Holiday Fun in the Hawaiian Islands: Top 10 Activities

Spending the holidays in Hawaii is an unforgettable experience, blending the festive spirit with unique island traditions. Whether you're a visitor or a local, there's something special for everyone. Here's our top 10 list of holiday activities:

Holiday Surfing

• Celebrate the season by catching some waves with friends and family. Surfing is the perfect Hawaiian way to enjoy togetherness and gratitude.

Honolulu City Lights

• Honolulu City Lights – “Honolulu City Lights” is a festive installation of holiday displays in downtown Honolulu. There is food and fun for kids of all ages. This annual tradition is a perfect way to feel the spirit of the season if you are spending the holidays on the island of Oahu. 

Holiday Hula Shows

• Experience the magic of free holiday hula shows in most towns and resort areas. These family-friendly events mix traditional dances with festive cheer. 

Snow on Mauna Kea

• Missing a little snow in your holiday? Well, if you’re staying on the Big Island, you can take a tour of Mauna Kea. At nearly 14,000 ft., snow makes a regular appearance on the summit. There are established tour companies that can introduce you to the geology of the islands as well as give you the star-gazing experience of a lifetime! 

Holiday Music

• On all of the islands, there are concerts that feature traditional Hawaiian music during the holiday season. Some of them will have a uniquely Hawaiian take on holiday favorites. Many of these concerts are free of charge and held in public spaces. 

Surfing Santa

• Santa visits Hawaii, too! Kids will love seeing Hawaiian Santa, especially his annual canoe arrival on Waikiki Beach, riding the waves to shore.

Tour the Decorations

• Hawaii’s hotels and resorts are decked out for the holidays. You do not need to be a guest to enjoy a tour of the decorations! Often there are free events taking place for the kids to enjoy. Make an afternoon of it. 

Holiday Hike

• There is no dashing the through the snow, but a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family in Hawaii is with a holiday hike. The landscape is so beautiful that it can be a very spiritual experience for all. Some of the hikes we love are the Manoa Falls Trail (easy) and the Olomana Trail (more challenging - research before attempting) on Oahu, the Iao Valley (easy - reservations required) on Maui and the Na Pali Coast on Kauai (challenging - research before attempting).

New Year's Eve Fireworks

• Ring in the New Year with spectacular fireworks displays. Waikiki, Poipu Beach (Kauai), Wailea and Hana (Maui), and Kailua-Kona (Big Island) all host fantastic shows.

Time with Friends & Family

• The best part of the holidays is spending quality time with loved ones. Enjoy the unique setting of Hawaii to create lifelong memories.

Enjoy your Hawaiian holiday with these delightful activities, blending the island's charm with festive cheer.