CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN Hawaii with the Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) promo from Hawaiian Airlines (tel. 8193993 to 97).

A traveler can enjoy a maximum stay of six months in Hawaii for US$399 plus applicable taxes and surcharges. Ticketing is ongoing until Dec. 15, for travel period covering Dec. 1-25 (exit Manila).

Hawaiian Airlines is an international carrier with nonstop Manila-Honolulu-Manila flights that run four times weekly every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

One of the highlights of Christmas in Hawaii is the arrival of Santa Claus in Hawaiian shirt, riding an outrigger canoe to shore at Waikiki Beach.

Other events are the Honolulu City Lights tree lighting ceremony at City Hall on Oahu; Honolulu Harbor and Hawaii Kai Christmas boat parades, also on Oahu; Lahaina Banyan Tree lighting ceremony on Maui; and Kauai Festival of Lights. Although musical concerts featuring choirs and bands are all over the islands, the Nutcracker ballet performances still remain as the favorite holiday cultural show.

Hawaiian Airlines travelers who book their flights on or before Dec. 15 are entitled to two pieces of luggage with a maximum weight of 32 kg each for free.

Travelers are advised to book their flights early in order to avail themselves of the promo, get preferred seats, and avoid the Christmas rush.