While some Christmas holidays are best enjoyed tucked away at home as the snow falls and temperatures drop, others are destined to be more focused on warm weather and far away fun. This year, leave the cold behind and instead, enjoy a great Christmas getaway to the Big Island of Hawaii. Between the amazing year-round weather, enticing island vibes, and seemingly endless lineup of fun activities to enjoy, there’s no better place on the map to make the most of a Christmas away from home. While your visit this way in December won’t come with any snow, it will come with plenty of festive holiday spirit built into every moment. Yes, you’ll be swapping out your snow boots for flip flops, but when you head to the Big Island over the holidays, you wouldn’t want it any other way. The following are just a few of the many Christmas 2021 activities and attractions you can enjoy this year when travel plans bring you to the island.
Enjoy a Holiday Parade
When music, lights, and festive cheer are all on your must-have Christmas list this year, you’ll find plenty of it at the annual Kailua-Kona Community Christmas Parade. This vibrant and undeniably colorful spectacle is a favorite on the island amongst locals and visitors alike. The parade starts at 5:00 pm on December 11th and travels along the main route of Ali’i Drive. When the floats and performances have passed you by, you’ll want to be sure to stick around until after dark when the parade is followed by a sensational Christmas fireworks display to enjoy! This is a family-friendly event that will be filled with fun photo opportunities and is an attraction you simply won’t want to miss when you’re spending Christmas on the Big Island.
Finish Up Last Minute Shopping
If you don’t want to pack presents when you head to the Big Island, or you’re simply needing to pick up some last-minute gifts, you’re in luck when you spend the holidays here. Kailua Village is an ideal place to enjoy some holiday shopping in festive style. Kailua Village is dotted with delightful stores as well as restaurants and boutique retailers too. That means that you can pair your name-brand purchases with one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods if that’s more your style. If you’re all caught up on your shopping and are just looking to enjoy a festive atmosphere, this is an amazing place to simply stroll, and people watch or catch a live musical performance around Emma’s Square during the holiday season.
Make It a Boat Parade
Chances are, if you’re headed to the Big Island over Christmas, you’re looking to make the most of some serious time on the water. So why not pair that water fun with a holiday parade? That’s exactly what you’ll enjoy at the Kalikimaka Boat Parade this year. The Kalikimaka Boat Parade is an annual tradition on the Big Island with great viewing areas located around the Kailua Pier. If you happen to be dining during the boat parade you may be in luck as well as many village restaurant patios provide a great vantage point over the water as decorated boats sail by. Keep an eye on the event calendar for the official parade date to come!
Embrace a Little Tradition Through Performance
Traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii for the holidays doesn’t mean sacrificing all of those Christmas traditions. In fact, if you head over to the Kahilu Theater on December 23rd, you’ll be able to enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker by The West Hawaii Dance Theater & Academy. While in-person seating is limited, the performance will also be accessible via live stream in 2021. Altogether, the performance includes more than 70 dancers as well as guest performers from the Carolina Ballet, Matsuyama Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet too. It’s an event that you’ll love whether you’ve made The Nutcracker an annual show to enjoy, or it’s your first time experiencing the holiday magic on stage.
Check Out the Kona People Exhibition
When you’re looking to include some culture into your holiday getaway to the Big Island of Hawaii this year, the Kona People exhibit at the Donkey Mill Art Center is a good addition to any itinerary. Running November 29th through December 18th, this exhibit includes the work of artists and Kona farmers to capture the spirit of the Kona People in portraiture. Displays feature everything from drawings and digital media to paintings that depict the essential balance between the land, the farmers, and the work they produce.
Book Your Stay Today
Whether you’re traveling to the Big Island over Christmas, or you have plans another time of year, the team at Venture Hawaii has the accommodation to elevate your experience from start to finish. Reach out today to learn more about our beautiful vacation rentals across the island and how we can help you plan an unforgettable trip.