Helemano Farms: How to Get a Real Christmas Tree on Oahu

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We PCS’d to Hawaii in November 2023 and didn’t receive our household goods until December. So, our first Christmas in Hawaii was spent unpacking boxes and settling in. Our second Christmas in Hawaii, we traveled to Florida to spend it with family.

So, for our third (and final!) Christmas in Hawaii, we are finally getting to have a true island Christmas. And I am excited!

Our first stop was Helemano Farms to get a real island pine Christmas tree!

Helemano Farms

This farm is a family-owned business that grows and sells Christmas trees in Whitmore Village (near Wahiawa). It’s less than a 20-minute drive from Wheeler and Schofield and the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your family.

They grow a variety of different trees including Norfolk Pines, Leyland Cyprus, Murray Cyprus, and Carolina Sapphire trees. The farm also sells some small potted trees!

Rows of lush, green trees and the mountains in the distance make for gorgeous views and serene atmosphere. It is such a beautiful property!

What to expect at Helemano Farms when you pick out a real Christmas tree on Oahu. — *Don’t forget to take a picture with the sign!)*

When To Go

This Christmas tree farm on Oahu opens the weekend before Thanksgiving and are open 5 days a week until December 23rd.

I highly recommend going their opening weekend, specifically Sunday.

There weren’t many people there at all. There were no lines to wait in, parking was easy, and the staff was relaxed. Also, taking pictures without people in the background was easy.

One of the staff members told us that Black Friday is typically their busiest day. So, maybe avoid that day if you don’t want to deal with a crowd.

(There was hardly anybody around while we were taking pictures.)

What To Expect

We had never been to a tree farm before, so we weren’t sure what to expect. But it was one of the easiest, most laid-back experiences we’ve ever had!

As soon as we walked up, there were workers ready to help us. They asked us if we knew what kind of tree we wanted and what size. Then one of the workers guided us through the farm to find the perfect Christmas tree.

The trees are marked by different colored tags based on their height. Six foot trees were marked with red tags, so that’s what we were looking for.

*(A worker cuts the tree down for you.)*

Our ‘guide’ was so patient with us as we debated different trees. He pointed out ones that we missed and marked one of the contenders that we saw at the beginning and thought we might go back to.

After we picked out the perfect tree, he cut it down for us. He explained that he cuts the tree ‘one shaka length’ down from the tag, leaving branches at the bottom so it can regrow.

Then he gave us a portion of the tag to take to the cashier when we were ready. He carried the tree back to the front of the farm and baled it for us while we looked around and took some pictures.

When we were ready to go, we went to the cashier and paid for the tree. Then the same worker carried our tree to the car for us and helped us load it up.

*(He even took a family picture for us!)*

Baling Norfolk Pine trees at Helemano Farms. A Christmas tree farm on Oahu. — *(I had never seen a tree baler before, but what a nifty device!)*

*(They even carry it to your car and help you load it up!)*

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices are based on the size and type of tree.

Our tree was a 6-foot Norfolk pine, so we paid $95, plus tax. We also bought a potted pine for $40. And I was so tempted to buy one of their beautiful wreaths.

Also, I don’t know if tips are customary for tree farm workers, but I did tip the staff member who helped us. He was extremely kind, and I appreciated his good attitude SO MUCH!

I think prices may vary from year to year, so check their website for the most updated pricing.

*(Prices can vary, so check the website for the most current information.)*

Why a Norfolk Pine?

Even though there are traditional Christmas trees available at the farm, we were excited to bring home a Norfolk Pine.

These trees originated on Australia’s Norfolk Island and came to Hawaii during the 19th century. They can grow up to 200-feet tall! And we see giant ones all over the island, especially lining the road on the way to the North Shore.

After a Norfolk pine is cut down, a new tree can grow from its stump. Some of the trees at Helemano Farms have grown back twice already!

The Norfolk Pine section of Helemano Farms, a Christmas tree farm on Oahu. — *(All of the cut trees will grow new trees from the stumps.)*

*(They used this tree as an umbrella when it started to sprinkle.)*

Plus, if you keep them hydrated they stay green for over a month and don’t drop any needles! Which means no mess to constantly vacuum in the living room. Also, their needles are soft, not itchy like regular Christmas trees.

They definitely don’t look like a traditional Christmas tree. Their airy, symmetrical look is very unique and makes me so happy. I loved decorating this tree in a coastal/beach theme!