Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Hawaii
Waikiki, the vibrant beachfront neighborhood of Honolulu on Oahu, transforms into a luminous wonderland each holiday season. Just a few miles from downtown Honolulu, Waikiki glows with festive light displays that stretch along Kalakaua Avenue and the iconic beachfront. Wandering through the district after dark reveals towering palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights and hotel lobbies adorned with elaborate holiday decorations. The backdrop of Diamond Head crater, subtly lit against the night sky, adds a uniquely Hawaiian silhouette to the scene. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore or stop at open-air cafes to sip on warm beverages while soaking in the cheerful atmosphere. The warm tropical evenings make Waikiki an inviting spot for holiday light viewing without the chill typical of mainland winters.
On the Big Island, the town of Kailua-Kona, roughly an hour’s drive north of the Kona International Airport, offers a charming blend of holiday spirit and island culture. The Old Kailua Town Lights display features historic buildings draped in strings of colored bulbs, illuminating the palm-lined streets with nostalgic charm. The nearby Hulihe‘e Palace, a former royal vacation home, becomes a highlight with its elegant Victorian architecture highlighted by festive lighting. Visitors can pair their evening light tour with a stop at local shops and eateries serving traditional Hawaiian treats. The gentle ocean breezes and the sound of waves nearby create a soothing soundtrack to the glowing scenes, making Kailua-Kona a delightful holiday retreat under the stars.
Maui’s town of Lahaina, located on the island’s west coast about 45 minutes from Kahului Airport, is known for its Old Lahaina Courthouse and Front Street, which come alive during the holiday season. The historic district is adorned with bright lights strung across banyan trees, which at night appear draped with luminous garlands. This setting offers a festive yet island-appropriate backdrop, where the Pacific Ocean gleams beyond the waterfront. Strolling Front Street, visitors encounter local artisans and musicians performing seasonal tunes, adding to the lively ambiance. The mild winter evenings are ideal for combining holiday light viewing with a sunset dinner along the harbor, where the vivid colors of the sky complement the twinkling street decorations.
In historic Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore, about a 40-minute drive from Honolulu, the small-town charm is amplified by a unique holiday light tradition. Haleiwa’s main strip is bathed in soft, warm lights that emphasize its rustic surf town character rather than flashy displays. This area offers a more relaxed and authentic experience, where visitors can enjoy boutique shopping and sample local treats such as shaved ice under softly glowing lanterns. The holiday lighting here enhances the natural beauty of the nearby beaches and the rugged coastline, inviting visitors to combine light viewing with a day spent exploring iconic surf breaks like Waimea Bay. The light displays tend to be best experienced in early evening, when the sky is still tinged with sunset hues, lending an extra layer of magic.
On the island of Kauai, the town of Kapa’a, about 20 minutes north of Lihue Airport, features a beloved holiday lights tradition centered around its Coconut Marketplace. This open-air shopping center becomes a festive hub, with thousands of LED lights illuminating palm trees, fountains, and walkways. The landscaping here is uniquely Hawaiian, with tropical plants and gentle ocean breezes setting the mood. Visitors can enjoy the lights along with live performances of local holiday music and craft fairs showcasing island artisans. The surrounding landscape, with views of the nearby mountains and the Wailua River, provides a scenic contrast to the glittering lights, making Kapa’a a charming and family-friendly destination for holiday merriment.
Upcountry Maui, near the town of Makawao about 30 minutes from Kahului, offers a quieter but enchanting holiday light experience. The Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm sets a unique scene, where illuminated pathways wind through fragrant lavender fields under the stars. This setting is quite different from coastal town celebrations, providing a serene and fragrant holiday outing away from the beaches and bustling streets. Visitors can explore the farm’s gardens, enjoying the subtle interplay of natural scents and gentle lighting. The cooler temperatures at this elevation, around 3,000 feet, enhance the crispness of the night air, making it a refreshing spot for an evening outing during the holiday season, especially after sunset when the light displays are most vivid.
On the island of Moloka‘i, the town of Kaunakakai, a roughly 20-minute drive from Moloka‘i Airport, offers a more intimate holiday lighting experience. This small community lights up its harborfront area with simple but heartfelt decorations that reflect the island’s slower pace and close-knit culture. The pier and nearby shops glow softly with strings of lights that reflect on the calm waters of the Pacific. Visitors can enjoy a quiet evening stroll while listening to the gentle lapping of waves and experiencing a local holiday spirit that feels deeply personal and welcoming. The best time to visit is early evening, when the combination of sunset and emerging lights creates a peaceful, reflective atmosphere that’s unique among Hawaii’s islands.
Back on Oahu, the Honolulu City Lights display in downtown Honolulu near the civic center area is a festive spectacle approximately 5 miles from Waikiki. The government buildings, including Honolulu Hale, are decorated with thousands of lights and occasional animated displays, blending traditional holiday themes with Hawaiian motifs. This urban celebration often includes concerts, parades, and a large Christmas tree, making it a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike. The event’s location in the heart of the city offers the chance to explore nearby museums and galleries or enjoy a meal at one of the area’s diverse restaurants. The best time to experience the lights is during early evening hours, when the city begins to glow under the tropical night sky and the festivities buzz with energy.