop-up markets with live music, children’s hula and food and drinks on Dec. 14 and 21; and a lavish “Happy Holiday” dinner buffet on Dec. 25. Walk off the deliciousness afterwards on one of the Kapalua Resort’s scenic hiking trails.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of West Side annual events.
Hawaii Island
It’s okay to buy votes in the unique Charity Trees program of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, which benefits local nonprofits. Some 20 Hawaii Island charities have decorated specially themed trees lining the resort’s hallways. Vote for your favorites for $1 per vote at the front desk; the top three receive cash prizes from $500 to $1,000, while the remaining nonprofits split the funds collected from votes. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the program, which begins today (Nov. 30) with a free reception with holiday music and refreshments, plus the lighting of the Mauna Lani’s own towering tree. The resort will also host a special Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 25.
Here are more highlights for December on Hawaii Island:
December 14
Not sure where to find a winter wonderland in a tropical paradise? The Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade is a great option, with stunning light displays, floats and music performances starting at 5 p.m. The parade heads from Kekuaokalani Gym on Kuakini Highway all the way to the Royal Kona Resort on Alii Drive.This year’s theme: “Magical Storybook Christmas.”
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Kona annual events.
December 7
Since he’s all booked Dec. 24-25, Santa brings special treats early to the approximately 300 animals at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens. The hourlong Christmas at the Zoo. starts at 10:15 a.m.; stay for the petting zoo open from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Hilo annual events.
December 21
This family-friendly extravaganza starts at 10 a.m. with a parade from the Skate Park on Paniolo Road to Waikoloa School that includes floats, bikes and costumed dogs. The festival afterwards offers crafts, kids; games, food vendors and photos with Santa..
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Waikoloa annual events.
Kauai
New Year’s Eve used to bring a large crowd to Poipu Beach to watch a fireworks display at 9 p.m. (the early-riser version of midnight), but the advent of large numbers of Hawaiian green sea turtles on the beach forced the cancellation of last year’s festivities. The fireworks seem unlikely to return while the threatened honu continue to gather. If you go to Poipu Beach anyway, please be sure to keep a respectful distance of at least 10 feet from the turtles.
If you want to enjoy some musical fireworks instead, head to Porter Pavilion in Kilauea’s Anaina Hou Community Park on Dec. 21, when Hawaiian soul artist Paula Fuga presents her Home for the Holidays concert. The North Shore venue also hosts veteran pop-rocker Henry Kapono’s Merry Christmas to You concert Dec. 14 and the Lonely Hearts’ Beatles and Beyond tribute show Dec. 7.
Here are other fun events on Kauai this month:
December 21
Surround yourself with twinkling lights as decked-out trucks roll by and glow-stick marching units strut their stuff in the annual Waimea Light Parade, This year’s theme: Not all heroes wear capes. As always, the parade ends with a holiday concert in Hofgaard Park.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Poipu annual events.
December 6
Wrap up the year with the Lights on Rice Parade. All of Lihue’s historic thoroughfare of Rice Street shuts down to showcase some 60 groups with 3,000 participants, making it one of Kauai’s largest family-friendly attractions. The historic Kauai County Building and adjacent park are typically illuminated all month, too, with a display inside of beautiful ornaments made from inventively recycled materials.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of Lihue annual events.
December 20
Introducing Christmas on wheels: join the Princeville community on decked out bikes (mainly), scooters, golf carts and other vehicles to celebrate Christmas. Holiday attire and music is encouraged.
To plan further ahead, see our calendar of North Shore annual events.
