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Christmas in Kona, Hawaii: Your Ultimate Holiday Escape to the Big Island

Sand snowman with Santa hat on beach by the ocean.

Thinking about trading snow boots for sandals and sledding for snorkeling this holiday season? Spending Christmas in Kona, Hawaii means warm sunshine, ocean breezes, and festive charm beneath twinkle-lit palm trees: a tropical twist on the holidays that you won’t forget.

 

 

What’s the Weather Like in Kona at Christmas?

Let’s start with the practical stuff, because Hawaii in Christmas weather isn’t the same as dragging through sub-zero temps on the mainland. On the Kona coast of Hawaiʻi Island, December often brings average daily temperatures around 82 °F. That means sunshine, warm ocean breezes, and the kind of outdoor-friendly holiday you may only dream of in December elsewhere.

Instead of shoveling snow, you’ll find yourself lounging on the beach with a tropical drink in hand. Even though it’s winter in most other places, Kona experiences one of its driest and sunniest seasons. That means more time snorkeling, more whale-watching, and more time soaking up that unmistakable Hawaiian light. Simply put, the weather for Christmas in Kona is unbeatable.

 

 

Lit star and string lights on palm tree at night.Kona Christmas Events & Festivities

Once you’ve adjusted to the sunshine, it’s time to embrace the festive spirit. Kona’s small-town charm comes alive in December with parades, lights, and community celebrations that make visitors feel right at home. If you’re searching for Kona Christmas events, there’s plenty to experience, starting with one of the island’s most beloved traditions.

The Kona Christmas Parade

A highlight of the season is the annual Kailua Village Christmas Parade. Held in early December, this lively celebration winds its way through Aliʻi Drive in downtown Kailua Village, featuring colorful floats, local school groups, and festive lights. Locals and visitors line the streets to wave, cheer, and soak in the holiday spirit, Hawaiian style. It’s free, family-friendly, and filled with aloha.

More Festive Moments

Beyond the parade, Kona glows with the warmth of the holidays. Palm trees shimmer with colorful lights, shop windows sparkle, and Hawaiian Christmas music drifts through the air. You’ll also find seasonal markets, tree-lighting ceremonies, and special holiday menus at local restaurants. It’s the perfect balance between laid-back island living and joyful celebration, the kind of atmosphere that makes Hawaii for Christmas so special.

Aerial view of a boat with people swimming in clear blue water.

 

Holiday Adventures on the Water & Beyond

One of the best reasons to visit Kona during the holidays is that adventure doesn’t take a break here. While many destinations wind down for winter, Hawaii’s Big Island is alive with activity — from ocean excursions to cultural experiences.

Whale Watching: The Holiday Gift That Surfaces

December marks the start of humpback whale season in Hawaii. Every year, thousands of these magnificent creatures migrate from Alaska to the warm waters surrounding the islands to give birth and nurse their calves. Witnessing a humpback whale breach against the backdrop of a Kona sunset is a breathtaking moment — and one of the most unforgettable ways to celebrate the season.

Make whale watching your new holiday tradition. Body Glove’s Super-Raft Whale Watching Adventure offers 2.5 hours with a marine naturalist aboard a fast, comfortable raft with 360-degree ocean views. Tours operate December through April, with guaranteed whale sightings — an experience that makes the perfect holiday memory.

Snorkels, Sunsets & Sea Breezes

With warm temperatures and calm seas, December in Kona is ideal for exploring the water. Go snorkeling among tropical fish and sea turtles, enjoy a sunset dinner cruise, or simply unwind at a beachfront café. While snow falls elsewhere, here the only white you’ll see is the sea foam rolling onto golden sand.

Body Glove’s Super-Raft Snorkel Tour is a must for families and adventurers alike. This four-hour morning trip visits two exclusive Big Island snorkel sites, with breakfast, lunch, and all gear included. Expert in-water guides ensure a safe, fun, and memorable outing — the perfect holiday adventure under the Kona sun.

Two palm trees with colorful lights during the holidays in hawaiiUnique Hawaiian Holiday Traditions

What makes Christmas in Kona, Hawaii truly special is how traditional holiday customs blend with local culture.

  • Instead of Santa arriving by sleigh, he might appear in an outrigger canoe, wearing an aloha shirt and sunglasses.
  • Palm trees replace pine trees, decorated with lights, orchids, and tropical blooms.
  • Hawaiian Christmas carols like “Mele Kalikimaka” fill the air, sometimes accompanied by a festive hula performance.
  • Instead of rushing through crowded malls, you’ll find yourself strolling along Aliʻi Drive, browsing artisan markets, and watching the sun set over Kailua Bay.

This unique mix of celebration and calm captures the essence of the islands — festive, welcoming, and joyfully relaxed.

What to Pack for Christmas in Hawaii

If you’re planning on Hawaii for Christmas, your packing list is delightfully different from what you’d bring for a cabin in the snow. Here are some essentials:

  • Swimwear, rash guard or reef-safe sunscreen: your daily essentials
  • A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings on the coast.
  • Holiday-themed casual wear: think tropical prints, sundresses, aloha shirts.
  • Something festive for the parade/holiday events (a Santa hat works great or maybe a ti-leaf lei).
  • Shoes you can slip on/off easily: one pair for beach/adventures, one casual pair for strolling the village.
  • Don’t forget your camera:  tropical Christmas is photogenic.

And a little tip: While many resorts and tours continue through the holidays, it’s smart to book early. The combination of Christmas in Kona Hawaii and great weather draws people.

 

Boat on orange sea at sunset near mountainous coastline.Why Kona Is the Perfect Place to Spend the Holidays

If you’re still deciding where to spend your December getaway, here’s why Kona stands out:

  • Perfect weather: Warm, sunny, and dry when much of the world is bundled up.
  • Festive yet peaceful: Kona Christmas events offer plenty of cheer without big-city stress.
  • Adventure all season long: From snorkeling to whale watching, you’ll never run out of things to do.
  • Distinctive local culture: Hawaiian traditions make every moment feel unique and meaningful.
  • Tropical holiday magic: Palm trees wrapped in lights, oceanfront sunsets, and Santa in board shorts; it’s festive with an island twist.

 

Optional: Stay for New Year’s

If your schedule allows, extend your trip through New Year’s Eve. The Big Island celebrates with fireworks over Kailua Bay, festive dinners at local resorts, and live music beneath the stars. It’s the perfect way to start the year — relaxed, sun-kissed, and full of aloha.

Whether you’re seeking a tropical escape from winter or a new kind of festive tradition, Christmas in Kona, Hawaii delivers the best of both worlds. From Kona Christmas events and the annual parade to warm ocean breezes and whale sightings, every day feels like a gift.

So pack your swimsuit and your holiday spirit, and get ready to trade snowflakes for sea spray.
Mele Kalikimaka and Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou — Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Kona!

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