Nothing says the holidays quite like twinkling lights, and Honolulu does it with style! This season, the city transforms into a Hawaiian winter wonderland, complete with dazzling displays and festive charm. And best of all, it does it at a balmy 80°. From iconic landmarks to beachside hotels, Honolulu’s lights are worth the trip. So trade in the hot cocoa for a Mai Tai, and come along as we explore where to find the best Christmas lights in Honolulu.

Honolulu City Lights: Where It All Begins

Kicking off in early December, the Honolulu City Lights display at Honolulu Hale is a holiday must-see. With its towering Christmas tree, giant Santa sculptures and elaborate light displays, this is the place to get in the holiday spirit. If you are there on opening day, you can also enjoy the Electric Light Parade, but the lights and activities run through the end of December. In addition to the giant centerpiece tree, inside Honolulu Hale there are more Christmas trees, each decorated by one of the city’s municipal departments. This is the perfect place to wander around, take pictures and soak up the festive mood.

Waikiki Trolley Holiday Lights Tour

For a guided experience of the best Christmas lights in Honolulu, hop on the Waikiki Trolley Holiday Lights Tour. This festive trolley ride takes you through Honolulu’s brightest spots, including the aforementioned Honolulu Hale, so you can enjoy the lights up close. The double-decker, open-air trolley is decked out with lights itself, and you can sing along to all the classic Christmas tunes, making this an evening to remember. One year my entire family did this, and it’s still one of my favorite Christmas memories. I can still see my little niece sitting on my lap, singing Jingle Bells and exclaiming over all the pretty lights.

Waikiki’s Beachside Glow

Imagine palm trees wrapped in sparkling lights against a sunset backdrop. Waikiki takes the holiday spirit beachside with light displays along Kalakaua Avenue. Meanwhile, many of the areas’s hotels, including the iconic Moana Surfrider and Royal Hawaiian, get decked out with festive lights and decorations. When you book one of our Waikiki All-Inclusive Vacation Packages, you’ll be right in the heart of it all, while still enjoying all the tranquility, adventure and exploration the island of Oahu offers.

Take a Stroll on the Ala Wai Canal Promenade

Take a leisurely walk along the Ala Wai Canal, where you’ll catch a unique and local twist on holiday lights. Perhaps you won’t consider them the “best” Christmas lights in Honolulu, but from this perspective you’ll see how kama’aina decorate. Many apartment balconies along the canal glow and twinkle with string lights in every color, and some lanais even have Christmas trees! Growing up in Waikiki, this was a cherished tradition between me and my dad. It’s a simple yet magical way to experience the Christmas lights in Honolulu and feel a sense of community cheer.

Downtown Honolulu: Bishop Square and Chinatown Winter Walk

For some of the best Christmas lights in town, head to downtown Honolulu, where holiday charm fills the air. Bishop Square is a magical spot, with twinkling lights adorning every tree. Take a cozy evening stroll, and you’ll find the perfect photo ops for holiday memories.

Meanwhile, just a short walk away, Chinatown comes alive with its Winter Walk. Here, over 40 shops and storefronts light up the district, creating a festive atmosphere from King Street to Hotel Street. Grab a walking map to explore this decorated nine-block area, showcasing the heart of Honolulu’s holiday spirit. Afterwards, if you have walked up an appetite, take a culinary tour of the Far East at one of the many neighborhood restaurants.

Shopping Center Sparkle at Ala Moana

Located just outside Waikiki, Ala Moana Center lights up for the season, offering more than just holiday shopping. The mall’s annual holiday decor features lights, wreaths, and oversized ornaments that make Christmas shopping a little more fun. Stroll, shop and enjoy the lights – holiday cheer is in full swing!

Celebrate the Best Christmas Lights in Honolulu with Us!

Ready to make Honolulu your holiday destination? Our all-inclusive Waikiki vacations take care of everything, so you can relax, explore and soak up the holiday magic – Honolulu-style. Don’t miss out on this festive season in paradise – contact us today to start planning your Hawaiian Christmas.