Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau Media Contact:
Cheyenne Gomez, (808) 539-3409, [email protected]

Island of Hawai‘i (October 2, 2023) — The island of Hawai‘i is the place to be this holiday season. Looking for a unique made-in-Hawai‘i gift for family, friends or — and yes, you most certainly deserve it — yourself? You’ll have lots of choices — from food items, chocolate, honey and coffee, to fashion, art and still more tasty food items — no matter where you go, island wide. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind experiences, adventures and activities as well as popular end-of-year food, nature and music festivals. And you could even give the perfect gift by supporting local communities and community organizations via a volunteer service project or two protecting, preserving and revitalizing the island’s natural environment.

The island of Hawai‘i’s vast landscapes are rich with fertile volcanic soil perfect for all manner of agricultural pursuits, providing acres of farmland where local farmers and ranchers grow, raise and produce everything from macadamia nuts, cacao, coffee and all manner of fruits, to sea salt, honey, beef, vegetables and cheeses! While on island this holiday season, check out amazing local businesses like Big Island Bees, Big Island Coffee Roasters, Honoka‘a Chocolate Co., Kona Sea Salt and many more for their island-made products ideal to share with or gift to loved ones. With Hawai‘i Forest and Trail, you’re invited to give the gift of a living legacy by planting or sponsoring an endemic tree to help expand and evolve a native forest.

The island of Hawaiʻi also hosts several fun, annual community-based events each holiday season, including the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival, Run for the Dry Forest, and still more great festivals, cultural performances and musical events supporting the island’s towns and communities.

Read on to learn more about all the things you’ll be able to experience (and purchase) on the island of Hawai‘i this holiday season.  

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is hosting the 13^th annual Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival in October with two days of events celebrating indigenous cuisines from around the world. The festival’s October 20 event, Indigenous World Cuisines presented by Kamehameha Schools, will be a walk-around grand tasting dinner, inviting guests to embark on a culinary journey exploring the diverse flavors, rich history and cultural traditions of indigenous communities around the world. The evening will feature cuisine from 10 chefs hailing from the Turtle Island tribes and Caribbean and Pacific nations, and include Māori, Sāmoa and Hawaiian dishes. The festival’s October 21 event will be an Indigenous Food Culture Panel at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel with industry experts discussing the significance of indigenous food culture and its impact on communities, with a sampling of indigenous foods after. Panelists and chefs will include kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiian) community members and cultural practitioners, community leader Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Native Hawaiian chef Kealoha Domingo, Māori chef Monique Fiso, Oglala Lakota Nation representative Sean Sherman, and Kickapoo Nation representative Crystal Wahpepah. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/. 

The Hawai‘i Island Festival of Birds returns as an in-person event this year with a fun, educational bird fair and an art-meets-science Hula Manu Hō‘ike celebrating the diverse bird species of the Hawaiian Islands. The annual festival is organized by the nonprofit Hawai‘i Wildlife Center, which specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of native Hawaiian birds and the endemic Hawaiian hoary bat. Artists, scholars and other experts come together for the festival each year to share their avian knowledge with the community. The festival’s hōʻike (exhibition) will include performances from local hālau hula (hula groups) and oli (chant) sharing stories and knowledge about Hawai‘i’s native manu (birds). The festival is set for October 21 at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo. For more information, visit https://birdfesthawaii.org/about/. 

Help remove troublesome invasive plant species with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on their Kīpukapuaulu Trail, home to a diversity of native forest species and understory plants. This volunteer opportunity occurs every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers meet at the Kīpukapuaulu trailhead parking lot on Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, for protective and restorative maintenance of trail plants. You’re invited to bring your own clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water to participate. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting permanently stained from volunteer work in nature. And come prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more information at [email protected]. 

Come join in for a run through the dry forest at Puʻuwa‘awa‘a. The Run for the Dry Forest, set for October 28, includes a 10K run, 5K run/walk and quarter-mile keiki (kids) run. Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a is home to several species of endangered native birds and many endangered native plants, some found nowhere else in the world. Proceeds from race events contribute to conservation of the forest’s species. In efforts to reduce event waste this year, Run for the Dry Forest is going cup-less — a collapsible, reusable race cup will be included in each registration packet. Due to endangered nēnē (Hawaiian geese) in event areas, pets will not be allowed to participate. Sign up for your race of choice now, as entry fees will increase as race day nears. For more information or to register, visit the ʻAkaka Foundation for Tropical Forests website at https://akakaforests.org/events/run-for-the-dry-forest-2023. 

Stop by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kīlauea Visitor Center or its Kahuku Visitor Contact Station for fun, family-friendly events on October 28, the Saturday before Halloween. At the Kīlauea Visitor Center, kids will get to decorate a park-themed mask before exploring the park’s trails and looking for clues to earn charms for their mask. At Kahuku, kids can participate in the station’s third-annual Halloween Bingo Scavenger Hunt. Treat bags from the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association will be given out at both locations and costumes are encouraged! Got a fourth-grade student in the family? Park entrance is free if you do! Just have your fourth grader complete the online activity on https://www.everykidoutdoors.gov, print the paper voucher and bring it to the park in exchange for a fourth-grade pass. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm. 

The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai‘i (VASH) is a seldom spotlighted but very important statewide organization, with staff on Hawai‘i Island, specializing in taking care of the needs of visitors unexpectedly involved in unfortunate situations such as injuries, illnesses, property losses, crimes and other adverse circumstances. The all-volunteer group contacts visitors in such situations directly then engages its network of travel and hospitality partners to help ease a path forward for them. VASH’s motto is, “Every visitor touched by adversity will also be touched by the aloha spirit.” The group has reached out to help countless individuals and their families over the years with its personal and priceless caring. The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai‘i Golf Tournament, set for October 28, is a benefit for VASH, which relies on generous contributions to continue its good works. Entry fee for the tournament includes lunch, a silent auction, and team prizes and awards for a fun day of golf on one of the island’s most spectacular courses. For more information or to sign up, visit https://vashbigisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/VASH-Golf-Tournament-Registration-Form_070923.pdf. 

The 26^th annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival — Kona Style, happening October 29 at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, will present an afternoon of great music featuring some of Hawai‘i's finest musicians in the slack-key guitar genre in a four-hour concert. Slack key is an indigenous Hawai‘i guitar-playing style believed to have originated with 19th century paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys). Musicians performing at this year’s festival include slack-key guitar master Ledward Kaʻapana, Sonny Lim, Stephen Inglis, Bobby Moderow and many others. The festival will also include food trucks and works for purchase from island crafters and artisans. For more information, visit https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/events/26th-annual-hawaiian-slack-key-guitar-festival-kona-style or contact [email protected]. 

World-renowned Kona-grown coffee takes center stage at the 52^nd annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, set for November 3 through 12. The award-winning annual collection of coffee-related events is one of the longest running and most successful food festivals in Hawai‘i. Its 10 days of events throughout the Kona area honor the region’s cultural heritage and celebrates the accomplishments of generations of Kona coffee pioneers, farmers and artisans. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival experience is unique, enriching and ensures the story of the region’s cultural heritage continues to be shared with residents and visitors. For more information, visit https://konacoffeefest.com/ or contact [email protected]. 

The iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, located on the Island of Hawai’i and tropical clothing and lifestyle brand, Kenny Flowers have teamed up to debut a Mauna Kea-inspired clothing collection, launching on November 9. Highlight prints include the signature Honu print, which features the island’s native sea turtle among other motifs that signify property landmarks and cultural elements. Additional designs include the resort’s iconic plumeria flower in Mauna Kea’s signature orange hue, surfboards, traditional outriggers, the beach at Kauna'oa Bay, the resort’s beach umbrellas, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s resident parrot, Mango, and more, telling the hotel’s story and celebrating its Aloha spirit. The resort collection will be available for a limited time in Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s boutique, KOI boutique, and with limited prints on KennyFlowers.com, perfectly timed for the holidays. 

Link to Images: https://murphyobrien.app.box.com/s/y7rifsra4nuidcr3732rctnlnriqc4w7
Photo Credit: Connor Trimble

Terraformation is partnering with UH CTHAR and other local environmental groups to host the West Hawai‘i ‘Ōhi‘a Love Festival. This is a free event held at the Ridge to Reef Restoration Center at 73-4485 Kahilihili, near the Kona airport from 9am to 3pm, Saturday, November 18th. Interested attendees can learn about why ʻŌhiʻa is a keystone species that vital to the native ecosystem, sign up for tours of Terraformation’s native plant greenhouse, learn more about how to prevent the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) and more activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here is a link to more information from UH and an article from Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i Island’s top chefs, confectioners and beverage purveyors will offer their holiday fare at Christmas with the Chefs. Presented by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association and Sysco, the event is set for the seaside grounds of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort on December 2 at 5:30 p.m. Chefs and local culinary students will aim to please attendee palates with delicious food creations and delectable holiday treats, accompanied by local-crafter beer, wines, handcrafted cocktails and Kona-grown coffee. The evening will also feature live jazz, dancing under the stars and a silent auction. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ChristmasWithTheChefs.RSVPify.com and/or contact (808) 960-2338.

Link to Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/750252gr6907vholegl1s/h?rlkey=tl2ru579xr9exlnd9q6rb64x5&dl=0
Photo Credit: Christmas with the Chefs

An annual event at Mauna Lani returns December 4 at 4:30 p.m. Charity of Trees was first celebrated in 1994 at the request of GM Don Dickhens, Charity of Trees is a community event open to duly registered NPOʻs. Interested nonprofits contribute their own decorated trees which are displayed in the Executive Hall of Mauna Lani Resort.  They welcome community members and guests to peruse the hallway of “Charity of Trees” with loved ones during this festive time of year. All guests will be invited to cast their votes for the best decorated tree and to learn more about each nonprofit on the Island of Hawai'i. Participants will purchase votes at the front desk for $1/vote. At the end of the competition, all funds will be evenly split amongst all participating charities, so everyone wins! The 1st and 2nd place winners will receive larger cash prizes for all of their creative efforts. For more information, visit https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/. 

Three-time Grammy winner and four-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Hawaiian music award winner Kalani Peʻa, will return to Kahilu Theatre in Waimea for his Purple Hawaiian Christmas concert, December 15 at 7 p.m. Pe‘a’s concert will celebrate the release of his new holiday album, "Purple Hawaiian Christmas," and feature special guests Lorna Lim and Wailau Ryder, as well as hula performances. A Hawaiian contemporary and soul vocalist, songwriter and producer, Pe‘a believes music is medicine and Hawaiian music and culture is essential. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://kahilutheatre.org/Showinfo/Kalani-Pe--a---Purple-Hawaiian-Christmas.  

Home to two award-winning golf courses and Hawai‘i Island’s only nine-hole course, Mauna Lani Golf is also all about family fun. This holiday season, bring the family to share holiday-inspired treats and memories on Mauna Lani’s fairways and participate in its Rudolph Round-Ups on November 28, December 5, 12 and 19. Designed for families with children over the age of 6, this wikiwiki – meaning “fast” – course takes roughly an hour to complete, leaving plenty of time to embrace the festive spirit after getting in the swing of things. In addition, they will also be hosting a Holiday Classic which takes place on the North Course. All are welcome to golf solo or rally your team for this charity golf tournament, with proceeds benefiting Baby2Baby.  With a goal to ignite the spirit of giving this holiday season, Auberge Resorts Collection will be donating 15% of these signature festive experiences to Baby2Baby, to provide children living in poverty with gifts, diapers, clothing and other necessities this holiday season. For more information, visit https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/experiences/festive-golf/ or call (808) 267-0516 to book.

Celebrate this holiday season at the beautiful Kona Sea Salt Farm's Oceanfront Grounds in Kona on December 20. Come enjoy the holiday festivities and listen to Henry Kapono's favorite holiday songs & classics alongside his friends Brother Noland and Kala’e Parish. Join them for a unique opportunity to come together and enjoy Hawaiʻi's favorite music in a stunning oceanfront location while supporting Maui's Music Industry Professional's in need through the efforts of the Henry Kapono Foundation. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-concert-with-henry-kapono-featuring-brother-noland-and-tickets-751222816667?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
 
Link to Image: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lcj658l3ija5iajst2mdr/Photo-Nov-03-2023-11-39-36-AM.jpg?rlkey=ekv8b35piolyzrgsje29cd2rs&dl=0

On December 23, grab your favorite pair of cowboy boots and gear up for Paniolo Pūlehu, a holiday season-inspired country concert at Mauna Lani featuring Nashville stars and alums of television’s “The Voice” Waylon Nihipali and Ian Flanigan. Attendees are invited to dance the night away and enjoy libations from Kona Brewing Co. and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) lawn games such as ʻulu maika (a stone disc-rolling game), haka moa (a standing chicken fight), cornhole and roping. They can also shop for western apparel at a Western Aloha pop-up featuring the resort’s custom Mauna Lani design, available only at the concert. Paniolo Pūlehu is open to Mauna Lani guests and the public. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/holidays/. 

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 

Hui Aloha Kīholo’s A‘o Aku A‘o Mai project is an awardee of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Kūkulu Ola program. Through education of the Aʻo Aku Aʻo Mai project (the giving and receiving of knowledge), Hui Aloha Kīholo, whose mission is to protect, perpetuate and enhance the cultural and natural landscape of Kīholo Bay, will be able to continue bringing the lessons of Kīholo to the broader community through a number of different avenues such as annual community events, professional conferences and classroom visits. In addition to the hui’s presence in the community, Hui Aloha Kīholo has a physical presence on the ground at Kīholo Bay, seven days a week, through its Hoa ʻĀina, or “friends of the land,” educating both visitors and residents on ways of being that allow the Kīholo Bay area’s natural and cultural resources to thrive. For more information about the program, visit https://www.huialohakiholo.org/education. 

In celebration of its recent apparel collection inspired by Hawaiian volcanoes and the ecosystems they create, the Parks Project recently donated $10,000 to the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association (HPPA). HPPA’s mission is to inspire public discovery and stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of parks of the Pacific Islands with the spirit of aloha. HPPA will donate the Parks Project funds directly to its partner Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to meet future volcanic eruption response needs and for ongoing support of the federally endangered Hawaiian petrel. To learn more, visit www.parksproject.us. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Don’t skip your workout on vacation unless you want to. At more than 700 square-feet, Royal Kona Resort’s new fitness center is equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art exercise equipment, including treadmills, elliptical machines, Nautilus® machines and Keiser© pneumatic air-based equipment, which aims to produce a quieter workout. Prefer to work up a sweat outdoors? Step onto the resort’s outdoor court area for a fun game of tennis or pickleball on its newly refinished courts. Equipment is available for resort guests. You can also book tennis lessons with a pro or reserve a court time by visiting the resort’s pro shop. For more information and reservations, call (800) 222-5642 or visit www.RoyalKona.com.

Link to Images: https://hawaiianhotels.mediavalet.com/galleries/c02172cb-2e04-4bd8-a74c-512b9594fb25_233828b3-e9bf-459f-be97-de295adbe789-ExternalUser
Photo Credit: Royal Kona Resort

Book now through November 30 for stays between now and December 31 and receive up to 20% off the best available rates at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa. The property’s highlights include sand-bottomed pools, waterfalls, lava-rock scenery and a lawn event area. For more information or to book reservations, visit https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink?ctyhocn=koaklgv&srpCodes=P5&flexibleDates=true&WT.mc_id=zSWEC0US1GV2OLQ3CVB4SpecialOffers_Jun5SO6KOAKLGV7EN8i120289.