Spending the holidays on the Big Island means trading snow boots for slippers, hot toddies for ice cold cocktails, and icy roads for palm trees. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, the Kohala Coast is in full celebration mode: sunny beach days, festive resort decor, special holiday dinners, and just enough events to feel merry without feeling crowded—especially if you time your trip right.
Here’s your Big Island Holiday Guide for late November through the end of December, with a special focus on holiday events on the Big Island and where to find a memorable Kohala Coast Christmas dinner.
What the Big Island is Like Over the Holidays .jpeg)
Winter on the Big Island doesn’t really feel like “winter.” Along the Kohala Coast, average daytime temperatures in November and December hover in the upper 70s to low 80s°F, with comfortable evenings in the upper 60s. You’ll get mostly sunny days with light trade winds and the occasional passing shower—just enough to green up the slopes above the coast.
- Whale season kicks off. Humpback whales begin arriving off the coast of the Big Island around late November, with sightings increasing through December and peaking January–March.
- Holiday decor without the cold. Resorts and shopping centers deck out the island's palm trees, courtyards, and lobbies with lights, trees, and island-style decor. This is such a festive time to visit the Big Island!
- Livelier around Christmas & New Year’s. The week of December 25–January 1 is one of the most popular weeks of the year, when the island is just buzzing with holiday excitment; earlier in December and the Thanksgiving period are often a bit more relaxed.
Plan around your priorities: slightly quieter and better value in late November/early December, or maximum festivities and holiday cheer around Christmas and New Year’s.
Thanksgiving on the Kohala Coast
Plenty of visitors choose the Big Island for Thanksgiving—you can enjoy the traditional turkey and all the sides, but with a backdrop of ocean and plumeria instead of gray skies and snow. It's the perfect combo!
Resort Thanksgiving Dinners
- Mauna Lani Resort - Mauna Lani typically offers a Thanksgiving Dinner at CanoeHouse, its signature oceanfront restaurant, featuring a four-course, family-style tasting menu with Japanese-inspired dishes that highlight local land and sea ingredients. The resort also schedules a Thanksgiving buffet dinner at HāLani, with traditional favorites and island-inspired sides.
- Waikoloa Beach Resort - Waikoloa Village offers a traditional Lu'au on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Enjoy live Polynesian music, hula, fire dancing, and a feast featuting tradtional luau fare and holiday favorites.
Tips for Thanksgiving Reservations on the Big Island
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Book early. Prime seating times at oceanfront restaurants and luaus often sell out weeks in advance.
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Confirm details the week of. Menus, pricing, and buffet vs. plated service can shift year to year—double-check before you arrive.
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Consider cooking in. If you’re staying in a Big Island vacation rental, consider picking up local ingredients and enjoy a relaxed dinner on your lanai, then save one night for a resort meal.
Kohala Coast Christmas Dinners & Holiday Luaus
If your stay overlaps with Christmas, you’ll find even more Big Island holiday events and festive dining options.
Holiday Dining Highlights
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Mauna Lani Resort – Expect multi-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners at CanoeHouse, plus a festive buffet at HāLani. The resort also hosts a Christmas Lūʻau with Polynesian entertainment and traditional imu-roasted meats.
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Waikoloa Beach Marriott – Look for a holiday luau and special Christmas buffet overlooking ‘Anaehoʻomalu Bay.
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Fairmont Orchid – Another favorite for Kohala Coast Christmas dinner, with elegant buffets, a la carte options at Brown’s Beach House, and twinkling lights along the shoreline.
Festive Big Island Events and Light Displays
While the Big Island’s holiday celebrations are typically more low-key than Oʻahu or Maui, you’ll still find plenty of island-style cheer:
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Waikoloa Winter Wonderland at Kings’ Shops – Periodic “snowfall” shows, live music, and holiday photo ops throughout December.
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Queens’ Marketplace Holiday Nights – Family-friendly evenings with light displays, carolers, and keiki activities.
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Waimea Christmas Parade – A local favorite in early December, featuring floats, hula halau, and horses decked out in lights.
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Hilo Christmas Light Spectacular – Worth the drive if you’re exploring the east side; festive displays fill downtown Hilo’s banyan trees.
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Resort Holiday Markets – Pop-up craft fairs at Mauna Lani and Fairmont Orchid are perfect for finding handmade gifts and local treats.
Other Fun Things to Do on the Big Island During the Holidays
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Whale Watching Cruises: December marks the start of peak whale season—book a sunset cruise for a chance to see their amazing spouts offshore.
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Beach Days & Snorkeling: With lighter winds and calm water, this is prime time for snorkeling at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay or Waialea Bay.
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Golf & Spa: Take advantage of ideal weather and quieter mid-December days to book tee times or spa treatments before the crowds arrive.
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Farmers Markets & Local Eats: Visit the Waimea Town Market for locally made gifts, Kona coffee, and island-grown produce.
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Day Trips: Drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or Pololū Valley for jaw-dropping scenery and cooler air.
Reservations and Travel Tips
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Book early. Rental cars, vacation rentals, restaurants, and activities can sell out by early December.
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Make dining reservations at least 2–3 weeks in advance. Resort restaurants fill quickly for holiday buffets and luaus.
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Grocery stores close early on holidays. Plan ahead if you’re cooking at your vacation rental.
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Check resort event calendars. Offerings change each year, and some events are only for registered guests.
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Plan a combination of relaxation and activities. Build in beach time between festive dinners and excursions—it’s part of the island rhythm.
Where to Stay
Your holiday deserves more than a hotel room. South Kohala Management offers a curated collection of vacation homes and villas along the Big Island's Kohala Coast—each with full kitchens, open-plan living, and either ocean views or lush fairways nearby. Whether you’re after a luxury beach-front escape, a family-friendly condo near the shops, or a multi-generation retreat with room for everyone, you’ll find the perfect base to personalize your holiday on the Big Island. Many homes have lanai dining, grills, private pools or hot tubs, and easy access to resort restaurants and holiday events. Find your Big Island holiday vacation rental now.
Celebrate the Holiday Season, Island Style 
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving escape, a Kohala Coast Christmas dinner, or a New Year's celebration under swaying palms, the Big Island offers a holiday experience that feels both festive and peaceful. Enjoy sunny days, incredible food, and a laid-back spirit that reminds you what the holidays are really about—time together in a beautiful place.
Ready to make it happen?
Browse our Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals to find your perfect holiday home near the beach, golf course, or resort—complete with fully equipped kitchens, ocean views, and room for the whole family.
FAQs: Visiting the Big Island for the Holidays
Q: What’s the weather like on the Big Island during the holidays?
A: The Kohala Coast enjoys sunny, warm days in the upper 70s–80s°F and cooler evenings in the 60s°F—perfect for beach days, dining outdoors, and festive sunsets without the chill.
Q: Are restaurants open on Thanksgiving and Christmas?
A: Yes, many resort restaurants host special holiday dinners and buffets. Popular spots like Mauna Lani, Fairmont Orchid, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott typically offer festive menus—just make reservations early.
Q: Are there holiday luaus or events to attend?
A: Absolutely! Look for Christmas and New Year’s luaus at Kohala Coast resorts, plus light displays, live music, and family events at Kings’ Shops, Queens’ Marketplace, and Waimea town.
Q: What’s the best time to visit for fewer crowds?
A: For a more relaxed pace and easier reservations, plan your stay right after Thanksgiving through mid-December—before the Christmas rush and New Year’s crowds.
Q: Do grocery stores and shops close on holidays?
A: Most major stores close early or close completely on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, so stock up on essentials ahead of time if you’re cooking at your vacation rental.