Saturday Briefing

By Joanna Demeo

Santa Claus arrived via outrigger canoe at Waikiki Beach on Saturday, December 13, to a beach full of eager children and adults.

Despite choppy waters, the Waikiki Beach Boys paddled jolly St. Nick ashore, where he was greeted by hula

dancers, singers, and plenty of admirers. Santa stepped out of the canoe and welcomed guests with jolly greetings for a “Merry Christmas” and “Mele Kalikimaka.” He was also sporting a new look: Santa had traded in his warm North Pole snow boots and pants for some more appropriate made-for-Hawaii attire: slippers and shorts!

The Waikiki Beach Boys paddled Santa in on their outrigger canoe

As Santa made his way up the beach, guests surrounded him and snapped photos. Both children and adults swarmed around for a chance to sit on his knee and ask the big guy for a Christmas wish.

The celebration moved upstairs to the lobby of Outrigger Waikiki where more dancing and singing lit up the lobby and made for a warm reception for hotel guests. The Outrigger Photo Shop generously provided a photographer and free photos for guests.

Santa will make another appearance to take photos with guests and employees on December 23 at 9 a.m. in the lobby of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.

Mele Kalikimaka to all!