RELEASE NUMBER 66 | 25
Santa Swaps His Sleigh for a Canoe as OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort Marks 20 Years of a Beloved Island Tradition
Holiday celebration expands to Maui with first-ever Santa canoe arrival at OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
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HONOLULU – Santa Claus will make waves in Hawaii once again when he arrives by outrigger canoe at OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, marking the 20th anniversary of this cherished island tradition on O’ahu.
Each December, Santa trades his sleigh for a traditional outrigger canoe, gliding across the turquoise waters of Waikīkī to greet families on the beach. The festive morning features a hula performance by the keiki from Hālau Pukaikapuaokalani, photos with Santa and a community beach cleanup that reflects the spirit of aloha and care for the islands.
“Santa’s arrival by canoe captures the true spirit of aloha – joy, community and connection to the ocean,” said Steve Miller, general manager of OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort. “We’re honored to celebrate 20 years of this special event with our guests and neighbors, sharing the same excitement and magic that has made this a beloved island tradition.”
Santa Expands His Route to Maui
For the first time, Santa’s paddling tradition will extend beyond O‘ahu to Maui, where OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort will host its inaugural Santa Arrival by Canoe on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Guests are invited to gather along Kā‘anapali Beach to watch Santa arrive by canoe, enjoy live mele (music) and hula (dance), and take photos on the resort’s Naupaka Lawn. The celebration continues that evening with the resort’s Aloha Friday Holiday Celebration, featuring Hawaiian carols, dance and island-inspired treats.
“Santa’s first canoe arrival on the Kā‘anapali shoreline fronting OUTRIGGER brings a memorable new tradition to our resort,” said Edwin Torres, general manager of OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort. “It’s a joyful way to welcome the season with our guests and neighbors.”
Festive Highlights Across the Islands
Beyond Santa’s seaside arrival, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels are celebrating the holidays across the islands with cultural programming, culinary events and community moments that connect guests to Hawai‘i’s holiday spirit:
O‘ahu
- At OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort, the season begins Dec. 2 with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, where local performers bring the lobby to life with music and hula as one keiki is chosen to illuminate the tree. On Dec. 6, families can watch Santa’s 20th canoe arrival, followed by a community beach cleanup. Later in the month, guests can enjoy Hot Chocolate and Cookies (Dec. 12), a Christmas Wreath Contest (Dec. 22), Cookie Decorating (Dec. 23) and Christmas Storytelling (Dec. 24), blending holiday nostalgia with the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality
- Down the shoreline, OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort launches its Toys for Keiki Drive (Dec. 1) at Kani Ka Pila Grille to benefit the Waikīkī Community Center. Families can enjoy Egg Nog and Cookies (Dec. 12), join Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 13) or view handcrafted creations from hosts in the Christmas Wreath Contest (Dec. 22) and Christmas Storytelling (Dec. 24), blending holiday nostalgia with the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality
Maui
- OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort, heralded as “Maui’s Most Hawaiian Resort,” welcomes Santa by canoe on Dec. 19, followed by live Hawaiian entertainment, carols and a festive Aloha Friday celebration. The merriment continues with their Letters to Santa Station (Dec. 8-24), inviting guests to write down their holiday wishes, dream gifts, or messages of joy to Santa — drop them in the festive Santa Mailbox, and they’ll mail it with aloha, postage included.
Island of Hawai‘i
- At OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, Santa’s Village (Dec. 19–24) offers letters to the North Pole, family photos and festive activities overlooking Keauhou Bay. On Dec. 20, the Holiday Pop-Up Night Market showcases local artisans and island fare, followed by Christmas Eve and Day Buffets (Dec. 24–25) that celebrate the season’s flavors
Kaua‘i
- OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa embraces a relaxed island rhythm with Christmas Eve Dinner (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve Celebration (Dec. 31) featuring live entertainment and oceanfront dining beneath Kaua‘i’s starry skies
The Gift of Presence
As more travelers choose experiences over material gifts, OUTRIGGER’s holiday celebrations invite guests to slow down and connect with loved ones across the Hawaiian Islands. From Waikīkī to Maui, Kona to Kaua‘i, each event reflects the spirit of aloha and a shared appreciation for community and place.
To make the season even brighter, the 2025 Cyber Sale offers up to 45 percent off stays across OUTRIGGER’s global collection – an invitation to give the gift of experience and celebrate the holidays with aloha. For details, visit www.outrigger.com.
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