Posted in Hawaii
November 21, 2016
8 Christmas Light Displays In Hawaii That Are Pure Magic
While the Hawaiian Islands may not have cold weather or snow, we still know how to throw an epic Christmas celebration and there is nowhere better to spend the holidays than our beautiful islands. These eight incredible light displays and holiday festivals found across the Hawaiian Islands may not give you a White Christmas, but they surely will bring out your holiday cheer.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
This Lihue festival is a magnificent display of holiday cheer – from fantastic themed trees to Hawaiian inspired decorations, all with the help of local artisans, and using recycled materials whenever possible. The opening celebration will be held December 2 from 6 to 8 p.m., and will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through Christmas Eve.
The Honolulu City Lights is perhaps the largest Christmas celebration across the state. The event began in 1985 when former Mayor Frank F. Fasi held a free event that featured holiday lights and a concert on the main lawn, and lights that stretched downtown to the civic center. The lights will be turn on December 3, and will stay lit through January 1.
Every year, Lahaina’s banyan tree, which was planted in 1873 and is the oldest in the state, is decked out in colored Christmas lights - and we just can’t get enough of this incredible view.
The ninth annual lights display on Hawaii Island not only attract visitors from across the island, but also benefits the Hawaii Food Basket, and other non-profit organizations. Did we mention that it’s a one-man show? Stan Oshiro saves his vacation time each year so he can spend 21 eight-hour days setting up this phenomenal light show.
Save the date! Kapolei’s annual holiday extravaganza will be held on December 10, and will include the beautiful Electric Light Parade on Kapolei Parkway and a street festival and tree lighting at Kapolei Hale. While not nearly as big as Honolulu’s celebration, this up-and-coming holiday event boasts easier parking and fun for the whole family.
This annual Waimea holiday tradition will be held on December 3, with the parade starting at 5:30 p.m. with a winter stargazing party to follow at the Canada-France-Hawai’i Telescope Waimea headquarters. Oh, and did we mention that it is the second oldest Christmas parade in the state?
Near the summit of Kilauea volcano, this military recreation center goes all out for Christmas. And with temperatures that can dip into the 40s during December, you may even feel like you’ve made the trip to the mainland. The cottages will be illuminated from through the end of the December.
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.
Cheers to the official start of the holiday season, Only In Hawaii fans! Here’s to a magnificent Christmas season full of surfing Santas, and lowering your A.C. as much as you can to enjoy some hot chocolate while rocking out to Christmas tunes.
