Christmas time in Hawaii isn’t exactly what you see on the Hallmark channel. It’s definitely a lot hotter and a bit rainy. And if this is your first December in a tropical area, you might feel left out from all the fun in the snow, or miss wearing your favorite scarf. Regardless of the weather, there still is a lot of enchanting things you can do during this time in tropical Hawaii.
If you missed the Honolulu City Lights Parade, there’s still a handful of parades you can go to. On Dec. 21, the Ewa Beach Lions Club is hosting a Christmas parade. This event starts at 10 a.m. and goes on until 12 p.m. The event is expected to have 1,200 marchers, 80 vehicles, 12 floats and two bands and it starts at Ilima Intermediate School parking lot. If you prefer to see one with lights, the East Manoa Lions Club is hosting the Manoa Community Christmas Parade at 5 p.m., also on Dec. 21, and continues until 7 p.m. This event is expected to have 1,100 marchers, 12 vehicles and five bands and will start at Noelani School.
If watching parades isn’t your thing and you’d rather run, the Make-a-Wish Foundation is sponsoring the Jingle Rock Run 2013. It’s a 5K run that starts on Cooke St., Kakaako at 5 p.m on Dec. 21. Registration price is $40 but a special rate is available for the military at $35. Festive attire is encouraged and strollers and pets are welcome to join. You can register here. The deadline to register is December 19, so it is highly encouraged that registration is done ASAP. Packet pick up is on December 19 and 20 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
If watching land parades and running aren’t your thing, you can head down to beautiful Hawaii Kai to see the Festival of Lights Boat Parade. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 21. The Hawaii Kai Marina and its members will decorate their boats, and you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful sunset while marveling at the lighted boats.
Another tradition of the holiday season is making gingerbread cookies and villages. At the Outrigger Reef, you’ll be able to see the employees’ creative gingerbread works. This free annual event takes place from Dec. 16 – Dec. 20.
If you enjoy looking at Christmas lights, there is a city light tour available. You’ll be able to go on a double decker bus and it takes you on a route in downtown Honolulu. Registration and prices can be found here (http://www.hawaiiactivities.com/en/hawaii/oahu/a/107260).
Finding Christmas presents for those who are important can be a difficulty. If you’re looking for handmade or locally made, check out the Honolulu Gift Fair at the Neil Blasidell Exhibition Hall from Dec. 20- Dec. 22. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Honolulu Gift Fair will feature more than 300 gift-selling booths with antiques, apparel, books and music, toys, jewelry and much more. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item for the Hawaii Food Bank.
If you are military, check out your Hickam/Pearl Harbor ITT. You’ll find more events such as a holiday light trolley ride, and a boat tour around Pearl Harbor.
And the simplest thing you could do this holiday season is take a walk around your own neighborhood, or downtown. Make it a plan to pass Honolulu Hale and see the enormous pine tree. Enjoy your break off from school and work, and spend time with people you love. That’s the best way to make the most out of this holiday season.