The holiday spirit arrived early for about 100 children, who boarded a flight from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu to the North Pole Tuesday afternoon.

The flight, however, got diverted to “Christmas Island” — in actuality a decorated Honolulu airport hangar — where Santa was taking a vacation. Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted the visitors after an approximately one-hour flight to the hangar at the airport and a wonderland full of music, snacks and games.

It was all part of a United Airlines “fantasy flight” that transports children to the North Pole from several of its major hubs, including San Francisco and Denver. This was the first time Honolulu hosted a fantasy flight.

“Our employees get behind it and they’re more than happy to put in the time and effort to plan for this,” said Nicole Lee, United’s senior manager of corporate and community affairs. “This started more than 25 years ago. Really, it was a way for United employees to just provide a magical, memorable holiday experience. It originally started for kids battling illness, and it’s expanded to kids that are in economically disadvantaged situations.”

United did not have an estimated cost for the fantasy flight, but said it was a significant investment.

Every part of the experience is as realistic as possible — from the boarding passes, which say “Honolulu to North Pole,” to the actual security clearance and flight.

The children and families, about 200 guests in all, boarded a Boeing 777-200 jet, which went on a scenic tour around Haleakala on Maui before its return, along with costumed characters Mickey Mouse, Stitch and Wonder Woman.

Some of the keiki participating were from nonprofit organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, HUGS, Inpeace Keiki Steps and the Honolulu Community Action Program.

Kekai Lima, 5, of Kapunahala Elementary School in Kaneohe, was full of wide-eyed wonder and super excited to get on an airplane, along with cousins Mahea­lani, 6, and Mana Kaiwi, 4. They brought jackets.

He said he imagined the North Pole would be full of snow, and that he would tell Santa he had been good and wants a dirt bike and toy boat.

United had previously offered some flights dedicated to local keiki before the 9/11 attacks, according to employees, but the last one was about 17 years ago. Employees from various departments joined the fun, some building custom-made booths and games for the keiki. Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro was also on hand with the Music for Life Foundation to perform, offer lessons and give gifts.

“It’s hugely fun,” said Capt. Steve Claypool, who piloted the flight. “It’s great for the kids and especially the parents … to see their eyes and know this is a special day for the kids, that this is the one time they cannot worry about anything else and just enjoy themselves. It’s Christmas.”