You know the song. Everybody knows the song. It was a huge part of holiday traditions before Chevy Chase’s “Christmas Vacation” movie cemented it in upper echelon of Christmas pop culture. But there is more to Christmas in Hawaii than Bing Crosby crooning Mele Kalikimaka. In fact, a Hawaiian Christmas is a mingling of traditions that would be familiar to most mainlanders with some unique island experiences.
Spend time during the holidays at our Hawaii National Park Vacation Rental on the Big Island of Hawaii and experience Christmas in Hawaii for yourself.
Hawaiian Traditions and Cultural Events
How does Hawaii celebrate Christmas differently than the mainland? First, we have our own little tweaks on mainland Christmas traditions. Our Christmas trees, evergreen pines, are imported to the islands on refrigerator ships and can be expensive. Rather than a traditional pine, we like to decorate the palm trees, cars and trucks with festive Christmas lights to help set the mood for the season. What else? Well, as you might imagine, reindeer are a little hard to come by in the islands so when we think of Santa makes his appearance it’s on an outrigger canoe pulled through the Pacific Ocean by a team of dolphins rather than a team of reindeer in a sled.
While we also enjoy traditional Christmas carols, you will often find them accompanied by ukulele and translated to Hawaiian. If you’re enjoying a traditional holiday luau, expect a sing-along accompanied by hula dancing.
Are there any special holiday festivals or parades to attend?
Certainly, several of the larger cities on the Big Island have Christmas parades and celebrations. The closest is in the town of Hilo, roughly 40 minutes from Volcano Village. The Hilo Christmas Light Parade is sponsored by the East Hawaii Lions Club and features all the elements you’d expect in a Christmas Parade with some touches of the Islands.
Here in Volcano Village, the Volcano Art Center Gallery will host Christmas in the Country, the 21st Annual Wreath Exhibition.
If you want something a little more specifically Hawaiian for your Christmas celebration, a hot cocoa picnic in the upper reaches of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – where the temperatures can drop a little – is always fun. At the top of Mauna Kea you can also experience snow in Hawaii, our first snow in 2024 was in October where 2 inches fell at the top of Mauna Kea.
Also, December is the beginning of Whale Watching season in the islands. While the best whale watching is on the Island of Maui, there are options on the Big Island as well, including the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site which is well-known for the best whale watching Hawaii from the shore.
Island-Inspired Holiday foods
A holiday of feasting is nothing new to the Hawaiian people. In fact, prior to the arrival of Christianity to the islands, the people celebrated Makahiki, a four-month long festival based on the lunar calendar which focused on feasting and resting in celebration of the god, Lono. So, holiday feasting in the islands include candies and fruit as well as poke, sushi, sashimi, kalua pork and more traditional holiday fare like turkey and dressing.
What are traditional Hawaiian Christmas foods?
One popular island holiday tradition is a family gathering to feast on a kalua pig. Kalua is a traditional style of preparation that involves an underground oven. The big is buried in the Earth with hot rocks and banana leaves and slow-cooked to perfection. For dessert, consider a haupia pie, made of thickened coconut milk and chocolate.
Where can I enjoy a Christmas meal with Hawaiian flair?
If you mean a Christmas-style meal, Volcano Village’s many restaurants and cafes, have a variety of influences including pan-Asian, mainland and other flavors mixed in unique menus. When the holidays come, restaurants in Volcano Village may adjust menus to offer traditional holiday and Hawaiian seasonal flavors. There are also a variety of options in Hilo, about a 40-minute drive from the Village. One of those options is The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm, located right on the water. A Hawaiian landmark since the 1920s, it offers traditional Hawaiian flavors. If you are looking for a meal on Christmas Day, our local restaurants that are all locally owned and are usually closed on Christmas Day. In the past, the Ohelo Café and a handful of others have offered a Christmas day meal.
Outdoor Holiday Activities
What outdoor activities can I enjoy during the holiday season in Hawaii?
We’ve mentioned whale and dolphin watching as well as the Christmas Parade in Hilo and a backyard or beach luau with Kalua Pig. With our location just a short drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there are a variety of hiking trails and other adventures you can explore, including a Crate Rim Drive Tour.
Can I experience a Hawaiian-style Christmas at the beach?
Certainly. Several resorts along the Kona Coast offer luaus near or on the beach. But if we could suggest something a little closer and less tourist-driven, a visit to the Cooper Center Farmers Market offers authentic local flavors, including fruits, baked good, and more. A locally sourced picnic taken to Punaluʻu Beach or Whittington Beach Park might offer a more authentic island experience. Keep in mind while the temperature may be cooler, swimming, surfing, and snorkeling are all still available in December in Hawaii, though you should be sure to check the forecast before heading out and check for big waves.
Holiday Shopping in Hawaii
Where are the best places to shop for unique Hawaiian Christmas gifts?
Volcano Village is a haven for artists and craftspeople, meaning that many of our shops will offer unique shopping options all year round but especially during the holidays. One such option is the Volcano Gallery & Artist Studio which offers a variety of handmade treasures including jewelry, gems, and wood carvings. If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift from Hawaii, the Volcano Gallery is a good place to start.
Are there local Christmas markets to visit?
Christmas markets are a big part of a Hawaiian Christmas and most Hawaiian communities have their own markets. In Volcano Village, the Volcano Arts Center – home to the wreath exhibition – hosts an annual Holiday market where artists and craftspeople display their work, including traditional Hawaiian crafts. The Cooper Market also hosts the annual Kamahalo Holiday Craft Fair, which is presented the two days after Thanksgiving, featuring more than 30 vendors selling arts, crafts and a variety of food items.