“Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright, the sun to shine by day and all the stars at night”
Or so the song goes! Here in Volcano Village on the Big Island of Hawai’i, it’s definitely green all year. During the holiday season, it may be sunny but we also love our showers, since they keep the rainforest surrounding us so lush!
A Christmas Tree at the Volcano Art Center
If you’re used to Christmas trees and snowflakes during the holidays, you might find both here on the island, but evergreens are flown here from the Pacific Northwest, so not everyone will splurge on one. We do, however, have sugi pines in Hawai’i. Also known as Japanese Cedar, these large evergreen trees were introduced to Hawaii in the late 19th century and can reach up to 70m in height. And if you venture outside of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Volcano Village, you’ll likely see palm trees wrapped in colorful lights, giving homes, businesses, and parks a festive flair.
As far as snow goes, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa (both of which are hibernating at the moment) are our biggest volcanoes and can get blanketed with snow during the winter months. Everyone gets a kick out of driving on Saddle Road to see the snow on their way to the beach! We can’t think of many places in the world where you can do that, can you?
You can even spend Christmas or New Year’s Day at a green or black sand beach (both of which are an easy drive from Volcano Village) and come back to your cottage to spend the evening sipping Volcano Winery wine or Puna Chocolate hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire! Here are 6 more fun and festive activities and attractions that the whole family can enjoy while vacationing on the Big Island during the holidays:
- Shop for Unique Gifts
In need of some last minute gifts? Check out Volcano Garden Arts here in town for fresh collectible or pocket-sized works of art after wandering through the art studio, cultivated gardens, and greenhouses. You can also check out Tutu Lorna’s favorite place for unique treasures, the Kilauea Lodge Gift Shop. Pop in for locally-sourced and inspired gifts, including island-designed jewelry, novelty socks, ribbon scarf necklaces, hoodies, gourmet chocolates, wine, spices, soaps, lotions, art prints, books, pens, stuffed animals, and more!
- Give Back
While you’re out shopping, consider picking up a new toy, game, or book to donate to a child in need right here on Hawai’i Island who will be so grateful for the Christmas gift! The Puna Toy Exchange will be held on Dec. 21st, so make a donation by the 20th or sooner! Find the donation drop-off locations at Island Wide Motors in Hilo (behind Ken’s House of Pancakes) and in Pahoa at the Smoothie Shack.
- Go to the Theater
We’re pretty laid back here in Hawai’i, but every once in a while, it’s fun to dress up a little and head to the theater. Less than 30 miles away from Volcano Village is Hilo and a stunning theater built in the 1920s! The Palace Theater has some classic shows planned for this month including White Christmas. This Hollywood Classic is a family favorite and the film has two showings on Dec. 18th.
Don’t forget the Hilo Jazz Orchestra. In this live concert tribute on Dec. 19th, the orchestra returns to the historic Palace stage to play the music of Steely Dan, featuring performances from HAASTILE and THE HOT POTAYTAHS. The Palace Theater is also proud to present Kalani Pe’a, a 3 time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter of Hawaiian music, live in concert on Dec. 20th. Kalani will be joined by special guests Kumu Hula Polanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima, No’eau Kahakalau-Kalima, and Halau Hula Kauluola for this Home For the Holidays, Island-Style concert.
- Celebrate Aloha Friday
Every Friday, from 11 am – 1 pm, Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This December, offerings include Ukulele with Wes Awana on Dec. 20th, from 11am to 1pm. Volcano area musician Wes Awana will share his love of ‘ukulele and Hawaiian music by giving family-friendly lessons on the iconic ‘ukulele. And on Dec. 27th, from 11am to 1pm, the gallery will host Lauhala Weaving with Kuuipo Kalahiki-Morales. Visitors and kama’aina alike are invited to experience this hands-on workshop on Lauhala weaving, a traditional Hawaiian art that involves weaving the leaves of the hala tree into hats, baskets, and more! Both of these cultural events are free!
- See Santa
Here comes Santa Claus! Starting Dec. 18th, Santa will be in the Volcano House Lobby from 10am to 2pm. Come by with the family to meet Santa and take a selfie before he leaves on Christmas Day!
- Experience Living History
The fun and entertainment doesn’t end on Dec. 25th! Head to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park for an original living history play, Hana Hou! Nani O Kahuku Returns, on Dec. 28th, from 11am to noon. A loving and informative remembrance of Kahuku Ranch in the 1870s, the play is taken from the memoir of Hannah Piʻilani Jones (daughter of George Jones, the second owner of the ranch), staged by Jackie Pualani Johnson (professor emerita of the theatre arts program at UH Hilo), and brought to life by talented actress Alya-Joy Kanehailua.
These are just a few of the festive ways to celebrate the holidays in Hawai’i! We’re always happy to share more ideas for things to see and do, so send us a message at volcanoheritagecottages@gmail.com
Our historic cottages are conveniently located just minutes away from Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and around 30 miles from both Hilo and the park’s Kahuku unit, so book your stay at the Volcano Heritage Cottages today.
“Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way to say Merry Christmas to you!” Mele Kalikimaka and Happy Holidays to you and yours from the Volcano Heritage Cottages’ ohana!