Holidays in Hawaii: Sun, Sand and Santa
Our family’s holiday celebrations keep changing as the kids get older. I don’t need two turkeys for Thanksgiving any more. I haven’t seen the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve in many years. And, because friends and family can’t always make it home, I spend more time mailing packages than I do watching gift unwrapping on Christmas morning.
It’s bittersweet but I’m determined to create new traditions that will put the jolly back in the holidays.
One of the dream Decembers I’ve envisioned is spending two glorious weeks in Hawaii. This particular fantasy began during the Obama presidency. Watching the First Family jet off to Oahu to recharge and reconnect in the sand and sun made me long for a similar holiday.
I never pursued planning a Christmas in Hawaii because I felt bound by the holiday traditions I thought everyone expected. With family changes recently, I think it’s time to revisit this tropical treat.
What would the holidays in Hawaii look like? To answer that question, I checked out the special events and activities at several Hawaiian resorts. Here’s what I found.
Honolulu and Waikiki Beach
Oahu offers an enchanting holiday experience, where the traditional magic of the season is infused with the warm aloha spirit of Hawaii. Honolulu and Waikiki Beach transform into a winter wonderland with a tropical twist. The iconic palm trees sparkle with twinkle lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
A highlight of the holiday season is Honolulu City Lights, a dazzling display illuminating the city and landmark buildings like City Hall. The streets are adorned with festive decorations and intricate light installations, transforming Honolulu into a storybook spectacle.
Another must-visit holiday attraction is the Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace, a Christmas market showcasing the best of Hawaiian culture and craftsmanship. Shoppers explore a variety of stalls with unique gifts, handcrafted souvenirs and delicious local treats. The market also features live music performances, cultural demonstrations and live entertainment.
Where to Stay on Oahu for the Holidays
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Use and earn Marriott Bonvoy points at the new Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, the brand’s first property on the island of Oahu and the first new build hotel in Honolulu in over 20 years.
The focus here is on wellness. The entire eighth-floor Sky Deck of the property is a wellness sanctuary featuring a Japanese-style spa with Oahu’s first Ofuro soaking tubs, meditation gardens, a fully equipped fitness center, a glass-enclosed yoga studio, and an outdoor strength training and lap pool experience.
You can choose a beautifully designed room or suite for your holiday getaway. Or, if you prefer the comforts of home, check out the Renaissance Residences. The units have gourmet kitchens equipped with top-of-the-line Wolf appliances and Subzero refrigerators and washers and dryers. Plus guests can access all the resort amenities.
‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Looking for that only-in-Hawaii holiday moment? Head to the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach to catch a glimpse of Scuba Claus twice daily in the 280,000-gallon Oceanarium from December 12 – 24!
Other family-friendly holiday programming at the resort includes:
- Letters to Santa
- Christmas cultural classes
- Cookie and malasada decorating (malasada is a Portugese doughnut, popular in Hawaii)
- Storytelling with Tutu (“grandma” in Hawaiian)
When it’s time to treat yourself, book a Candy Cane Holiday Massage at the onsite Spa U’ilani.
The Twin Fin Hotel
Someone in the family interested in surfing? The ultimate hang ten present is offered by The Twin Fin Hotel, in collaboration with world-renowned Hall of Fame surfer Jamie O’Brien and the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf Waikiki. The “Hall of Fame” Package includes a 3-night stay, 1 year membership to Surfline (the essential online surf resource), car rental, private surf lesson for two, exclusive itinerary with Jamie’s favorite local spots across the island, a custom surfboard designed by Jamie’s surfboard shaper, Tokoro and much more.
There’s plenty of holiday fun for non-surfing guests too. During The Twin Fin’s 12 Days of Aloha (12/20-12/31), you can craft surfboard ornaments, watch fire dancing and hula shows, participate in holiday-themed paint & sip classes and more.
Maui
If you’d rather have warm sunshine and sun-soaked beaches than snow, Maui offers a unique and unforgettable Christmas experience for the whole family.
The highlight of the season is the Christmas morning arrival of Santa by traditional outrigger canoe on Wailea Beach. Another fun way to celebrate is with a special holiday-themed luau at one of the island resorts.
With its warm weather, stunning scenery, and welcoming atmosphere, Maui is the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable Christmas getaway.
Where to Stay on Maui for the Holidays
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Lahaina continues its miraculous recovery from the tragic 2023 wildfires. The recently reopened Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is a great place to celebrate the season. You can’t beat the location; the oceanfront resort is spread across 27 acres with direct access to the world-famous Kaanapali Beach. In addition to recently refreshed private bungalows, there are two new on-site restaurants – Lahaina Noon and Pineapple Moon.
Contribute to the ongoing reforestation of the Lahaina community with Royal Lahaina’s new “A Tree for You and Me” package. Your bungalow will be decorated with an indigenous Alahe’e tree that will be donated as part of the wildfire recovery efforts in Lahainan after your stay. The offer also includes a keepsake ornament and daily breakfast for two.
A Vacation Rental for Your Hawaiian Holiday
A luxury vacation rental offers all the comforts of home in a glorious tropical setting. Hawai`i Life, the #1 leading luxury brokerage in the state of Hawai`i, has an incredible variety of properties across the Big Island, Oahu, Maui and Kauai.
The homes are spectacular and come with full-service concierge services, ultra-premium amenities and priceless views. These rentals are a wonderful option for large groups or multi-generational families who are looking for a holiday haven near popular Hawaiian attractions.
Check out Hanalei Dream, a luxury oceanfront estate in the center of Hanalei Bay on Kauai. This five bedroom, four bath, beachfront retreat sleeps up to 14 guests. Imagine soaking up the sun on famed Hanelei Beach, named one of the best beaches in the world.
That’s a Christmas present I’d never forget.