A jaunt to a tropical climate during the holiday season provides a great change of scenery for those seeking romantic adventure. However, a December journey to the Island of Hawai’i can become something more meaningful with a little extra research.

Opportunities to volunteer for a service project or two can be found on the state’s website. The Volontourism page lists links to organizations on all of the islands, with opportunities ranging from those focused on the environment, to the repair of historically significant sites, wildlife and farm experiences, and more. For example, spend a Thursday morning helping remove invasive plant species with Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on its Kīpukapuaulu Trail.

The Island of Hawai’i also boasts several annual holiday season events promising fun, enlightenment and immersion into the local community. They range from food festivals to cultural performances, concerts to sports tournaments benefitting the island’s towns and communities.

Mauna Lani Golf

Hawai’i Island’s only nine-hole course and home to two award-winning 18-hole courses transforms into Rudolph Round-Ups, a winter wonderland with a tropical twist on Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Created for families with children over the age of 6, this wikiwiki (fast) course takes roughly an hour to complete, leaving plenty of time to embrace the festive spirit. Auberge Resorts Collection donates 15 percent 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 the website or call 808 267 0516 to book.

Christmas with the Chefs

Hawai’i Island’s top chefs, confectioners and beverage purveyors serve up island holiday fare at Christmas with the Chefs, presented by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association and Sysco. The feast rolls out at Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m., accompanied by home-brewed craft beer, wines, handcrafted cocktails and Kona-grown coffee. Live jazz, dancing under the stars and a silent auction complete the evening. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 808 960 2338 or visit the website.

Kalani Pe’a

On Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., three-time Grammy winner and four-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Hawai’ian music award winner Kalani Peʻa returns to Kahilu Theatre in Waimea for his Purple Hawaiian Christmas concert. The event celebrates the release of his new holiday album of the same name and features special guests Lorna Lim and Wailau Ryder, as well as hula performances. A Hawai’ian contemporary and soul vocalist, songwriter and producer, Pe‘a believes music is medicine and Hawai’ian music and culture is essential.

Holiday Concerts

Guests of Mauna Lani hotel and the general public can attend Paniolo Pūlehu, a holiday season-inspired country concert at Mauna Lani on Dec. 23, headlined by Waylon Nihipali and Ian Flanigan, Nashville stars and alums of television’s The Voice. Libations from Kona Brewing Co. and paniolo (Hawai’ian cowboy) lawn games such as ʻulu maika (a stone disc-rolling game), haka moa (a standing chicken fight), cornhole and roping round out the experience. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the hotel website.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa, whose highlights include sand-bottomed pools, waterfalls, lava-rock scenery and a lawn event area, has a special offer through Nov. 30. Book a room through Dec. 31 and receive up to 20 percent off the best available rates.