Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I am sitting here sweating as I type this message and this is the oddness of living in Hawaii during the holidays! While many of you are all bundling up in sweaters and drinking mulled beverages, we are in shorts, watching the Pointsettia turn bright red along the roads, enjoying the nights as they get a bit cooler, and trying to find holiday wear that does not include long sleeves!
We hope that if you ARE on island, that you find some merry and cheery in the events around the island this year! The tree lightings, parades and craft fairs are a great way to celebrate the upcoming holidays and buy local, which is so important to many small business owners on the island.
Here’s to you all for being in our 365 mix and showing Aloha wherever you are, because you know the importance of intrinsic kindness and Kokua. To you and yours-cheers!
December 1
Santa Paws Meet & Greet
Rock Star Pet Supplies-74-5586 Palani Road STE 20, Kailua-Kona
11am to 3pm
We are so excited to host the one and only Santa Paws here at Rock Star Pet Supplies & Gifts! Santa loves all critters, so bring your dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, and everything else for a super fun photo op with the big jolly man! You will receive a Polaroid souvenir of your visit and can take as many photos as you like. Our staff is happy to take photos with your phone for you as well!
This event is a fundraiser for Paws Across Water Hawaii (PAWHI), a program run through Three Ring Ranch. Their mission is to transport dogs and cats out of our overrun island shelters to the mainland, where they have a better chance of being adopted into furever homes. Rock Star Pets is a proud partner of PAWHI when they get small critters such as guinea pigs, bunnies, and birds where transport isn’t a feasible option. We host these critters in the front window of our shop to find them homes locally. For more information Click HERE
December 6
2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort-75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona
5:00 pm Check-in
5:30 pm Program Begins
6:00 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:30 pm Buffet Opens
7:00 pm Concert Begins
The VIP Experience provides:
• Seating in the first two rows of round tables
• Open bar (beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks)
• Photo with Santa
• Cocoa bar
• Holiday buffet
• Natalie ʻAi kamauʻu Concert Access
Pricing
• Adults (Ages 13 and older): $160.99
• Children (Ages 4 to 12): $84.36
• Toddlers (Ages 3 and under are free)
Entertainment:
7:00 PM: Concert (1-hour show) featuring Natalie Ai Kamauu and her husband
For more information Click HERE
December 7
Mauna Lani Holiday Market
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr., Kamuela
11am to 2pm
We are officially accepting food and artisan booth applications for this year’s Mauna Lani Holiday Market, at the Shops at Mauna Lani hosted by Island Hopper Taproom. This market immediately follows the second annual Jingle Bell 5k Beer Run,
FREE KEIKI ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
3 bouncy houses
Shave Ice
Cotton Candy
Popcorn
Face Painting
Scavenger Hunt
Fundraiser for Path Hawaii
Lucky Number Drawing, with Grand Prize 1 night stay at the Mauna Lani Auberge
Costume Contest, with Grand Prize 1 night stay at the Mauna Lani Auberge
Shopping Center Wide Beer Garden by Island Hopper Taproom. Must be 21+ with valid ID to purchase and consume alcohol. No outside alcohol allowed. For more information Click HERE
December 7
Music & Light Festival
Malama i ke Ola Holistic Health Center-76-5914 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa
5:30pm to 8:30pm
Every December, Holualoa Village rolls out the holiday red carpet, inviting visitors and residents to ring in the holidays, Hawaiian style. Holualoa lights up the night with the annual lighting of the town Christmas tree, plus an appearance by Santa, lots of live music, gallery gatherings, art openings, food, drink and more! Our musical entertainment this year features John Keawe, Dusty Best, Kona Blend, the Kona Choral Society, Motter Snell, and many more special guests.
Gallery owners open their doors to kick off the holiday shopping season, while at the same time bringing the local community together for a night of socializing, mingling and fun. It’s a chance for attendees to catch up with old friends, make new friends, or put names to familiar faces. This is truly an all ages event for one and all. For more information Click HERE
December 7
Ceramic Ornaments with Patricia VonDrak
Donkey Mill Art Center-78-6670 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa
10am to 1pm
Join us this holiday season for one of our unique Holiday Art Experiences. These 3-hour workshops are a chance to connect with local artists, learn a new skill, and create one-of-a-kind gifts with festive flair for the holidays. Bring a friend and come learn, explore & create in our various studios.
Workshop Description: Create festive ornaments that will bring a personalized touch to your holidays. This class is designed for families. If your child is between ages 5-8 years old, feel free to register for 1 and make ornaments together.
Level: Beginners, Ages 5+. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
December 7
64th Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade– “A Waimea Christmas Memory”
6pm
Parade route slightly changed – will begin with units leaving Waimea Park onto Kawaihae Road (across from St. James), turning left onto Kawaihae Road, then right onto Lindsey Road to main intersection. Thereafter it’s the same route as has been followed the past 2 years, along Mamalahoa thru town center, right on Pukalani, right on Ala ‘Ohia and concluding at the Kalani Schutte Waimea District Park. For more information click HERE
December 7-8
18th ANNUAL PARADISE STUDIO ART TOUR – KEA’AU
Hawaiian Paradise Park, Keaau
10am to 4pm
In keeping with their mission of bringing artists and patrons together, and supporting, encouraging, and inspiring young artists, The Paradise Studio Tour Artist Collective is hosting their free annual tour . To date, the collective has donated over $28,000 for art supplies divided between schools in the Puna District: Pahoa High, Keaau High and Hawaii Academy for Arts and Sciences. From the first 2007 two day tour, artists have donated 10% of their sales. Eight studio locations are open this year, hosting 31 of the collective artists in a variety of media ranging from original fine art paintings, drawings and prints, to jewelry, ceramics, silk fashions, fused and stained glass. All are handcrafted on the Big Island by local artists inspired by the powerful beauty of this amazing place. For more information and map, click HERE.
December 8
Kona Aloha Singers presents “Jingle & Jive” a Holiday Concert Extravaganza!
The Aloha Theater-79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua
2:30pm
Enjoy an afternoon of rock & pop songs plus lots of holiday tunes to get you in the spirit of the season! Special guest Artist “Bolo” 2009 Grammy Writer & 2015 Na Hoku Hanohano nominee. For more information click HERE
December 8
Kailua Kalikimaka Lighted Boat Parade
View from the Kailua Pier area!
6pm
The holiday fun continues with the Lighted Boat Parade! . Kona’s fleet will put on a jovial show in Kailua Bay. Body Glove will be docked at Kailua Pier for great viewing with food and beverages available for purchase. For more information Click Here
December 13
Kona Princess Diaper Drive
Food Truck Friday @ Kona Target
4:30pm to 7pm
Princess Diaper Drive! Join for a Princess meet and greet. We’re accepting diapers, wipes and toys. Bring the Keiki for games, activities and a photo opportunity with your favorite princesses!Benefitting the Hawaii Diaper Bank.
December 13
Cherry Poppen’ Daddies Ska/Punk
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton -93 Banyan Drive Hilo
5:30pm to 10pm
Multiplatinum swing/ska artists Cherry Poppin daddies return to the Crown Room in Hilo for a special and intimate night of music.
For more information Click Here
December 14
Teshima Christmas Craft Fair
79-7251 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua
10am to 4pm
Please join us for our annual craft fair held upstairs of Teshima Restaurant in our banquet hall. This family fun event will have handmade arts/crafts by local vendors, music/games, Photo Booth, and more! Thank you for your support & we hope to see you there! For more information Click Here
December 14
Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade-Magical Storybook Christmas
Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona
5pm – 7pm
The community parades are an integral part of not just celebrating Christmas, but also bringing residents together to create memories and community. This year, new and spirited volunteers are helping keep the parades going, while under the direction of past volunteer leadership. The Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association, has endeavored to make sure the tradition of the parades continue in Kailua-Kona and we are diligently working to make the parades a success! We will accept float entries until December 7. We are seeking volunteers to help us, too! For more information Click Here
December 21
The Nutcracker Ballet
Kahilu Theatre-67-1186 Lindsey Rd, Waimea
2pm to 3pm
West Hawaii Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet with Tchaikovsky’s enchanting melodies, Hoffmann’s timeless themes, exciting guest professional dancers, ever-evolving creative choreography and participation by our local community continues to weave its spell. Captivating audiences year after year, this production reaffirms its place as an adored tradition, sparkling with festive spirit. This years profession guest dancers include: Derek Daniels, former Broadway & Television Actor/Dancer Alexa Maxwell, New York City Ballet Soloist Amar Ramasar, New York City Ballet Principal These performances sell out every year! Ticket sales open soon. For more information Click Here
December 28
Natural Vibrations Show
Naniloa Crown Room-93 Banyan Drive, Hilo
Doors open at 6:30 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with incredible music and good vibes at the Natural Vibrations Show! This all-ages event promises to be a night of fun, energy, and connection. Bring your friends and family to experience the magic of live music in a beautiful setting.
Admission: All ages are welcome! You can grab your tickets early to secure your spot. For more information Click HERE
December 31
A Night to Remember at Kona Pub Brewery
Kona Pub Brewery-74-5612 Pawai Pl, Kailua Kona
8:00pm to 12:30am
Ring in the New Year Celebration at Kona Pub Brewery! Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with:
• Captivating live Hawaiian music from Mana Grace.
• High-energy dance beats by DJ Hybrid Vigor.
• A delicious buffet dinner showcasing local flavors.
• Two complimentary drinks to get the night started.
• A midnight bubbly toast to welcome 2025.
For more information and tickets click HERE
December 31
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Your Friends & HAPPINESS in Kona!
An Unforgettable Evening of Food, Music, and Festivities! Be the first to experience the grand opening of Kona’s newest dining and entertainment sensation: HAPPINESThis New Year’s Eve, gather your friends for an extraordinary celebration filled with:
Live Music & Guest Performances: Special Guest Anthony Patler, the legendary musical director for Chaka Khan, will take the stage to welcome 2025 with style.Join Lucky Tongue and Anthony Patler for world class entertainment.
Cuisine: Start the evening with a Grand Buffet and entertainment from 8 PM. Extend the celebration with an unlimited “Pancake Party” with 20 toppings and French Coffee at 12:15 am.
Hawaii’s Most Spectacular Special Effects: While enjoying delicious food and drinks, revel in the dazzling special effects of Hawaii’s newest stage—guaranteed to elevate your celebration to dazzling new heights.
Midnight Festivities: Share a Complimentary Champagne Toast with friends as the clock strikes midnight, complete with an epic Confetti Light Show to usher in the New Year in spectacular fashion!
Don’t miss this exclusive celebration of joy, music, and connection at HAPPINESS Kona. Make it a night to remember with your closest friends and loved ones! Limited Tickets Available: Reserve now to secure your spot Call: 808-796-8458. For more information click HERE
Do you know of more Hawaii Island events coming up?
If you know of others that you would like to share or upcoming events, email me at Julie@Ziemelis.com. Please share this calendar to support our awesome business owners and events planners!
The event calendar for Hawaii Island is sponsored by the 365Hawaii Group of REAL Broker.
Team members are Julie and Eric Ziemelis, Realtors and founders of 365Hawaii YouTube channel, the 365Kona Newbies Group, Hilo Newbies Group and Kohala Newbies Group. Our focus is making Big Island a better place to live by creating community and opportunities for Aloha.
Thinking of buying real estate or just learning more about purchasing a home? Join our 365Ohana! or email Julie at Julie@Ziemelis.com
We are working hard right up until the holidays on our newest listing!
MLS 715338 73-1060 -Ku’uleialoha Circle, Kailua Kona
Click here for video
Join us as we showcase this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the heart of Lokahi Makai! With nearly 1,400 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed space, this home offers privacy, modern touches, and a fully fenced backyard ideal for families, pets, or entertaining. Priced at $978,000
✨ Highlights Include: Acacia hardwood floors built for durability and style Concrete countertops for a sleek, modern look Split floor plan for ultimate privacy Fully enclosed backyard with lush foliage and potential for a hot tub or outdoor shower Quiet, family-friendly neighborhood with safe sidewalks and a welcoming community 🌞
Why You’ll Love Lokahi Makai: Central location close to Costco, Honokohau Harbor, and the airport Great weather and breezy afternoons Friendly neighbors and a strong sense of community
💡 Pro Tip: This home is priced under $1 million, making it a rare gem in West Hawaii! Don’t miss your chance to own a move-in-ready property in one of Kona’s most desirable areas.
For more information Contact Julie Ziemelis at 808-785-2898 or email at Julie@ziemelis.com
