For many, Christmas is about wearing cozy sweaters and drinking hot chocolate around the fire. Decorating Christmas trees, while singing carols as the snow falls outside might bring many families Christmas cheer, but in Hawaii, we enjoy different kinds of Christmas festivities.
Hawaiian Christmas might look a little different than what you could see on the Mainland. We don’t have a Santa in a furry red overcoat on a snowy roof. Instead, our Santa goes surfing in a lei, while people gather in shorts and flip flops to watch Christmas light parades in the streets. There’s no doubt that Hawaii Christmas is a fun and spectacular way to celebrate the season. Here are five fun Hawaiian Christmas Traditions that only locals can enjoy.
1. SWAP THE SNOW FOR SAND
The warm temperatures year round in Hawaii make it hard for anyone to enjoy a “white Christmas”—unless of course you choose to spend the holiday on the summit of Mauna Kea—but that’s not a problem for us!
You’ll find most Hawaiians enjoying their Christmas in the sand, making sand angels and building “sandmen” instead of snowmen. At least you don’t have to worry about your sandman melting in the Hawaiian sun! Many locals follow up their Christmas dinners with a trip to the beach, complete with leis and Santa hats!
2. DECORATE A PALM TREE
There might not be any pine Christmas Tree farms in Hawaii, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a lit tree!
Locals get festive and make the state a Christmas wonderland by decorating palm trees. If you want to partake in the holiday fun, here are some tips for wrapping lights on a palm tree in a safe way that won’t harm the tree.
3. FORGET MERRY CHRISTMAS
You might be familiar with the song lyrics, “Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day” sung by Bing Crosby. The traditional “Merry Christmas” saying is not the greeting that you’ll hear on the Island during the holidays. Instead, Mele Kalikimaka is the common phrase used by locals to wish each other a Merry Christmas.
Mele Kalikimaka is the Hawaiian phrase that translates to “Merry Christmas” in English. So no matter if you’re spending Christmas in Hawaii or just wish you were, you know how to give a proper holiday Island greeting.
4. UGLY CHRISTMAS T-SHIRTS
The warm Hawaii weather warrants the best outfits for the holidays. Flip flops and t-shirts! You don’t have to worry about finding an ugly sweater for that Christmas party. Ditch the sleeves and stay comfy!
Hawaii temperatures are warm and comfortable all year long, making the holidays a great time to hit the beach or be outside. Hawaiian Christmas shirts are a fun way to feel festive even in the sun. Even Santa chooses to simplify his outfit—maybe too simple in fact! Surfing Santas make several appearances around the island in all forms from decorations to clothing and even on ornaments. If you’re lucky, you might see a local dressed up as a surfing Santa!
5. TRADE YOUR EGG-NOG FOR MAI-TAIS
There’s nothing quite like a literal “cup of cheer” to celebrate the season. Besides, who doesn’t love a holiday cocktail!? In Hawaii you won’t find spiked egg-nog as the party favorite. Mai Tais are an island life staple that help you properly adapt to the laidback traditions.
If you want to try a delicious festive drink, these Mele Kalikimaka Mai Tais are a must. Whether you’re hosting a Hawaiian Christmas party or just want to relax by the pool, this island drink is the perfect holiday sipper.
ENJOY A HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS
Hawaiian Christmas traditions are a fun and unique way to experience the holidays, unlike anywhere else in the country. A beach Christmas filled with warm weather, palm trees, and your bathing suit is the best way to celebrate the season! If you want to enjoy the holidays in a new Hawaiian home, contact me today.
Mele Kalikimaka, and welcome to Hawaii!