Here’s a list of Santa photo opportunities in locations across the Hawaiian paeʻāina. All this and toys, too! We’re indubitably impressed. Some of these are free opportunities for selfies with Santa, which are BYOC (bring your own camera or smartphone). Many of the free Santa photo ops are one-time opportunities at Christmas festivals and other holiday events featuring an appearance by Santa Claus.
In additional to free selfie photo ops, there are professional photographers taking photos in a traditional setting, often with Santa sitting at shopping malls of other studio locations. Professional Santa photos start around $25 and go up from there depending on the number and size of prints that you want.
Tip: Lines for Santa photos at the busiest malls are generally shorter “early” – early in December, early in the week (Monday-Wednesday), and early in the day (before 3:00 PM). So, when young children are in tow, plan accordingly around nap times and mealtimes. Many professional photographers take reservations, which is a highly recommended.
2023 Hawaiʻi Island Santa Photos
Kamuela (Waimea). Photos with Santa at Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela, HI 96743. Saturdays, December 2, & 16, 2023. Bring your keiki to Santa’s holiday hangout at the Fireside Food Court and take home a photo to treasure forever. Your charitable donations are welcome to benefit the Waimea Lions Club and North Hawaii Hospice. More info: Santa Claus Photos at Parker Ranch Center – Parker Ranch Center
Waikoloa. Queens’ Marketplace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI 96738. Get your cameras ready, folks! Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s ready to strike a pose with you at the Holiday Center (near Starbucks). Don’t forget to bring your own camera to snap some photos and take part in the festive fun with your nearest and dearest every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 1-17. (December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 @ 5-8 PM). Ho, ho, ho! More info: Events – Queens’ Marketplace (queensmarketplace.com)
Multiple locations. Hawaiʻi Branch Libraries. Santa Claus Story Times. Santa Claus is making a special visit for a story time and photo session. Use your own camera to capture the special moment with Santa.
- December 7, 2023 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am. Naalehu Branch Library, 95-5669 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, HI
- December 7, 2023 @ 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm. Naalehu Branch Library, 95-5669 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, HI
- December 7, 2023 @ 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm. Pahoa Branch Library, 15-3070 Pahoa-Kalapana Rd, Pahoa, HI
- December 7, 2023 @ 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Keaau Branch Library, 16-571 Keaau Pahoa Rd, Keaau, HI
- More info: Hawaii State Public Library Events (librarieshawaii.org)
Petco and PetSmart. FREE photo of your pet with Santa at participating Petco and PetSmart locations.
- Petco FREE photo with Santa on Dec. 2, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at select locations only. Contact your local store for full details. More info: Pet Photos with Santa 2023 | Petco
- PetSmart Paws & Claus Photo Event for a FREE photo with the Santa December 16-17, 2023 at participating locations. Snap photos on your personal device or receive a FREE digital file via e-mail. Space is limited. Reservations are required. More info: Santa Photo Days | PetSmart
2023 Kaua’i Santa Photos
Kapaʻa. Healing Horses Kauai. December 17, 2023 from 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Located on the Kapaa Bypass at Kuhio Highway. You bring the camera. Santa’s Paint Horses provided. Suggested donation $10. More info: Healing Horses (healinghorseskauai.org)
Līhuʻe. Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus outside on the Historic County Building Porch Fridays 6-8 PM on December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023. More info: Kaua’i Festival of Lights – Santa’s Gone Kauai’an! (kauaifestivaloflights.com)
Multiple locations. Kauaʻi Branch Libraries. Santa Claus Story Times. Santa Claus is making a special visit for a story time and photo session. Use your own camera to capture the special moment with Santa.
- December 12, 2023 @ 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Kapaa Branch Library, 4-1464 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI
- December 13, 2023 @ 9:30 am – 10:00 am. Hanapepe Branch Library, 4490 Kona Road, Hanapepe, HI
- December 13, 2023 @ 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm. Waimea Branch Library, 9750 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI
- December 13, 2023 @ 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm. Koloa Branch Library, 3451 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI
- December 13, 2023 @ 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Lihue Branch Library, 4344 Hardy St, Lihue, HI
- More info: Hawaii State Public Library Events (librarieshawaii.org)
Petco and PetSmart. FREE photo of your pet with Santa at participating Petco and PetSmart locations.
- Petco FREE photo with Santa on Dec. 2, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at select locations only. Contact your local store for full details. More info: Pet Photos with Santa 2023 | Petco
- PetSmart Paws & Claus Photo Event for a FREE photo with the Santa December 16-17, 2023 at participating locations. Snap photos on your personal device or receive a FREE digital file via e-mail. Space is limited. Reservations are required. More info: Santa Photo Days | PetSmart
2023 Maui Santa Photos
Kahului. Santa is coming to Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. Dec 1-24, 2023. Plan for your visit with Jolly Old St. Nicholas. Pet Photos – EVERY Tuesday (Open-Close). Sensitive Santa – EVERY Thursday (Open-Close). More info: PHOTOS WITH SANTA (queenkaahumanucenter.com)
Wailea. Shops at Wailea. Selected dates in 2023: November 24, 25, 29, December 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 21. Free photos with Santa with each canned good donation to benefit the Maui Food Bank. As a special treat, Santa’s elf will be handing out Peppermint Macadamia Nut cookies courtesy of Honolulu Cookie Company. Located in the Middle Valley – Lower Level between Mahina and TravisMathew. More info: The Shops at Wailea ::: FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Petco and PetSmart. FREE photo of your pet with Santa at participating Petco and PetSmart locations.
- Petco FREE photo with Santa on Dec. 2, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at select locations only. Contact your local store for full details. More info: Pet Photos with Santa 2023 | Petco
- PetSmart Paws & Claus Photo Event for a FREE photo with the Santa December 16-17, 2023 at participating locations. Snap photos on your personal device or receive a FREE digital file via e-mail. Space is limited. Reservations are required. More info: Santa Photo Days | PetSmart
2023 Oʻahu Santa photos
Free BYOC* Santa photo ops
(*Bring Your Own Camera. Listed by date.)
Honolulu/Ala Moana Shopping Center. Take a selfie at Santa’s surfboard photo wall! November 17–December 24, 2023. Ewa Wing (between Tesla and Oakley). More info: Holiday 2023 | Ala Moana Center
Kakaʻako. Seasonal Photo Opportunities. Selected dates November 17 – January 2, 2023. Celebrate the holiday season by taking a fun and festive photo in front of Holiday-themed displays at South Shore Market, Ward Entertainment Center and Ward Centre. Be sure to tag on Instagram @wardvillage for the chance to be featured on their website. More info: Seasonal Photo Opportunities – Ward Village
Honolulu/Waikīkī at Royal Hawaiian Center. Holiday Kick Off Show & Aloha Santa’s Arrival November 22, 2023 @5PM. The Royal Grove will delight guests with live music from local musicians, hula performances, and a special performance by Storybook Entertainment, featuring holiday characters with a Hawaiian twist, followed by the Arrival of Aloha Santa. Aloha Santa will lead the lighting of the Center’s spectacular 34-foot-tall holiday tree, featuring Hawaiian elements including stunning palaka bows, glittered plumeria and ʻukulele. The evening continues with Keiki Hula and Hawaiian entertainment. After the tree lighting, guests will have the chance to take a free photo with Aloha Santa! More info: 2023 Holiday Kick Off Show & Aloha Santa’s Arrival — Royal Hawaiian Center
Hawaii Kai at Towne Center. November 25, 2023, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Santa selfies from 5:15-6:55pm. Santa will be making waves, arriving by boat, we’ll light the tree and the whole center up, and holiday joy will take center stage at Hawaii Kai Towne Center. Kickoff the holiday season with a sleigh-load of fun with Santa selfies, dance performances, balloon animals, prizes, glitter tattoos, and more. More info: Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony – Hawaii Kai Towne Center
Multiple locations. Oʻahu Branch Libraries. Santa Claus Story Times. Santa Claus is making a special visit for a story time and photo session. Use your own camera to capture the special moment with Santa.
- November 30, 2023 @ 9:30 am – 10:00 am. Salt Lake-Moanalua Branch Library, 3225 Salt Lake Blvd, Honolulu, HI
- December 2, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am. Aiea Branch Library, 99-374 Pohai Place, Aiea, HI
- December 3, 2023 @ 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Kaimuki Branch Library, 1041 Koko Head Ave, Honolulu, HI
- December 5, 2023 @ 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Aina Haina Branch Library, 5246 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI
- December 6, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am. Liliha Branch Library, 1515 Liliha St, Honolulu, HI
- December 11, 2023 @ 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Ewa Beach Branch Library, 91-950 North Road, Ewa Beach, HI
- December 15, 2023 @ 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm. Waipahu Branch Library, 94-275 Mokuola St, Waipahu, HI
- December 16, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am. Waianae Branch Library, 85-625 Farrington Hwy, Waiʻanae, HI
- December 16, 2023 @ 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm. Hawaii State Library, 478 S King St, Honolulu, HI
- December 19, 2023 @ 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm. Kalihi-Palama Branch Library, 1325 Kalihi St, Honolulu, HI
- December 19, 2023 @ 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Pearl City Branch Library, 1138 Waimano Home Rd, Pearl City, HI
- More info: Hawaii State Public Library Events (librarieshawaii.org)
Petco and PetSmart. FREE photo of your pet with Santa at participating Petco and PetSmart locations.
- Petco FREE photo with Santa on Dec. 2, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at select locations only. Contact your local store for full details. More info: Pet Photos with Santa 2023 | Petco
- PetSmart Paws & Claus Photo Event for a FREE photo with the Santa December 16-17, 2023 at participating locations. Snap photos on your personal device or receive a FREE digital file via e-mail. Space is limited. Reservations are required. More info: Santa Photo Days | PetSmart
Professional Santa photos
(Listed alphabetically by city or location)
Aiea Pearlridge Center (98-1005 Moanalua Rd). November 24 – December 24, 2023. Santa Claus is coming to town! Bring your friends and family to share in the Christmas cheer and take a picture with St. Nick in Wai Makai. More info: Photos with Santa – Pearlridge (pearlridgeonline.com)
Aiea Pearlridge Center (98-1005 Moanalua Rd). Paws with Claus. Wednesdays, November 29 – December 20 from | 2-7pm. Santa loves visits from humans, but your pets are welcome to take pictures, too! Bring in your furry friends and create a lasting holiday memory Wednesdays at Wai Makai Center Court. More info: Paws with Claus – Pearlridge (pearlridgeonline.com)
East Honolulu/Kahala. Create a special memory with Santa Claus at Kahala Mall! November 25 – December 24, 2023. Visit longtime Kahala Santa as he brings the magic of Christmas to the Mall. Take photos in the whimsical, storybook-themed holiday set located near Macy’s. Reservations are recommended, walk-ups are available between scheduled visits. More info: Photos with Santa Claus! – Kahala Mall (kahalamallcenter.com)
Honolulu/Ala Moana Shopping Center. November 17–December 24, 2023. Ewa Wing (between Tesla and Oakley). Visit Santa in his new Surf Shack and make lasting memories with any of several holiday photo packages. Reservations encouraged, walkups welcome! More info: Holiday 2023 | Ala Moana Center
Honolulu/Waikīkī at International Marketplace. December 1-24, 2023. Level 1, Mauka Court. Santa Claus is making a special stop right here in the heart of Waikiki, and he’s bringing the North Pole charm with him. More info: Santa Photos | International Market Place (shopinternationalmarketplace.com)
- Honolulu/Waikīkī at International Marketplace. Pet photos with Santa. December 4-11, 2023. Level 1, Mauka Court. Get ready to make this holiday season pawsitively memorable! More info: Pet Photos with Santa | International Market Place (shopinternationalmarketplace.com)
Kāneʻohe at Windward Mall (46-056 Kam Hwy). Santa Photos selected days November 18 – December 24, 2023. HO HO HO! Dress up and bring your family for photos with Santa in his Windward Wonderland. More info: Santa Photos | Windward Mall
Kapolei at Ka Makana Ali‘i (91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy, Kapolei, HI 96707). November 24 – December 24, 2023. Santa has arrived from the North Pole! Find him and his sled in the Macy’s Wing, near Sephora and Zales. Meet Mrs. Claus, too, if you come in on a weekday! Reservations recommended. Walk-ins will be accepted. More info: Ka Makana Ali‘i ::: Santa Photos (kamakanaalii.com)
Mililani at Town Center. Saturdays, November 25 – December 16, 2023. Bring Your Keiki to Meet Santa Claus. Say Aloha to Santa! Bring the little ones (and pets, too!) for fun photos with Santa at the Fireside Food Court. There will be family photo hours, low sensory hours, and pet photo hours, so be sure to plan ahead. More info: Santa Photos – Town Center Of Mililani
Santa listens intently to make sure he gets this young girl’s Christmas wish list right! Photo by HASLOO via iStock by Getty Images.
Christmas events on our calendar
Listed below are Christmas events from the Calendar of free and cheap things to do every day at Hawaiʻi on the Cheap. We continue to add to events to this calendar throughout the season as organizers announce their events.
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