Where to Find Honolulu’s Best Holiday Lights

The holidays are upon us, and colorful, twinkling lights are going up on homes across the island. Some Oahu neighborhoods, however, take their holiday lights to the next level. The Locations Neighborhood Experts took a poll to come up with the best holiday light decorations for you to admire with friends and family.

1. Honolulu Hale City Lights

Honolulu City Lights is known for its stunning light and tree decorations. “It’s a Zoo Out There” is the theme for this year’s festivities. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. until Jan. 1, with food booths and keiki rides. Park for free in the city’s municipal lot or on the street.

Want to see even more lights? Try the 30-minute trolley tour of holiday-light displays through downtown Honolulu, starting at the Ward Farmers Market parking lot. It’s available until Dec. 30 for $7.75 with pickup and drop-off.

2. Waikele

People flock to the famous Anapau Place from across the island, says Locations agent Brandi Kamano. Known for its half-hour-long computerized light shows that are coordinated with 14 houses on the street, the spectacle runs from 6 to 9 nightly. Expect a lot of traffic and pedestrians. If the holiday spirit moves you, donations to local charitable organizations are accepted.

Fun Fact: Anapau Place was featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2014, when it faced off with a Mainland street.

3. Mililani

Every year, three cul-de-sacs bordering Mahinahou Street put on an elaborate light display for the public. Rumor has it that a house on Neleau Place will once again feature its popular Star Wars-themed display (and cookies!).

4. Kaneohe

In December, Namoku Street transforms into “Christmas Lane” — Kaneohe’s holiday hot spot. While there is no coordination among the houses, there is a variety of light displays, including a “Where’s Waldo?” showpiece.

5. Ewa Beach

“Da Ohana Christmas Light Show,” located at on Kapolei Parkway, is known for its annual synchronized light show, featuring a 20-foot Christmas tree, snow-falling lights, snow machines and a singing Santa. Da Ohana Christmas Light show runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily. Tune in to 106.5 FM to listen to music synchronized to the light show.

Homeowners also are known to pass out hot chocolate and candy canes on weekends! Donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation are encouraged.

6. Hawaii Kai

“Candy Cane Lane” in Mariners Village 2, located at 575 Hahaione St., features a traditional light display with Santa and his reindeer, snowmen and more.

7. Makakilo

Drop by the Kailiuli Christmas Spectacular, located on Kikaha Street in upper Makakilo for a synchronized 13-song light show that runs nightly from 6:30 to 10:30 through Jan. 5.

8. Kailua

Homeowners on Akumu Street have put on a lively light show every year for the past 30 years. It includes inflatables, ornaments and more than 10,000 lights synchronized to Christmas music — it’s a must-see home on the Windward side that’s viewable from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Have fun touring the holiday lights and happy holidays from Locations!

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