Honolulu Holiday Lights
The best spots around the island for some festive holiday cheer!
Mele Kalikimaka, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays! It’s officially that festive time of the year where holiday lights fill the streets, decorative Reindeer pop up around the neighborhood homes, and Santa makes his rounds across the various malls. If you’re not a Scrooge or Grinch and want to indulge in the beautiful Christmas lights, here are our top picks for 2019.
Honolulu Hale City Lights
The Honolulu City Lights display at Honolulu Hale returns with its iconic Shaka Santa and giant 60ft pine tree. The City Lights are open from 8am to 11pm daily from December 1 through January 1. Free parking at the city’s municipal lot. Trolley tours are also available (30minutes) and departs from Ward Village (Available from Dec 2 to Dec 30) $8 for riders over the age of 3.
Downtown (Business District) Honolulu
Drive or walk through the business district of Downtown Honolulu. Along South King Street you can see all the major business’ decorate their courtyards, lobbies, and exteriors with festive ornaments and lights. A perfect first stop on your way to Honolulu Hale. Be sure to go after the typical work hours to avoid the traffic and commuters leaving work.
Kaimuki/Kahala
In Kaimuki you can see the Iconic Christmas Tree above the Kaimuki Fire Station from the freeway. There’s also a large blue lit pine tree on Pueo Street in Kahala that can be seen from far away. But if you are looking for a more air conditioned environment location, you can check out Kahala Mall’s signature Poinsettia tree where the central fountain is.
Waikele
Featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Flight” in 2014, Anapau Place in Wakele has been a local favorite. Known for their computerized synchronized light shows, people from all over flock to the neighborhood. There will usually be a wait and you can expect a lot of traffic; since vehicular traffic is closed off during the light show times (7 to 9:30pm from Dec 1 to Dec 31st) but it is well worth it!
Kapolei
Out in the second city of Oahu, Kapolei Hale takes its own spin off of Honolulu Hale. Here you will find a giant decorated Christmas tree, holiday themed courtyard, and plenty of food vendors.
Kailua
In Kailua at 1170 Akumu Street the Brede family puts together an amazing Christmas show comprised of over 10,000 lights synchronized to holiday music. Check it out Monday through Thursday from 6 to 8:30pm and on Friday through Sunday from 6 to 9:30pm.
Kaneohe
During December, you can find a variety of houses along Namoku Street decked out to the max. There isn’t any coordination or theme, but the street has been nicknamed “Christmas Lane” and is a Kaneohe hot spot!
Hawaii Kai
Candy Cane Lane in Mariners Village 2 (575 Hahaione Street) is the place to visit while in Hawaii Kai. There’s a fun well lit path full of sparkling and glistening lights along the homes and hedges and along the way you will meet Santa, his reindeer, and other holiday friends.
Waikiki
Out in Waikiki tourists and residents alike can enjoy seeing Santa make a grand entrance via canoe brought to you by the Outrigger. You can also find plenty of lights at the International Market Place and along the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Also be sure to check out the festive Christmas Sand Art at the Sheraton Hotel.
