LUVA Real Estate knows that many of you may travel to the Big Island during the holidays and some of you may just have moved here. Have you thought about some of the activities you want to do while you are enjoying West Hawaii’s balmy weather? Here are some fantastic events and things to do that you may not have even realized should have been on your bucket list of things to do in West Hawaii for the holidays, but after you experience them, they will become a tradition! Really! Heads up: TWO OF THESE EVENTS ARE THIS WEEKEND!

Food and Wine Events:

1. Christmas With the Chefs

You will be in foodie heaven on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5:30-8 p.m at the festive “Christmas with the Chefs” event. The annual holiday gala is a favorite outside event held on the seaside grounds of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Over 20 chefs will delight attendees with plates of expertly prepared savory cuisine and delectable holiday treats—all accompanied by all-you-can-enjoy handcrafted ales, choice wines and 100 percent Kona coffee.

The Bill Noble Trio jazzes up the evening for dancing under the stars and a silent auction will tempt would-be Santas with an array of holiday gift ideas while supporting local businesses.

Tickets are $90 presale, $95 at the door and available online at www.konakohalachefs.org. Tables of 10 are $1200—which includes reserved seating, table-side service and select bottles of wine—and can be purchased online.

2. Feast on the Beach

Advance purchase of Feast on the Beach tickets will be required. Tickets, priced at $100 per person or $1,500 for a reserved table of 10, are ONLY available from participating nonprofit partners: Kona Community Hospital Foundation, Hospice of Kona, North Hawaii Hospice, Lava Kids and Hawaii Island Humane Society. Feast on the Beach is your ultimate beach party under the stars! Held at the Lava Lava Beach Club at Anaehoomalu Bay on Friday, December 8 starting at 5:30 pm, this popular holiday event will once again wow guests with delicious food stations along with beer, wine, and its signature toes-in-the-sand ambiance.

Nothing says tropical atmosphere than Henry Kapono, performing SONGS OF C&K, a tribute to the music of Cecilio & Kapono! Joining Henry on stage is Hawaii Music Award winner, Johnny Valentine, Alx Kawakami (of Manoa DNA) and 2016 “Most Promising Artist” Na Hoku Hano Hano Award winner, Blayne Asing. Also performing on stage is the popular LT Smooth, who’s velvety sound will keep the party going.

Family Experiences:

3. Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade

Photo credit: Hawaii.com

The festive procession will include horses, miniature horses, dogs, donkeys and sheep, dancing elves, children’s groups tossing candy into the crowd and Santa himself.The sounds and songs of Christmas will ring along Alii Drive Saturday December 9th from 5 to 7 p.m.during the 32nd annual Kailua-Kona Kona Christmas Parade that will feature around 80 floats and 2,100 participants.

It starts at Kekuaokalani Gymnasium, runs south down Kuakini Highway, turns right onto Alii Drive and ends near the intersection with Walua Road. Road closures on the course will be from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “The Magic of Christmas – Kona Style!”

For a fun place to watch the parade, bring your blanket and chairs to find space along the parade route or head up to the second floor restaurants on Alii Drive, the new Foster’s Kitchen, the newly renovated Island Lava Java, or for adults- Laverne’s Sports Bar

4. Festival of Lights in Holualoa

Get your warm jacket and scarf out as the Historic Holualoa Village rolls out the holiday red carpet, inviting visitors and residents to ring in the holidays, Hawaiian style at the annual Festival of Lights on Saturday, December 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the artsy village of Holualoa.

The village lights up the night with the annual lighting of the town Christmas tree, plus a festive area for Santa to say Aloha and pose for holiday photo taking opportunities. Enjoy lots of live music, gallery gatherings, art openings, complimentary pupus and beverages, holiday treats and of course, 100-percent Kona coffee.

Be sure to visit the Holuakoa Garden Cafe for a “slow food” locally sourced dinner and celebrate the evening with Jill Sanders’ Cella Bella quartet between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

5. Holiday Tree Tour of West Hawaii Resorts

This is not an official event, but it sure is a fun adventure! From the Sheraton Kona in Keauhou, which boasts a 25 foot tree that looks out over Keauhou Bay through a picturesque open window to all the way up the coast at the Hapuna Prince Beach Resort, whose Christmas tree is framed by Hapuna Beach below, to all the resorts who boast big beautifully decorated trees in between, (see Four Seasons Resort- Hualalai, Mauna Kea Resort , Mauna Lani Bay and Bungalows, Fairmont Orchid, Royal Kona Resort, etc), touring the West Hawaii resorts at Christmas time is fantastic for photographers, aficionado of gorgeous architecture and tropical and Asian decor and for folks who would rather tour than spend time on a beach or in the waves!

All of us at LUVA Real Estate wish you and yours a very safe, merry and adventurous holiday season! If you are traveling to the island, please review our luxury vacation rentals that are available during the holidays and if you are coming to the island to view available real estate, let us be your guide!