Did you know that Christmas is one of the busiest times of year in Hawaii?
Visitors flock to the islands around Christmas for a tropical holiday. Who can blame them? While people across North America bundle up against cold December temperatures, things in Hawaii look slightly different.
Like the famous tune Mele Kalikimaka says, “Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright, the sun to shine all day, and all the stars by night.” No white Christmases around here!
If you’re planning a Hawaii Christmas, you might be wondering what else to expect. Let’s break down how Christmas in Hawaii is different than on the mainland.
Christmas In Hawaii
A Bright and Sunny Christmas
As we mentioned above, weather and climate are the most obvious differences between a mainland and Hawaii Christmas.
Most Christmases in Hawaii are sunny and warm. But December is the rainy season, so occasionally, Christmas can be wet and gray.
The good news is that unless there is a big storm, rain in Hawaii usually passes quickly.
Christmas Day at the Beach
After the morning festivities, most families head to the beach.
Given that it’s sunny, beaches are usually packed on Christmas. You’ll likely see lots of family gatherings at beach parks and kids testing out their new toys.
Be prepared for beaches to be busy, and bring your Christmas cheer.
Santa’s Reindeer Go On Vacation
Despite Hawaii being in the middle of the Pacific, Santa still manages to find his way to the islands.
However, rather than arriving by sleigh, Santa cruises in on a canoe – usually wearing a festive aloha shirt and slippahs (flip flops), accompanied by Mrs. Claus and a few of his elves.
Santa’s arrival by outrigger canoe is organized by several Maui hotels – typically on or around Christmas Eve.
The Fairmont Kea Lani usually hosts Santa’s arrival on Polo Beach, and Kaanapali Resort usually welcomes Santa near Whaler’s Village. Since all Maui beaches are open to the public, anyone can greet him and join in on the festivities! Keep your eyes and ears out for specific times and dates.
White Rice Replaces Mashed Potatoes at Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner in Hawaii often looks different from your traditional Christmas meals on the mainland.
Christmas in Hawaii is an excuse to feast on your favorite local “grinds.” Whether you spend Christmas dinner at a restaurant, luau, or local potluck, you’ll probably be offered dishes like kalua pork, purple sweet potatoes, haupia, fresh fish, and plenty of white rice.
If you’re a fan of traditional holiday feasts, don’t fret. You can still find classic Christmas dinners at restaurants around Hawaii – just be sure to make a reservation first. Or, you can swing by the grocery store and whip up your own feast.
Shops and Restaurants Closed
Many shops and restaurants in Hawaii are closed or have modified hours on Christmas Day. It’s important to consider these closures and get everything you need to enjoy Christmas in Hawaii beforehand.
Many higher-end restaurants stay open for Christmas brunch and dinner. However, reservations are almost always required on Christmas Day.
Island-Style Christmas Songs
In Hawaii, Traditional Christmas songs are given an island-style twist—usually heavy on ukulele, slack–key guitar, and island references.
Twelve Days of Christmas (Hawaiian Style) is definitely one of the most memorable Hawaiian Christmas songs. Give it a listen next time you’re feeling festive, regardless of whether you’re in the islands or not.
Leading up to Christmas, there are usually lots of live performances across the islands – where you can enjoy island-style holiday music in person! Check event listings at nearby resorts and shopping centers.
Before Christmas, There Was Makahiki
Christmas is a relatively “new” holiday in Hawaii.
Protestant missionaries arrived in Hawaii in the early 1800s, but Christmas didn’t become an official holiday for another 50 years.
In 1862, King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma issued a Royal Proclamation declaring Christmas a national holiday in the Kingdom of Hawaii.
But before Christmas, there was Makahiki. Makahiki is a months-long festival dedicated to the god Lono.
In ancient Hawaii, Makahiki was a time for people to rest and enjoy themselves. War was kapu (off-limits). People spent their time dancing, feasting, surfing, and at religious festivities.
Makahiki starts when the Pleiades constellation appears above the horizon just after sunset—usually in late October or early November. It runs for four months, so ancient Hawaiians were indeed celebrating Makahiki on December 25th.
Tips For Visiting Hawaii During Christmas
The Christmas season is hands down the busiest and most expensive time to visit Hawaii. Here’s what you should know.
- If you plan on visiting Hawaii at Christmas, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance—and be prepared to pay a premium.
- Visiting Hawaii during the holidays can be expensive. Accommodations, rental cars, and tour prices are at their highest during the holiday season.
- Try to book excursions and restaurant reservations in advance. As we mentioned, Christmas is a popular time to visit Hawaii. Book your Hawaii ‘musts’ well ahead of your trip to avoid disappointment.
- Be sure to consider holiday hours for popular attractions. Call ahead to avoid confusion.
- December is whale season in Hawaii, so be sure to book a whale-watching tour during your holiday adventure. Check out these Maui whale-watching tips ahead of your visit!
Mele Kalikimaka, everyone!
Here’s to a bright and sunny Christmas in Hawaii.
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Aloha! Tiffany here. I've been blessed to call Maui home since 2011. With a background in the island's finest restaurants and hotels, guiding visitors to create unforgettable Maui memories is more than a skill I've mastered—it's a profound source of joy for me.
