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. If you’re wondering about the best Christmas lights in Hawaii, you’ve come to the right place. These are eight of the best Christmas light displays in Hawaii. While they might not give you a traditional white Christmas, these breathtaking lights in Hawaii are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Please note: Before heading out to celebrate, check the website to ensure the event is running during the current season.
This Lihue Christmas 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. It's, hands down, one of the best Christmas light displays in Hawaii - and it features more than just lights. You can even get your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, for example. Stop by the official website of the Kauai Festival of Lights for days, hours, and all of the information you need to plan your visit.
Kauai Festival Of Lights, 4396 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
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. It's one of the most spectacular Christmas events in Hawaii, so you'll definitely want to plan a visit. The lights typically turn on through New Year's Day. Head over to the official website of Honolulu City Lights to plan your visit.
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. One of the most beloved Christmas events in Hawaii generally hosts a lighting ceremony. However, if you can't make it, you have an entire season to stop by; the lights usually shimmer through New Year's Day.
L?hain? Banyan Court, United States, 671 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
The epic Christmas lights display on Hawaii Island not only attracts visitors from across the island, but it 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. Check out the official Facebook page of PunaLights for more information.
Punalights, 15-2053 Maia Ave, Keaau, HI 96749, USA
Kapolei’s annual holiday extravaganza is one of the most beloved Christmas light displays in Hawaii. It traditionally features a 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. Keep up-to-date with event dates and other information on the official Facebook page of Kapolei City Lights.
This annual Waimea holiday tradition is the second oldest Christmas parade in the state, and it's definitely worth a spot on your Christmas bucket list. Each year features a theme - like a '60s Christmas, for example - and the Big Island Giving Tree, to which all guests are welcome to contribute. Visit the official website of the Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade for more information, including date and times.
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. Visit the official website of Kilauea Military Camp for more information.
Kilauea Military Camp, 99-252 Crater Rim Drive, Volcano, HI 96785, USA
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. If you're looking for an epic light show in Hawaii, you don't want to miss this one. Stop by the official Facebook page of Waikele Christmas Lights for more information.
94-226 Anapau Pl, Waipahu, HI 96797, USA
Next time you’re wondering about the best Christmas lights in Hawaii, look no further. Just plan a trip to one or all of the best Christmas light displays in Hawaii. Which are your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Then see if you agree with these 11 reasons Christmas in Hawaii is the absolute best.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Light Displays In Hawaii
November 12, 2021
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best Christmas light displays in Hawaii?
You probably won’t have to travel too far to reach some of the best Christmas lights in Hawaii. For the largest Christmas lights display, plan a visit to Honolulu City Lights. The epic annual celebration features a massive tree and a larger-than-life Santa and Mrs. Claus. Add a stroll through Bayan Tree Park to your holiday bucket list, too, so you can see the historic tree glittering in Christmas lights. Visit both Santa and Mrs. Claus during your visit to the Kauai Festival of Lights, a free celebration that runs through New Year’s Day each year.
Is there a Christmas light show near me?
One of the most popular Christmas events in Hawaii is, without a doubt, Honolulu City Lights. The annual Christmas celebration dates back to 1985 and promises an abundance of holiday magic. Each year a 50-foot tree shimmers in lights and boasts a new theme. Sitting not too far from the tree is a 21-foot tall Shaka Santa with Mrs. Claus right next to him. You can either stroll through the Christmas lights display or drive past it. Whichever you choose, don’t forget to bring your camera. The epic Christmas celebration generally runs through a few days after Christmas, so you have plenty of time to add it to your calendar.
What are some of the most beloved Christmas events in Hawaii?
We all have our own family traditions when it comes to the holidays. Then there are those beloved Christmas events in Hawaii we all love and treasure. Like making an annual trek to our favorite Christmas tree farm. Helemano Farms near Whitmore Village boasts rows and rows of Christmas trees, just waiting for you to find the perfect one. You’ll definitely also want to plan a visit to Lahaina, the twinkliest town in Hawaii during the holiday season. The beautiful town goes all out with Christmas decorations and celebrations.
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
