Are you spending the holidays in the islands and looking for Honolulu’s best bright lights and holiday sights? Look no further than this list of some of Honolulu’s best holiday displays to enjoy the aloha and holiday spirit.
Honolulu may not be the “White Christmas” destination, but it is a magical place to spend the holidays surrounded by bright lights and the aloha spirit.
Palm trees wrapped in lights, larger-than-life Christmas trees, Shaka Santas, and more illuminate the streets as the island buzzes with holiday spirit.
Learn More About Hawaii Travel Here: The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide
Where to Find Honolulu’s Best Holiday Displays in 2025
Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale
Honolulu City Lights is an annual holiday celebration and light display at Honolulu Hale, Honolulu’s City Hall. The display features a giant Christmas tree and iconic Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele statues.
This month-long event runs from November 29, 2025, to the end of December, with the City Lights Block Party and Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.
Honolulu Lights Trolley
The most festive way to view Honolulu City Lights is by the Holiday Lights Trolley. This 2-hour experience transports you around the city in a lit-up trolley and gives you an hour to explore the lights at Honolulu Hale.
Your trolley ticket also includes free hot chocolate, photos with Santa Claus, and activities for the keiki (kids).
Waikiki Holiday Parade
The Waikiki Holiday Parade on Friday, November 28th, 2025, commemorates Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans and ushers in the holiday season with songs of the season.
Royal Hawaiian Center Decorations
Walk through a winter wonderland at the Royal Hawaiian Center on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Their 34-foot-tall bedazzled holiday tree and Santa display transport you to the North Pole.
The Holiday kickoff begins on November 26, 2025, when Santa comes to town and holds a tree-lighting ceremony.
Sheraton Waikiki Sand Sculpture Displays
The Sheraton Waikiki is known for its seasonal displays of sand sculptures which are unique works of art.
Check out their holiday displays starting in late November for sand-crafted snowmen, Santas, and more!
See Santa at The Ala Moana Mall
The Ala Moana Mall, the hub of Honolulu shopping, lights up with holiday cheer and decorations.
Ala Moana is where keiki can take pictures with Santa Claus and send letters to the North Pole.
Winter Wonderland Honolulu is a holiday-themed pop-up bar at Ala Moana Center that will be open from December 1 to 28, 2024.
Christmas Cake or Pastries from Kulu Kulu Bakery
While not a decoration, Kulu Kulu Bakery offers beautiful holiday-inspired Japanese bakery goodies, including its famous “Christmas Cake.” This sponge and fruit cake is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve in Japan.
The cakes and pastries are miniature pieces of art with holiday designs.
Check out their stores at the Royal Hawaiian Center’s food court or in Eaton Square next to the Food Pantry for custom-decorated Thanksgiving and Christmas treats.
What’s The Weather Like In Honolulu Around The Holidays?
Honolulu temperatures remain high in the 80s and low in the low 70s during November and December.
Hurricane season is over by early November. However, November and December may see increased rainfall on the island.
If you travel to Honolulu during the holiday season, pack a light rain jacket or umbrella in case you get caught in the rain.
Honolulu’s Best Holiday Displays: Recap
The holidays in Honolulu are a magical blend of Hawaiian traditions and festive holiday spirit. I’ve lived and worked all over the United States and can confidently say that nobody celebrates the holidays like Hawaii. The blend of aloha and holiday spirit is one-of-a-kind.
Mele Kalikimaka to you and your family!
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