It’s Not Christmas In Hawaii Until You Do These 10 Enchanting Things

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.

1. Make a “snowman” on the beach.

You won’t have to worry about your sandman melting, though you might have to worry about your creation being swept away with the tide…

2. Attend your favorite local Christmas parade.

With countless Christmas parades happening across the islands, you're sure to find one close to home.

3. Witness Santa arrive on an outrigger canoe.

Because everyone knows that reindeer don't thrive in a tropical climate. Santa arrives by outrigger canoe at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. We love these Hawaii Christmas traditions!

4. Experience the beautiful lights that adorn Honolulu Hale.

There is the famous tree lighting ceremony and lights parade that is the Honolulu City Lights. The beautiful displays will be up through January 1st each year and are an absolute must-visit in the Hawaiian capital. If you were wondering what Christmas in Hawaii is like, it’s filled with magic like this.

5. Blast the AC while drinking hot chocolate.

It may be 80 degrees outside, but we can pretend we live in a winter wonderland, can't we?

6. Drive through the Waikele Neighborhood famous for their Christmas light display.

7. See someone surfing in a Santa hat.

What's better than a holiday trip to the beach?

8. Experience the magic that is Christmas in Polynesia.

Or at least attend a Christmas-themed luau. 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.

9. See blooming poinsettias and decked out palm trees.

Did you know that poinsettias can grow as tall as trees in Hawaii and that they bloom near December 25th? Perfect for Christmas in Hawaii!

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!