If you’re visiting Hawaiʻi during the holidays, you might wonder if a place famous for beaches and palm trees does anything festive in December. The answer is yes – Hawaiʻi absolutely does holiday lights, and it does them in a distinctly local way. Instead of icy sidewalks and snow-covered rooftops, picture palm trunks wrapped in twinkling LEDs and giant Santa statues wearing slippahs. Whether you’re on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, or the Big Island, the islands offer surprisingly impressive displays of holiday lights in Hawaiʻi that make for a warm, glowing December night.
Let’s break down the best places to see holiday lights in Hawaiʻi, island by island.
Where to Find the Best Holiday Lights in Hawaiʻi
Oʻahu: Honolulu City Lights – the Big Leagues of Holiday Displays
Oʻahu is where Hawaiʻi goes big. Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale is the state’s largest and most iconic display. “Shaka Santa” and “Tūtū Mele” – two oversized statues lounging cheerfully in front of the city hall – anchor the festivities. There’s a massive tree, elaborate displays inside the building, food booths, keiki rides, and decorations large enough that your family back home will accuse you of using Photoshop. The nighttime glow gives downtown Honolulu a cozy holiday charm that feels strangely fitting for a place where it’s still 78 degrees.
Beyond downtown, communities like Hawaiʻi Kai and Kapolei sometimes host decorated boat parades. Neighborhoods across the island – Waikele often being a standout – also get into friendly competition mode with over-the-top displays.
Maui: Small-Town Holiday Cheer With Just the Right Amount of Flash
Maui tends to keep things a little more understated, but the charm is undeniable. Upcountry towns like Makawao and Pukalani look especially festive with lights strung across storefronts and breezy pines draped in ornaments. The temperature drops a bit up here at night, which makes the holiday glow feel even more atmospheric.
Down south, many Wailea resorts go all-in with meticulously curated light displays that go well with an after-dinner stroll. The Shops at Wailea typically offer a mix of decorations and occasional live music, making it a pleasant spot to soak up the holiday vibe after sunset.
Kauaʻi: Plantation Nostalgia Meets Local Creativity
Kauaʻi doesn’t do “big,” and honestly, that’s part of its charm. The island leans heavily into community-centered celebrations. The Festival of Lights at the Kauaʻi County Building in Līhuʻe is the highlight – a whimsical combination of traditional lights and handmade decorations created by local artists and volunteers. Think recycled ornaments, intricate holiday sculptures, and enough creativity to prove that Kauaʻi marches to its own beat.
Small towns like Hanapēpē and Kapaʻa sometimes feature lighted storefronts and neighborhood-driven décor. It’s not flashy, but it’s heartfelt – the kind of holiday cheer that makes you slow down and smile.
The Big Island: Sparkle From Kona to Kohala
On the Big Island, you’ll find the most action along the Kona and Kohala coasts. The Kailua Village Lights event kicks off the season, and the town stays festive through December with lighted trees along Aliʻi Drive.
But the real standout here is the line of Kohala Coast resorts. Each property tries to outdo its neighbor with themed trees, illuminated gardens, and displays that sometimes feel like mini botanical tours. It’s a great way to spend an evening: wander through a few resorts, grab a sunset drink, and soak in the glow.
A Different Kind of Holiday Magic
Holiday lights in Hawaiʻi probably won’t remind you of a snowy December back home – and that’s the beauty of it. The islands take the season’s spirit and reinterpret it in ways that feel wonderfully local: giant Santas in aloha shirts, tropical trees wrapped in lights, boats gliding across warm ocean water with full décor. The glow hits different in Hawaiʻi – softer, warmer, and full of aloha.
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