Kicking off the holiday season in Kaimuki!
by Emily Miyashiro | Dec. 6, 2024
Last weekend Hawaiian Electric kicked off the holiday season in Kaimuki! Every year, we collaborate with Keep it Kaimuki and IBEW 1260 to light up the iconic tree that sits atop the Puu O Kaimuki Park. Even though I’ve lived in Hawaii for most of my life, this year was my first time visiting the famous tree!
This year, I helped livestream the annual tree lighting ceremony on our company Facebook and Instagram, which gave me the perfect opportunity to finally visit the park. I’ve always wanted to visit the park, especially during the holiday season, but I could never find the perfect time. Now that I’ve visited the park, I completely understand why it’s such a beloved tradition for so many people.
As the tree lighting ceremony was about to start, families began gathering to enjoy the picturesque sunset. Keiki and dogs ran around the park, taking in the fresh evening air as everyone eagerly awaited the big moment! At around 5:50 p.m., the sun set, and the crowd started a countdown. Following the countdown, the tree was lit up, filling the crowd with joy and the holiday spirit! The tree, paired with the sparkling lights of Honolulu in the background, created the perfect scene. Watching families take turns posing under the tree and the excited kids running around was truly heartwarming. It was a great reminder of how the holidays can bring communities together!
If you haven’t visited the Puu O Kaimuki Park, now is the perfect time. The tree will be lit every night until the day before New Year’s Eve, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. A big mahalo to Keep it Kaimuki and the volunteers from IBEW 1260 for keeping this Kaimuki tradition alive year after year!
Emily Miyashiro is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric.
