Celebrate the Holidays Hawaiian-Style: Festive Events and Island Getaways Across Hawai‘i
Trade winter coats for swimsuits and snowflakes for palm trees this holiday season. Across the Hawaiian Islands, the spirit of Mele Kalikimaka comes alive with beachfront celebrations, dazzling light displays, festive luaus, holiday markets and unforgettable New Year’s Eve parties. From Kaua‘i and O‘ahu to Maui and Hawai‘i Island, discover opportunities to celebrate the season with a tropical twist, experience local traditions and enjoy a little aloha along the way.
Kaua‘i
Lights on Rice Parade (December 4): The Lights on Rice Parade is held annually on the first Friday of December to kick off the holiday season. The parade begins at Vidinha Stadium, heads down Hoʻolako and Rice Streets, and ends on ‘Eiwa Street at Līhu‘e town’s Historic County Building. Attendees should arrive early to secure seating for best views of the parade and lighting of the holiday lights illuminating the county building. LightsOnRice.org
Waimea Light Parade (December 19): From decorative floats to glo-stick-wielding marching units, this annual community parade is always full of holiday cheer. Its route travels westside Waimea town’s main street and ends at Hofgaard Park with a holiday Christmas concert. Both the parade and concert are free and open to the public. WaimeaLightParade.com
New Year's Eve Celebration at Po‘ipū Beach Park (December 31) Ring in and celebrate the new year alongside one of the world’s most beautiful beaches at this annual family-friendly event. The evening includes an outdoor movie screening, ‘ono (delicious) eats from beachside food trucks and a sky-lighting fireworks show over the beach. PoipuBeach.org
O‘ahu
Honolulu City Lights Opening Night (Starting December 5): Experience the spirit of the holiday season with the City and County of Honolulu’s official Christmas tree and holiday lights display. Opening night includes a tree lighting ceremony, an electric-light parade, local food offerings and more. But the festive lights are hosted at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds at Honolulu Hale and open to the public for free throughout December. Attendees can check out holiday tree and wreath contest winners, light displays throughout the grounds and mammoth effigies Shaka Santa and Tūtū Mele — Hawai‘i-style takes on Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. HonoluluCityLights.org
Prince Waikiki (December 6-25): Celebrate the holidays island-style at Prince Waikiki, Waikiki’s only all-ocean-view hotel, with a lineup of festive dining, family-friendly activities and seasonal entertainment throughout November and December. Highlights include the return of the Holly Jolly Waikiki Trolley (Dec. 6–25), taking guests through Honolulu’s holiday lights, and the Festive Flix movie series in partnership with the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF). Families can enjoy festive workshops such as holiday wreath-making, ornament painting and cookie decorating workshops, along with mini performances of The Nutcracker by Ballet Hawaii and traditional hula performances. At 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, guests can gather for Thanksgiving and Christmas buffets, while a new lobby pop-up bar serves seasonal cocktails. The hotel is also giving back through partnerships with Toys for Tots and Brighten A Heart, inviting guests to support local keiki and families. For those planning a holiday getaway, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers include savings of up to 40% on ocean-view rooms and 50% on suites.
11th Annual Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace (December 12-13): On Saturday, December 12 (9 a.m.–7 p.m.) and Sunday, December 13, 2026 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), Honolulu’s premier holiday shopping experience takes over the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. The event features nearly 300 local vendors and artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, apparel, local artwork, home décor, gourmet treats, and curated gift baskets all under one roof. Concurrently, the marketplace hosts the free Hawai‘i ʻUkulele Festival in the Pikake Room (11 a.m.–4 p.m. both days), featuring live performances from emerging and renowned ʻukulele artists. Admission is $7 general, $5 for seniors (65+) and military, and free for keiki 12 and under with a paid adult. MeleKalikimakaMarketplace.com
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach - Festive Parisian Tea Time with Ladurée (Now through January 3, 2027): Running through January 3, 2027, the iconic Parisian pâtisserie Ladurée arrives in Hawai‘i for a festive pop-up on the resort’s open-air terrace overlooking Waikīkī Beach. Guests can experience "Parisian Tea Time" featuring signature macarons, Eugénies, finger pastries, tea, and Champagne. Additional holiday offerings include the in-room Ladurée en Suite experience, exclusive Bonjour, Waikīkī breakfast items, and limited-edition gift boxes featuring custom artwork by illustrator Meagan Morrison. ritzcarlton.com
MANA Cruises + Charters (December 15): Winter Whale Watch Season & Holiday Calendar: Launching whale watch trips on December 15, 2026, MANA Cruises welcomes back the winter migration of thousands of koholā (humpback whales) with departures from Ko ‘Olina and Waikīkī. Their holiday calendar is now live online for seasonal ocean excursions and private charters, alongside local community givebacks and partnerships. manacruises.com
Kaimana Beach Hotel will welcome the Hawaiian Makahiki season this November through February with gatherings rooted in the period’s tenets of renewal, peace and celebration. The beachfront hotel will recognize the Makahiki season through live Hawaiian music, cultural experiences, collaborations with local artisans and designers, and dining experiences at its Hau Tree restaurant.
Waimea Valley will offer a full fall season of cultural programming, guided tours and community events across its 1,875-acre ahupua‘a (mountain-to-sea land division) on O‘ahu’s North Shore. Visitors can explore the valley at their own pace guided by the interactive Ali‘i Atlas or join in on guided experiences such as the Sunrise Tour and daily Nā Lā‘au Hawai‘i botanical walk. Waimea Valley also hosts daily hula performances and hands-on cultural demonstrations by resident artisans. Fall highlights will include the final Moon Walk of the season on October 25, an Arbor Day tree giveaway on November 7 and the Makahiki Festival and Te Moana Nui Games on November 11. WaimeaValley.net
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort (December 31): Step into timeless elegance at the historic "Pink Palace of the Pacific." On Thursday, December 31, 2026, the resort comes alive for its “Midnight in Bloom” NYE Event in the Monarch Ballroom. Revelers can toast to Champagne, timeless glamour, and vibrant new beginnings while dancing the night away to live sets by DJ Teley.
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort (December 31): Ring in the new year steps from the sand at Sheraton Waikiki’s oceanfront venue, Hinahina. On Thursday, December 31, 2026, the “Midnight in Paradise” NYE Event delivers an energetic countdown featuring a head-to-head live set with DJ JEM vs. DJ JODIE, festive poolside activities, and front-row views of a spectacular midnight fireworks show over Waikiki Beach.
Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa (December 31): To ring in 2027 on December 31, the resort transforms into a glamorous gold, black, and silver celebration for its “Glitter & Good Cheer – Great Gatsby” NYE Party, spanning the Banyan Courtyard and Diamond Lawn with live entertainment, fireworks, DJ Taco, Go-Go Dancers, tarot readings, and digital caricatures.
The Laylow Waikiki: Celebrate the magic of Christmas at The Laylow, Waikiki, where festive flavors, vintage Hawaiian charm and the spirit of aloha come together for a memorable holiday experience. Whether you’re starting Christmas morning with a special breakfast or gathering with loved ones for an indulgent evening meal, enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu inspired by the sea, the land, and the flavors of Hawaiʻi. Begin your Christmas morning with a fresh Chirashi Bowl, then return for an evening of festive dining featuring sashimi, Szechuan haricot verts, and beef tenderloin, followed by a decadent Kona Coffee Tiramisu for dessert. Make your holiday getaway even more special with our Holiday Glow package, featuring a Laylow Signature Candle, a $100 dining credit, and up to 20% off room rates. With a three-night minimum stay required, it’s the perfect invitation to trade snow boots for slippahs and embrace the season with sunshine, tropical charm, and plenty of aloha. From memorable holiday meals to laid-back days beneath the palms, celebrate Christmas Waikiki-style at The Laylow. Mele Kalikimaka! From a leisurely holidaybreakfast to an unforgettable evening of island-inspired cuisine, celebrate the season Waikiki-style with tropical warmth, delicious flavors, and plenty of aloha. Mele Kalikimaka from The Laylow, Waikiki.
Maui Nui
Hui Noʻeau Hui Holidays from November 20 through December 24: Hui Noʻeau is celebrating the season by shopping local! During this time of year, the Hui Noʻeau gift shop blossoms into an expanded marketplace filled with one-of-a-kind treasures from Maui’s artists and makers. Discover handcrafted ceramics, textiles, jewelry, keiki gifts, home goods, bath and body treats, holiday ornaments and more. Every purchase helps support Maui’s creative community while bringing the spirit of local artistry into your home this holiday season. HuiNoeau.com
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort Holiday Activities beginning December 18: Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort brings an island-inspired spirit to the holiday season. Festivities begin with Santa’s arrival by canoe on December 18, followed by live Hawaiian entertainment, Christmas carols and a festive Aloha Friday celebration along the coast. The holiday magic continues with Letters to Santa from December 8 through 24, where guests of all ages can share their holiday wishes, dream gifts and messages of joy before dropping them into the resort’s festive Santa Mailbox. With each letter mailed with aloha and postage included, the experience adds a thoughtful touch of Hawaiian hospitality to a classic holiday tradition. Outrigger.com
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is planning a full slate of fall and holiday events this year, from football weekends to Christmas Day. ‘Umalu restaurant and bar will host Game Day Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays during football season. October brings the resort’s 16th annual Haunted House, with proceeds benefitting Maui Charity Walk, followed by Thanksgiving dining specials at Japengo restaurant, Son’z Steakhouse and ‘Umalu. December adds Elf on the Shelf® family activities and Friday festive mixology classes, while Christmas Eve and Day will feature holiday menus, an oceanfront brunch buffet at Japengo and the return of the Halona Kai Holiday Village with dinner, music, activities and a visit from Santa Claus. Hyatt.com
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali has a full lineup of celebrations for this holiday season. The property is offering a Mele Kalikimaka Suite Package, available for stays November 29, 2026 through January 3, 2027, which tansforms a one-bedroom suite in the resortʻs luxury Hōkūpaʻa Tower into a private Christmas retreat, complete with a six-foot tree, shimmering lights and festive touches throughout. Beyond the suite, the holiday lineup includes a Christmas cocktail pop-up, Santa’s Hideout at The Valley Alley, a Maui Tree Lighting and Night Market, Breaksfast at Santa’s Workshop, live music and cultural performances, a resort-wide elf hunt and a New Year’s Eve celebration. WestinMaui.247activities.com
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is celebrating the holidays Hawaiian-style. The resort’s Aloha for the Holidays stay package invites the families to make new traditions with festive tree decorating kits, holiday smores by the fire pits, Black Rock Shave Ice vouchers and a $150 daily food and beverage credit to enjoy the resort’s dining experiences. Throughout the season, guests can sip their way through a Festive Spirits Collection of holiday-inspired cocktails, enjoy a Kona Brew Tap Takeover and ticketed beer, sake and Italian wine tastings. End nights in paradise with holiday-themed Maui Nui Lūʻau celebrations featuring hula, cultural storytelling and island-inspired feasts. Families can also enjoy festive activities and in-room amenities, from gingerbread decorating and Elf on the Shelf to Letters to Santa and cozy hot cocoa sets. With oceanfront celbrations, family-friendly programming and seasonal experiences throughout the resort, Sheraton Maui offers a warm-weather holiday escape filled with island flavor and the spirit of aloha. Marriott.com
Hawai‘i Island
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort (December 4): Mele Kalikimaka takes on a distinctly Hawaiian spirit at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, where holiday traditions meet the rich culture and natural beauty of Hawaiʻi Island. Set along 22 beachfront acres on historic Kamakahonu Bay, the resort kicks off the season with its 4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 4, complete with a uniquely island-style arrival from Santa and Mrs. Claus by outrigger canoe. Families can gather along the bay for live music, festive activities and plenty of aloha-filled holiday cheer before the Christmas tree lights up the waterfront. The celebration continues with the resort’s Hawaiian Royal Christmas Evening, featuring a live performance by renowned ukulele artist Taimane alongside a festive prime rib and seafood feast. Guests can spend the season surrounded by swaying palms, ocean views and Hawaiian history while enjoying a tropical take on beloved Christmas traditions. Tickets for the Hawaiian Royal Christmas Evening are $149 for adults and $84 for keiki, with full tables also available for families and groups looking to celebrate together. Beyond the festivities, the culturally rich beachfront resort offers 455 contemporary guest rooms and suites, an infinity pool, oceanfront dining and endless opportunities to get out on the water, making it an idyllic home base for a warm-weather holiday escape to the Big Island.
Music and Light Festival at Hōlualoa Village (December 5): Each December, Hōlualoa Village in South Kona rolls out its holiday red carpet, inviting all to ring in the season island-of-Hawai‘i-style. Hōlualoa Village will again light up the night with the annual lighting of its town Christmas tree, an appearance from Santa Claus, and lots of live music, gallery gatherings, art openings, food and drink, and more. HolualoaVillage.com/Festival
Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade (December 5): Celebrating its 66th year this December, this popular parade through the island of Hawai‘i’s Waimea town features a brigade of holiday-light-loaded trucks and floats filled with area residents — ranging from keiki (children) to kūpuna (elders) — representing local churches, schools, community organizations, ranches and businesses. Bonus? Keiki along the parade route will see Santa Claus among the parade’s participants. WaimeaTown.org
