MAIN Christmas USA Christmas in Hawaii

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say
On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day ...
Mele Kalikimaka

When the first European settlers came, Christmas was unknown to the Hawaiians. However, the Western holiday coincided with an ancient island rite of giving thanks to the gods for a bountiful year, so the two traditions eventually fused to what has become the "Christian holiday" season on the islands.

Today, Santa comes every year in a magic canoe over the sea and right up onto the beach - with expressions of Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) and a Hau'oli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year).

Find out what else is happening in Honolulu and throughout the Aloha State this year with more general information on Hawaiian Christmas customs and traditions ...

DID YOU KNOW? Hawaii Christmas fun facts

Merry Christmas from Hawaii!

• You'll see island Norfolk Pines decked out for the holidays, but most often palm trees serve as the islands' Christmas trees that are aglow with lights throughout the season.

• Traditional Christmas carols are very popular everywhere in Hawaii, such as "Po La'ie" (Silent Night), but words are sung in the native Hawaiian and accompanied by ukuleles.

• Christmas dinner in Hawaii may consist of a traditional luau (roasted pig, along with chicken noodle soup, Lomilomi salmon and poi), or a Christmas turkey or ham dinner, or even a picnic at the beach.

• A white Christmas in Hawaii? Snow falls are a regular occurrence on Hawaii's volcanic mountains including Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Haleakala.

More information about Christmas in Hawaii around the Web:

Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade - Join the online fun with photos and lists of winners past plus the current schedule, this year's theme and entertainment venue sponsored by the Hawaii Kai Marina in Honolulu.

Honolulu City Lights - Hawaii's main event at Christmas time with a guide to times and schedules of the opening ceremony, related entertainment and a photo slide show.

Aloha Tower Marketplace - Find out what's happening at the festive Honolulu shopping showcase with a complete calender of events, information on guest stars and holiday shows.

also see in Travel -> Hawaii Tourist Attractions | Hawaii Beaches & Surf Reports