Fun in the sun and Christmas to boot is what makes spending the holidays in Hawaii a fun and joyous experience. But what happens around the islands that are worth checking out for bringing in the holiday cheer? Check out how to spend Christmas in Hawaii and start planning a fantastic holiday experience to the New Year’s Celebrations.
Here’s what to do for Christmas fun in Hawaii
Christmas holiday in Oahu
A Pinch of Salt – Dec. 7th
Support local businesses and vendors at the Pinch of SALT, the annual upscale holiday shopping experience at SALT at Our Kakaʻako, Dec. 7th.
This alternative holiday shopping venue with local artists, designers and crafts with popups locations throught out Salt in Kaka’ako
Each year, A Pinch of SALT attracts more than a thousand shoppers throughout the day. Designed to be an alternative to larger shopping venues, visitors can find gifts made by local artisans, crafters and designers at dozens of pop up locations throughout SALT at Our Kakaʻako.
Festival
of Lights Boat Parade – Hawaii Kai Center Dec. 7th at 3pm
Get into the holiday spirit, at the 23rd annual Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade. Entertainment begins at 3 p.m., at Hawaii Kai Towne Center’s scenic Marina Docks. Going on for over 20 years, the Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade, has delighted countless visitors and is sponsored by the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association.
The Pancakes & Booze Art Show – Dec 8th
As the
nation’s premier pop-up art show, The Pancakes & Booze Art Show provides
art lovers an opportunity to explore more than 200 pieces of artwork created by
some 50+ artists local to Honolulu’s unparalleled art scene. Alongside an
immensely wide variety of pop art, fine art, and photography; show goers can
sip on some of the dankest craft beer or signature cocktails while consuming
free pancakes over and over again.
Sat Dec 8, 8:00 PM – Sat Dec 8, 11:00 PM
1159 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817
Honolulu City Lights Celebration and Parade Dec 7th – 4pm
Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele will be on the move from the Chinatown area to Honolulu Hale . Check out the Christmas wreath displays at the Lane Gallery
A Big Island Christmas
Hawaii Nei Art Exhibit at the Wailoa Center for the Arts – Dec 2 to Dec 12th
The popular Hawaii Nei is a juried art exhibition celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawaii Island hosted by the Three Mountain Alliance, the Hawaii Island Art Alliance, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Natural Area Reserves System and the Wailoa Center.
The show features amateur and professional artists of all ages have been invited to submit works of art highlighting the native plants, animals, and habitats of our beloved island, our Hawaii Nei.
Artwork will be displayed at the Wailoa Center from Nov. 1 through Dec. 12, 2019, Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00 pm (closed on holidays). The Wailoa Center is located at 200 Piopio St, Hilo, HI 96720. For more information about Hawaii Nei, visit www.hawaiineiartcontest.org
Paradise Studio Weekend (13th Annual) Dec 7th to Dec 8th
The annual Paradise Studio Art Weekend: December 7 & 8 – Hawaii Island Arts and fine crafts are held in Hawaiian Paradise park for the 13th Annual Paradise Studio Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm, December 7 & 8, 2019.
The public is welcomed to visit artists in their home studios in Hawaiian Paradise Park, Keaau. Seven studios with 25 local artists are showing oil painting, watercolors, collage, pastels, acrylic, wood, sculpture, jewelry making, pottery, ceramics, silk painting, fashion art, photography and more. Free featured demos and music. For brochure and map go to: www.paradisestudiotour.com
Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade (59th Annual) Dec 7th 5:30 to 7pm
The 59th annual Twilight parade’s new them is, “Our Community…Our Kuleana At Christmas and Always! With their Grand Marshal: Leningrad Elarionoff
All invited to attend and participate with lighted units! Parade supports The Big Island Giving Tree to ensure no one is left behind during the holiday season.
Traffic Advisory: The main drive through Waimea town will be closed from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for the parade and only emergency vehicles will be permitted to pass through. The community is encourage to plan ahead to avoid tie-ups.
Church Row Park – Next to W.M. Keck Observatory
65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy
Waimea, HI 96743
West Hawaii County Band in Concert for the Holidays! Dec 13th – 6:30 to 7pm
The West Hawaii County Band, a unit of the Hawaii County Band, performs throughout the year at monthly concerts. The West Hawaii County Band will present an hour of festive music for the season. Come enjoy standards like Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas,” and “Mele Kalikimaka”
Hale Halawai County Park
75-5760 Ali’i Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
West Hawaii Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec 21st – 2 to 4pm
The West Hawaii Dance Theatre presents a delightful holiday classic is performed at Kahilu Theatre on Saturday, December 21, Sunday, December 22, and Monday, December 23, 2019. This production includes more than 70 dancers and Guest Professional dancers. A Full Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Brian Dollinger with musicians of the West Hawaii Dance Theatre Orchestra
Kahilu Theatre
Phone: 808-329-8876
67-1186 Lindsey Rd
Kamuela, HI 96743
Jingle Bell Beach Run – 5k Run Dec 22 – 7:30 to 9am
The 15th Annual Jingle Bell Beach Run starts sharp at 7:30am for this 5k event encourages participation from all fitness levels and running backgrounds. Great fun for everyone, family oriented – a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations! And parents…be sure to get your kids ready for ‘SANTA’S KEIKI DASH” – a popular fun Kona running event for children 6 & under! (100-yd & 200-yd events)
Coconut Grove Marketplace
Coconut Grove Marketplace – Alii Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Wailea Village Mochi Pounding (22nd Annual)
Dec 28th – 8am to 2pm
Join Akiko’s for fun MOCHI POUNDING with neighbors, and community in this fun public event. Come and join the fun on Saturday, Dec. 28th, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. making traditional rice cakes the “old-fashioned” way. Everyone takes their turn at pounding the delicious sticky rice for good luck.
Fire building starts at 7 a.m. to steam the rice. Hearty local style lunch for $5. New years crafts, food vendors, fortune telling, massage, I Ching readings, floral arrangements, plantation stories, Okinawan taiko drumming, Hawaiian entertainment & more. Great cultural mix of everything that makes Hawaii so special.
Akiko’s Buddhist B&B
29-2091 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Hakalau, HI 96710
Kauai Christmas Celebrations
Hanapepe Friday Night Festival & Art Walk – Every Friday night
Every Friday evening, Old Town Hanapepe is bustling with fun & activity! With a wide variety of shopping, local crafters, several excellent restaurants, a dozen art galleries, stilt walkers, classics cars, live music and entertainment, there is always something for the whole family to enjoy! Every Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Festival of Lights – Every Friday 6 – 8pm Dec. 6th to 28th
Celebrate the holidays on Kauai at Elizabeth Freeman’s annual holiday extravaganza, the award-winning Festival of Lights! Celebrating its 23rd year, local designer Elizabeth Freeman presents a collection of Kauai-style holiday art inspired by her and created with the assistance of local artisans from recycled and reclaimed materials.
Entirely focused on environmental sustainability, Festival of Lights provides a spirited and fun reminder that the true meaning of the holidays comes from the heart, and not the stores. Every year, thousands of locals and visitors crowd the halls to view a holiday wonderland of trees, wreathes, ornaments and other seasonal decorations made from recycled and reclaimed materials such as plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard and bubble wrap. Several pieces are donated designs from previous visitors inspired from their experience.
Check out the Festival of Lights website for more details
Holiday Craft Fair at The National Tropical Botanical Garden South Shore Visitor Center. Dec 7th
Enjoy a day of holiday shopping and entertainment featuring Kauai made in Hawaii products, jewelry, clothing and more! Get gifts for everyone on your list including yourself! The craft fair will be accompanied by a variety of food trucks and live entertainment. Take time to enjoy the gardens with tours happening throughout the day. Admission to craft fair is free. Starting at 9 a.m.
Joy of Christmas Festival of Lights
Join us for the “Joy of Christmas” festival of lights hosted at St. Raphael Church. FREE ADMISSION.
We have invited the community to create a celebration of the “12 days of Kauai Christmas” for all Kauai residents and visitors. Festivities begin Saturday November 30th and run every Saturday and Sunday after that until December 22nd from 6pm until 8pm. Christmas light display; Food & Drink available for purchase; Activities for the Keiki (Children). Delicious soups, hot plate dinners, hot dogs, popcorn, home-made pastries Hot chocolate, tea, soda, juice, water.
Gift Shop with many Advent and Christmas specialties for sale.
Join us this year to bring the Joy of Christmas to Keiki, Kapuna and all ages in between. Learn more at:
HTTPS://WWW.ST-RAPHAEL-KAUAI.ORG/
The Kauai Chorale presents: A Great English Christmas Dec 14th
The annual Kauai Chorale concert is one of Kauai’s favorite holiday traditions and this season promises a wassailing good time for all ages! The thoroughly entertaining performance of choral Christmas music from across the pond will feature works ranging from simple and engaging a cappella carols to audacious knock-your-socks-off favorites, all written by British composers from the 16th to the 21st centuries and by one beloved honorary British subject, George F. Handel. Don’t miss A Great English Christmas performed by The Kauai Chorale! Tickets are $15 in advance for adults and $18 at the door. Student tickets are $6. https://kauaichorale.brownpapertickets.com
Santa in da House ~ Princeville – Dec 14
Santa is in da House at the Princeville Community Center Saturday, December 14th 10.00-11.00am
Bring the family and your keiki to meet Santa and Light Refreshments will be served
Princeville Community Center 4334 Emmalani Drive, Princeville (across from the Library) BRING YOUR CAMERA for Photos with Santa. website~
New Year’s Eve Celebration @ Poipu Beach Park – Dec 31
Poipu style celebrations bring your picnic and blankets to celebrate the New Years! Enjoy a family-themed movie at sunset on the large outdoor screen with a fantastic aerial fireworks display starting at approximately 8:15pm, all in the gorgeous, ocean-side setting that Poipu Beach Park provides.
Check out the best food trucks will be on hand to keep bellies happy by 5:00pm.
The Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration is FREE of charge and open to the public. Festivities will take place Tuesday, December 31st from 5:00-8:30pm on the grounds of Poipu Beach Park. The New Year’s Eve Celebration is a long-standing tradition in Poipu, hosted by the Poipu Beach Foundation in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and County of Kauai and made possible through the support and generosity of Kauai’s South Shore community.
For more information, visit www.poipubeach.org, www.kauaifestivals.com
Christmas celebrations in Maui Island
Hui Holidays Dec
2 – 24th 9am – 6pm
Hui Holidays showcases Made on Maui artwork by local artists in a festive historical setting at Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center. By shopping local, you’ll be making a creative investment in our community, in your neighbors, and in yourselves! Hui Holidays is made possible with support from the County of Maui Office of Economic Development.
Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center https://www.huinoeau.com/
2841 Baldwin Ave
Makawao, HI 96768
Santa Photos and Entertainment at Maui Mall – Dec 6th to 21st
Santa’s Elves can hardly wait! Christmas is near, so let’s celebrate! Enjoy FREE Photos with Santa when you make a canned good donation for the Maui Food Bank. Located near Center Court at Maui Mall in unit A-6 next to YNVU Clothing and Regal Cinemas.
Free photos with Santa and live local performances on Fridays and Saturdays
Living Wreath Making with Native Hawaiian Plants at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
Dec 7th 9am to 12pm
Native plants provide more than just food and habitat for wildlife: they also provide great beauty all year long! Learn to make a living wreath from Native Hawaiian Plants in time for the Holidays with MNBG Executive Director, Tamara Sherrill and ohana. Cost: $50, or $25 for current garden members. Call 249-2798 or email info@mnbg.org for reservations.
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
150 Kanaloa Avenue
Kahului, HI 96732
Festival of Harps at The Shops at Wailea Dec 8th – 14th – 5:30-7pm
Special Holiday events for a night of music with the Festival of Harps. The Shops at Wailea is Maui’s premier shopping and dining destination with more than 70 distinct boutiques, shops, restaurants and galleries.
Visit their website at
https://www.theshopsatwailea.com/event/Holiday-Calendar/2145524920/
A Very Merry Holiday Pops Dec 10th – 7:30 to 9:30pm
Celebrate the music of the holiday season as Maestro Ann Krinitsky leads the HSO and the Sounds of Aloha Chorus. This festive concert will warm your heart, make spirits bright and put you in a Very Merry Holiday mood! Click below to purchase tickets directly from Hawaii Theatre.
Santa will be available for photos.
Hawaii Theatre
1130 Bethel Street
Honolulu, HI 96713
Maui Pops Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert Dec 15th – 3 to 5pm
The Maui Pops Orchestra invites you to celebrate the holiday season in style. Half of the concert will be purely orchestral renderings of familiar holiday music, while the other will feature three-time Grammy Award nominated pianist David Benoit, who we are delighted to bring back to the Castle Theater stage. For over three decades, Benoit has reigned supreme as one the founding fathers of contemporary jazz. Music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be a delightful part of this program, which will also feature vocalist Sara Gazarek – hailed as an artist that “may well turn out to be the next important jazz singer” by the LA Times. Allow the joy of it all to draw you into the spirit of the season!
To purchaseTickets visit www.mauiarts.org
MAPA’s The Nutcracker Dec 20 to 21st – 7:30 to 10pm
MAPA’s The Nutcracker Friday, December 20, 2019; 7:30 pm & Saturday, December 21, 2019, 3:00 pm Castle Theater Right before Christmas and all thru the isle, MAPA presents The Nutcracker in holiday style. With sets & costumes, some new & some old, it’s the classical story in ballet that’s retold. You may have seen it before in Chicago, New York, or L.A. but it’s now reimagined in a fresh and exciting new way. The Sugar Plum Fairy will dance on her toes. Don’t wait to get tickets, there are only two shows. In the blink of an eye the show will be done, so make sure you come and be part of the fun. You’ll be amazed by this company’s feat at bringing to Maui this holiday treat!
Purchase Tickets at:
Maui Arts & Cultural Center – 808-242-7469
.Happy Holidays with Henry Dec 21st – 7:30 to 10pm
Celebrate the Holidays with Henry Saturday, December 21, 2019; McCoy Studio Theater; 7:30 pm Henry Kapono invites you to celebrate the holidays with an evening full of Henry’s classic music! From Henry’s timeless Merry Christmas to You album to your favorite C&K classics like “Sailin’,” “Friends,” “Highway in the Sun,” and so many more.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Phone: 808-242-7469
One Cameron Way
Kahului, HI 96732
Bill Maher’s 9th Annual New Year’s Comedy Extravaganza Dec 3o – 8 to 10pm
Castle Theater The tradition continues with Bill Maher’s 9th Annual New Year’s Comedy Extravaganza Monday, December 30, 2019; 8:00 pm. Bringing in the New Year for the ninth year in a row Bill will be joined by special guest comedians, Sarah Silverman and Larry Miller. Adding to this New Year’s extravaganza are Sarah Silverman and Larry Miller.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center Castle Theater
Phone: 808-242-7469
One Cameron Way
Kahului, HI 96732
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Wow what a fun time Noel. I appreciate warm weather destinations more when I am in the cold like this year 😉 Last year we were in Oman; a desert Christmas was quite the change up.
Ryan
That does sound very different and maybe commercial in nature, here in Hawaii things are really unique with Christmas celebrations that share an aloha spirit and sense of place.