"Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka" from Hawaii. This is how the locals say Merry Christmas and greet their friends to their beautiful island home. It may be a dream of many to escape to the beautiful islands of Hawaii anytime of the year, but the holidays bring an extra special touch to the paradise. Island style traditions that include using local flora in their decorations, leis, and fare are abundant. Holiday foods tastefully celebrate the island's diversity and ethnicity. Visitors will experience beautifully decorated, colorfully lighted homes, boat and land parades, Hawaiian Christmas music, Christmas luaus and a warm welcome from the island's locals. Here are a few Hawaiian Holiday traditions:
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Honolulu City Lights: This fabulous grand display of decorated trees, one that is 50 feet tall and wreaths sets the scene for the senses. For more than 30 years event planners feature live entertainment, contests, parades and other spectacular Christmas that visitors and the local community enjoy.
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Lahaina's Historic Maui banyan tree: This magnificent tree is illuminated throughout the holidays and dazzles the young and young at heart.
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Santa Claus's Arrival: Santa Claus arrives to Waikiki Beach on a boat instead of a sleigh.
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Festival of Lights: Kauai's historical building celebrates the holidays with their Festival of Lights.
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Van Pipeline Masters Surfer Competition: This is by far the best time for surfers and surfer fans to come together and hit the Hawaiian waves that are at their peak in December.
Spending time in Hawaii during the Christmas season will create memories that will last a lifetime. Grab your sandals and your Shaka's shades and have yourself a very "Mele Kalikimaka."