11 Reasons Christmas in Hawai‘i Is the Absolute Best

Once Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s officially the Christmas season—and here at Only In Hawai‘i, we couldn’t be more excited. When you think of a traditional holiday season, the Hawaiian Islands are probably the last place to cross your mind. After all, you won’t find freezing temperatures or snow here… unless you head to the summit of the Big Island’s Mauna Kea, that is. Still, Christmas in Hawai‘i is something special, and here are 11 reasons why.

1. Surfing Hawaiian Santa Is Seriously Cooler Than Regular Santa

Santa can ditch the heavy suit and clunky boots here, swapping them for a breezy aloha shirt—or keeping the suit unzipped as he paddles out. Only in Hawai‘i does Santa catch waves before delivering gifts.

2. Our Christmas Trees? Think Palm Trees and Tall Norfolk Pines

Forget the traditional spruce. Here, you might decorate a palm tree on your lanai or admire a Norfolk Pine glowing with lights at the local park.

3. Why Catch Snowflakes When You Can Wiggle Your Toes in the Sand?

Given the choice between icy sidewalks and a warm beach on Christmas morning… most locals know exactly where they’ll be.

4. Our Snowmen Are Made of Sand—And Yes, They’re Adorable

They won’t melt, but the tide might get them. Kids build sandmen with sunglasses, seashell smiles, and driftwood arms. It’s a whole vibe.

5. Honolulu Hale Turns Into the Merriest Spot on the Island

From the massive Norfolk Pine to Shaka Santa and Tūtū Mele, the entire grounds light up. It’s the kind of place families visit year after year, often with malasadas in hand.

6. Christmas Day Means Swimsuits, Slippers, and Maybe a Surf Session

While the mainland bundles up, locals pack beach bags. A post-lunch swim? Totally normal. Matching family aloha shirts? Even better.

7. No Blizzards, No Ice, No Canceled Holiday Plans

Your beach BBQ won’t get snowed out. Your family dinner won’t be delayed by icy roads. Holiday stress? Never heard of her.

8. Santa Trades His Sleigh for a Red Canoe Pulled by Dolphins

It doesn’t get more “Hawai‘i Christmas” than watching Santa arrive in Waikīkī in an outrigger canoe—sometimes waving a shaka.

9. Holiday Lights Are More Fun When You’re Not Freezing

From drive-thru light parks to hotel displays, you can enjoy it all in shorts and slippers. Some people even stroll through the lights with shave ice.

10. Our Poinsettias Grow Tall Enough To Be Trees

They bloom right around Christmas, popping up like bursts of red along backroads, in yards, and at local farms. It feels like nature is celebrating, too.

11. Hawaiian Christmas Music Has a Style All Its Own

You’ll hear ‘ukulele, slack-key guitar, and island rhythms blending with classic holiday cheer. No other state can say that.

Christmas in Hawai‘i is unlike any other—from surfing Santa and sand snowmen to towering Norfolk Pines and island-style music, the holiday season here brings a warm, vibrant twist to familiar traditions. What’s your favorite part about celebrating Christmas in Hawai‘i, or do you know a unique local tradition we should spotlight next year? Share your suggestions with us through our nomination form and help us keep the holiday cheer rolling across the islands!