Listed below are some of the popular Christmas light displays throughout Hawaiʻi. They are listed alphabetically by island, the clockwise beginning in the north. We’ll continue to update this list as organizers announce dates for Holiday lights, incuding Christmas tree lights, Santa arrivals, and holiday parades.
To wish someone “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian say, “Mele Kalikimaka” (may-lay kah-lee-kee-mah-kah).
To say “Happy New Year”, it’s “Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou” (how-oh-lee mah-kah-hee-kee hoe).
2023 Hawaiʻi Island Christmas lights
(Listed alphabetically by city or location)
Hilo Christmas Light Parade. November 25, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. More info: Downtown Hilo Christ (hilolightparade22.wixsite.com)
Holualoa Village Music & Light Festival. Saturday, December 2, 2023, 5:30–8:30pm. Holualoa Village Music & Light Festival. Every December, Holualoa Village rolls out the holiday red carpet, inviting visitors and residents to ring in the holidays, Hawaiian style. The evening includes lighting of the town Christmas tree, an appearance by Santa, live music, art gallery openings, food & drink, and more! Shops serve up complimentary pupus and beverages. Catch up with old friends, make new friends, or put names to familiar faces. All-ages, everyone is welcome. More info: Holualoa, Hawaii | Art & Coffee on the Big Island (holualoavillage.com)
Kailua-Kona Christmas Street Parade. December 9, 2023 at 5:30 PM. Kailua-Kona Christmas Street Parade goes begins at Loloku St & Kuakini Highway, turns on Palani Rd to Aliʻi Drive and ends at Walua Road. More info: Kailua-Kona parades (paradesinkona.com)
Kailua Kalikimaka Lighted Boat Parade on Kailua Bay. (unconfirmed) December 10, 2023 at 6 PM. Kailua Kalikimaka Lighted Boat Parade on Kailua Bay, following Kokua Kailua’s monthly walk and holiday concert. Spectators can view the illuminated boat parade from anywhere in the village, including the sea wall. The parade is free to attend. The Kailua Village Business Improvement District invites sailboats, motorized canoes, and kayaks to be a part of the holiday celebration and compete for cash prizes. More info: HOME (paradesinkona.com)
Punalights in Keʻeau. (anticipated) December 9-31, 2023. Punalights Synchronized Christmas Lights (15-2053 18th Keaau, HI 96749). First started in 2008 and has grown through the years. Synchronized Christmas Lights with music broadcast on 106.7 FM. More info: https://www.facebook.com/punalights/
Waimea Annual Christmas Twilight Parade. Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 5:30PM. Waimea Annual Christmas Twilight Parade. NEW parade route! From Waimea Park onto Lindsey Road, left onto Mamalahoa Highway, right onto Pukalani Rd, right onto Ala Ohia, and end at Waimea District Park. More info: Christmas Parade — Waimea Community Association (waimeatown.org)
2023 Kauaʻi Christmas lights
(Listed by date)
Kauaʻi Holiday Lights Spectacular in Līhuʻe. Holiday Lights Spectacular – Nightly Light Show. Saturday, November 26 – Friday, December 23, 2023 at 7:00 pm. Bring the ‘ohana to Kukui Grove Center and enjoy a 20-minute animated lights & music show fronting Jamba Juice & Starbucks. More info: Holiday Lights Spectacular – Nightly Light Show | Kukui Grove Center
Kauaʻi Festival of Lights in Līhuʻe in the Historic County Building at Lihue County Park, 4396 Rice Street, Līhuʻe, HI 96766 are lit Thanksgiving Weekend to New Year’s Day. November 28, 2023 – January 1, 2024 from 6-11PMMore info: https://kauaifestivaloflights.com/
Kauaʻi Rice Street Holiday Parade & Street Fair in Līhuʻe every first Saturday in December. December 1, 2023 from 12noon-8PM. Road closure from 6-830pm on Rice Street from Ho’olako to Eiwa Street. Recommended parking along Hardy Street, Convention Hall, and County Building. 12-8pm Holiday Fair in the Kauaʻi Museum parking lot. 6-6:30 Festival of Lights at Historic County Building. 6:30-8:30pm Lights on Rice Parade.
2023 Maui Christmas lights
Wailea. Grand Wailea Resort is decked out holiday displays in the hotel lobby and throughout the grounds. December 17, 2023 at 6PM there is a Tree Lighting Ceremony at the MAIN ENTRANCE. The evening will kickoff with live entertainment and opening remarks by our Hotel Manager and Cultural Manager & Leadership Educator, leading up the countdown of the official lighting. The evening will also feature opportunities to give back to our Maui community including a Giving Tree and proceeds to benefit the Maui Food Bank. More info: Festive | Grand Wailea and Grand Wailea Maui | Luxury Beachfront Resort Hotel Maui, Hawaii
2023 Oʻahu Christmas lights
(Listed by date)
Oʻahu tree lighting events & Christmas Parades
Haleʻiwa Town Christmas Tree Lighting. Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 5-8PM. Haleiwa Town Christmas Tree Lighting. North Shore Marketplace Field, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712. More info: Christmas Events – North Shore Chamber of Commerce (gonorthshore.org)
Honolulu Hawaiian Mission Houses City Lights Parade viewing. December 2, 2023 from 4-9PM. are the perfect spot to enjoy the Honolulu City Lights Parade. The viewing grounds are 18″ above the height of King Street. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy family activities such as 19th century games and candle making. The historic houses will be open for visiting as well. There will be food available for purchase or feel free to bring your own to watch the parade. Bring your own chairs and blankets to sit on the lawn. Cost: $10/person. Tickets available on the Mission Houses website. More info: Hawaiian Mission Houses
Honolulu Hale City Lights Tree Lighting & Electric Light Parade. December 2, 2023 at 6-9PM. Mayor Rick Blangiardi will light the city’s 50-foot holiday tree, simultaneously illuminating Honolulu Hale and the Civic Center Grounds followed by the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade. FREE event. More info: Honolulu City Lights (hnlcitylights.org)
Kapolei City Lights, Parade & Festival. The holiday extravaganza features a tree lighting at Kapolei Hale (1000 Ulu‘ōhia St, Kapolei, HI 96707). Since the inaugural celebration in 2001, Kapolei City Lights has been spreading holiday cheer to this ever-growing Leeward Oʻahu community as a complement to Honolulu City Lights. More info: Kapolei City Lights (honolulu.gov)
- Opening night parade: Saturday, December 9, 2023 beginning 6 p.m. outside of Kapolei High School on Fort Barrette Road, left onto Kapolei Parkway (the primary viewing area), and end at Kama‘aha Street.
- Block party: Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. surrounding Kapolei Hale
Hawaii Kai Towne Center Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade. December 16, 2023 from 4-7pm. The Marina Docks is where the array of beautifully decorated boats will be judged as they glide through the waters, and it’s the perfect location for families to watch the festive procession. Come to the center early to finish off that holiday shopping list or grab a bite to eat before watching holiday-themed boats cruise across the marina. Parade starts at sunset. Oh, what a fun night! More info: Festival of Lights Boat Parade – Hawaii Kai Towne Center
Oʻahu Christmas lights
(Listed alphabetically by city or location.)
Honolulu. Aloha Stadium “Show Aloha Land – Holiday Wonderland”. November 30 – December 30, 2023. “Show Aloha Land – Holiday Wonderland” at Aloha Stadium. Dive into a winter wonderland where festive thrills meet the warm spirit of aloha. From dazzling light displays to exhilarating snow tubing. Drive-Thru Light Show Spectacular $49.94/vehicle. Unlimited Wonderland Pass & Drive Thru Bundle $39.94/person (age 2 and under free) plus $9 parking fee CASH ONLY. More info: Show Aloha Land – Hope is where the heart is
Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale grounds. December 2, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024. Visitors are welcome to visit at Honolulu Hale (530 S King St) after dark to see the holiday tree on the front lawn, Shaka Santa, Tūtū Mele, and holiday light displays. It’s the holiday selfie photo place to be! More info: Honolulu City Lights (hnlcitylights.org)
Kaimukī Christmas Tree Park (951 Koko Head Ave. Nightly in December. Take in the panoramic views of Honolulu from atop Pu’u O Kaimukī Mini Park—also known as Christmas Tree Park. The iconic Christmas tree sits high above the neighborhood, decorated by the Kaimuki Business & Professional Association and community volunteers. Look for it when you drive along the H-1 freeway past Kaimuki or from Harding or Waialae Avenue as you drive through the neighborhood. Walk up to the park and catch a break taking view of the city.
Kakaʻako. Ward Village holiday décor. November 24, 2023 – January 2, 2024. Experience island style at its most festive, complete with music in the streets and holiday décor. Come for the shopping and dining, stay for the celebrations. More info: Activities in Kakaako | Ward Village. More info: Holiday Happenings – Ward Village
Kāneʻohe around Namoku Street near Castle HS every December becomes “Christmas Tree Lane” with every house decked out in lights and other displays. More info: CHRISTMAS LANE – KANEOHE – Yelp
Kapolei City Lights. December 9, 2023 – Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Since the inaugural celebration in 2001, Kapolei City Lights has been spreading holiday cheer to this ever-growing Leeward Oʻahu community as a complement to Honolulu City Lights. More info: Kapolei City Lights (honolulu.gov)
Mililani Holiday Lights. Day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Every year, 3 cul-de-sacs bordering Mahinahou Street in Mililani will have a huge light display between Thanksgiving and Christmas, traditionally visited by people from all over the island.
Waikīkī Trolley Holiday Lights Tour to Honolulu Hale. December 4-27, 2023. Departure times: 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM. Waikīkī Trolley Holiday Lights Tour is approximately 2-hours (including pickup and drop off in Kakaʻako) on the open-air double-decker bus through Waikīkī and Downtown Honolulu to see the city dressed up for the season. Along the way, there are joyous sing-a-longs and jolly Christmas stories. You can hop off & on at Honolulu Hale for a closer look at the city’s 50-foot Christmas tree, Shaka Santa, Tūtū Mele, and other yuletide displays.
- Waikīkī Trolley Holiday Lights Tours depart from Kewalo Basin 1011 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813.
- Reservations are required and often fill up quickly. Tickets: Adult (12+) – $30 Children (Ages 3 to 11) – $20. Lap Children (Ages 2 & Under) – Free.
- More info: Holiday Lights Tour (holidaylightshi.com)
Shaka Santa and Tūtū Mele at Honolulu Hale, 2002 photo by windwardskies 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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