10 Things to do in Kauai at Christmas

Hawaiian Christmas is a combination of ancient and modern traditions, where palm trees replace pine trees. You can enjoy the best Luau shows, island caroling, festivals of lights and a variety of activities in Kauai for the whole family. Among the best things to do at this time of year are Christmas concerts and parades, as well as celebrations near the beach.

You can also join the traditional Santa hunt that offers a tour of the entire island, as well as the annual Christmas tree lighting. If you plan to stay more than 7 days on Kauai, you can stay to celebrate New Year's Eve Hawaiian style - here are all the options to celebrate an authentic Hawaiian Christmas on Kauai Island!

Christmas on Kauai is a time of celebration with a completely different culinary experience, where you can taste the contrast of flavors. Traditional Hawaiian sweets are usually prepared at this time of year, so it's well worth signing up for a food tour. You will have the opportunity to get to know most of the island by tasting dishes from the south, north and west. This way, you will experience the aloha spirit through fresh seafood, farm dishes and tropical fruits.

You can do it on your own, but at Christmas time the island is crowded and it is preferable to opt for the best local tours and excursions, as they offer private experiences and no queues. It is ideal if you plan to spend at least 3 days on Kauai, to dedicate three to four hours to meet local chefs, discover the secrets that make Hawaiian food special and stroll along dream beaches.

Generally, pork is the protagonist of Christmas dinners on Kauai. Some of the Christmas dishes not to be missed are:

• Baked suckling pig: one of the most consumed dishes on the island during Christmas, it is usually prepared on a bed of charcoal in the sand, where it is cooked wrapped in banana leaves.
• Manapuá: it is a dish of Asian influence, which is made with wheat flour and roasted pork.
• Pasteles: are side dishes that were adopted from Puerto Rico during the Plantation Era, which is prepared based on pork, beef, seafood and plantain dough.
• Mochi: is a Japanese dessert made with guava, ginger and passion fruit or lilikoi.

The best Luau shows are a great companion to celebrate the Christmas holidays, as its joyful atmosphere will allow you to live a different experience. While enjoying your vacation in the Pacific, you will have the opportunity to indulge in a traditional feast and appreciate fire dances. Keep in mind that Christmas is high season in Kauai, so you will encounter more tourists. To ensure the activity, it is advisable to book in advance.

Without a doubt, spending Christmas on Kauai is a great idea, as it combines the Christmas spirit with the traditions of Kauai. At a luau you can enjoy the talented hula dancers, a Polynesian dance that is accompanied by Hawaiian chants. The best part is that the experience usually includes a tasting with fish-based dishes and sweets made from farm products. In fact, sometimes a buffet and open bar is offered.

There are options from 152 euros at beaches, hotels, cruise ships, sugar cane plantations and more. Generally, you may come across a craft fair, which comes alive during the festivities with elements of the season. You may be able to enjoy the show on Christmas Eve, but you should check with your service provider.

Every year at Christmastime, the search for Santa on Kauai begins with interactive activities, children's entertainment, gifts and shows at the best local beaches. Usually during the Christmas festivities Santa Claus visits the island in a canoe to arrive at the colorful Festival of Lights. His tour is a local tradition, not to be missed if you are looking for things to do with children.

You can also visit the Kukui Grove Mall where you will find Santa's House during the whole month of December, with a stand that receives letters from children and adults. Additionally, you can enjoy the light shows and nightly Christmas events. If you prefer a more luxurious option, I recommend booking a catamaran with Santa on the Wailua River, as he usually makes appearances and offers shows for all ages.

Another not-to-be-missed event is the annual Lights on Rice parade, which usually kicks off the holiday activities on the first Friday in December. It is usually held on Garden Island and is completely free. The route displays floats, decorated vehicles, hula dancers, bicycles and even horses. For the best views of the show, I suggest positioning yourself on Rice Street, located near the Kauai Museum and Lihue Airport. Thousands of spectators attend each year, so it is advisable to arrive early.

It usually starts around 6:00 p.m. and features recycled ornament contests, visits from Santa, craft exhibits and a variety of free activities that exalt the beauty of the island. Enjoy the parade route and stroll along Ho'olako Street, a picturesque fishing area. You may also pass by Umi Street, where some of Kauai's best beaches are hidden.

Kauai's warm, tropical climate makes it a dream Christmas destination, especially if you take advantage of local festivals. The Kauai Festival of Lights is an annual event held at the Historic County Building Park. All activities are free, and ideal if you're looking for things to do on the island at night. They usually run from the last days of November until New Year's Eve, with entertainment options until 23:00 hrs.

Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in Kauai in December. It offers visits from Santa, children's areas and Christmas workshops. It is a multifaceted event, where you can have a great time during your Christmas vacations. In particular, I recommend you take a look at the exhibits that portray past editions and collect the history of the festival.

The Kauai Christmas tree is very different from the typical pine tree, as Hawaiians generally prefer to use their own palm trees. On some islands there are pine trees to accommodate the needs of tourists, however it is rare. Exploring this culture during Christmas is quite an experience, especially when it comes to the official lighting of the big tree.

It takes place every year in the heart of the island, specifically during the last days of November and the first days of December. You can appreciate its imposing beauty with decorations that include lights, strings and ornaments typical of Hawaiian culture. In fact, it is likely that Lei crafts are added to replace the Christmas balls.

The sounds of the ocean breeze are contrasted with the caroling, carioca rhythms and Christmas concerts that take place on the island. If you're looking for things to do on Kauai in December, I suggest taking advantage of the live shows that honor the Christmas spirit. They usually take place downtown and you can enjoy performances by the local chorale.

Some concerts are free, however most chorale shows start at 10 euros. Christmas is certainly different from other places in the United States, but it still has a special touch. Instead of singing "Merry Christmas," the marching bands often wish Mele Kalikimaka. They've even adapted traditional songs to Hawaiian words and rhythms.

To enjoy the Hawaiian warmth nothing better than sharing with your loved ones under the palm trees, enjoying the panoramic views of the ocean. Some beaches and nature reserves allow you to camp for free or at low cost. But you can also stay in resorts with all the amenities, which often host parties under the stars. While the breeze hits your face, all you'll have to do is sip tropical cocktails, appreciate the light decorations and attend Christmas concerts.

There are many things to do on Kauai in December, such as taking advantage of humpback whale season, which gives birth to their calves in the island's warm waters. The most special thing about spending Christmas on the best local beaches is enjoying the Luau shows, as well as the Christmas Eve rituals that are often accompanied by hula dancing and ukulele rhythms. Some of the most recommended beaches to spend Christmas are:

• Hanalei Bay: to spend a heavenly Christmas, I recommend traveling to the town of Hanalei. Its dreamy shores offer oceanfront entertainment, as well as activities for the whole family. You can visit art galleries, enjoy ukulele concerts and tour the taro fields, an exotic plant that grows in Hawaii. In addition, each year tropical light decorations add to the holiday spirit.
• Shipwreck Beach: head south of Kauai to enjoy an exotic Hawaiian beach, where the waves offer ideal surfing conditions. If the tide stays medium, you can enjoy a dive off the cliffs. Swimming without a guide or lifeguard is not recommended, as the tide is higher than normal in December. Please note that Christmas shows and live entertainment are sometimes offered.

If you want to live a unique and unrepeatable experience you have to attend the Waimea Christmas Parade. It's an annual event that lights up the island with themed floats and spreads cheer at every stop with dancers, local bands and children's activities. It's ideal if you're looking for things to do on Kauai at night, as it usually starts near dusk on Main Street.

It usually ends at Hofgaard Park with a massive concert for the whole family. Note that during the parade the Waimea Bridge is usually closed, so take precautions when visiting attractions in the area on this day. Additionally, both the parade and concerts are free and are considered a local tradition.

The parade was first held in 1973 and was later incorporated into the activities of Waimea Town Celebration, an annual festival that runs from December through February and has been held on the island since 1976. It offers a week of cultural entertainment and food tastings. Generally, the event itinerary also usually includes:

• Tasting evenings of tropical cocktails, local food and craft beers.
• Costume contests, sometimes Hawaiian or Christmas themed.
• Canoe races on the Wailua River.

If you plan to stay at least 7 days on Kauai, you can extend the fun on the island and take advantage of New Year's Eve events. New Year's Eve or Hau'oli Makahiki Hou celebrations take over every area. The best place to enjoy this date is Poipu Beach, where every year the fireworks show takes place. This beach offers a completely different experience, since the sky is splashed with colors around 20:00, and not at 00:00 hrs as it is customary in other regions.

In the surroundings you will find live entertainment, as well as street food stalls, where you can take advantage of a street food dinner. You can also eat at Kauai Poke Company, one of the best stands that fuses Asian food with Hawaiian dishes. The bursts of pyrotechnics can be heard on other islands, and can even be appreciated from the lookouts, camping areas and mountains. Another option is to take advantage of the fireworks display in Lihue, especially from Vidinha Stadium and the local beaches.

If you prefer to celebrate big, you can take advantage of the luxurious parties held at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa In this case, you should book in advance to enjoy the splurge until dawn. There is usually an open bar, live music and a toast around midnight. Additionally, on the island you'll find luau shows, cruises under the stars, waterfront parties and more.

Kauai is a magical island with lively plans, ideal to enjoy a different kind of Christmas. In this destination, be prepared to substitute elegant clothes for beach sandals. In particular, take the opportunity to explore the cultural contrasts, as well as alternate between plans in the mountains, beaches and towns. Here are some tips to enjoy your stay to the fullest:

• December is high season in Kauai, as many visitors come attracted by its interesting Christmas proposals. Be sure to plan ahead, this way you can find the best flights, accommodations and prices.
• For a pleasant experience, be sure to follow the safety rules at the local beaches. If the tide is high, avoid going far from the shore. Also, it is not advisable to touch animals, fruits and flowers, as you may encounter poisonous species.
• To travel to the Hawaiian Islands you must apply for an ESTA permit, which costs around 13 euros and can be requested online.
• In Kauai the public transport is deficient, in comparison with other islands. Therefore, it is recommended to rent a car for more comfort and freedom. In general, the roads are well signposted, but I recommend buying an eSIM for Internet access. In any case, use the free Maps Me website to have offline maps at hand.
• At Christmas time prices rise considerably, something you should take into account when preparing your trip.