The One Light Display In Hawaii That Will Fill You With Holiday Wonder

Celebrating Christmas without snow or cold weather may seem weird for some, but it’s normal practice in Hawaii, and we certainly make up for a lack of snow with incredible Christmas displays, light parades, and celebrations sure to put even the most Grinch-like people into the holiday spirit. While the Hawaiian Islands as a whole celebrate Christmas beautifully — from snowmen made out of the sand on Kauai beaches to the snow-topped Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island — this particular light display is guaranteed to fill you with holiday cheer and have you singing Christmas carols and drinking eggnog in no time.

Every December, Oahu’s "second city" is taken over by the Kapolei City Lights, a Christmas event that began in 2001 and keeps getting more and more magical year after year.

Featuring a tree lighting ceremony and electric light parade, the holiday wonder begins this year on Saturday, December 8 at 5 p.m.

And that’s not all — with free carnival-style games and activities for keiki, photographs with Santa, live entertainment, this festive event is fun for the whole family.

The real magic begins at 6 p.m. with an electric light parade that meanders along Kapolei Parkway from Fort Barrette Road to Kama’aha Avenue. Measuring in at approximately one mile in length and featuring thousands of lights and a variety of unique floats — from glowing snowmen and neatly wrapped presents to Santa Claus himself — even Grinches will be filled with holiday cheer at this enchanting event.

After the parade ends at 7 p.m., the tree lighting ceremony begins at Kapolei Hale. Families can enjoy the lights and accompanying activities until the evening comes to a close at 9 p.m. This towering Christmas tree is truly a sight to behold!

There truly is no better way to kick off the holiday season here in West Oahu than with the opening festivities of the Kapolei City Lights, so mark your calendar. In addition to the annual parade and tree lighting ceremony, Kapolei Hale will be decked out with Christmas cheer through January 1.

The Kapolei City Lights kicks off this year on December 8 at 5 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony and electric light parade. For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

If you’d like to check out another of Oahu’s best light displays this season, click here.