Santa Claus’ Hawaii workshop has started to slow down as Christmas Day nears, giving Santa himself more time to visit keiki for last-minute wishes and pictures.
For the second year in a row, Santa Claus has traveled from the North Pole to visit keiki in Pahoa at the Puna Kai Shopping Center.
“The kids here are all so great, and the weather is much better here than the North Pole,” Santa said. “Many more kids have come, and I’m glad I could see them before Christmas Day.”
On Saturday, Cash and Braydon skipped with excitement to see Santa before becoming a little shy in his presence. The boys were all smiles after a big hug and a chat with the jolly fellow.
“I really love Christmas and seeing Santa,” Cash said. “I think the lights of Christmas are my favorite part.”
Lilinoe Loa visited Santa for the second time and was more interested in his suit and beard than taking a photo.
According to Santa, some keiki are more excited to see him but others can be shyer or even a little scared.
Standing at 6 feet and 8 inches, he understands.
“I think the atmosphere and pressure of talking with me can be shocking to some kids,” Santa said. “I’ve had this experience through my whole life and, surprisingly, it doesn’t change much even when they become adults.”
Last week, motorcycle clubs gathered at Puna Kai to pick up donated gifts for keiki living on Maui who were impacted by the Lahaina wildfires in August.
“I had senior bikers from motorcycle clubs looking at me like they were little boys again,” Santa said with a chuckle. “There’s nothing quite like seeing someone be amazed, and I think the magic of Santa doesn’t go away.”
While visiting and taking photos with Santa, keiki and their families could enjoy the decorations and take other photos in his sleigh parked inside. Free cookies and hot chocolate were also available to through the day.
The elves helping Santa choose the best photo and print it for free for families in just a couple minutes.
“We’ve had so many more kids this year, and we’re so glad we could put this on for free since that’s not always the case,” said Brooke Naiga, one of Santa’s helpers. “We love decorating and getting everyone into the spirit. It’s great to see the keiki amazed by Santa and his workshop.”
Keiki still have a chance to see Santa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Puna Kai before he has to hop in his sleigh to deliver presents around the world.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.