While the idea of Christmas many people in the lower 48 know involves decorated pine trees decorated with ornaments and colored lights, Hawaii’s tropical climate isn’t exactly an ideal growing environment for Christmas trees.
So, families in Hawaii that want a traditional Christmas tree rely on pine trees imported in refrigerated containers via cargo ship from cooler climates where those trees are grown. But, locals often don’t go the classic route and instead decorate palm trees.
On Kaua’i, you can see Christmas lights, including decorated palm trees, at the annual Festival of Lights at the Historic County Building in Lihue. You can also meet and visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus there!
Just like in any part of the world, food is an important part of the holiday celebration, and Christmas in Hawaii is no different. Like most seasonal festivities, Christmas dinner is a mix of old and new traditions. On Christmas Day, you might have turkey alongside poke bowls, sticky rice and fresh tropical fruit.
For the ultimate, traditional Hawaiian Christmas meal, feast on Kalua Pig, a whole roast pig cooked in an underground oven surrounded by banana leaves and hot rocks. Kalua pork takes a while to cook, but the melt-in-your-mouth texture and incredible flavor make it a welcome alternative to turkey or ham.
Forget saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day, just like the song suggests! Say this to wish people a wonderful festive season. Apparently, Hawaiian dialects didn’t have an “R” or “S” in their speech, so this is the literal equivalent of Merry Christmas!
BOTTOM LINE: If you find yourself in Kaua’i or anywhere in Hawaii this holiday season, join in on the traditions and have a holly jolly Christmas!
If you’re looking to move to Kaua’i, I’d love to show you some real estate in Kaua’i that would make a great fit for you and your family on the Garden Island.
To start your life of luxury, contact me at (808) 652-0530. Mahalo!
