Christmas in Hawaiʻi comes with a different kind of holiday magic. Instead of snow-covered streets and crackling fireplaces, there are palm-fringed beaches, spectacular Pacific sunsets, and warm ocean breezes. Santa might arrive by outrigger canoe, appear beneath the surface of a giant aquarium, or join families for breakfast overlooking the ocean. Across the islands, luxury resorts are putting their own spin on beloved holiday traditions, blending festive celebrations with the natural beauty and cultural experiences that make Hawaiʻi such a memorable destination.
Whether the season calls for a lively family gathering, a romantic getaway, or a quiet retreat in a private oceanfront villa, these 10 properties across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island offer plenty of reasons to celebrate Christmas and welcome 2027 in paradise.
ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, Oʻahu
At ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, Santa is trading his traditional red suit for scuba gear. From December 12 through 24, Scuba Claus returns for twice-daily appearances in the resort’s 280,000-gallon Oceanarium, giving guests an unusual opportunity to celebrate the season beneath the waves.
The underwater visits are part of the resort’s broader holiday calendar, which includes 12 Days of ʻAlohilani from December 21 through January 1. Guests can participate in holiday lei-making, stocking decorating, and other seasonal activities, while the Mālama ʻĀina Storytelling Tree near the Oceanarium invites visitors to share messages of gratitude and care for the land and ocean. Decorated with native greenery, tropical flowers, and wooden ornaments, the installation adds a distinctly local dimension to the festivities.
The celebrations extend to SWELL, the resort’s 17,000-square-foot pool deck, where holiday-themed cabanas and seasonal cocktails create a festive atmosphere overlooking Waikīkī. Christmas Eve brings carolers from the 9th Avenue Quartet and a lobby scavenger hunt, while Christmas Day includes opportunities for photos with Santa.
The Twin Fin, Oʻahu
For travelers who prefer their Christmas celebrations with a little surf culture, The Twin Fin offers a playful take on the season. Located near the Diamond Head end of Waikīkī, the surf-inspired hotel is home to the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf Waikiki, making it an appealing base for guests who want to spend their mornings catching waves and their evenings enjoying festive cocktails.
From November 27 through December 30, Tiki’s Grill & Bar transforms into The Christmas Bar, a holiday-themed pop-up featuring twinkling lights, nostalgic music, seasonal drinks, and whimsical decorations. The experience brings a touch of winter wonderland nostalgia to the tropical setting, complete with themed treats and interactive holiday décor.
The Christmas Bar is scheduled to open weekdays from 2 to 11 p.m. and weekends from noon to 11 p.m., giving guests plenty of opportunities to stop by after a day at the beach. With its casual atmosphere and beachfront location, The Twin Fin offers a decidedly relaxed way to celebrate the holidays in Waikīkī.
Romer House Waikīkī, Oʻahu
Romer House Waikīkī is embracing the social side of the holiday season with festive brunches, creative cocktails, and lively gatherings. The boutique hotel kicks off its celebrations December 4 with Aloha Christmas!, a lobby party featuring a DJ, drink specials, and an evening of seasonal entertainment.
Throughout December, Sundays bring Mochi & Mistletoe Christmas Brunch, where island-inspired comfort food meets holiday indulgence. The menu includes chicken karaage biscuits and gravy, wagyu steak and eggs, and mochisada, alongside espresso martinis and mimosa flights. A live DJ adds to the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.
At The Lei Stand, the hotel’s lobby bar, guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails throughout the month, including the Apple Cide-Car, made with rum, cognac, Cointreau, apple cider reduction, and walnut bitters. For couples and friends looking for an alternative to traditional family holiday programming, Romer House offers a lively setting for celebrating the season in Waikīkī.
Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina, Oʻahu
Along Oʻahu’s western coastline, Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina is planning a holiday season filled with family traditions, creative experiences, and opportunities to unwind. Christmas Day brings a Keiki Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while the Ko Olina Express, performances by Ballet Hawaii, and a range of hands-on activities add to the festive atmosphere.
Guests can participate in cooking and baking demonstrations featuring sushi, poke, handmade pasta, and holiday cookies, along with mixology classes and seasonal dining experiences. More unusual offerings include custom typewriter poems created by local poet Kaʻeo Yoshikawa and a Golden Goose sneaker co-design experience, giving guests opportunities to create personalized holiday keepsakes.
Wellness also plays a prominent role in the celebrations. The ʻOhana Holiday Sportspalooza combines movement, mindfulness, and friendly competition for all ages, while the spa’s Winter Radiance Ritual features Himalayan hot stones, a cranberry-infused body polish, and a peppermint scalp massage. With its beachfront setting and extensive programming, the resort offers a balance of holiday activity and relaxation.
Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, Oʻahu
For travelers who prefer a quieter holiday retreat while remaining close to Waikīkī’s restaurants, beaches, and attractions, Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers an appealing alternative. Following a $100 million transformation, the property combines spacious residential-style accommodations with contemporary design and personalized service in one of Honolulu’s most celebrated destinations.
Led by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio in collaboration with Guerin Glass Architects, the renovation introduces interiors inspired by Hawaiʻi’s natural landscape and cultural heritage. Warm wood tones, refined materials, and a residential atmosphere create a comfortable setting for families and couples spending the holidays away from home.
During a recent stay, I found that the property’s greatest appeal was its combination of generous accommodations and attentive hospitality, allowing guests to enjoy Waikīkī’s energy while returning to a more private retreat. For holiday travelers interested in exploring Honolulu, watching sunsets over the Pacific, or simply enjoying time together, Ka Laʻi provides a luxurious home base without the need for an elaborate holiday itinerary.
Kukuiʻula, Kauaʻi
Set across 1,010 acres along Kauaʻi’s sunny South Shore, Kukuiʻula offers a holiday experience centered on family gatherings, outdoor recreation, and the relaxed rhythm of island life. The private club, residential, and resort community is home to The Lodge at Kukuiʻula, where spacious residential-style accommodations make it particularly well suited to multigenerational celebrations.
Holiday programming includes 12 Days of Keiki Camp, offering younger guests a variety of seasonal activities, along with a chef-led Christmas Eve dinner and an ’80s-themed New Year’s Eve celebration. The combination of family-friendly experiences and festive dining allows guests to participate in traditional celebrations while enjoying the privacy and comfort of a residential retreat.
Beyond the holiday calendar, Kukuiʻula offers a Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, Hiʻilani Spa and Fitness Center, and farm-to-table dining at ʻUmeke Kitchen + Bar. Guests can also explore Kauaʻi’s beaches, gardens, and outdoor attractions, making the property an appealing destination for families who want to balance holiday festivities with adventure.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Maui
Santa’s arrival is always a highlight of the holiday season, but at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, he makes his entrance by outrigger canoe. On Christmas Day, guests can gather along Mōkapu Beach to watch his arrival before enjoying photos and a festive holiday buffet, bringing an island-inspired twist to a familiar Christmas tradition.
From December 21 through January 2, the resort will host a calendar of activities that includes holiday caroling and coconut leaf ornament workshops led by resident cultural advisor and practitioner Uncle Ron. Families can also enjoy sunset s’mores, Christmas cookie decorating, holiday movie screenings, and cotton candy making.
The resort’s newly refreshed villas provide an inviting setting for extended families, with multiple bedrooms, open kitchens, generous indoor-outdoor living areas, and sweeping ocean or garden views. To welcome 2027, Andaz Maui will host the third edition of its Tiki Roars on the Silent Shores celebration, featuring music spanning Top 40, EDM, house, country, and hip-hop. The New Year’s Eve party has no cover charge, with specialty cocktails available for purchase.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Maui
On Maui’s northwest coast, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua offers a more secluded holiday retreat surrounded by 54 acres of coastal scenery. The resort’s seasonal celebrations bring together traditional Christmas activities and experiences inspired by its island setting, creating opportunities for families to gather and enjoy the festivities.
Younger guests can look forward to storytelling with Santa and Mrs. Claus, breakfast with Santa, holiday hula lessons, and festive s’mores beneath the stars. Glow-in-the-dark bucket golf adds a playful option for families seeking an activity beyond the beach, while Christmas Day brings a holiday feast at Banyan Tree.
For guests looking to unwind between celebrations, the spa offers gold-infused body rituals, facials, and pedicures. The festivities continue on New Year’s Eve with live music and dancing at Alaloa Lounge, providing an inviting way to welcome the new year overlooking Maui’s dramatic coastline.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaiʻi Island
Along the Kona-Kohala coast, where dramatic black lava landscapes meet the Pacific Ocean, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai combines traditional holiday celebrations with extraordinary natural experiences. The resort’s seasonal programming includes children’s workshops, visits from Santa Claus, an oceanfront Christmas dinner buffet, a Jingle Bell Run 5K, and New Year’s Eve festivities.
For multigenerational families, the resort’s stand-alone villas provide spacious accommodations and a comfortable setting for gathering together. Between holiday events, guests can explore the property’s beaches, pools, restaurants, and outdoor activities while enjoying the warm winter climate of Hawaiʻi Island.
The holiday season also coincides with the return of humpback whales to the waters surrounding the Kona Coast. From November through early March, guests may spot whales offshore while dining at ʻULU or Beach Tree. For a closer encounter, the resort can arrange private excursions aboard its Alakaʻi Nui catamaran, offering families an opportunity to experience one of Hawaiʻi’s most remarkable seasonal wildlife spectacles.
ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki, Oʻahu
For travelers seeking privacy and residential-style luxury during the holiday season, ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki offers an intimate alternative to a traditional resort. With just nine suites, each occupying an entire floor, the boutique property combines the space and comforts of a private residence with highly personalized hospitality overlooking Waikīkī Beach.
Each three-bedroom suite features a chef-grade kitchen, private elevator entry, and an ocean-view balcony with a hot spa, making the property especially appealing for families or small groups celebrating together. Guests can spend their days enjoying the rooftop infinity pool, exploring Waikīkī, or taking advantage of the hotel’s butler and concierge services.
Dining is another highlight, with complimentary dining experiences available throughout the stay and Mugen offering an intimate culinary destination. Rather than a busy calendar of organized festivities, ESPACIO’s appeal lies in the opportunity to create a personalized holiday experience, whether that means a relaxed family gathering, an elegant dinner, or simply enjoying the Pacific views from a private suite.