Santa Claus is fighting a lack of work to get to Hawaii

HONOLULU (KHON2) – The pandemic halted many Christmas activities over the past year, including face-to-face meetings with Santa Claus.

Like everyone else, Ol ‘Saint Nick had to take COVID precautions, but this year he’s returning to Oahu malls starting this week.

There’s a nationwide shortage of almost everything this year, and that’s getting Santa’s workshop into overdrive. Work made it hard for him to get to malls, but fear not, Keiki will still have plenty of opportunities to meet the big one himself, with a local mall even flying in Santa Claus from Norway.

“We are seeing an increase in demand of over 120% compared to pre-pandemic levels. First and foremost, we think people want to get back to tradition and that sense of normalcy, ”said Mitch Allen of HireSanta.coom.

Every mall on Oahu has found a solution locally. Windward Mall even makes St. Nick fly in from near the North Pole.

“This year Santa is coming from … that’s real … he’s flying in from Norway,” said Casey Fortuno of Storybook Hawaii. “He brings his friends Flurry and Snow with him, whom I know very, very well. They are his favorite elves. and they will set up the elven training station. “

These include learning the assembly line, caring for reindeer, and a chimney challenge.

The Santa Claus operations in Kahala, Pearlridge and Ka Makana Alii are also well sorted, where Keiki can take pictures with the big guy.

“There is the main character and I am lucky that many of his helpers come to all my locations and help me throughout the season, COVID threw a wrench and everything. But you know, our main Santa Claus was able to find a lot of helpers, ”said Jonathan Bello, owner of Expressions Portrait Design.

In some places, Santa will still be standing behind plexiglass. A mask is required at every Santa Claus spot in every shopping center.

“When you get near your photo, you are allowed to take off your masks, but once people finish, the masks must be put on immediately when you check out,” said Bello.

Despite the protocols in place, Santa Claus is bringing the Christmas cheer and some much-needed business back to these malls.

“Santa Claus is certainly a big draw for our community. Our Keiki families just love to come out. It’s a tradition, ”said David Cianelli, Pearlridge General Manager.

Ala Moana Center starts on November 18th.

Kahala Mall starts on November 20th

Ka Makana Alii starts on November 26th

Pearlridge Center starts on November 26th

Windward Mall starts on November 26th