It's Not Christmas In Hawaii Until You Do These 10 Enchanting Things
Megan Shute
Author
Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of year: a season full of love, family, generosity, friendship, community, and traditions. From witnessing the amazing light displays found across the Hawaiian Islands to watching Santa make an appearance via outrigger canoe, it isn’t truly Christmas in Hawaii until you’ve done these 10 Hawaii Christmas traditions.
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This neighborhood goes all out for Christmas, putting together an extensive synchronized light show. It is so impressive that it was actually featured on the ABC special, "The Great Christmas Light Fight" in 2015.
Each year at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Christmas in Polynesia brings a winter wonderland to Hawaii, complete with a canoe ride to admire the center’s beautiful lights, live musical performances that pay tribute to holiday traditions around the world, arts and crafts, and photos with Santa.
10. Sing (or listen to) Bing Crosby’s “Mele Kalikimaka.”
How many of these magical things have you done so far this season? If you need some guidance on Hawaii Christmas traditions to experience, check out these 9 amazing holiday light displays and these 10 beautiful Christmas towns.
And book your stay on VRBO!
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Hawaii Christmas Traditions
What do Hawaiians call Santa?
In Hawaii, Santa Claus is often affectionately called "Kanakaloka." This is the Hawaiian adaptation of the name Santa Claus, fitting into the phonetic system of the Hawaiian language. Kanakaloka is depicted in much the same joyful and generous spirit as Santa Claus in other parts of the world, but with a local twist.
Instead of a sleigh and reindeer, Kanakaloka is sometimes portrayed arriving by outrigger canoe, and he may be dressed in more island-appropriate attire, like aloha shirts and board shorts, to suit the warm tropical climate of Hawaii. This unique depiction of Santa Claus reflects the blend of traditional Christmas customs with Hawaii's distinct cultural and geographical characteristics.
What are some facts about Christmas in Hawaii?
Christmas in Hawaii is celebrated with a unique blend of traditional festivities and local customs, reflecting the island's diverse cultural heritage. Here are some interesting facts about Christmas in Hawaii:
- Mele Kalikimaka: This is Hawaii's way of saying "Merry Christmas." The phrase became famous worldwide thanks to the song of the same name by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters.
- Santa Claus in Aloha Style: Instead of the traditional sleigh and reindeer, Santa is often depicted arriving in Hawaii by outrigger canoe, wearing aloha shirts and board shorts.
- Honolulu City Lights: A major annual event, the Honolulu City Lights includes a month-long Christmas lights and decorations display at Honolulu Hale (City Hall), featuring a large outdoor tree and a parade.
- Island-style decorations: Hawaiian Christmas decorations often include island-themed elements like palm trees, sea shells, and leis. Homes and public spaces display Christmas trees but with a tropical twist.
- Christmas Luau: While traditional Christmas meals are popular, many families also have a luau featuring local dishes like kalua pig, poke, and haupia, along with live music and hula dancing.
- Parades and Festivals: Parades and festivals across the islands celebrate the holiday season. These events often include local bands, hula dancers, and festive floats.
- The Gift of Aloha: In Hawaii, the spirit of "Aloha" – which encompasses love, peace, and compassion – is a significant part of the holiday season. Gift-giving is often focused on handmade items or experiences rather than commercial goods.
- "Hawaiian Christmas Song" or "Mele Kalikimaka": Originally made famous by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, this song has become synonymous with Christmas in Hawaii, capturing the warm, festive atmosphere of the holidays on the islands.
These aspects of Christmas in Hawaii showcase how the islands celebrate the holidays in a way that is both familiar and distinctly Hawaiian, blending traditional Christmas customs with local culture and the spirit of Aloha.