No Snow, Just Surf: How to Spend the Holidays on O'ahu 🤙

Forget the winter coats and boots. If you’re spending November and December on O'ahu, the only thing you need to pack is your board shorts and your slippahs (sandals).

While the rest of the world is freezing, we stay warm in paradise. But just because we don’t have snow, doesn’t mean we don’t have holiday spirit! Big waves, tropical weather, and plenty of ono (delicious) food make this one of the best times of the year to be here.

But heads up: O'ahu is big, and the best spots are spread out from mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean). You’re going to need wheels to see it all.

Here is your guide to the best holiday happenings this November and December. So grab your keys, turn up the radio, and let’s go holo holo (cruise around, hang out)!

1. Watch the Giant Waves at the North Shore

When: Mid-November through December

Where: Haleiwa, Sunset Beach, Pipeline

Winter means one thing on the North Shore: Big Waves. And we mean big. This is the season for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and Eddie Aikau Big Wave. The best surfers in the world come here to challenge the monster swells.

It’s an amazing sight, but parking can be crazy. We recommend renting one of our mid-size sedans so you can fit your beach gear and navigate the parking spots easier. Get there early, grab a shave ice in Haleiwa town, and watch the pros do their thing.

Local Tip: Traffic near Laniakea (Turtle Beach) gets heavy. Stay patient, crank up the AC in your rental, and just enjoy the view.

2. Honolulu City Lights (Shaka Santa!)

When: First Saturday of December through New Year's

Where: Honolulu Hale (City Hall)

You haven't seen Christmas until you’ve seen Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele. Every December, Downtown Honolulu lights up for the Honolulu City Lights. It’s a massive block party with huge tree displays, food trucks, and rides for the keiki (kids).

It’s the perfect place to drive down, park the car, and walk around with some hot cocoa (or bubble tea). The lights are magical, and taking a selfie with the giant Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele is a requirement. If you don't take a picture, did it even happen?

3. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

When: December 7th

Where: Pearl Harbor National Memorial

For a more serious moment, December 7th is a very important day for us. It’s the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Driving down to the memorial is a humble reminder of history. The ceremony is moving, and it’s a good time to pay respects before heading back out to enjoy the freedom we have today.

Note: Reserve your tickets online way in advance—they go fast!

https://pearlharbor.org/

4. Holiday Shopping at Waikele Premium Outlets

When: All November & December

Where: Waikele, HI (Central O'ahu)

Need to buy gifts for the ohana (family) back home? You’ve got to hit the outlets.

Having your own rental car here offers unmatched convenience. You can shop with ease, store your purchases securely in the trunk, and then head over to the Leonard’s Bakery wagon nearby to enjoy fresh malasadas.

5. New Year’s Eve Fireworks

When: December 31st

Where: Waikīkī Beach & Ko Olina

When it’s time to say goodbye to 2025, Hawai'i goes hard. There are massive fireworks displays off Waikīkī Beach. If you want something more chill, drive out west to Ko Olina. Park at one of the lagoons, put your toes in the sand, and watch the sky light up over the ocean. As the fireworks burst, they’re more than just dazzling lights—they’re a way of spiritually cleansing, releasing bad energies, and welcoming fresh beginnings. Chee hoo!

Ready to Cruise?

Don't get stuck waiting for the bus or paying crazy surge prices for rideshare. To really see the island this holiday season, you need the freedom to go where you want, when you want.

Book your ride with Akamai Rentals today. We got the cars, you bring the aloha.

Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) and Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year) from our family to yours!

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