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An Hawaii Christmas Train Ride On Oahu!

Published: November 6, 2025

By: Adam Burns

On Oahu’s sunny leeward side, the Hawaiian Railway Society keeps a rare piece of island history alive: a working stretch of the former Oahu Railway & Land Company (OR&L) line.

All year, volunteers share the story of Hawai‘i’s railroad era with weekend excursions. Then, when the Christmas season arrives, they transform the experience into the Holiday Express—an illuminated, family-friendly ride that blends vintage railroading with island holiday cheer.

About the Hawaiian Railway Society

The Hawaiian Railway Society (HRS) is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Hawai‘i’s rail heritage, particularly the legacy of the OR&L. Built in the late 19th century under Benjamin Dillingham, the OR&L’s 3-foot narrow-gauge lines once stitched together Honolulu, sugar plantations, rural communities, and later, important military facilities. After World War II, most of the railway was dismantled, but the Ewa section on Oahu’s west side survived thanks to preservationists.

Today, HRS maintains and operates a portion of that historic right-of-way. The organization’s volunteers restore locomotives and cars, care for the Ewa yard and depot, and host narrated rides that bring the era of steam whistles, sugar fields, and wartime mobilization to life. It’s the only operational historic railroad in Hawai‘i, and a living museum in motion.

What is the Holiday Express?

The Holiday Express is the Society’s seasonal celebration, typically offered on select evenings during the Christmas period. The trains and station are decked out in lights and decorations, and the ride includes a visit from Santa Claus.

While the exact schedule, format, and amenities may vary from year to year, the spirit remains the same: a relaxed, twinkling journey along the historic rails that delights kids and nostalgic grownups alike.

Because capacity is limited and demand is high, tickets for the Holiday Express often sell out quickly. Dates, times, and pricing are posted by the Society in advance of the season. If you’re planning to go, it’s wise to watch for announcements and book early.

The Experience: What to Expect

The evening usually begins at the Society’s Ewa depot and yard, a historic site where restored and in-progress equipment sits under the palms. Festive lights add a warm glow to vintage railcars and locomotives, making the station itself part of the show. Volunteers handle check-in, answer questions, and keep everything running smoothly.

Boarding the Train. HRS commonly uses open-air or semi-open coaches for its excursions, with seating arranged to accommodate families and groups. Volunteers act as conductors and docents, sharing context about the line and its place in Hawai‘i’s past. You’ll hear stories of Dillingham’s ambitious vision, how the railroad supported agricultural communities, and why its wartime service was so vital.

A Festive Ride. As the train glides along the narrow-gauge track, you’ll settle into the rhythm of steel wheels and ocean breezes. At night, the emphasis shifts from scenery to sparkle—strings of lights on the consist, decorations back at the yard, and occasional seasonal surprises along the way. Santa typically makes an appearance for holiday greetings and photos. That personal touch is a big reason the ride is a favorite for local families and visitors alike.

A Living Preservation Effort

Every Holiday Express ticket supports a larger mission. The Society’s volunteers spend countless hours restoring equipment, maintaining track, and researching the OR&L’s story. Proceeds help preserve wooden coaches, maintain vintage locomotives, and keep the Ewa yard in working order. In this way, a holiday outing doubles as a contribution to cultural preservation.

Hawai‘i’s railroads are a unique chapter in the islands’ transformation—from kingdom to territory to statehood—and they intersect with agriculture, immigration, commerce, and defense. The Holiday Express invites riders to feel that history under their feet, while wrapping it in seasonal joy.

Planning Tips

Book early. The Holiday Express usually sells out quickly once dates are released. Watch the Hawaiian Railway Society’s official channels for announcements.

Arrive with time to spare. Getting there early helps with parking, check-in, and unhurried photos around the depot.

Check the current year’s details. Features such as departure times, ride length, seating arrangements, and Santa visits are set season by season. Confirm specifics before you go.

For Families

The Holiday Express is designed with families in mind. Kids enjoy the novelty of riding a real train and the chance to see Santa. Parents appreciate the manageable length and friendly atmosphere, while grandparents often relish the historical aspect. As with any family outing, confirm the year’s policies on strollers and snacks, and plan for a short wait during boarding.

Beyond the Holidays

If you can’t make the Holiday Express, the Society’s regular weekend excursions offer a daytime look at the route, often with narration that covers the OR&L’s history, the sugar era, and points of interest along the line.

Special charters and occasional themed runs also pop up during the year, subject to availability and equipment. Visiting outside the holidays lets you focus on the scenery and the restoration work at the yard.

Why It Matters

In a place better known for beaches and volcanoes, a heritage railroad might seem unexpected. Yet railways helped shape modern Hawai‘i—moving people, pineapples, sugar, and supplies—and the OR&L is a core part of Oahu’s story.

By riding this seasonal favorite, you don’t just enjoy a seasonal outing; you help sustain a one-of-a-kind educational resource that preserves, interprets, and operates a working piece of that past.

Purchasing Tickets

The Hawaiian Railway Society shares current schedules, ticketing info, and announcements on its official website and social media. Because details change from year to year, those sources are the best way to confirm Holiday Express dates, departure times, prices, parking guidance, and any special instructions.

If you have specific questions—group bookings, accessibility, private charters, or volunteer opportunities—contact the Society directly. They’re a volunteer-driven organization, so response times can vary, but they’re welcoming and passionate about sharing the railroad with the community.

Final Thoughts

The Holiday Express is a simple idea done well: take a real historic railroad, add festive lights and a visit from Santa, and invite the community aboard. It’s nostalgic without being fussy, educational without being formal, and pure fun for all ages.

Whether you’re a railfan, a history buff, or just someone looking for a memorable way to celebrate the season on Oahu, the Hawaiian Railway Society’s Holiday Express is a tradition worth catching.