The Hawaii Kai Boat Parade is one of my favorite Holiday traditions we have here on Oahu. Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” people from all over the east Oahu area decorate their boats with a whimsical array of lights and entire themes and compete for the best boat every December for spectators to enjoy.
The Parade begins as boats appear in the marina at 5:30pm. If you’re lucky you can watch from a friends house like I do! Or you can find a spot at Koko Marina such as Kona Brewing or at Costco shopping center to watch. Theres also various marina front restaurants such as Liko’s, Island Brew, and Tex 808 in the next shopping center that provide front row seats to the show!
As the sun sets, the boats light up more and more and many boats have people dancing to music and it is a magical show! After the boats go around the main marina they make sure to give all the marina front homes a show from Kuapa Isle to the very back of the marina past the Peninsula to Mariners Cove!
You can vote for your favorite boats on instagram at @hkmca_hawaii. Judges also determine the best boat and first, second and third place get a cash prize!
I have looked forward to this parade since I was a young girl. It’s truly a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and an excuse to go to a marina front restaurant and enjoy food and drinks while you watch the show.
Have a safe and fun Holiday season & check out my other blogs for more things to do on Oahu!
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