The Best Experiences for Families Celebrating the Holidays in Hawaii

Sharing is caring!

Have you ever built a snowman made of sand? Or watched a New Year’s Eve fireworks show from the beach?

Spending the holidays in Hawaii is a one-of- a-kind experience! I’ve spent many holiday seasons in Hawaii. I love the island-style twist for Christmas in the tropics.

Here are my top picks for the most popular islands in Hawaii. Updated Nov 21, 2018!

May contain affiliate links.

HOLIDAYS IN HAWAII: OAHU

HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS

The holidays on Oahu kick off December 1 with the opening night of Honolulu City Lights. There’s a huge parade, block party, tree lighting ceremony, food booths, children’s rides, a holiday concert and Santa.

However, the festivities don’t stop there.

Be sure to experience Despicable Me outside on the Civic Center Grounds on December 15 for 7-Eleven’s free family movie night.

And finally, bring the kids to the free Milk and Cookies Night on December 22.

If you can’t visit during one of their special event days, hop on board an open-air trolley for a breezy and unobstructed tour of the festive light display.

CHRISTMAS AT THE HUKILAU MARKETPLACE

New last year is the Christmas at the Hukilau Marketplace holiday event.

With train rides for kids, Santa Claus selfies and 12 tons of real SNOW, it’s a holiday event for your entire family!

Plus, there will be food trucks, a Christmas scavenger hunt, a live nativity presentation, Christmas caroling, Hawaiian music and lots of shops.

The event is TBD for 2018.

SANTA ARRIVES AT WAIKIKI

Bring the kids to Waikiki Beach to greet Santa as he arrives by canoe on Saturday, December 8.

Then, head over to the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort to take a free photo with Santa in the lobby.

I mean, how often will you see Santa on Waikiki Beach? And while you’re in Waikiki, stop by the Sheraton Princess Ka`iulani for their annual Gingerbread Village.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS AT “ROCK-A- HULA”

Let Rock-A- Hula put you in the Christmas spirit! Waikiki’s biggest show has a Christmas twist December 24 and 25.

This still-pretty-new show for 2018 features a “Hawaiian Journey” from 1920s to today through music and powerful performances by Legends Artists, hula, fire knife dancers and amazing musicians.

There are three ticket levels to suit your family. And they also have a Midnight New Year’s Eve Party in Waikiki with Elvis!

FUKUBUKURO 2019 AT ALA MOANA CENTER

Do you like scoring amazing deals on name brand items?

Celebrate a Japanese New Year’s Day tradition by purchasing a happy grab bag filled with merchandise worth double the sales price. It’s a complete mystery, which is half the fun!

On January 1, head to Ala Moana Center for their annual Fukubukuro event. Details for 2019 haven’t been released yet.

I participated a few years ago and got some incredible items from Neiman Marcus.

[irp posts=”7338″ name=”How To Choose The Best Oahu Luau”]

HOLIDAYS IN HAWAII: MAUI

SANTA VISITS

When Santa arrives in Hawaii on Christmas Eve, he trades in his sleigh for a canoe! Head to Wailea Beach at 9am to see Santa arrive by Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe!

Then, meet Santa and take pictures on the Chapel Lawn.

You can take your own picture or enjoy professional pictures by Pacific Dream Photography available for a low cost. The event itself is complimentary and open to the public.

Want to see another Santa on Christmas Eve? You’re in luck! At Noon, head to Polo Beach and watch Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and a few of their elves arrive on Polo Beach by outrigger canoe to spread holiday cheer to South Maui!

Santa will be available for photos following his arrival at the Fairmont Kea Lani.

SUGAR CANE TRAIN

If you’re traveling to Maui this holiday season with kids, the Maui Sugar Cane Train is a must-do event.

This 45-minute ride starts at the Pu`ukoli`i Station and heads south for 4 miles. The train is decorated for the holidays. All guests receive milk and fresh baked cookies.

And did I mention Santa himself will be on the train? He’ll be handing out free toys to all kids. This is a holiday event that will surely be a memorable one!

LET IT SNOW

Head to Queen Ka`ahumanu Center for their annual Let It Snow event. Join them for a magical winter wonderland experience with snowfall on the island!

Each snowfall show will last for ten minutes orchestrated to festive, holiday music with children’s snowflake wands and free Starbucks hot chocolate for early arrivals served by Jingle Ambassadors.

Bring out the whole family for this island experience!

2018 details are TBD.

[irp posts=”8062″ name=”Complete Guide to Maui with Kids”]

HOLIDAYS IN HAWAII: KAUAI

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

One of the most popular holiday events on Kauai is the Festival of Lights. It was started 20 years ago by Auntie Josie and features elaborate “trash to treasure” displays.

The grounds are lit up every night through the New Year. However, there’s so much more! On the weekends, head inside the Historic County Building to see Auntie Josie’s elaborate decorations and check out what Kauai’s artisans have created.

While you’re there, snap a selfie with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night December 1 through December 24. And the best part: It’s FREE!

NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

On December 8, experience a day of holiday shopping and entertainment featuring Kauai-made products, jewelry, clothing and more.

The NTBG Holiday Craft Fair includes live music and local food trucks. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

And you can support the Kauai Branch of the Hawaii Food Bank by bringing non-perishable food items.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

Celebrate the holidays Kauai Style at the Annual Holiday Fair by the Kauai County Farm Bureau on TBD.

This event features Kauai-made and Kauai-grown products. It’s a great opportunity to find coffee, honey, cheeses, jams, pies, spices, dressings and more!

There are also carefully crafted Kauai-made gifts like jewelry, ornaments, leis and home décor. This is a great spot to pick up holiday gifts to bring home to friends and family.

And while you’re there, enjoy delicious local foods and treats while you shop!

HOLIDAY HULA CELEBRATION 2018

If you’d like to see some traditional hula with a holiday twist, come to Kauai’s annual Holiday Hula Christmas Celebration.

It’s Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 4pm-9pm. It’s an evening of music and hula with more than 100 dancers and musicians.

The even is in its 32nd year with this Hawaiian Holiday Christmas Presentation featuring chants and songs that honor Hawaiian royalty, places, nature, and holiday tunes!

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT HUALANI’S

If you’ll be on Kauai for Christmas Eve, make a reservation for Hualani’s Makahiki by the Sea Culinary Series.

Featuring ingredient-driven meals served by the ocean, Timbers Kauai’s signature restaurant Hualani’s is excited to present a Christmas Eve dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients and traditional favorites with an Island twist!

They also have a Christmas Day brunch!

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS

This family-friendly Kauai Fireworks Event includes food trucks, food booths, kid activities, a movie showing at the beach park and fireworks.

Fireworks are set to begin at 8:15pm. The holiday festivities run from 5:30pm to 9pm. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Head to Poipu Beach Park with your family and say “Hau`oli Makahiki Hou” to 2019 (Hawaiian for Happy New Year!).

[irp posts=”1715″ name=”Kauai with Kids: the Best Baby Friendly Activities and Experiences”]

HOLIDAYS IN HAWAII: BIG ISLAND

14th ANNUAL JINGLE BELL BEACH RUN – KAILUA-KONA

Pack your festive workout gear! The Big Island’s largest and most anticipated 5k run/walk event is on December 16. The Jingle Bell Beach Run starts at 7:30am at the Coconut Grove Marketplace.

This holiday-themed fun run is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

FAIRMONT ORCHID TREES OF HOPE

If gazing at beautifully decorated Christmas trees gets you in the holiday spirit, look no further than the Fairmont Orchid. Local businesses sponsor the lavishly decorated trees with all event proceeds supporting local charities.

The Fairmont Orchid is also hosting festive feasts, grand galas and fun-filled activities for the whole family.

13th ANNUAL WAIKOLOA VILLAGE CHRISTMAS PARADE AND KEIKI FEST

On December 8, experience the Waikoloa Village Christmas Parade featuring The Snow King or Queen and several other dignitaries, local businesses and cars.

The Parade begins at 10am at the corner of Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Road and will go down to Waikoloa School along Paniolo Road.

And after the parade, stay for the Keiki Fest. There will be free food and games for kids, and vendors for adults. Kids who attend this event may enter a drawing for a bicycle and other prizes.

CANDLELIGHT SERVICE AT STATE OF HAWAII’S OLDEST CHURCH – KAILUA-KONA

For those looking for a really special Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, look no further than Mokuaikaua Church on Ali`i Dr. in Kailua-Kona.

This is Hawaii’s first Christian church and is almost 200 years old. You and your family can join the caroling at 7pm and then celebrate Christ’s birth inside at 8pm.

WAILEA VILLAGE 21st ANNUAL MOCHI POUNDING

For a delicious New Year’s treat, enjoy Wailea Village’s Mochi Pounding on December 29. This traditional Japanese mochi-pounding event started with 23 people but now welcomes between 600-700 people.

Saturday is the Mochi Pounding celebration, making traditional rice cakes the “old-fashioned” way. Grab your family and take your turn at pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck.

There will also be plate lunches, New Year’s crafts, fortune telling, massages, I Ching readings, floral arrangements, plantation stories, Okinawan taiko drumming, Hawaiian entertainment and more!

Mele Kalikimaka!

Spending the holidays in Hawaii is a great alternative to a White Christmas!

With warm weather, golden beaches and relaxing ocean waves, Hawaii is a great place to connect with family and friends.

And be sure to turn on the radio in your car to hear more Hawaiian style Christmas songs than you ever knew existed!

For more holiday travel inspiration, visit Alamo Rent A Car’s Scenic Route – it’s full of travel stories, videos, guides and more! Alamo’s website designed to inspire travelers to make the most of their vacations.

Loving these things to do for the Holidays in Hawaii? Click here now for more Hawaii features and find out if you need Hawaii travel insurance!

More Fun Things to do in Hawaii

Family Guide to Oahu with Kids
Oahu Travel Hacks + Budget Tips for Families
Kid-Friendly Guide to the Best Kauai Beaches, Hotels, Activities + More!
How to Choose the Best Luau in Maui

[mailerlite_form form_id=3]