Month: July 2026

Spending the holidays in Hawaii looks nothing like a mainland Christmas.
Imagine your days at the beach or pool, palm trees strung with Christmas lights, and fireworks over the ocean at night.
But it’s also one of the busiest and most expensive weeks of the year to visit Oahu, so a little planning goes a long way.

This guide covers what to expect if you’re spending Christmas in Hawaii — or ringing in the New Year here — weather, pricing, events, holiday closures, and where to stay with family or a group.

Getting from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki is the first decision you’ll make in Hawaii.
The drive is about 9 miles — 30 minutes under normal traffic, longer if flights are landing all at once.
Most people sort out transportation before they leave home, and there’s good reason to: the options range from a quick rideshare to a pre-booked private transfer that greets you with a fresh flower lei the moment you land.

This guide covers what’s available, so you can decide what kind of arrival you want.