Aloha, families! If you're soaking up the sun in Hawaii this holiday season with your little ones, you might be wondering: How do they celebrate Christmas in a place where snow is just a myth and palm trees sway instead of evergreens? Well, grab your sunscreen and get ready for a jolly tale that's as warm as a Waikiki sunset. In Hawaii, Christmas gets a tropical makeover, and at the heart of it is Shaka Santa—a beloved icon who embodies the aloha spirit. But why does Santa ditch his sleigh for a canoe? Let's paddle into the story!
The Hawaiian Twist: Santa's Grand Arrival by Outrigger Canoe
Forget reindeer dashing through the snow—in Hawaii, Santa makes his entrance island-style, paddling ashore on an outrigger canoe. This fun tradition blends classic Christmas cheer with Hawaiian culture, where the ocean is life and canoes are a symbol of heritage. Every year, especially at spots like Waikiki Beach, Santa (often called Kanakaloka in Hawaiian) surfs or paddles in with his crew, sometimes even "pulled" by dolphins or accompanied by hula dancers. It's a sight that lights up kids' faces and reminds everyone that holidays here are about community, joy, and that endless aloha vibe.
Santa Claus paddles into Waikiki, marking 20 years of tradition
This custom started as a way to adapt the North Pole legend to the tropics—no chimneys needed when you've got beaches! Events like the annual Santa arrival at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort have been going strong for over 20 years, drawing families to the shore for photos, treats, and holiday magic. It's the perfect outing if you're vacationing in Oahu with kids—head to Waikiki and watch Santa wave from the waves. For more details on these festivities, check out the official Hawaii tourism site Go Hawaii.
Meet Shaka Santa: Hawaii's Hang-Loose Holiday Hero
Now, onto the star of the show: Shaka Santa! This isn't your typical jolly old elf. Since 1989, a massive 21-foot statue of Shaka Santa has graced Honolulu Hale (City Hall) as part of the dazzling Honolulu City Lights display. Designed by artist Owen Ho and sculpted by Kurt Nelson, he's bare-chested, tanned, and flashing the iconic "shaka" sign—that hand gesture meaning "hang loose," aloha, and all things chill in Hawaii.
Unique Hawaiian Christmas by Trolley: Hawaiian Santa & Tutu
Shaka Santa is joined by his wife, Tutu Mele (Grandma Song, aka Mrs. Claus in a muumuu), dipping her toes in the fountain. Together, they represent how Hawaii infuses Christmas with local pride: no fur-trimmed suits here, just relaxed vibes under the stars. The shaka itself has deep roots, originating from a kind gesture in Hawaiian history and now the official state hand symbol. And yes, tying back to the canoe—Shaka Santa embodies the idea of Santa arriving by sea, riding the waves like a true islander. If you're in Honolulu, bundle up the kids (lightly, of course) and visit the lights—it's free, festive, and full of photo ops! Learn more at the City and County of Honolulu's City Lights page.
Greet Shaka Santa in Style: Tropical Outfits for Your Family Adventure
What's the best way to welcome Shaka Santa or catch Santa's canoe arrival? Dress the part with vibrant, comfortable threads that scream "holiday in paradise"! At JAMS World, we're all about wearable art that captures the essence of Hawaii—think bold tropical florals as your red and green alternatives. Our pieces are perfect for families chasing holiday fun: lightweight rayon fabrics that keep you cool, plus accessories to mix and match for beachy vibes.
Skip the traditional ugly sweaters and opt for our bright prints that nod to the season without the stuffiness. Imagine greeting Santa at Waikiki in a flowy dress or aloha shirt splashed with floral patterns in sunny reds, lush greens, and pops of gold—like our Koa Red Retro Shirt or Palm Villa Doris Dress. These small pieces are holiday-ready: easy to pack, versatile for day-to-night, and infused with that JAMS World magic.
To help you curate the perfect look, here's a fun Family Pairing Guide for Shaka Santa sightings. We've focused on mix-and-match outfits that highlight our collections, so everyone from mom to the kiddos feels festive and comfy:
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Family Member |
Suggested Outfit |
Key Pieces & Pairings |
Why It Works |
Shop Link |
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Mom |
Tropical Floral Dress + Kimono |
Doris Dress in Palm Villa (red-green floral vibes) paired with a light Kimono Jacket in Royal Resort for breezy coverage. Add a tote for snacks! |
Flowy and feminine—perfect for beach photos with Santa. The florals echo holiday colors in a Hawaiian way. |
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Dad |
Rayon Aloha Shirt + Pareo Wrap |
Men's Retro Shirt in Koa Red with a casual pareo for that island flair. Pair with our hats for sun protection. |
Relaxed shaka-style comfort for paddling vibes—matches Shaka Santa's chill attitude! |
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Kids |
Mini Wrap Dress or Matching Set |
Ariana Dress in Royal Resort for girls (tropical prints) or kids' aloha shirts. Pair with headwraps or small totes for carrying treats from Santa. |
Fun, playful, and easy to move in—ideal for running to greet the canoe! |
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Whole Family |
Accessories Bundle |
Tote bags, headwraps, and bag ties in matching florals. Pair with robes for post-beach lounging. |
Adds unity and practicality—carry holiday goodies while looking coordinated. |
Not sure what to pick? Our Find Your JAMS World Flow: Personal Style Profile tool is a game-changer! Answer a few quick questions about your vibe, and it'll recommend pieces tailored to your family's holiday adventures. It's like having a personal stylist with an aloha twist—try it now and discover your perfect tropical ensemble.
Wrap Up Your Holidays with Aloha
There you have it—the enchanting reason Santa swaps his sleigh for a canoe and how Shaka Santa keeps the spirit alive in Hawaii. It's all about blending traditions with island joy, creating memories that last longer than a lei. If you're here with the family, don't miss these celebrations; they're light, shareable, and full of that magical Hawaiian Christmas energy.
Ready to bring some Shaka Santa vibes home? Head over to JAMS World for the best in tropical wearable art—dresses, shirts, kimonos, and more that make every day feel like a holiday. Shop our holiday collection today and get free shipping on orders over $100. Questions? Contact us anytime. Mahalo for reading—now go make some merry waves! 🌺🎅
