The holidays are finally here! How are they celebrated in Hawaii?
Holidays in Hawaii are a unique blend of native Hawaiian customs and western holiday cheer. Here are a few holiday traditions you can see on the island.
1. “Hawaiian” Christmas Trees
Palm trees aren’t the only kind of trees that grow in Hawaii. There are two types of pines that thrive in Hawaii—the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) and the Cook pine (Araucaria columnaris). Although neither are native to Hawaii, they are native to other Pacific islands. Cook pines are native to New Caledonia in the South Pacific, and there are many Cook pines throughout the island of Maui. Norfolk Island pines, often called the “Hawaiian Christmas tree,” are native to Norfolk Island. This island, an external territory of Australia, sits between New Zealand and New Caledonia. Many families pick one of these for their Christmas trees, and many stop by their stores and get their Christmas trees from the mainland. Several containers are shipped every December to the island so residents can partake in their own Christmas tree lighting celebration.
2. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Every December, the Lahaina Banyan tree is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, welcoming locals and visitors to gather and witness the lighting ceremony. This fun gathering also included live music, hula performances, and festive food from local vendors.
Unfortunately, due to the Lahaina Fire, the annual and most iconic holiday event will not happen this year. However, the Harvest at Kumalani Chapel had a tree lighting and drone show on Sunday, December 1st for residents and visitors. The Grand Wailea will hold a holiday marketplace and tree lighting ceremony on December 16th from 4-8pm. Tree lighting will happen at 7pm.
3. Mele Kalikimaka: Hawaiian Holiday Music
“Mele Kalikimaka” is the Hawaiian way of saying "Merry Christmas," and music plays a big role in the holiday season. From traditional Hawaiian instruments like the ukulele and slack-key guitar to festive carols sung in both Hawaiian and English. There are also local choirs and school groups that perform at community gatherings. Always a favorite of mine is the 12 days of Christmas- Hawaiian style.
4. Hawaiian-Style Feasting
Holiday feasts on Maui bring together a delightful mix of Hawaiian, Asian, and Western culinary traditions. Families often gather for a luau-style feast, featuring dishes such as kalua pig (slow-roasted pork), poi (mashed taro), poke (raw fish salad), and local desserts like haupia (coconut pudding). For Christmas dinner, many families also enjoy dishes like roast turkey or honey-glazed ham, with tropical sides like pineapple or guava sauces. Bringing Ohana together (family and friends) makes for fun get togethers.
5. Cultural Craft Markets and Local Art
During the holiday season, there will be several craft fairs and art markets on island, where local artisans showcase handmade goods, including traditional Hawaiian quilts, koa wood carvings, and shell jewelry. These markets provide an opportunity to purchase unique, locally made gifts while supporting the community’s artists and craftsmen.
6. Santa Makes it to the Islands
Even Santa (Kanakaloka, as he’s known in Hawaii) finds his way to Hawaii, but he tends to add his own island flair to the holiday season. Every holiday season, Santa returns via his outrigger canoe, rather than sleigh. Sporting his slippers (flip-flops) and shorts and waving his Shaka, he lets residents and visitors know they’re celebrating island style.
Mele Kalikimaka & Happy Holidays!
Celebrating in Hawaii and on Maui is a wonderful way to spend your holidays. If you are wanting to get out of the cold and spend your holidays with weather in the the 70-80s then you are headed the perfect spot. Beach days and sunsets with holiday music, great food and watching the whales pass by couldn’t be more pleasant. Can’t wait to see you!
Enjoy the Hawaiian Spirit Year-Round with Real Estate in Maui
Wouldn’t it be great to spend your holidays in Hawaii?
Check out real estate in Maui, Hawaii to take the first step towards your island dreams! Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just experiencing everyday life, it’s always magical on Maui. Call (808) 757-8053 or submit a contact form here to get started with Robyn and Mark! We are here to answer all your questions and walk you through the buying and selling process from beginning to end.