How to Spend the Holidays in Hawaii
Dreaming of a beachy Christmas? While it might not feel like winter in Hawaii, there’s no shortage of holiday celebrations. From ice skating -- yep, we have that here -- to selfies with Santa, here are six holiday activities that will have you singing mele kalikimaka all December long!
Santa hits the Beach
Where: The beach in front of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
When: 9:00 a.m., December 7th
Traditionally, Santa drives a sleigh; but in Hawaii, he rides a canoe! Watch as Santa braves the surf to reach Waikiki Beach in an outrigger canoe. After he’s landed on shore, you can take pictures with him in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort’s lobby.
https://www.outrigger.com/events/owk-santa-arrives-by-canoe-waikiki
Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
Where: Hawaii Kai Towne Center
When: 3:00 p.m., December 7th
Watch as boats cruise through the marina Hawaii Kai Towne Center completely decorated in lights! Bring the whole family for this event the screams Christmas in Hawaii!
https://hawaiikaitownecenter.com/event/hktc-festival-of-lights-boat-parade/
The Nutcracker
Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall
When: 6:00 p.m., December 12th
7:30 p.m., December 13th
7:30 p.m. December 14th
2:00 p.m., December 15th
This traditional holiday ballet gets a Hawaiian twist! Head to the Blaisdell Concert Hall to see a fusion of the classic Christmas story set in the Kingdom of Hawaii! Hawaiian places, words, and symbols are introduced throughout the ballet. When the dancers perform the Waltz of the Snowflakes, it takes place on one of the only places it snows in Hawaii -- Mauna Kea.
https://ballethawaii.org/the-nutcracker-2019/
The Jingle Rock Run
Where: State Capitol Building
When: 3:00 p.m., December 15th
Run for a good cause at Make a Wish Foundation’s Jingle Rock Run. This holiday-themed run (or walk) is family -- and pet -- friendly! Not only that, but a festive wardrobe is preferred! That’s right, you can rock that ugly Christmas sweater in the back of your drawer.
https://hawaii.wish.org/news-and-events/signature-events/our-signature-events/jingle-rock-run
Christmas at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Where: Polynesian Cultural Center
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m., December 13th - December 23rd, everyday except Sundays
No Grinches allowed at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Christmas celebration! For nine nights the center’s Hukilau Marketplace will transform into a holiday haven. There will be keiki train rides, scavenger hunts with prizes, and nightly performances at 6:00 p.m.!
https://www.polynesia.com/christmas/
Winter Wishes Holiday Festival
Where: Hawaii Convention Center
When: November 29th - December 24th
A white Christmas isn’t out of reach at the Winter Wishes festival where the Hawaii Convention Center is turned into a winter wonderland complete with an ice skating rink. There will be a variety of events throughout the month, from super hero themed skate parties to concert series. And, active duty military and veterans save on military Mondays!
https://blog.hawaiiconvention.com/winter-wishes-calendar-of-events/
No matter where you choose to celebrate, the holidays are a great time to share the aloha spirit! Mele kalikimaka from Val and Chad.
Hello, World!