Holiday shopping in Hawaii will be different during the pandemic

Ala Moana Shopping Center has a masked Santa this year. This year’s Black Friday in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic will be unlike any others due to new challenges, and yet, Hawaii’s malls have put up their holiday decorations, signaling their hope for a boost in sales this season.

SOHA Living store manager Brittany Woods works on a Christmas tree in the showroom.

Shoppers visit The Compleat Kitchen at Kahala Mall.

Kai’ea and his sister, Kailani Lucey, pose next to the Aloha sign and poinsettia tree at Kahala Mall on Wednesday.

Shopper Marcus Pottenger stands next to the Santa booth. Most mall Santas are back, available to pose for photos with families — but behind plexiglass windows — while adhering to distancing and face mask rules.

Ala Moana Shopping Center has a masked Santa this year.