Christmas in Hawaii – Customs and Traditions

The state of Hawaii is one of the top destinations for enjoying the Christmas holidays due to its exceptional experience. Christmas celebrations were introduced to the region in the 1820s when the missionaries arrived.

King Kamehameha IV celebrated the first Christmas holiday in 1856, and it was officially declared a holiday in 1862.

Hawaii has a variety of unique Christmas traditions. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with some of these customs before traveling to the region to ensure you fully appreciate the kind of experience you will have during your Christmas celebration. Here are some of the Christmas customs and traditions in Hawaii.

Makahiki is a unique tradition celebrated by the people of Hawaii. This celebration takes place before the new year and is an ancient Hawaiian New Year celebration.

During your trip to the region, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the most unique features of Hawaii. Notably, this celebration coincides with the Christmas period, and local people often combine Makahiki with Christmas festivities.

The primary purpose of this tradition is to honor an old Hawaiian god named Lono, who was believed to bring good fortune in agriculture and fertility. This tradition reflects the deep cultural and historical significance of Hawaii.

This is a major event in the state of Hawaii. When you visit the state, it’s important to make a trip to the capital and enjoy this cherished tradition.

The centerpiece of the celebration is a 50-foot Norfolk pine tree adorned with thousands of Christmas lights and various decorations. The local people come together during this event to enjoy music, concerts, and a variety of fun activities.

While some Christmas traditions in Hawaii are similar to those in other places, it’s essential to explore the local areas during your visit to fully experience the true Hawaiian spirit.

Given the proximity of the beach, you can also enjoy surfing or swimming in the turquoise waters. Musical groups with ukuleles, guitars, and hula dancing entertain the guests, creating a festive atmosphere.

During this period, locals don Santa hats, and the traditional sleigh and reindeer are replaced with a canoe pulled by dolphins. Christmas in Hawaii offers an exceptional holiday experience, ensuring you have the time of your life when you visit this unique location.

You cannot enjoy your Christmas in Hawaii without knowing how to wish the people in the region a Merry Christmas. “Mele Kalikimaka” is roughly translated as “Merry Christmas,” and during your travels, you’re likely to hear this greeting in different parts of the state.

There’s even a song with the same name, often played during the Christmas period, further emphasizing this unique Hawaiian tradition.

It’s important to note that the holidays in Hawaii are celebrated uniquely. Rather than snuggling by a roaring fire and watching snow fall, the Hawaiian people take their celebration to the beach and the Pacific Ocean. They put up tents and create other unique features for a tropical beach celebration, including sipping cocktails by the poolside and participating in various fun activities. Christmas in Hawaii is a special and unforgettable experience that brings the holiday spirit to a beautiful tropical setting.

During the Christmas period in Hawaii, you can expect to witness some of the most exceptional fireworks displays in the region.

Christmas trees are lit up in various parts of the state, including public spaces and shopping malls. Big cities like Honolulu hold their Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, making it a festive and multicultural experience.

Local people and families also participate in putting up Christmas trees, offering you ample opportunities to interact with the community and enjoy the unique traditions of the region.

The essence of Christmas in Hawaii is to make it personal and unique, embracing the local customs and traditions that make this holiday season truly special.

It’s important to understand that Hawaii’s culinary traditions are greatly influenced by a blend of cultures, including Polynesian countries, Japan, Portugal, China, and Europe. This cultural fusion has shaped the unique Christmas traditions in this region.

During the Christmas period, it’s critical to note that the dishes in Hawaii vary. Instead of ham or turkey, the most famous festive dish is the roasted pig, commonly known as “kalua pig.” This dish is a hallmark of celebrations in the region.

These pigs are often cooked in underground ovens called “imu.” However, you’ll also find variations where people slow-cook their pork. The roasted pig is typically accompanied by a variety of traditional side dishes, including Lomi Lomi, classic poi, salmon, and poke, among others.

Hawaiian cuisine is not limited to a single type of dish, as some people choose to have a traditional dinner with turkey roast or ham, along with a variety of side dishes. This versatility in Hawaiian cuisine reflects the multicultural influences that define the region’s festive celebrations.

The concept of Santa in Hawaii is unique, and his arrival is unlike the traditional Santa arrival in other places. When you visit the state, you’ll encounter new traditions and beliefs that are specific to this location.

Santa in Hawaii makes his entrance at the beach, where he greets onlookers from an outrigger canoe. In some parts, he is accompanied by hula dancers, creating an exceptional and culturally rich experience during your trip.

Santa then reads a list to the children and parents gathered at the beach, and he presents gifts to the children who behaved well during the season.

While the traditions may vary slightly depending on the specific place you visit, be sure to explore the various fun activities available during your trip to the region. If you’re looking for the most exceptional features, make sure to visit Waikiki Beach for a truly unique experience.

Christmas carols are a common tradition in the state of Hawaii. If you’re familiar with this tradition, you’ll discover that the Hawaiian Christmas caroling experience is unique.

What sets Christmas carols in Hawaii apart is the approach. Unlike many locations in Europe and other parts of the globe, young boys don’t go door to door singing carols. Instead, Christmas carols are sung in the Hawaiian language, and the melodies are enhanced by the sounds of ukuleles, adding a distinct Hawaiian flavor to this cherished tradition.

The state of Hawaii embraces common Christmas traditions, and during your trip to the region, you’re in for an exceptional experience. The people in Hawaii take this tradition seriously, and you’ll witness individuals from different nationalities, as well as locals, celebrating in their unique ways.

While traditional street parades are a part of the Christmas festivities, Hawaii offers something special. In addition to traditional parades, you’ll find iconic boat parades that are unique to this region. These boat parades stand out because hundreds of boats are adorned with impressive lighting displays, and you might even come across Christmas trees as part of the decorations during the Christmas season.

Further reading: Fascinating wildlife in Hawaii

The boat parades add to the festive atmosphere, and they are particularly spectacular as they typically occur in the evening and at night. This offers you the opportunity to enjoy the best views of these illuminated parades against the backdrop of Hawaii’s beautiful scenery.

These are some of the most important features that you should enjoy during your trip to the state of Hawaii. One of these notable features is the hula performances, which are a significant part of the Christmas celebrations in Hawaii.

You can find these hula performances in various parts of the island, making it essential to ensure that you watch some of these performances throughout the month of December. Many tourists and locals look forward to and relish this tradition.

During these performances, you’ll witness dancing and singing that incorporates Christmas trees and poinsettias, creating a festive and culturally rich experience in the region. This fusion of Christmas and Hawaiian culture is a highlight of the holiday season in Hawaii.

It is a common tradition in Hawaii to give gifts to your friends and family. When you visit the area, make sure you have your gifts ready, as this is an important part of the local culture and celebrations.

The locals typically wake up on Christmas morning to exchange gifts and share their thanks during this festive period. It’s a perfect time for you to relax, unwind, and engage with the local people, as you become a part of this heartwarming tradition.

Given the beautiful beaches surrounding the state of Hawaii, it’s common for people to embrace a Christmas surfing tradition that adds an element of fun and excitement to the region’s holiday celebrations. It is also one of the most popular sports in Hawaii.

During your trip to Hawaii, you’ll have an exceptional time, with numerous surfing competitions taking place during this festive season. It’s a tradition for Santa to catch some waves for beachgoers before heading to the shore.

Don’t miss the chance to spot Santa enjoying the waves. It’s an experience that adds a unique twist to your Christmas celebrations in Hawaii.

While you’re in the area, take the opportunity to explore various parts of the state and make the most of your time in this picturesque region. Try out snorkeling as well, you won’t regret it!