Hawaii Island - Let's spend Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii! Introducing the charm of spending Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii and recommended events!

Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Big Island

The island of Hawaii, whose popularity as a tourist destination has been on the rise in recent years, is nicknamed the "Big Island.

It has the largest area of all the Hawaiian Islands and is popular for its many tourist attractions, including a volcano that is a power spot and spectacular natural beauty.

There are many tourist attractions related to ancient Hawaii and its dynastic history, and many documents have been preserved.

The island of Hawaii is the result of the coalescence of five gently sloping volcanoes.

Mauna Kea volcano, located in the center of the island, is more than 10,000 meters high measured from the sea floor, making it the tallest mountain in the world.

The following is an introduction to the island of Hawaii, a place of extraordinary size, both in terms of volcanic scale and natural beauty.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The Big Island of Hawaii is a land of abundant nature, and agriculture and cattle ranching are also thriving.

Basically, the climate is one of everlasting summer, but there are areas of high rainfall and dryness, depending on the location, so when visiting for sightseeing, it is a good idea to have rain gear or a cloak to protect you from the elements.

Hilo, the center of tourism, was developed by Japanese immigrants and is the seat of the Hawaii group.

There are frequent scheduled flights from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport) to Hilo International Airport,

More and more Japanese are visiting Hawaii Island from Oahu for sightseeing.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two airports on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo and Kona. Hilo International Airport has direct flights from Japan.

When visiting the Big Island of Hawaii from Japan, direct flights to Hilo International Airport are convenient.

For those who wish to explore Oahu as well, take a scheduled flight from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport).

You can fly from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport) to Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport,

You can choose the airport that best suits your travel plans.

Regular flights can arrive at either airport within an hour.

Once you arrive on the Big Island of Hawaii, you can rent a car or take a cab.

There are public buses that run along major roads and in major areas, but they are infrequent if you want to enjoy sightseeing,

It is best to visit by renting a car or by tour.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is a fascinating destination where visitors can experience the great outdoors and Hawaiian history.

Many types of power spots are popular, including sacred places and places where you can feel the breath of the earth.

The island of Hawaii is also home to observatories and tsunami research centers around the world, making it a place where scholars from all over the world conduct research on a daily basis.

The island is a place where various studies are being conducted using the latest technology while taking care of the ancient sacred places.

When you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, you will find both sacred Hawaii and a high level of research.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

In the past, Hawaii Island was severely damaged by volcanoes and tsunamis.

However, it is precisely because of the scale of nature, which is beyond the control of human hands, that there are wonderful and spectacular views.

Thanks to the canyons that nature has formed over the years, the areas that were not damaged are protected as sacred places.

The Big Island of Hawaii is a special place where you can feel the wilderness as it really is.

There is also a magma vent under the Big Island of Hawaii, known as a hot spot, which is also a famous power spot.

 

A powerful volcano

The most famous of the active volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii is Kilauea Volcano.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, designated as a World Heritage Site, is a park where visitors can observe the powerful Kilauea Volcano, which attracts many tourists.

Tours are abundant, and popular are the lava baths where visitors can walk on the rocky ground where the lava cooled and hardened, and helicopter rides where they can view the area from above.

There are also various myths and legends about this volcano as the home of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes.

When you visit Kilauea Volcano, you will experience firsthand the energy of the earth.

 

Beautiful Beaches

On the Big Island of Hawaii, sea turtles can be seen drying their shells on the beach.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach, with its characteristic black sand beach, is recommended as a place to observe sea turtles in addition to its beautiful scenery.

The sand on black sand beaches is made up of lava stones that have been scraped by waves and sand,

It is said to have been formed by a mixture of black grains formed when magma and seawater collide.

The contrast between the pitch black sandy beach and the ocean is spectacular.

Hawaii Island also has white sand beaches, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of a beach resort.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

The Waikoloa area of Kona has many shopping centers and restaurants.

The beautiful Waikoloa Beach is also nearby, so you can enjoy the beach resort to the fullest.

Free cultural shows and hula dance lessons are also offered in the shopping center, so we recommend checking the shopping center's website before visiting.

Visitors can also enjoy shopping at the Parker Ranch and coffee plantation, where they can stop for sightseeing.

At such places, you can buy original tourist attractions, which will be appreciated as souvenirs.

In addition, gourmet foods to be enjoyed on the Big Island of Hawaii are popular, such as steaks and BBQ, which are made from locally grown ingredients.

Recently, gluten-free and vegan menus are abundant, so health-conscious diners can enjoy Hawaiian cuisine with peace of mind.

There are both high-end and B-class gourmet restaurants, so you can travel to enjoy delicious food.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

Several "petroglyphs" exist around the world, and Hawaii Island is no exception.

Petroglyphs are carved stones with hieroglyphic-like pictures carved into the stone.

It is believed that petroglyphs are abundant on the island of Hawaii because of the abundance of soft stones such as lava rock.

You can easily observe them in the Waikoloa area, which is a tourist hub, so visit the Waikoloa Petroglyphs and Preservation District.

There, you can see sea turtles, human figures, and other rather cute petroglyphs, so you can enjoy a walk while imagining ancient Hawaii.

 

Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii

Many people would like to spend Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Since Christmas is celebrated in Hawaii in a big way, gorgeously decorated fir trees and Santa Claus on a surfboard add to the Christmas mood.

Enjoying Christmas in the everlasting summer in Hawaii will be an unforgettable experience.

Here is a brief introduction to the atmosphere of Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii, which is spent in a variety of situations.

 

The Charm of Spending Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii

The island of Hawaii offers the charm of experiencing Christmas in a different atmosphere.

Spending Christmas sunbathing on the beach in warm weather is the ultimate luxury for those who love resorts.

There is even a Santa Claus dressed as a hula and a Santa Claus who distributes gifts while playing the ukulele.

This is a sight rarely seen in Japan, so a visit to the Big Island of Hawaii at Christmas time will be enjoyable for everyone from children to the elderly.

 

Friends, lovers, family, etc.
Spend a special time with your loved ones!

When you hear the words "spend Christmas with your loved ones," do the faces of friends, lovers, and family members come to mind?

A Christmas spent on the Big Island of Hawaii can be either a merry and joyful or a romantic Christmas experience.

The hotel lobby and the town are full of Christmas mood and beautifully lit up at night.

Spending Christmas with your loved ones on the Big Island of Hawaii will be an unforgettable experience.

 

Enjoy the event!

There are many events taking place on the Big Island of Hawaii during Christmas.

Events at shopping centers and tourist attractions are popular and are expected to be crowded,

Please check the website in advance to find out what events will be held.

Also, workshops such as Christmas wreath making are available,

You can make your own original souvenir by experiencing Hawaiian-style wreath making.

We also have Christmas decorations, because we have surfing Santa dolls and mermaid Santa dolls,

Many people buy them for next year's decorations and go home.

Please enjoy the Christmas events, which are different from those in Japan, to the fullest.

 

Streets in a Christmas mood

Fir trees planted in Waimea Valley are shipped as trees at Christmas time.

The sight of the shipped fir trees lined up in shopping centers on the Big Island of Hawaii is a poignant sight at this time of year.

The fact that so many fir trees are sold means that the entire city will be decorated with trees.

You will feel that the originally nostalgic and lovely streets have been transformed into even more atmospheric streets with Christmas decorations.

You can also enjoy a fantastic Christmas, as some stores display candy houses made of cookies and chocolates and serve as photo spots.

Walking the streets of the Big Island of Hawaii and looking for unique Christmas decorations is also recommended.

 

Recommended Christmas Events

Here are some of the best Christmas events held annually on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Christmas events at shopping centers and tourist attractions change every year, so if you plan to visit the Big Island during the Christmas season, it is a good idea to research Christmas events in advance.

Also, tours offer Christmas-only options, so be sure to check the websites of tour companies.

 

Kailua-Kona Community
Christmas Parade

The Christmas Parade is held in Kailua-Kona every year in mid-December.

The parade has a spectacular atmosphere, and many people watch on the side of the road.

There are several announcer stations along the parade route that accept donations.

The money will be delivered to an organization that helps the needy on the Big Island of Hawaii, so if you enjoy the Christmas Parade, make a donation and share some of the joy of Christmas.

 

　Event Details

Each year there is a specific theme, and the parade features performances based on that theme.

More than 2,000 performers participate in this exciting event, with live music, hip-hop dancing, and a variety of other entertainment.

The theme is about Christmas, so you can enjoy the Christmas mood in plenty of time.

The parade will feature a lot of entertainment, so it will be an experience that will showcase the passion for Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Many hotels serve as bases for sightseeing, and many tourists enjoy this parade every year.

 

　Waimea Christmas Fair
and Twilight Parade

This is a Christmas parade held in the Waimea area every year in early December.

The people of the Waimea area will work together to celebrate Cold Country Christmas.

The parade attracts many people who come to see the gaudily decorated trucks.

 

　Event Details

The parade, held every year in the evening, features trucks decorated with flashy lights that run along the parade route.

The procession of nearly 50 trucks is glittering and looks like an electrical parade.

Residents of the Waimea area have a lot of respect for the trucks and drivers who deliver goods to remote Waimea and transport them in the agriculture, forestry and livestock industries.

For those reasons, a parade of trucks is held at Christmas.

Also, be sure to stop by the Parker Ranch Center at Parker Ranch, where Santa Claus will take pictures with children in the food court after the parade.

 

Christmas time.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots

Here are some of the sights on the Big Island of Hawaii that you can enjoy before and after the parade.

Christmas time is the rainy season and the weather can be changeable, so rain gear or a cloak will help you cope.

Prepare well in advance and enjoy your visit.

 

Mauna Kea

It is the only high elevation mountain in Hawaii where snow is observed.

Mauna Kea, which means "white mountain" in Hawaiian, is taller than Mt.

Because of the high altitude and clean air, observatories around the world have been built and research is conducted daily.

This is the perfect place for astronomy enthusiasts, as they can observe stars that cannot be observed in Japan.

The weather is also relatively stable, making it a popular tourist spot.

 

Recommendations

With many clear days and clean air, it is a popular place for sunset, stargazing, and sunrise viewing.

You can drive to the top, but the high altitude may cause altitude sickness, so it is best to stop by the Onizuka Visitor Center, located at about 2,800 meters above sea level, to acclimate yourself before heading up.

There are stores and restrooms at this location.

This will be a must stop on your tour, so stop by when you visit Mauna Kea.

For stargazing and sunset/sunrise viewing, tours are more convenient and reliable than going on your own.

The tours have a schedule designed to avoid altitude sickness and are driven by staff who are familiar with mountain roads, so be sure to take advantage of this.

 

　　Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is one hour by rental car or cab.

From Kona International Airport, it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes by rental car or cab.

 

Hiro Grand Shrine

Hilo Grand Shrine, said to be the oldest shrine outside of Japan, is located on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The shrine is uniquely Hawaiian, with Amaterasu and Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, enshrined as deities.

It is said that the shrine was built because many Japanese immigrants lived in the town of Hilo.

Many Japanese tourists visit this place because it is where the connection between Hilo and Japan remains.

　Recommendations

The shrine that the immigrant Japanese used as a spiritual center for their life in a foreign country was the Hilo Grand Shrine.

Worship is free, but it is advisable to find out in advance as the hours of worship are set.

Some may be surprised at the cultural differences, as benches are lined up inside the worship hall, just like in a church.

Also popular are amulets with designs of the Hawaiian flower, lehua, and omikuji (fortune).

There is also a friendly priest who may be able to tell you stories about Hiro Daijingu.

If you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, please come and visit to worship.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is 10 minutes by rental car or cab.

From Kona International Airport, it is an hour by rental car or cab.

 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site, is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

The park offers spectacular views of the volcano from the observation deck via the visitor center and the Volcano Art Center.

You will enjoy Hawaii Volcanoes National Park more deeply if you know about volcanoes before viewing the park.

 

　Recommendations

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers many attractions.

You can enjoy exploring with the help of guides and maps at the Kilauea Visitor Center, Halemaumau Crater, Steam Vent, and Dead End, to name a few.

The experience of seeing a spectacular active volcano up close is priceless.

Kilauea volcano is also said to be the home of Pele, the volcano goddess.

The place is also famous as a power spot, so a visit to recharge your energy is recommended.

 

　Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is 45 minutes by rental car or cab.

From Kona International Airport, it takes 3 hours by rental car or cab.

 

Recommended Activities

Here are some of the best activities you can experience on the Big Island of Hawaii.

These activities can be enjoyed only on the Big Island of Hawaii in winter, so please refer to the following information for your trip.

 

whale watching

Whale watching can be enjoyed on the Big Island of Hawaii from December to April each year.

These humpback whales come from Alaska to give birth and raise their young, weighing 40 tons and measuring about 13 meters in length.

Although sometimes visible from the shore, whale-watching is popular, where you can observe the whales from a boat.

There is also a chance to get a close-up look at breaching and other activities, such as splashing and jumping on the surface of the sea.

 

Recommendations

On the Big Island of Hawaii, whales can be seen from the Kohala Coast shoreline, Hilo Bay, Puukohola Heiau, and the observation deck at Waipio Valley.

You can see them reasonably well with binoculars, but if you want to observe them more closely, a tour is recommended.

Some tours offer the use of larger vessels where you can rent warm clothing and stay on board, so you don't have to worry about the cold weather on the sea.

Observe the whales of the Big Island of Hawaii up close and feel their dynamic life.

 

cruising

There are many different types of cruising on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Glass boat cruising, whale watching cruises, dolphin cruises, and sunset cruises are available.

If you choose a cruise with dinner, you can enjoy an elegant meal while watching a beautiful sunset.

Cruising is a great way to enjoy Hawaii's spectacular scenery at a leisurely pace.

In addition, those who are prone to seasickness should take anti-sickness medicine before boarding the ship.

 

　Recommendations

Whale watching and sunset cruising are recommended during the Christmas season.

Many people want to experience something a little special and feel rich at Christmas.

Whale watching is a rare opportunity to observe whales in the wild up close.

Sunset cruising can be enjoyed as a Christmas dinner if you choose a tour that includes dinner.

There are many types of cruising, so choose the experience that best suits your tastes and have a wonderful Christmas.

 

starry sky viewing

Stargazing is a popular activity on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Mauna Kea is a good place to stargaze on the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is famous for its many tours and as a place where observatories from around the world have been built.

Thanks to the high altitude and clean air, you can appreciate the beautiful starry sky.

If you are worried about altitude sickness, stargazing around the Onizuka Visitor Center at an altitude of 2,800 meters is said to be less likely to cause altitude sickness.

 

　Recommendations

Individuals can rent a car to get to the area around the observatory, but participation in a guided tour of the starry sky is recommended.

Since the area near the top of Mauna Kea is sometimes not covered by rental car insurance, calling an ambulance for altitude sickness or an accident can be very expensive.

In addition, tours can provide observation equipment such as sophisticated telescopes and binoculars, as well as winter clothing for more comfortable stargazing.

Admiring the star-filled sky at Christmas will be a romantic experience.

 

Recommended Tours

We have selected three tours that we recommend for Christmas.

This tour is perfect for a Christmas spent with your loved ones, so please refer to it as a reference for your trip.

 

Whale Watching Cruise

Since this whale watching tour has been going on since 1981, you will be guided to find where the whales are based on the experience accumulated over the years.

The boat is equipped with a hydrophone that allows you to hear the whales, so you will have the experience of listening to the fantastic whale sounds.

This is a popular tour because you can see the dynamic whale life right in front of your eyes.

Observing the mysterious whale life with your loved one will be a wonderful memory.

If whales are not seen, you can also carry over boarding.

 

summit of Mauna Kea
Sunrise & Stargazing Tour

This popular tour offers sunrise and stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea, and reservations are required.

Warm drinks and warm clothing are provided so that visitors can enjoy the view in comfort even at the summit of Mauna Kea, which is at a high altitude.

Experienced guides will explain the stars to you using laser pointers and telescopes, so you can learn about celestial bodies not only by looking at them, but also in a fun way.

At sunrise time, you can see the sunrise from the sea of clouds, which will be an unforgettable view.

You can also take commemorative photos with the starry sky and sunrise in the background, making for a wonderful Christmas commemorative photo.

 

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Speaking of Christmas, Christmas dinner is an item that cannot be missed.

A popular tour includes a sunset cruise and a Christmas dinner.

Cruisers can view historic sites related to Captain Cook and learn about Hawaii's history.

If you are lucky, you may even have a chance to see dolphins and manta rays as you watch the sunset and look for them from the ship.

Buffet-style dinners are also available for gluten-free and vegan menus, so you can dine with peace of mind.

The tour content adds a special experience to the Christmas dinner.

 

summary

In this article, we have introduced Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii.

For Japanese people, too, Christmas has become an event to spend a special day.

Please spend Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Traveling with your loved ones on your special day will be a wonderful experience and a trip to remember.