Christmas in Hawaii 2026: Holiday Events and Planning Tips
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A Christmas vacation in Hawaii is one of the year’s busiest times. Expect crowds, expensive hotels, and high rental car prices. And what about the weather?
Still, visitors flock to Hawaii from mid-December ’til the New Year to escape the cold at home, and nothing beats palm trees swaying, good surf, and a white-sand Christmas.
We experienced three Christmases while living on Maui. From the Lahaina Banyan tree lit up for the holidays to seeing Santa and hula shows at the Cannery Mall. A Christmas in Hawaii is unforgettable!
Here are Hawaii Christmas events for your vacation. More importantly, here are ways to make planning this big trip to Hawaii feel like an island breeze.
Aloha! I’m Jordan,
Co-founder of The Hawai’i Vacation Guide with my wife Erica. After living on both Maui and Oʻahu, we’ve turned our passion for the islands into a resource that cuts through the tourist noise. We share genuine experiences—from snorkeling spots to hikes—and connect travelers with authentic Hawaiian culture and ‘āina (land). Our mission is simple: make your Hawaiian adventure both seamless and meaningful.
Thanks for joining us on the journey—aloha and happy travels!
Is Christmas a Good Time to Go to Hawaii?
Christmas is a great time to go to Hawaii for a tropical family holiday. The weather is warm and sunny in late December. But Christmas in Hawaii means higher hotel and car rental prices, and more visitors.
Hawaii hotel prices have climbed faster than inflation in recent years. While visitor counts have been down in 2026, hotel prices have still increased (Source: Hawaii Tourism Authority). Especially in the luxury hotel category.
By breaking down visitor counts, the costs of a Hawaii Christmas vacation, and the weather, we will see how to plan a Hawaii Christmas vacation. I call these the three Cs of Hawaii vacation planning: crowds, costs, and clouds.
The data referenced and in the graphs are from the Hawaii Tourism Authority Research and Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism Dashboard.
Who will love a Christmas in Hawaii
- Snowbirds who want to start their winter during the holidays
- Those who love the holiday spirit, especially finding new cultural traditions
- Families on holiday break
- Couples who have the holiday period off of work
- Those who need to escape the dark winter days at home
The Hawaiian Christmas music alone makes it our favorite time of year on the island.
We make our annual Hawaii Vacation Guide Christmas Spotify playlist for Hawaii Christmas cheer at home this season.
Are you planning to visit Hawaii outside of Christmas? See here!
How Busy is Hawaii at Christmas?
One of Hawaii’s busiest times is the 10-day vacation period from December 22nd to New Year’s Eve. Arrivals peaked at about 39,500 passengers per day from December 24th to the 29th in 2025, per Hawaii DBEDT. We expect the same in 2026.
The fall shoulder season (slow season) ends in mid-November as Hawaii gets busy for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving through the end of March is considered the winter busy season. And we all know the best Hawaiian island to visit in the winter.
Daily arrivals are 20% higher than the December average in the days leading up to Christmas, as people arrive from around the world, mainly from the West Coast of America and Canada, for their Christmas vacation.
Expect a busy Christmas holiday in Hawaii, as those arrivals don’t depart until after the New Year.
Related articles:
Visiting Maui in the Winter: Is it a Good Idea?
Things to Do in Hawaii During Christmas
Hawaii in December: Everything to Know For Your Trip
December has historically been one of the busiest months after the summer high season. But it can have one of the highest daily average census counts, as visitors stay longer during the holidays.
Source: Hawaii Tourism Authority
Interestingly, the Island of Hawaii (Big Island: how many days should you stay) experiences a surge in holiday visitors (Maui vs Big Island for Christmas?). In 2025, December was the busiest month on the Big Island.
5 Tips for Managing Christmas Crowds in Hawaii
Whether it’s the holiday season or peak summer, here are Hawaii planning tips for managing a busy Hawaii.
- Arrive at the beaches by 9:00 AM to find parking in the public lots
- Make restaurant reservations 4 to 6 months in advance. If you have a favorite place in mind, book it now
- Try take-out to the beach or your hotel – Maui food trucks and Kauai food trucks are the best (no ka ‘oi)
- Avoid rush hour in the morning and afternoon. You’re on vacation; try to drive when commuters aren’t on the road.
- Book your tours early, and book them early in your trip, in case cancellations happen (aka, bad weather), so you can rebook.
Christmas is at the start of humpback whale season, so don’t miss out on the best whale-watching tours!
Another way to avoid the crowds is by following our itineraries. We will show you the best things to do on each island that many others will miss. Click below to learn more.
How Much Does Christmas in Hawaii Cost?
Lodging is the most expensive line item for a trip to Hawaii, and December has the most expensive hotel rates. According to Hawaii Tourism Authority hotel rate data for 2025, hotel rates increased 40 to 50 percent from November. December is by far the most expensive month to visit Hawaii.
You can also expect higher airfare and rental car rates during this busy time of year in Hawaii.
We provide a detailed cost breakdown using 2025 data and planning a 2026 Christmas vacation in our Hawaii in December: Best Island for Christmas and Cost
Source: Hawaii Tourism Authority
When to Book a Hawaii Christmas Trip
“ Book early” is our motto at The Hawaii Vacation Guide. A Christmas vacation in Hawaii is a great example of booking early to save and get the hotel or tour you want.
During our first year living on Maui in 2019, every hotel was booked over Christmas!
Here are our timeline recommendations on when to book. Please note that hotels charge higher prices for the holidays even 12 months out. So, booking early may not save you much unless prices go up!
- Flights: Book your airfare 9 to 12 months in advance. You may find deals if you book early. Fly on Christmas Day for the best prices.
- Lodging: Book 9 months in advance to get the hotel and room you want. We recommend booking a refundable rate, as hotel rates may drop in mid-December if demand is down.
- Rental Car: When you book your flight, book your rental car. Dynamic pricing will cause rental car rates to spike over the holidays. Rental cars have sold out during previous Christmas holidays in Hawaii. Book with no prepayment at Hawaii Discount Car Rental so you can look for a lower rate.
- Restaurants and Tours: Book your luau, whale watching tour, or Christmas dinner in early November.
Weather During Your Christmas in Hawaii
Expect a warm, tropical Christmas in Hawaii, but December is in the wet season, so plan for rain showers. Large storms in December are rare, so you should still expect beach days over Christmas.
Hawaii sits in the tropics, so the average temperatures are in the high 70s to the 80s even during December. Sure, it can rain more often, but the rain is warm and usually comes as quick morning downpours. Rain brings rainbows, so enjoy a little tropical shower.
We provide detailed weather data and what to expect in our Hawaii in December: Clouds and Cost.
After living in Maui and Oahu, the biggest drawback to the rainy season is the chance of a 5-day storm system. A large storm can hit the islands, causing all-day rain and/or all-day clouds. This is the worst-case scenario for a holiday trip. The odds are in your favor that this won’t happen, but be mentally prepared.
See our What to do in Hawaii When it Rains: Things to Do!
For Maui vacationers, see our Maui in December article for weather details in each resort area.
How to Find Hawaii Christmas Dinner
Spending Christmas in Hawaii shouldn’t mean missing out on Christmas dinner. Here are some tips on finding that perfect Hawaii Christmas dinner.
Resorts are the most convenient places to find a Christmas dinner menu. I recommend you make a reservation at check-in for a fine-dining Christmas feast at your resort. The hotel’s casual restaurant or poolside grill may also offer a Christmas dinner.
To find a local restaurant offering a dinner menu, check their website starting in mid-November, as they will share their holiday dinner plans and menu. Many Hawaii restaurants are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Popular resort-area restaurants, like Duke’s, Merriman’s, Roy’s, Hula Grill, and Tommy Bahamas, will be open and serving a Christmas menu.
Hawaiian luaus may also offer special Christmas celebrations. See our 14 best luaus in Hawaii (organized by island) to make a reservation.
Christmas Traditions in Hawaii
Hawaii offers unique Christmas traditions thanks to the blend of Hawaiian and missionary traditions. Enjoy the sweet sound of Mele Kalikimaka while watching free holiday hula shows, Santa in an Aloha Shirt, kalua pork for Christmas, and Santa Claus on an outrigger canoe.
A traditional Christmas day in Hawaii includes a large meal, beach time, and usually mele (music) from local artists. Most local restaurants and stores are closed on December 24 and 25.
Leading up to Christmas, shopping centers host holiday hula shows and Santa for photos. The most popular festivals are Honolulu City Lights and Kauai’s Festival of Light.
We share all the best Christmas events for 2026 below!
Christmas Events in Hawaii: 2026
Our favorite holiday activity in Hawaii is visiting the shopping centers. It is not just about buying Hawaii-made gifts; it’s also about free Christmas hula shows, mele (Hawaiian for music), Santa Claus, and other holiday activities.
Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island for Christmas because it offers many activities every year, including New Year’s Eve fireworks, Honolulu City Lights, and the Christmas parade.
For your Hawaii Christmas vacation, visit one of our favorite luaus, go whale watching, or check out one of the many Hawaii Christmas things to do below!
Here are the favorite things to do in Hawaii this Christmas, by island, for your Christmas vacation. Bookmark this page, and we will update it as more events are scheduled closer to the holidays.
Things to Do in Oahu During Christmas
A larger population and more shopping centers mean more Christmas events for your family on Oahu than on the other Hawaiian Islands. With free hula shows, plenty of spots for Santa photos, and the famous Honolulu City Lights, you won’t be bored on Oahu at Christmas.
I love Maui for the holidays, but Oahu knows how to party with aloha. Here are some of our favorite Oahu Christmas events.
- Honolulu Hale City Lights, December 5th – till New Year’s, 2026, 4 PM to Midnight – an annual tradition of fun, cheer, bright lights, and decorations. See their website for special events during the month. The tree lighting is on the first Saturday of December. Hop on the festive Waikiki Trolley to get into the heart of Honolulu.
- Oahu Holiday Luaus: See our favorite Oahu luaus for their special holiday performances. Book early, as these sell out fast.
- The Nutcracker December 12th & 13th, 2026 – take your family tradition of seeing The Nutcracker ballet to paradise. Head to Honolulu and see dancers from around the country, including the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, put on a special Hawaiian performance of the timeless show.
- Aloha Land’s Winter Wonderland, Dates not listed for 2026, TBD – Celebrate the holidays with friends and family at one of Hawaii’s favorite destinations. The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace’s Holidays at the Marketplace
- Vans Triple Crown of Surfing: November 13th – December 14th, 2026. Go up to North Shore Oahu to watch the best in the world surf big waves. It’s free to watch, but the timing depends on the waves.
- Chinatown Winter Walk December (all month) – Over 40 Chinatown merchants will decorate their storefronts for the holidays. The whole district will be transformed for Christmas. Walking maps are available around Chinatown. Learn more – HCAD’s Facebook (@discoverchinatown) and Instagram (@discoverchinatownhi)
- Mele Kalikimaka Extravaganza December 12th and 13th, from 10 AM to 8 PM and 5 PM respectively – a special holiday market day to support local artisans and merchants, as well as highlight the market’s monthly community outreach kokua initiative done in collaboration with local organizations. Over 300 booths this year! Purchase tickets here.
- Pearl Harbor Memorial Anniversary Parade December 7th at 4:15 pm – in honor of December 7th, Waikiki hosts an annual parade to pay respects to those who served at Pearl Harbor with events like live Jazz & Blues band performances, outdoor movie nights on Waikiki Beach, reef laying ceremonies, an opening gala and block party, a night at the museum, dinners, ceremonial memorial services, a parade, and finishing off with a Honolulu Marathon.
- Kapolei City Lights and Block Party, November 28th, 2026 at 5:00 pm – the Westside Winterwonderland features a block party and holiday parade. If you’re staying in Ko Olina Resorts, check out this festival.
- See here for a full list of Oahu holiday events, including Pearl Harbor December 7th activities and running events.
- Where to Meet Santa near Waikiki:
- Ala Moana Center’s Photos with Santa — Photo sessions with Santa will run from mid-November through Christmas Eve.
- Royal Hawaiian Center’s Photos with Santa — Every Saturday from late November to just before Christmas, guests can snap a photo with Santa between 5 and 7 p.m. All guests will receive a free printed photo; personal cameras are not allowed.
- International Market Place – check their holiday events schedule for photos with Santa and Christmas shows on their beautiful stage.
- Waikiki New Year’s Eve Fireworks – if you’re still in Waikiki for NYE, come down to Waikiki Beach to see the annual fireworks show.
- Honolulu Fireworks Dinner Cruise – reserve your spot on the spacious dinner cruise for the best fireworks view in Waikiki.
Things to Do in Maui During Christmas
Unfortunately, Historic Lahaina Town was my favorite Hawaii town for Christmas. The community hosted an annual Christmas parade, lit the banyan tree, and held other activities at historical sites around town.
I’ve removed the Lahaina Christmas activities from our list, but I hope to bring them back as the town rebuilds.
The Lahaina Harbor reopened on December 1st, 2025! Atlantis Adventures, Sea Link of Hawai‘i, Kula Fishing Company, and Sail Maui have resumed tours.
For Christmas on Maui in 2026, the Banyan Court Park will be closed. The town hopes to reopen it in 2027 as the tree recovers.
See our review and 10% off promo code for Sail Maui’s Whale-Watching and Sunset Cruises.
Maui Luaus are the best in the Hawaiian Islands. Many offer special Christmas luau performances with a holiday meal. See our list of the Best Maui Luaus to reserve your seat.
Here are things to do on Maui for Christmas.
- Westin Maui in Ka’anapali is one of our favorite places to stay. They also host Christmas events and a Christmas dinner! In late November 2026, they will host their annual Spirit of the Season holiday event, which starts at 4:30. Come for gingerbread decorations, carols, live music, fire-knife dancing, and more.
- The Cannery Mall in Lahaina will have live music every weekend in December, and Santa will be visiting for photos on Saturday! See here for a schedule of events.
- Free festive walking tour in Kihei: Join Keith at Maui Walking Tours a special walk before Christmas, complete with carolers in tow! The walk takes place in mid-December; the exact date is TBD. 90 minutes.
- ‘Tis the Season of Aloha at the Grand Wailea Resort: Enjoy fun events put on by the resort throughout December. They’ll have a tree-lighting, date to be announced. Enjoy their Holiday Marketplace for last-minute Made-on-Maui gifts by over 30 local vendors in the heart of paradise in our Main Lobby from 4 pm – 8 pm. Then, enjoy Santa’s arrival on an outrigger canoe at 8 am on Christmas Eve!
- Fireworks on Maui for New Year’s Eve: Maui County will host two public aerial fireworks displays for New Year’s Eve. One offshore of the Grand Wailea Resort, and the other at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi at Mānele Bay. Both displays begin at approximately 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31.
- Festivus 5K Run and Half Mile Keiki Dash – Enjoy a festive run for the Maui Food Bank, leaving from Kahana Beach Park on December 20th, 2026. Learn more here: Festivus Run
- Where to Meet Santa:
- The Shops at Wailea is hosting Santa and a food drive on Saturdays through December. They also have gift wrapping and live music.
- The Cannery Mall in Lahaina will have Santa available for photos starting in early December, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families are encouraged to dress in festive attire and capture holiday memories with Santa.
Related articles:
- Hawaii Christmas Vacation: The Best and Cheapest Island for Your Holiday Vacation
- Planning a Trip to Hawaii: 15 Essential Details
- Hawaii in December: Everything to Know For Your Trip
Things to Do in Kauai During Christmas
Kauai doesn’t have as much going on as other islands. Check out the shopping centers like Coconut Marketplace in Kapa’a on the east coast. They offer hula shows, ukulele classes, and lei workshops throughout the week.
- Kauai’s Festival of Lights is held daily from Black Friday to December 29th, 2026, 6 PM to 11 PM – Santa is available for pictures at the Historic County Building porch. Holiday decorations and holiday music abound.
- Waimea Light Parade December 19th, 2026, 5:00 PM – 9 PM – a Christmas light parade in Waimea
- Island Artisan Fair – head to Princeville for the annual Christmas craft fair. Check their schedule for times and dates. They have a Holiday Hula on December 7th this year!
Things to Do in the Big Island During Christmas
- Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade December 12th, 2026 at 5:30 pm – the annual parade goes down Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona with local marching bands and floats.
- Kona Jingle Bell Beach Run 5K: December 20th Sunday’s 3.1-mile walk/run will start and finish at Coconut Grove Marketplace at 7:30 am.
- Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade, December 5th at 6:00 pm– If you are on the Big Island, check out the annual Christmas parade through Waimea town. See 60 holiday floats and trucks, plus Santa.
- Hilo Christmas Light Parade, November 28th, 2026 – Hilo is the cutest town in Hawaii, and its annual Christmas parade is what one would expect.
- Hawaiian Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival (Hilo), December 18th and 19th, 2026 – A local holiday festival featuring art and crafts made in Hawaii by local artists, live music, and food. Free entry!
- Holualoa Music & Lights December 5th, 2026, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Enjoy live music, watch the Christmas tree lighting, shop, and meet Santa!
- Keauhou Shopping Center – cookies and crafts in the courtyard during December. See the Keauhou Shopping Center event schedule for details.
- Where to Meet Santa: Waikoloa’s Queens’ Marketplace, December, 5 pm – 8 pm. No reservation is required to visit Santa, and you can bring your own camera. Click here for details. They also offer a Hula Show!
Whale Watching for Christmas in Hawaii
The holidays in Hawaii mean whale-watching season! Whale watching is from December through March, making your holiday vacation a good time to see whales.
December is the start of whale season around the Hawaiian Islands. Maui is the best place to spot whales, with the world’s highest density of migratory humpback whales.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching on Maui: Best Tours and Trips for everything you need to know, excellently written by Erica. She doesn’t use ‘ultimate’ lightly. We also have our 7 Tips for Whale Watching video, a YouTube seasonal favorite.
Hawaii Whale Watching Tour Discounts
We share the best whale-watching tours on Maui, but also see our Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupons for whale-watching tour discounts.
You don’t have to go out on a tour to see whales! Shoreline viewing can also be spectacular. Watch sunset and whale blowholes along the West Maui or South Maui coastline. See our article for our favorite shoreline viewing spots.
Whale Watching on Hawai’i and O’ahu
In our opinion, the Island of Hawai’i (Big Island) is the second-best place to whale watch. Many wonderful tour companies depart from resorts along the Kohala Coast or down in Kailua-Kona. Explore all our favorite Big Island whale-watching tours.
Oahu offers whale-watching tours, but in my experience, more as a complement to snorkeling and sunset cruises. Whales frequent the Waianae Coast north of Ko Olina Resorts and are even seen swimming by Diamond Head. These are the best whale-watching tours on Oahu.
You can see whales while hiking the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail; see our O’ahu hiking article for details on th
Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in Hawaii
The final tip. For New Year’s Eve activities, stick to Waikiki and Honolulu for a night out.
Hawaii is a sleepy state. Outside Waikiki and Chinatown, there’s little nightlife.
Waikiki has a large fireworks show for New Year’s Eve. Shoot from a barge off Waikiki Beach and enjoy a spectacular show.
Watch the fireworks out on the water with this Honolulu Dinner Cruise.
The bars, clubs, and resorts will be celebrating the new year. Check with your resort to see if they are hosting a party. Larger hotels, like Turtle Bay on North Shore Oahu, usually host an NYE party. See our list of The Best North Shore Hotels and Vacation Rentals for more options.
Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island stay relatively quiet for NYE. Bars in Kailua-Kona (Big Island) and Kihei (Maui) will be open to ring in the new year. Resorts may also host NYE parties.
Christmas in Hawaii FAQs
Is Christmas a good time to go to Hawaii?
Christmas in Hawaii offers wonderful Hawaiian traditions, decorations, and holiday hula shows. December’s tropical weather draws visitors. But December is the busiest time of year, and hence, hotel and rental prices are high.
Is Hawaii expensive at Christmas?
Yes, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, nightly rates are highest at Christmas. Rental car rates and airfare will also be high. Because those are major line items on a Hawaii vacation, expect Christmas to be expensive.
How busy is Hawaii at Christmas?
Christmas is Hawaii’s busiest time of year. The December average daily census across the islands is about 250,000 visitors, but Christmas brings a surge. About 40,000 visitors arrived in Hawaii daily from December 24th to the 29th, 2025.
Which Hawaiian island is best for Christmas?
Oahu is the best Hawaiian island for Christmas because of its numerous Christmas events, Christmas dinner options, and the lowest lodging prices. See our Hawaii Christmas Vacation for details.
Can you see whales in Hawaii at Christmas?
Yes, the humpback whale migration to Hawaii peaks around Christmas. Maui is the best island for whale watching at Christmas, with the highest whale counts off West and South Maui.
Your Hawaii Christmas Vacation Itinerary
With so many planning tips for your Hawaii Christmas vacation, you are hopefully feeling pretty good about coming to Hawaii this winter season. Now, finish your planning with perfect Hawaiian Island itineraries.
Let us show you the best places to go, where to eat at local restaurants, the best beaches, cultural activities, and snorkel spots. Our planned excursion days will make your trip! Learn more about them below!
