"Mele Kalikimaka" means to have a Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. And yes, Christmas here may not be snowy and white, but it has its own special charm. As you drive along the North Shore you will see the large winter swells, small groups of surfers bobbing around on the horizon and people riding waves in celebration of the holidays. Here on the islands, we replace Christmas trees with palm trees, snow angles for sand angles and sledding for surfing.
Winter Swells Hit The North Shore
When the winter swells light up the Seven Mile Miracle that is the North Shore of Oahu, locals and visitors alike make the most of the abundance of waves. Last year, a swell came right in time for Christmas morning. Some would say that waves are the best kind of present to wake-up too.
- WSL / Damien Poullenot
The People Of The Islands
There is no shortage of evidence that the people of Hawaii make visiting the Islands so special. If you show the locals respect and kindness the same will be reciprocated. The gift of aloha is the gift that keeps on giving.
- WSL / Ed Sloane
Endless Warm Waves
If you surf in December or January in most places in the world, you'll probably be pulling on a thick fullsuit. Hawaii is one of those exceptions. No matter when you go, it is pretty much warm year round. That means endless warm winter waves during the holiday season.
- WSL / Ed Sloane
The Colorful Sunrise Skies
Sunset or sunrise, the Hawaiian sky has no shortage of colors. Headed out for dawn patrol session? Well you've earned yourself a spot in the lineup to watching the vibrant sunrise. Nothing quite like surfing with only a couple people out and enjoying a show on Christmas morning.
- WSL / Karen Wilson
Rainbows Are Common Sight
It's true, rainbows are everywhere here on the Islands. All you have to do is look up from your phone and you'll probably find one. If you are lucky, a double rainbow may be in your near future. A Christmas rainbow or two aren't too uncommon either.
- WSL / Kelly Cestari
The Hawaiian Culture And Traditions
Don't miss out on the culture and traditions of the Hawaiian people. The holiday season is filled with aloha. Aloha in Hawaiian means love, affection, peace, compassion, welcome, and so much more. Whether you live here or not, aloha is a way of life and is especially prevalent during the holidays.
- WSL / Ed Sloane
The Natural Beauty Of The Land
We may not have a white Christmas but, behind every corner and twist in the road is a new sight to see here in Hawaii. The natural beauty of the land gives each and every one of us extra grace during this time, feeling grateful beyond words. The tropical Hawaiian Christmas may not be for everyone but for those who call this place home it is reminder of who we are and where we come from.
- WSL / Ed Sloane
Trade Winds And Misty Skies
During December and January there are extra trade winds and mist in the air. Don't get me wrong, it is still in the 70s, but it is slightly more chilly than any other time of the year. The winds and winter rains make it just cold enough to cozy up with a nice blanket and a hot cup of coco.
- WSL / Damien Poullenot
Hawaiian Honu's Swimming Around
The wildlife in Hawaii is unlike any other. We may not have elk and deer for the holidays but you can surely spot a honu (Hawaiian Sea Turtle) swimming around while you surf.
- WSL / Damien Poullenot
Hawaiian Sunset Surfs
From pink to yellow to a fire red, every Hawaiian sunset is one in a million. Not one is the same. And if you are surfing during this golden hour you are in for a real treat. It is like watching a light show while enjoying the best waves in the world. Get out there and enjoy!
- WSL / Tony Heff
Mele Kalikimaka: What The Holidays Mean In Hawaii
Cayla Moore
"Mele Kalikimaka" means to have a Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. And yes, Christmas here may not be snowy and white, but it has its own special charm. As you drive along the North Shore you will see the large winter swells, small groups of surfers bobbing around on the horizon and people riding waves in celebration of the holidays. Here on the islands, we replace Christmas trees with palm trees, snow angles for sand angles and sledding for surfing.
Winter Swells Hit The North Shore
When the winter swells light up the Seven Mile Miracle that is the North Shore of Oahu, locals and visitors alike make the most of the abundance of waves. Last year, a swell came right in time for Christmas morning. Some would say that waves are the best kind of present to wake-up too.
The People Of The Islands
There is no shortage of evidence that the people of Hawaii make visiting the Islands so special. If you show the locals respect and kindness the same will be reciprocated. The gift of aloha is the gift that keeps on giving.
Endless Warm Waves
If you surf in December or January in most places in the world, you'll probably be pulling on a thick fullsuit. Hawaii is one of those exceptions. No matter when you go, it is pretty much warm year round. That means endless warm winter waves during the holiday season.
The Colorful Sunrise Skies
Sunset or sunrise, the Hawaiian sky has no shortage of colors. Headed out for dawn patrol session? Well you've earned yourself a spot in the lineup to watching the vibrant sunrise. Nothing quite like surfing with only a couple people out and enjoying a show on Christmas morning.
Rainbows Are Common Sight
It's true, rainbows are everywhere here on the Islands. All you have to do is look up from your phone and you'll probably find one. If you are lucky, a double rainbow may be in your near future. A Christmas rainbow or two aren't too uncommon either.
The Hawaiian Culture And Traditions
Don't miss out on the culture and traditions of the Hawaiian people. The holiday season is filled with aloha. Aloha in Hawaiian means love, affection, peace, compassion, welcome, and so much more. Whether you live here or not, aloha is a way of life and is especially prevalent during the holidays.
The Natural Beauty Of The Land
We may not have a white Christmas but, behind every corner and twist in the road is a new sight to see here in Hawaii. The natural beauty of the land gives each and every one of us extra grace during this time, feeling grateful beyond words. The tropical Hawaiian Christmas may not be for everyone but for those who call this place home it is reminder of who we are and where we come from.
Trade Winds And Misty Skies
During December and January there are extra trade winds and mist in the air. Don't get me wrong, it is still in the 70s, but it is slightly more chilly than any other time of the year. The winds and winter rains make it just cold enough to cozy up with a nice blanket and a hot cup of coco.
Hawaiian Honu's Swimming Around
The wildlife in Hawaii is unlike any other. We may not have elk and deer for the holidays but you can surely spot a honu (Hawaiian Sea Turtle) swimming around while you surf.
Hawaiian Sunset Surfs
From pink to yellow to a fire red, every Hawaiian sunset is one in a million. Not one is the same. And if you are surfing during this golden hour you are in for a real treat. It is like watching a light show while enjoying the best waves in the world. Get out there and enjoy!