As the calendar turns toward December, Waikīkī transforms into a dazzling playground of holiday sparkle and cultural celebration. For travelers planning a winter escape, here’s your guide to the most anticipated events, festive experiences, and island‑style traditions happening around Oʻahu this holiday season.
Holiday Highlights Worth Marking on Your Calendar
Honolulu City Lights & Tree Lighting at Honolulu Hale
One of the biggest and most beloved holiday traditions on Oʻahu is the Honolulu City Lights. Each year, the grounds of Honolulu Hale (City Hall) are dressed in twinkling lights, larger-than-life decorations, and festive displays. The opening celebration includes live performances, a walk-through display, and the lighting of the iconic Christmas tree. The lights remain lit for the entire holiday season and have proven to be a favorite pastime for visitors and locals alike.
‘Twas the Light Before Christmas On Ice
This immersive light and ice experience is a seasonal favorite—combining holiday music, choreographed lighting displays, and a magical ice rink atmosphere. Held at a specially staged venue in Honolulu, this event offers a unique tropical twist on a classic winter spectacle.
Waikīkī Holiday Parade
Waikīkī’s own holiday parade has become a festive standby, featuring marching bands, Santa Claus, floats, and torchlit segments that wind along Kalākaua Avenue. This parade often blends holiday joy with cultural homage, sometimes including acknowledgments of Pearl Harbor and Hawaiʻi’s significance in military history.
The Nutcracker in Hawaiian Style & Holiday Concerts
No holiday season on Oʻahu is complete without a performance of The Nutcracker, reimagined with Hawaiian flair by Ballet Hawaiʻi. Expect vibrant tropical elements, local motifs, and classical dance. Holiday concerts, such as Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawaiʻi, the Hapa Holiday Extravaganza, and other seasonal performances at the Hawaii Theatre round out the musical offerings.
Festival of Lights Boat Parade in Hawaiʻi Kai
For a coastal twist, the Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade in Hawaiʻi Kai is a beloved maritime tradition. Boats draped in holiday lights float along the waterways while hula and musical performances light up the evening atmosphere.
Whale Watching Season Begins
Winter in Hawaiʻi also marks the return of humpback whales, migrating from the cold waters of Alaska to breed and calve in Hawaiʻi’s warm waters. From December onward, charter cruises and ocean tours depart from Waikīkī and surrounding harbors, giving visitors a chance to glimpse these majestic mammals in their natural environment.
Sample Holiday Itinerary: Five Magical Days
- Day 1: Arrival & Holiday Kickoff
- Settle in at Waikiki Resort Hotel, enjoy a relaxed beach afternoon or check out the new game room
- Evening out in Waikiki, dine with an ocean view
- Morning at Pearl Harbor historical sites or downtown museums
- Evening stroll in Waikiki, enjoy the Waikīkī Holiday Parade
- Day 3: Adventure on the Water
- Whale-watching or snorkeling trip (if sea conditions allow)
- Night-time ride on the Waikīkī Trolley Holiday Lights Tour or check out the Festival of Lights Boat Parade
- Day 4: Arts & Music
- Gallery visits, local markets, crafts & lei-making
- Evening: catch The Nutcracker or a holiday concert at Hawaii Theatre
- Day 5: North Shore & Surf Culture
- Scenic drive to the North Shore; watch big-wave surfers or enjoy local shops and eateries
- Return to Waikīkī for a festive farewell dinner and optional evening stroll
Tips for Making the Most of the Season
- Reserve early. Holiday performances and tours sell fast—book shows, whale cruises, and special events well in advance.
- Layer up wisely. While days are warm, evenings near the water may carry a cooler breeze. Bring a light sweater or shawl.
- Check event pages. Dates and schedules may shift—always verify via official sources or event websites.
- Embrace local flavors. Seasonal treat stands, holiday markets, and craft fairs offer unique gift ideas and island specialties.
- Respect ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and traditions. Many holiday events incorporate hula, mele (songs), chants, and other cultural aspects. Participate respectfully and with an open heart.
This winter, Waikīkī becomes more than a tropical escape—it’s a vibrant season of aloha, lights, music, and island heritage. Whether you’re here for the parades, the whale sightings, or the delicate intertwining of the Christmas spirit with Hawaiian culture, there’s no better place take it all in than at Waikiki Resort Hotel in the heart of Waikiki.