Festive Things to Do for Christmas on the Big Island, Hawaii
Will you be spending Christmas on the Big Island, Hawaii and looking for festive things to do? Well, you’re in luck!
While beaches and mai tais don’t exactly scream Christmas, there are still ways to find the Christmas spirit on a tropical island.
Here are some places where you can find Christmas cheer on the Big Island.
Christmas Lights on the Big Island
The sun sets around 5:45pm in December on the Big Island, so Christmas lights can definitely be enjoyed during the evenings.
These are some fun places to find elaborate Christmas light displays around the island.
Punalights
Address: 15-2053 18th, Keaau, HI, 96749
For a viral-worthy, synchronized Christmas light show, you want to visit Punalights. Just outside of Hilo you find this Christmas extravaganza that Stanward Oshiro has been creating and designing since 2008.
Drive up and tune into his FM station to enjoy the illuminated production.
Stanward does a few songs per year, and he’s not limited to Christmas songs. Here’s one from from 2020:
While the show is free, food or money donations are accepted for Hawaii Island’s Food Bank.
Find current information on dates and times here.
Kona Christmas House
Address: 75-6202 Piena Place, Kona, HI 96740
With over 30,000 lights and interactive displays like falling snow, model trains, a walk-in snow globe, a synchronized lights tree, and a 23-foot mega tree, the Kona Christmas House has become a favorite Big Island tradition. Craig Long has been growing his Christmas display since 2005.
Do a simple drive-by or take your time by walking through the yard and enjoying all the festive elements; it’s like being hugged by Christmas.
Find current information here.
Ocean View House
Address: 92-9150 Lehua Ln, Ocean View, HI 96704
High up in Ocean View, Kaida Houvener goes all out with his Christmas light display. It gets so popular he even shuts the road down for pedestrians.
You’ll have to park on the side of the road and walk up. You might want to have a flashlight handy as there are no street lights and you might have to walk a block in the dark.
But if ever you were doubting the Christmas spirit on the Big Island, it will all melt away while gazing at this house’s light display.
It’s exciting and a little overwhelming at first, but just take your time observing every corner of the property and you’ll find little hidden gems.
Wooden cutouts and figurines of all your favorite cartoon characters can be found on the grounds, on the fence, and even princesses up on a castle turret. An interactive model train on a 40-foot track lets people move the train themselves. And a mailbox is ready to receive letters to Santa.
If you linger around the house, you could easily spend 10-15 minutes enjoying the display. More if kids are with you.
Dec 23 & 24 Santa makes an appearance and they also serve the community by giving out free wrapped gifts to kids, no questions asked.
Read more about his display here.
Kilauea Military Camp
Address: 99-252 Crater Rim Drive, Volcano, HI 96785
Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Kilauea Military Camp, an exclusive cabin rentals for military.
Their front facing cabins get all decked out with wooden cutout and painted cartoon characters along with colorful winter lights.
If you are driving by the camp during the day, the cutouts are easier to see than in the dark. Once the sun sets, everything is lit up with Christmas lights.
It is something extra to see if you are visiting the crater for the nighttime lava glow, but not worth going out of your way for.
Christmas Parades on the Big Island
Kailua Kalikimaka Tree Lighting
Date: Nov 29, 2024
Time: 5:00pm
Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Emma’s Square (across from Hulihee Palace). Take a selfie with Miss Kona Coffee and Miss Aloha Hawaii as you welcome in the start of the season with the festive tree lighting up and getting a head start on your present shopping in Historic Kailua Village.
Find current information here.
Downtown Hilo Christmas Lights Parade
Date: Nov 30, 2024
Time: 6:00pm
The first Christmas parade of the season takes place in Hilo.
The parade route does a loop starting on Kamehameha Ave by the State Fisheries Research Station, turning on Pauahi St, Kilauea Ave, Waianuenue Ave, and back onto Kamehameha Ave to end where it began.
Floats large and small are lit with colorful Christmas lights, festive music is played on floats or by marching bands, and smiles galore shine by the light of glow sticks.
Find current information here.
Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade
Date: Dec 7, 2024
Time: 6:00pm
The Waimea Christmas Parade has been a tradition in Waimea since 1960 featuring floats and trucks decked out in Christmas lights, and of course Santa himself.
The parade is about 1.2 miles long starting in Waimea Park on Lindsey Rd, turning on left on Mamalahoa Hwy, right on Pukalani Rd, and right on Ala Ohia Rd where it ends at Waimea District Park. There are 15 narrator stations so you won’t miss what’s going on or who you’re seeing.
If you’re hoping to catch some candy, I’m sorry to say that throwing candy is not allowed, but perhaps you’ll get lucky with goodies being handed to you.
Find current information here.
Kailua Kalikimaka Lighted Boat Parade
Date: Dec 8, 2024
Time: 6:00pm
Historic Kailua Village puts on a spectacularly unique lighted boat parade in Kailua Bay in downtown Kona.
Spectators gather along the seawall and through the village to enjoy sailboats, power boats, canoes, and kayaks compete for best decorated boat on the waters.
Many factors go into judging the winning the boat. Things judges will take into consideration are the boat’s theme, how the boat is decorated with lights, any special effects like blinking lights or animatronics, how the crew members are outfitted to enhance the boat theme, and finally the overall appearance of the entire boat.
Entry for participating boats are free but cash prizes are up to $1,000, so it’s no joke.
Before the parade, people can enjoy the Kokua Kailua Monthly Stroll with market vendors and watch a holiday concert.
Find current information here.
Kailua-Kona Community Christmas Parade
Date: Dec 14, 2024
Time: 5:00pm
An on-land parade in Kona is the Kailua Kona Christmas Parade with a variety of lit up floats, live music, and lots of cute dogs in costume.
The parade route winds through historic Kailua Village beginning near the Kekuaokalani Gymnasium on Kuakini Hwy and turning onto Ali’i Drive until it ends by the Royal Kona Resort. There are about six announcing stations along the route where parade entries will be introduced and explained.
Find current information here.
Christmas Events on the Big Island
Na Makua Christmas Gift Fair
Dates: Dec 6-7, 2024
Hours: Fri 2:00pm-7:00pm; Sat 10:00am-4:00pm
Address: Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa Street, Hilo, HI 96720
Shop some of Hawaii’s finest artists and handmade goods at the Na Makua Christmas Gift Fair. Enjoy live local performances while browsing the booths. Eat some ono foods from some favorite vendors. And don’t forget to sign up for door prizes!
Find out more info here.
Holualoa Music and Light Festival
Date: Dec 7, 2024
Time: 5:30pm
Ring in the holidays, Hawaiian style, at the Holualoa Music and Light Festival. Art galleries are open late to kick off the holiday shopping season and encourage getting to know the small town community over pupus (snacks) and drinks.
Watch Holualoa’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, catch a glimpse of Santa, and enjoy live music. Food vendors will keep you satiated throughout the evening.
Find out more info here.
Hawaii Arts and Crafts in Hilo
Dates: Dec 20-21 , 2024
Address: Butler Building – Hoolulu Park, 323 Manono St, Hilo, HI 96720
Hawaii Arts and Crafts will have a two day Christmas Craft Show this season. You’ll find a plethora of Hawaii-made items to gift to loved ones and ono foods to eat while shopping.
Their mission is to “exhibit arts, crafts, food, its people, its environment as well as ways to (1) preserve our culture and art; (2) protect our existing environment and natural resources through recycling, conservation, going green and various other means.“
Find out more info here.
December is also Whale Watching Season!
🐳 Find Whale Watching Tours Here 🐳
Christmas Shows on the Big Island
You will find plenty of Christmas performing arts around the Big Island. Take in a concert or play or ballet to get into a festive mood.
Almost, Maine
Date: Nov 22, 2024
Address: Kahilu Theatre – 67-1186 Lindsey Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
In John Cariani’s Almost, Maine, whimsical and surreal moments are everyday occurrences: a woman carries her heart, shattered into nineteen pieces, in a small paper bag; a man shrinks to half his size after giving up on love; a couple collects their love in oversized red bags or compresses it to fit a diamond’s size.
On one frigid, enchanted midwinter night, the people of Almost—a place too populated for wilderness but too unstructured to be a town—experience the transformative power of love. Relationships end, blossom, or change beyond recognition as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers drift apart. Energized by the mystical northern lights and featuring plainspoken, funny, and heartfelt characters, Almost, Maine comprises of nine short plays of loosely connected stories about love, each one centering on an unforgettable couple touched by a hint of magic.
Recommended for ages 16 and over due to adult content.
Buy tickets here.
Waimea Community Chorus – Peace, Love, & Light
Date: Dec 1, 2024
Address: Kahilu Theatre – 67-1186 Lindsey Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
The 50-voice chorus will “sing in the season” with enchanting melodies that celebrate winter and the joyous holiday spirit.
The repertoire is varied, featuring familiar melodies and some not so familiar. You’ll hear a variety of genres, including classical renditions of “Dona Nobis Pacem” by Mozart and Haydn, gospel and spirituals like “Peace in the Valley” and “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” for pop “Peace Train,” and traditional songs like “Let There Be Peace” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
Buy tickets here!
Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Aloha Theatre Christmas Show
Dates: Dec. 6-22, 2024
Address: Aloha Theatre – 79-7384 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
A beloved holiday classic has been reimagined into a hilarious, family-friendly theatrical experience. Join Ebenezer, the three Ghosts, Tiny Tim, and more in this lively, music-filled performance and keeping an ear out for local humor weaved into the script.
Buy tickets here!
Kona Choral Society – Joy to the World Annual Holiday Concert
Date: Dec 6, 2024
Address: Saint Michael the Archangel Church – 75-5769 Ali‘i Drive, Kona, HI 96740
The Kona Choral Society’s holiday concert will include over 85 choral voices, guest singers, the Kona Brass Quintet, percussionist Sharon Cannon, collaborative pianist Gloria Juan, being sure to put on a full, festive concert.
The audience will get to interact by joining in some Christmas carol sing-alongs.
This concert is free, but donations are appreciated.
Find out more info here!
Kalani Pe’a – Home for the Holidays
Date: Dec 20, 2024
Address: Palace Theatre – 38 Haili St, Hilo, HI 96720
Kalani Peʻa was born and raised in Hilo and is the recipient of 3 Grammy awards and 4 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, coming to the Palace Theatre to sing you some holiday tunes.
His show will have appearances with special guests: Kumu Hula Polanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima + No’eau Kahakalau-Kalima & Halau Hula Kauluola.
Buy tickets here.
The Nutcracker
Date: Dec 21, 2024
Address: Kahilu Theatre – 67-1186 Lindsey Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without attending a ballet performance of the Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s famous story of a little girl who gets a toy nutcracker for Christmas and dreams of world where toys, animals, and candies come to life.
The West Hawaii Dance Theatre puts on a spectacular performance with 55 local dancers and professional guest artists from across the country like New York City Ballet and Las Vegas.
Buy tickets here!
On demand streaming available as well.
The 490-seat Kahilu Theatre was funded by Parker Ranch owner and Broadway actor, Richard Smart in 1980, providing a space for quality performing arts in his hometown.
Kona Choral Society – Messiah Part 1
Dates: Dec 22, 2024
Address: Outrigger Kona Resort Convention Center – 78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Nothing is quite as majestic as a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Over 85 voices from the Kona Choral Society and a full orchestra will perform these famous baroque pieces.
This concert is free, but donations are appreciated.
Find out more info here.
Visiting the Big Island in April?
➡️ Check Out the Merrie Monarch Festival!
Final Thoughts on Christmas on the Big Island
There is no shortage of things to do for Christmas on the Big Island. Whether you’re looking for art and craft shows, live music performances, food festivals, or just a good old fashioned Christmas parade, you’ll find it here.
So get out there and enjoy all the Hawaiian Christmas events that the Big Island has to offer this holiday season!
🎅🤙 Mele Kalikimaka! 🤙🎅
🌺 Big Island Travel Planning Guide 🌺
🚨 Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?
YES — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?
For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
