by Nolan Kido

Created on: November 27, 2010

You may not be able to see a white Christmas on Oahu, but you can still see Santa Claus in Honolulu, Hawaii. Here are three locations to see Santa Claus during the Christmas season in December:

1) Santa Claus at Ala Moana Center

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, Ala Moana Center begins its annual holiday promotions. These events include two ways to see Santa Claus. The makai (facing the ocean) parking deck at Ala Moana Center displays a large Santa Claus complete with a festive lei. This over-sized Santa will get you in the Christmas spirit just in time to take pictures with the real Santa across from center stage. Your children will love to take a picture with Santa and explore Santa’s toy shop next door. Note that you have to pay for a photo package with a picture taken by the Ala Moana photographer to take advantage of the picture with Santa event. Santa is available for pictures from 10AM every day.

Many shops in Ala Moana host holiday events and activities. Check the holiday events guides located near the information booths by center stage for a list of all the Christmas activities.

2) Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at Honolulu Hale

Honolulu City Hall (called Honolulu Hale) hosts gigantic statues of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus every December. Unveiled during the Honolulu City Lights events in the early weeks of December, Santa and Mrs. Claus remain on display for pictures during the whole month. With Santa giving a shaka and Mrs. Claus in a mu’umu’u, this is a unique Santa Claus you can find only in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Be sure to view the Honolulu City Lights on the grounds of Honolulu Hale when you visit to view Santa Claus. Lit every evening during December, the lights present a perfect way to top off an evening after pictures with Santa. Many of the surrounding buildings also light up with festive holiday decorations and be sure to take the time to explore the area around City Hall.

3) Santa Claus at Waikiki

Each December, Santa Claus can be seen paddling onto Waikiki Beach on an outrigger canoe. Major Waikiki hotels sponsor a beach visit from Santa Claus and publicize it well in advance. Although the precise day and time of Santa’s paddle-in changes each year, you can be assured that this holiday tradition will continue every year in Honolulu. There is nothing better than taking a picture of Santa climbing out of the canoe and walking along Waikiki Beach during a 72 degree in December.

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