The holiday season in Hawaiʻi swaps snowflakes for salt spray, carols for ukulele tunes, and cozy hearths for open-air feasts. This year, luxury resorts across the islands are redefining Christmas customs with a tropical flair—where Santa might glide in by outrigger canoe, children craft stockings in lei-making workshops, and festive drinks arrive with ocean views instead of spiced wine.
At ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach on Oʻahu, the standout attraction is Scuba Claus, a diver in Santa’s outfit who visits the resort’s 280,000-gallon Oceanarium twice daily from December 12 to 24. The underwater meet-and-greet complements a broader holiday lineup that includes 12 Days of ʻAlohilani, featuring lei-making sessions, stocking decorating, and a Mālama ʻĀina Storytelling Tree decorated with native greenery and handcrafted wooden ornaments. The resort’s SWELL pool deck becomes a festive gathering spot, offering holiday-themed cabanas and cocktails with views of Waikīkī Beach.
Surf-and-Sip Holiday Bars Take Center Stage
Nearby, The Twin Fin delivers a surf-centric holiday experience. From November 27 to December 30, Tiki’s Grill & Bar morphs into The Christmas Bar, a twinkling beachfront pop-up serving seasonal cocktails, nostalgic music, and themed treats. Its location next to Jamie O’Brien School of Surf Waikiki makes it a magnet for guests who swap holiday shopping for morning waves.
For those prioritizing social celebrations, Romer House Waikīkī launches its festivities on December 4 with Aloha Christmas!, a lobby party featuring a DJ and drink specials. Throughout December, the Mochi & Mistletoe Christmas Brunch serves island-inspired dishes like wagyu steak and eggs alongside espresso martinis, while the Lei Stand bar offers seasonal cocktails, including the Apple Cide-Car—a rum-based drink with apple cider and walnut bitters.
Across Oʻahu’s western coast, Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina blends family traditions with creative experiences. On Christmas Day, the resort hosts a Keiki Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with performances by Ballet Hawaiʻi and hands-on activities like sushi-making and poke demonstrations. Wellness-focused guests can participate in the ʻOhana Holiday Sportspalooza, which combines movement and mindfulness, or book the spa’s Winter Radiance Ritual, featuring Himalayan hot stones and peppermint scalp massages.
Luxury Retreats Redefine Quiet Celebrations
Guests seeking a quieter retreat can choose Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, a recently renovated $100 million property that merges residential-style suites with modern design. The renovation, overseen by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, incorporates warm wood tones and cultural motifs, creating a private haven just steps from Waikīkī’s attractions. Unlike resorts packed with holiday schedules, Ka Laʻi’s charm lies in its ability to serve as a luxurious home base—ideal for sunsets over the Pacific or spontaneous beach trips.
On Maui, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort begins Christmas Day with a beachside arrival: Santa reaches Mōkapu Beach by outrigger canoe, where guests can photograph the moment before a holiday buffet. The resort’s 12 Days of Keiki Camp (December 21–January 2) offers younger visitors workshops in coconut leaf ornament crafting, led by cultural advisor Uncle Ron. Additional activities include sunset s’mores, cookie decorating, and movie screenings, blending tradition with local craftsmanship for family participation.
For a more intimate celebration, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua provides a secluded setting along Maui’s northwest coast. The resort’s holiday schedule includes storytelling sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hula lessons, and glow-in-the-dark bucket golf, a tropical alternative to traditional games. Younger guests enjoy breakfast with Santa and star-lit s’mores, while adults may prefer the spa’s gold-infused body rituals or the New Year’s Eve celebration at Alaloa Lounge, featuring live music and dancing against Kapalua’s coastline.
Hawaiʻi Island’s Whale-Watching Christmas Magic
On Hawaiʻi Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai combines holiday cheer with the island’s natural beauty. The resort’s Jingle Bell Run 5K offers a festive way to explore the Kona-Kohala coast, while oceanfront Christmas dinners and whale-watching excursions, available via the resort’s Alakaʻi Nui catamaran, highlight seasonal wildlife. The property’s stand-alone villas accommodate multigenerational families, and its proximity to ʻULU and Beach Tree restaurants ensures locally inspired dining options. The holiday season here coincides with the return of humpback whales, offering guests a chance to witness the region’s most striking seasonal spectacle.
On Kauaʻi, Kukuiʻula transforms its 1,010-acre South Shore property into a family-focused holiday hub. The 12 Days of Keiki Camp features child-centered activities, while a chef-led Christmas Eve dinner and an ’80s-themed New Year’s Eve party cater to all ages. Beyond holiday programming, the resort’s Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, Hiʻilani Spa, and farm-to-table dining at ʻUmeke Kitchen + Bar provide a mix of relaxation and adventure. The residential-style accommodations at The Lodge at Kukuiʻula make it ideal for extended families seeking privacy alongside festive events.
