Honolulu City Lights

21-foot Shaka Santa and Tūtū Mele — It’s the holidays in Hawaiʻi. The sun is shining, skies are blue and the Christmas tree has been trimmed at Honolulu Hale. Shaka Santa has slipped off his snow boots while Mrs. Claus, also known as Tūtū Mele, is dressed in her favorite muʻumuʻu and beloved Hawaiian bracelet.

Christmas Tree — A 50-foot Norfolk Pine Tree will be lit on the front lawn of the Hale. The tree is decorated with specially made ornaments, one for each new year. Smaller versions of these specialty ornaments can be purchased as keepsakes. The keepsake ornaments are made from brass, nickel and 24k gold.

Wreath and tree lighting inside Honolulu Hale — Inside the Hale is also a flurry of lights, trees and unique holiday displays from city departments and community organizations — every one trying to out-do each other. An annual wreath contest results in a creative Holiday Wreath Exhibit. It showcases fine craftsmanship and local interpretations of Christmas. For example, look for ocean themes such as jellyfish, “reef walker” slippers, and an outrigger canoe.

Outdoor displays across the grounds — Outside the Hale, there are food vendors, photo opportunities and the trees and county buildings are lit up all the way down King Street.

5:30 p.m. — Opening ceremony begins

6 p.m. — All lights come on, including the tree

6:30 p.m. — The Electric Light Parade travels on King Street, from River Street to Kawaiahao Street. There are floats, bands, decorated city vehicles and dancers.

*There will be food vendors located along Punchbowl Street

* Streets in Chinatown and Downtown near the parade route will be closed.

Best night: Weekday evenings between 7 to 9 p.m. for smaller crowds. Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights.

Parking: Downtown fills up fast. There is free parking at Frank F. Fasi Municipal lot or you can try one of the paid lots in Chinatown. Taking TheBus or a rideshare from Waikīkī is the best option.

Time to plan: 30–60 minutes to walk the display. Add dinner in Chinatown or Kakaʻako for a full evening. You will need to make reservations at least a week in advance.

Kids: This is a Honolulu family tradition. There will be kids, strollers and babies everywhere.

Opening night: Plan to arrive by 5 p.m. if you want to get a spot along King Street to see the parade. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and will reach Honolulu Hale at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Chinatown (10 minute walk): Lots of dinner options, including Fete, Giovedi, Pizza Mamo, The Daley, Sing Sing Thai Street Food, Livestock Tavern and Lucky Belly. Make reservations far in advance. Or come after seeing the lights for a cocktail at Pigeonhole or Black Orchid Lounge.

ʻIolani Palace (2 minute walk): The only royal palace in the U.S.

Ala Moana Center (10 minute drive): Large outdoor mall with holiday displays and shopping.