Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Hawaii
Lisa Sammons
Author
We get it. Hawaii isn’t exactly a stereotypical winter wonderland. We don’t get a white Christmas, we don’t usually go ice skating or snowshoeing. Even so, Hawaii during winter is a magical time, and, if you ask us, there’s no better season for a Hawaiian vacation. Winter in Hawaii is certainly different from most places, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing Hawaii winter activities to enjoy. You’ll find an endless array of fun things to do in Hawaii in the winter, and the Christmas season here is truly unlike anywhere else. Here’s a definitive guide to all the best winter attractions in Hawaii:
Table of Contents
Holiday Events In Hawaii
Our lack of a white Christmas doesn’t mean we don’t know how to celebrate the holidays. Many feel that the winter months are the best time of the year in Hawaii. The Hawaiian islands go all out to make sure everyone has a holly, jolly Christmas, even if there is no snow. Our Hawaiian Christmas events are some of the best family things to do in Hawaii during the winter – check them out:
1. Honolulu City Lights
Honolulu is considered one of the best Christmas towns on Oahu and it's easy to see why after just one glimpse of the magical Honolulu City Lights celebration. The capital city goes all-out for the whole month of December, with a 50-foot Norfolk pine, an electric lights parade, and more, but the festivities start on Saturday, December 2, 2023. This is one of the best free things to do in Hawaii in winter and it's one celebration you don't want to miss. Learn more from the Friends of Honolulu City Lights website.
2. Kaua'i Festival of Lights
Kauai's biggest city offers up a fantastic free light celebration with the annual Kaua'i Festival of Lights, now in its 27th year. This event takes place in the local Historical Society and features visits with Santa, hundreds of shimmering lights, a SPAM can tree, and more. Check out the Kaua'i Festival of Lights website for more information.
3. Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade
The Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade is a grand celebration on the west coast of the Big Island. It's been going on for nearly four decades and attracts tons of attendees, but there are plenty of spots for spectators and you'll have a great view from just about anywhere. Expect floats, holiday music, and tons of family-friendly fun. Get more information from the Parades in Kona Facebook page.
4. Christmas Twilight Parade
Waimea is one of the best towns to visit on the Big Island thanks to its fun cowboy culture and unique atmosphere. The Christmas parade here is a multi-hour blast, with tons of lights and a free holiday concert. It's one of the best family things to do in winter in Hawaii, and even if you're not a kid, it'll make you feel like one again. Find out the full schedule and route on the Waimea Light Parade website.
Christmas Towns In Hawaii
Sure, we might not have the stereotypical Norman Rockwell-type scenery to enjoy here during the holiday season, but there are plenty of Christmas towns in Hawaii that know how to put on a good show. If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying warm waters, waterfalls, and other staples of Hawaii travel, check out these Christmas towns in Hawaii:
4. Kilauea Military Camp
The Kilauea Military Camp is a unique recreation site for active duty and retired members of the U.S. military. It's located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is open to the public, though note that in order to stay there or visit some of the clubs, you'll need to have a military ID. The camp has a tradition of decorating all the cottages and homes for the holidays, which makes for a uniquely celebratory atmosphere right by a volcano! Learn more from the Kilauea Military Camp Facebook page.
5. Honolulu
We already mentioned the capital city's phenomenal Honolulu City Lights, but Honolulu is also home to the unique Festival of Lights Boat Parade. Make sure to visit Shaka Santa (pictured above), a 21-foot-tall Santa Claus that's unlike any on the mainland. Oahu has amazing weather, so a Christmas visit to Honolulu is quite comfortable.
6. Kapolei
Kapolei City Lights is among the most magical of holiday light displays on Oahu. The lights are free to see and last for over a month. There's also a market with local crafters selling their wares, plus a parade and more festivities. Learn more from the Kapolei City Lights Facebook page.
Outdoor Activities
Leave those brutal winters to the mainland residents. We’ll take our stunning Pacific weather any day! You can enjoy activities like surfing and kayaking year-round here, and a Hawaii vacation is all the more magical when Santa’s around. Outdoor activities in Hawaii don’t have to stop because the seasons change.
7. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is one of the most illustrious surfing competitions in the sport. Surfers take place in three different surf contests, spread out from November to December. Whether you are a surfer yourself or not, the thrill of seeing a skilled professional catch a big wave is truly like nothing else. This is such a uniquely Hawaiian experience to enjoy on the island of Oahu. You can learn more from the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing website.
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8. Helicopter Tours
A helicopter tour of Hawaii is a magical experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lives. While it's not strictly a Christmas experience, most of the tour companies offer year-round rides. The bird's eye view really lets you appreciate all the beauty of this amazing state. While there are several tours offered over various islands, we love Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, which offers a variety of tours over the Big Island and Maui, departing from various cities, including Hilo.
9. Snowboarding on Mauna Kea
Needless to say, Hawaii isn't exactly thought of as paradise for snow-lovers, but you can find some pretty amazing skiing and snowboarding territory up on Mauna Kea. This is not an adventure that's accessible to everyone: there's no ski resort here, and you won't get five-star treatment. You'll need to bring your own equipment and have a second vehicle down at the bottom to bring you back up again (there's no ski lift here). A four-wheel drive vehicle is definitely needed. It's a lot of work to enjoy snowboarding in Hawaii, but you'll certainly end up with bragging rights!
10. Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Hawaii is an activity that's on many travelers' bucket lists. There are so many great snorkeling spots here, and there are a variety of options to suit any skill level. The island of Hawaii has some really neat tidal pools, some of which are deep enough for snorkeling, and Kahaluu Beach is one of the state's most popular snorkeling areas.
11. Whale Watching
Whale-watching tour season in Hawaii runs from mid-December through mid-May, during the humpback whales' migration period. These majestic creatures love to play in the waters near Maui and off the shores of Waikiki. Whales are most active from dawn to dusk, so you can go whale watching at pretty much any time during daylight hours. The Star of Honolulu departs from Waikiki and is a popular guided tour option for those looking to whale watch.
12. Hiking Trails
It's so simple that it almost seems silly to mention on a bucket list, but hiking in Hawaii is a joy that can't be understated. Whether you're trekking through the lush jungles or strolling along Sunset Beach, there are some absolutely magnificent places to hike here. There's a huge variety of Hawaii trails, and you can find great options whether you're looking for fun things to do with kids in the winter in Hawaii or prefer a romantic stroll for two.
Winter Getaways
In colder places, many people are tempted to bundle up and stay by the fireplace during winter. No need for that here! Our sand beaches and shallow waters make for an ideal getaway, even in the dead of winter. Here are a few of our favorite winter getaways in Hawaii:
13. Grand Wailea
There are a lot of amazing resorts in Hawaii, so the fact that The Grand Wailea pretty consistently appears near the top on ranked lists lets you know this is a spectacular place. The hotel has 780 rooms and nine swimming pools, and come Christmas time, The Grand Wailea celebrates The Season of Aloha. There's a tree-lighting ceremony, special seasonal menus at the resort's restaurants, and a European-themed Christmas market. This five-star resort is so much fun!
14. Fairmont Kea Lani
The incredible Fairmont Kea Lani is a five-star resort located on Maui's Wailea coast. The one-bedroom suites here are large enough for four guests, and you can even pick from mountain, garden, or sea views. The holiday spirit is alive and well here, and you'll find fun activities like Santa arriving via a canoe on Christmas Eve. Book a stay at Booking.com
16. Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach
Ko'a Kea Resort is another luxury stay, this one a four-star hotel on Kauai. It's right on Poipu Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii. The resort is in a prime location to celebrate the season with plenty of fun, including lights, a holiday craft fair, and a Christmas tree lighting. You'll also enjoy an on-site restaurant and spa. Book a stay at Booking.com
The holidays are certainly a little different in Hawaii than they are on the mainland, but that doesn’t make them any less special. There are so many things to enjoy about Christmas in the Aloha State, so start planning your adventure now. Mele Kalikimaka!
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