While in the colder regions of the world, woolen hats are being pulled down over chilled ears, Christmas in Hawaii means simply adding a Santa hat to your beach attire. Spend Christmas morning relishing in the fact that your white Christmas entails soaking up the sunshine along a white sand beach! Christmas in Kona means access to all the island activities that make this tropical destination so special, in addition to participating in holiday festivities with a distinct island flair. Give a friendly shaka to the aloha-shirt-clad Santa going by in the holiday parade and enjoy evening walks under the swaying palms twinkling with holiday lights. Christmas in Kona means plenty of warmth and holiday cheer! Use this Christmas guide to Kona to get started on planning your Christmas getaway island-style.
An Island-Style Christmas in Kona
Celebrating the holidays island style is an experience that adds a lighthearted cheer to the season. Even the Christmas songs drifting from shop fronts can be heard with added ukulele tunes and tropical inspiration. Palm trees are strung with festive lights and houses and hotels are lit with holiday cheer. In addition to the many island activities that are readily available throughout the Big Island even throughout winter, you will also find a variety of holiday activities and festivities which will contribute enjoyment to your Kona Christmas. The annual Kailua Kalikimaka Christmas celebration usually includes events such as a tree lighting ceremony, a Christmas concert, live entertainment, and a lighted boat parade. Various concerts and plays can also be found cropping up around town during the holiday season. And if you haven’t yet completed your Christmas shopping, be sure to attend one of the craft fairs that feature locally created gift items and specialty goods!
Where to Eat
If you are accustomed to looking forward to a big feast for Christmas, consider booking a luau experience and feasting island style for the holidays. Island Breeze Luau offers several special holiday luau experiences. While a luau may at first glance seem to be a quintessential tourist experience, don’t discount it too quickly! These events are great for experiencing the songs and dances that so intricately weave throughout the Hawaiian culture. Traditional Hawaiian foods such as kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, and poke are also served at luaus, allowing you to feast local style. The majority of restaurants that remain open on holidays are located in resort areas and will offer special holiday meals so you won’t miss out on any of your favorites. Many Kona vacation rentals offer full kitchens, so if waking up on Christmas morning to home baked cinnamon rolls is a family tradition, there will be no need to miss out.
Winter Weather in Kona
Hawaii is a beach destination year-round, so even on the coldest of winter days in Hawaii, hitting the beach and taking a dip in the Pacific is always an option. Winter sees less intense heat than summer days, with temperatures remaining pleasantly warm in the mid-70s to low-80s. Evenings can dip down into the upper 60s, so it is a good idea to bring along a jacket when heading out to dinner. While winter tends to see more rainy days than summertime, rain showers here are usually quick to pass through without ruining the day’s plans.
Christmas Activities in Kona
Aside from the special festivities that abound during Kona Christmas, you will find many ways to enjoy island life throughout your stay. A popular winter activity in Kona is to go whale watching, as Christmastime coincides with when these gentle giants migrate from Alaskan waters. To truly experience their majesty, book a boat excursion that will get you up close and personal in their natural habitat. You are likely to spot some spinner dolphins along the way! Many such excursions can also be combined with snorkeling experiences, where you can swim alongside tropical fish and giant green sea turtles.
The Big Island is home to exotic beaches, from jet black sand to pure white sand and even a rare green sand beach. This is a great place to go beach hopping, finding your own stretch of coastal paradise. There are many top beaches near Kona to spend the day lounging along the picturesque shoreline or trying out an exciting water activity. Surfing, boogie boarding, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, and snorkeling are all activities that can be easily enjoyed from the Big Island’s coastlines.
When you are ready to take a break from the beach, explore the trails in Volcanoes National Park, go horseback riding through the island’s interior, or explore the famed coffee plantations of the highlands. There are so many ways to make the most of your Christmas in Kona!
Christmas Vacation Rentals in Kona
Find the perfect Kona Christmas rental here or contact our Venture Hawaii Rentals team for more information!
