Explore the charm of East Honolulu this holiday season with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're a familiar face in East Honolulu or a fresh visitor, this guide unlocks the holiday spirit.
One event to experience is Honolulu City Lights, where dazzling displays brighten the city and create a festive atmosphere for all. Another highlight is Show Aloha Land, featuring impressive light installations that celebrate local culture and traditions. And the Kapolei City Lights & Holiday Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its lively procession of floats and community spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around East Honolulu
- Honolulu City Lights (Honolulu)
- Show Aloha Land (Honolulu)
- Waikiki Holiday Parade (Waikiki)
- Kapolei City Lights & Holiday Parade (Kapolei)
- Holiday Performances at Kāhala Mall Center Stage (Honolulu)
- Star of Honolulu New Year’s Eve Cruise (Honolulu)
- Waikiki New Year's Eve Luau Dinner & Rock-A-Hula Show (Waikiki)
- Open-Air Double-Decker Honolulu Christmas City Lights Bus Tour (Honolulu)
- The Platters Very Merry Christmas Show (Honolulu)
- Pearl Harbor Memorial Anniversary Parade (Honolulu)
See these and even more events listed below!
East Honolulu Holiday Light Displays
Honolulu City Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with unique Hawaiian cultural elements.
Description:
Honolulu City Lights is a month-long Christmas lights and decorations display featuring a large outdoor tree, Shaka Santa, and Tūtū Mele. The event includes an electric light parade, wreath contest, and various family-friendly activities.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Honolulu City Lights
Kapolei City Lights & Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with historic and cultural theme decorations.
Description:
Kapolei City Lights & Holiday Parade features vibrant decorations inspired by Leeward Oahu's historic, cultural, and recreational aspects, including a 45-foot holiday tree and festive light displays around Kapolei Hale.
Where: Kapolei | More Info: Kapolei City Lights & Holiday Parade
Open-Air Double-Decker Honolulu Christmas City Lights Bus Tour
What to Expect:
Holiday light tour with Santa and Grinch photo opportunities.
Description:
Explore downtown Honolulu on an open-air double-decker bus to see the festive holiday lights, including a 50-foot Christmas tree and Shaka Santa. Enjoy one hour of free time to explore Christmas decorations at Honolulu Hale.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Open-Air Double-Decker Honolulu Christmas City Lights Bus Tour
Waimea Light Parade
What to Expect:
Community parade with illuminated floats and a holiday concert.
Description:
The Waimea Light Parade is a community event featuring illuminated floats and glo-stick marching units, showcasing the westside community's holiday cheer. The parade travels down Main Street and ends at Hofgaard Park with a holiday Christmas concert.
Where: Waimea | More Info: Waimea Light Parade
Kauai’s Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Unique upcycled decorations and festive light displays.
Description:
Kauai’s Festival of Lights is a free holiday event featuring millions of lights, upcycled decorations, and festive displays at the Historic County Building in Lihue, Hawaii. The event includes themed trees, snowfall, and meteor lights, showcasing local culture and creativity.
Where: Lihue | More Info: Kauai’s Festival of Lights
Hilo Christmas Light Parade
What to Expect:
Vibrant light displays along historic downtown streets.
Description:
The Downtown Hilo Christmas Light Parade is a festive event where the community comes together to celebrate the holiday season with beautifully illuminated displays and joyful atmosphere.
Where: Hilo | More Info: Hilo Christmas Light Parade
East Honolulu Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hawaiian Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival
What to Expect:
Celebrating Hawaii's unique arts and crafts heritage.
Description:
The Hawaiian Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival showcases Hawaii's diverse arts, crafts, food, and culture through educational pursuits and community support.
Where: Hilo | More Info: Hawaiian Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival
East Honolulu Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Waikiki Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Honoring Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans with a torch-lit parade.
Description:
The Waikiki Holiday Parade commemorates Pearl Harbor by honoring survivors and veterans in memory of the attacks from December 7, 1941. Local Hawaiian bands, marching bands from the mainland, military units, local officials, and dignitaries march down torch-lit Kalakaua Avenue along Waikiki Beach.
Where: Waikiki | More Info: Waikiki Holiday Parade
Holiday Performances at Kāhala Mall Center Stage
What to Expect:
Ukulele competition and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Holiday Performances at Kāhala Mall Center Stage feature a variety of festive events, including the 17th Annual Dukes Ukes Contest and Toddler Time with My Treehouse Club, offering something for all ages.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Holiday Performances at Kāhala Mall Center Stage
The Platters Very Merry Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Classic holiday music performance by The Platters.
Description:
The Platters Very Merry Christmas Show features a nostalgic performance by The Platters, celebrating the holiday season with classic hits and timeless charm.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: The Platters Very Merry Christmas Show
Waikiki New Year's Eve Luau Dinner & Rock-A-Hula Show
What to Expect:
Firework visual effects during the Rock-A-Hula show.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a Waikiki Luau Dinner featuring a bountiful feast, live Hawaiian music, and hula dances, followed by the Rock-A-Hula show with firework visual effects.
Where: Waikiki | More Info: Waikiki New Year's Eve Luau Dinner & Rock-A-Hula Show
Star of Honolulu New Year’s Eve Cruise
What to Expect:
Gourmet dining and live entertainment on a luxurious cruise.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve aboard the Star of Honolulu with a 3-course whole Maine lobster and tenderloin steak dinner, champagne toast, and live entertainment including pier-side hula and Hawaiian music.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Star of Honolulu New Year’s Eve Cruise
East Honolulu Other Holiday Activities
Show Aloha Land
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday event with snow tubing and drive-thru attractions.
Description:
Show Aloha Land is a holiday event featuring dazzling light displays, exhilarating snow tubing, and whimsical attractions like the Xavier Express Train and Vixens Bubble Zone. It offers a unique blend of festive thrills and the warm spirit of aloha, creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Show Aloha Land
New Year's Eve Cocktail Cruise & Fireworks Show - Spirit of Aloha
What to Expect:
Front-row seats to Waikiki's annual fireworks display with a champagne toast.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a 90-minute cocktail cruise aboard the Spirit of Aloha, featuring a champagne toast, full bar, and tasty snacks while watching the Waikiki fireworks display.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: New Year's Eve Cocktail Cruise & Fireworks Show - Spirit of Aloha
Pearl Harbor Memorial Anniversary Parade
What to Expect:
Commemoration of Pearl Harbor's 80th anniversary with massed band and choir performances.
Description:
The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade honors the service and sacrifice of Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans, and active duty military by featuring marching bands, choirs, and military platoons. It commemorates the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, celebrating the transition from enemies to allies and preserving America's history.
Where: Honolulu | More Info: Pearl Harbor Memorial Anniversary Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Kailua (8 miles)
- Honolulu (9 miles)
- Kaneohe (9 miles)
- Pearl City (18 miles)
- Waipahu (20 miles)
- Ewa Gentry (20 miles)
- Mililani Town (22 miles)