That fur suit is a killer in 80F heat. Santa stopped by the fountain at Honolulu Hale to cool off.
Mrs. Santa came along for the ride.
Of course, with as much military as there is on this island,
In the previous posts I'd only just begun to scratch the surface of the Honolulu Hale decorations. You've seen the park and the foyer. Now I present a few of the sights that can be seen on the front and side lawns. (Stay tuned for the fountain tomorrow!)
Mele Kalikimaka -- Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Politics and Christmas: Every red ribbon in this display -- 1800 of them -- represents
Politics and Christmas: there is a small faction of people in Hawaii who want to make Hawaii a sovereign nation governed by Hawaiians. This display was fashioned by those who disagree.
Religion and politics:
The Christmas tree in front of Honolulu Hale.
Train beneath the tree.
Religious displays on public property -- with not an outcry to be heard.
Beside the nativity is a PFLAG display.
Elvis is very popular in Hawaii -- be it Christmas or any other time. 
Honolulu Hale decks its halls for Christmas. Local businesses bid for the privilege of providing the decorations. For every photo here there are at least two more I didn't share and twice as many I never even took! The Hale foyer was dressed to dazzle!
Hawaii Christmas Express -- first stop, the bank, then on to the mall!
What's Christmas without a stop at the candy store?
Don't forget to stop by the shipping company to get those packages mailed.
Here's a real snow bird come to Hawaii for some Christmas Cheer.
Not a creature was stirring ...
A Hawaiian Christmas tree.
And Santa in aloha wear. That red suits just a bit too warm here.Hawaii decorates for Christmas in a big way, with Honolulu Hale as a role model. Businesses bid for the honor of decorating sections of the Hale grounds. The snow family below, these elves, and several other attractions (photos will follow in the next several days) are sponsored by the auction winners.
These photos were taken at dusk in the rain -- well, drizzle -- which accounts in part for their poor quality. The other part would be my lack of expertise with any form of photography other than point-and-shoot.
This snowbird family is chillin' in in the park, proving that Christmas is always cool, even in Hawaii.
(All puns intended.)
Ala Moana Mall is all dressed up for Christmas. Santa's Workshop is set up near center stage and for a mere $30.00 you can have your child's portrait snapped on Santa's lap. And don't forget to drop $7.00 on that ten minute train ride. It just wouldn't do to leave with any money in your pocket -- you wouldn't feel as though you'd been properly malled.
We put 16 preschool kids on that train. They loved it. Sometimes one has to spend a little money on foolish things because they bring joy. However, all pictures with Santa were taken through the view finders of the teachers' cameras!
I took these photos right outside the door of our third floor condo. The mango tree is the only view out our second bedroom window (that room always smells mango fresh). The peacocks feast on the fruit -- and here in the complex they have plenty of choices, including Starfruit and guava.
Honolulu |
