Because Mele Kalikimaka hits differently when you're wearing slippers and chasing rainbows. 🌈🎄

The holidays in Hawaiʻi may look a little different from a snowy-winter wonderland scene - and that's what makes them magical. From spam musubis and shave ice at a Christmas potluck to catching the perfect wave in a Santa hat on Christmas morning, we do things the local way: filled with perfect beach weather, ʻOhana, and Aloha.

Here are some festive things you'll catch during the holiday season in Hawaiʻi:

1. Shaka Santa & Tūtū Mele at Honolulu Hale

No sleigh, no boots, no chimney needed. Santa arrives in board shorts, throwing shakas with Tūtū Mele by his side, surrounded by festive lights at Honolulu Hale. Families gather to take photos with the iconic duo and the Christmas displays that light up the Frank Fasi Civic Center Grounds. These local legends have become a part of the holidays, symbols of a season celebrated with ʻOhana and Aloha. 

Click here to get more information on the 41st annual Honolulu City Lights

2. Slippahs by Every Door

'Tis the season for a pile of rubber slippahs (slippers/sandals/flip flops) outside the front door. Holiday get-togethers mean extended ʻOhana, neighbors, and friends dropping by with plates in hand and slippers left behind. 

3. Rainbow Sightings on Christmas Morning

Photo credit: Cole Slater

While some places may have a snow-filled Christmas, we're gifted rain and breathtaking rainbows that stretch from mauka to makai. No wrapping needed. Just a quiet reminder that beauty lives in the in-between.  

4. Christmas Photos Hawaiian Style

No flannel or boots, when it's 80º and sunny, our holiday look calls for breezy Aloha wear. Family photos are taken at the beach or in the backyard, where slippers are kicked off, the sun is warm, and everyone's smiling—laughter in the air, love in every frame, and memories captured with a simple click. 

5. Pupus over Pies

Our holiday feast looks a little different. Some ʻOhana's may swap the stuffing for lumpia, the green bean casserole for pancit, and dessert pies for butter mochi. Of course, there's poke from Tanioka's, lomi lomi salmon from Foodland, five types of fried noodles, and trays of steamed rice - all thoughtfully prepared by you and your loved ones (or from Zippy's). 

6. Sunrise Walks Along the Shore

A Christmas morning beach walk is something truly special. The gentle sound of waves meeting the shore, coffee warming one hand and a loved one's hand in the other, the calm before the festivities begin. A moment to breathe, reflect on the season, and set your intentions for the year ahead.

7. A Piece of Jewelry Made in Hawaiʻi

Among the laughter and food and slippers at the door, there's always that one small box, tucked gently under the tree, wrapped with care. Inside: something handcrafted, made in Hawaiʻi, with love. A Maile ring engraved with love, a Tahitian Black Pearl pendant kissed by the ocean, or Plumeria earrings with a sparkling diamond in the center. Maui Divers Jewelry, the kind of gift that isn't just worn, it's cherished. 

🎁 Mele Kalikimaka, from Our Islands to Yours

If any of these moments sound familiar, you're probably lucky enough to be spending the holidays in Hawaiʻi. And if you're far away from home this year, we hope these memories bring a bit of warmth, Aloha, and Hawaiʻi to your holiday season.

No matter where you are, the holidays are about connection, tradition, and sharing love in meaningful ways. So whether you're giving a home-cooked dish or a blue box with love from Maui Divers Jewelry, may this season wrap you in joy, beauty, and Aloha.

Shop our Official Holiday Gift Guide 🎄