Honolulu City Lights

By: Andi McIntosh, Senior Sales & Program Design Coordinator

With Hawai‘i’s palm trees, fragrant flowers, and year-round sunshine, we sometimes miss the start of the holiday season here on O‘ahu! But if you drive through downtown, past our historic buildings (‘Iolani Palace, Ali‘iōlani Hale, and Kawaiaha‘o Church, to name a few), it is impossible to miss the month long celebration of the holidays that is displayed at our own city hall, Honolulu Hale. Here, you will find a 21-foot, shaka-flashing Santa and Tūtū Mele (Mrs. Claus) adorned with lei, a giant evergreen tree decorated in true Christmas fashion, and bright lights draped across the building. But that’s not all!

Each year, Friends of Honolulu City Lights, a local non-profit organization, celebrates the holidays by putting on what we call, “Honolulu City Lights.” To kick-off this month long calendar of lights-filled displays and events, The Electric Light Parade entertains locals and visitors with passing car floats, live bands, and decorated public vehicles.

For the next month, daily evening lights, tree, and wreath displays, as well as other special events, invite people to decorate ornaments, meet Santa, or enjoy some milk and cookies!

Neighbor islands have their own celebrations involving light displays and parades, as well, and the holiday cheer is felt throughout the Islands!

**Photo credit: Friend of Honolulu City Lights.