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.
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.
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.
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.
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedLeisure Lifestyle 2024
May 23, 2024Find Your Version of Paradise on the Idyllic Island of Aruba
PHOTO: © ARUBA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
Leisure Lifestyle 2024
May 22, 2024Explore an Enclave Steeped in Authenticity Just Outside of Ubud
The verdant hills, rice terraces and serene temples have long attracted visitors to the island of Bali, where incense perfumes the air and raindrops scatter with an almost spiritual significance on city sidewalks. Today many visitors decide to stay, taking up residence in the now expat-centric hub of Ubud. The district was once the spiritual capital of Bali, but, in just the last five years, the desire for trendy cafés playing chill lofi music, craft brews and nightclubs has driven out many locally owned shops in central Ubud.
eFlyer Reviews
May 22, 2024Bio-und Wellnesshotel Stanglwirt Review
The history of western Austria’s Stanglwirt stretches back to the 16th century, when a small tavern catered to miners stopping for a drink after long shifts. Today, it’s far from its modest beginnings, sprawling in scale and catering to a considerably different crowd, but you’ll still find heaps of heritage everywhere in this forward-thinking property that treasures traditional Tyrolean hospitality.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
One affordable plan can protect an entire year of trips: business or pleasure, short or long, domestic or international.
eFlyer News
May 22, 2024New Restaurants Opening at ATL, BOS and OKC Airports
New culinary outlets at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport and Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City debut this year thanks to Paradies Lagardère.
Aer Lingus Debuts New Dublin–Denver Route
eFlyer News
May 22, 2024Airlines
May 22, 2024Olympic Medallist Siobhan Haughey New Brand Ambassador for Cathay
Cathay and Hong Kong Olympic swimmer Siobhan Haughey recently debuted a new collaboration with the athlete as the airline’s brand ambassador. Haughey will be featured in Cathay’s latest advertisements with their shared belief with all of Hong Kong that “Every Move Counts.”
Destinations
May 21, 20243 Resorts with Unique Water Experiences Beyond Swimming
From the clear waters of the Caribbean to the warm seas of the Indian Ocean, these three resorts promise fun and unique experiences beyond swimming. Make this summer one to remember at these properties:
ShareThis