Food, music, parades, fairs occurring on island

As residents of West Hawaii, we have plenty to be grateful for this holiday season, and many ways to celebrate. From a traditional performance of Handel’s “Messiah” by the Kona Music Society, to a less conventional underwater photo with Santa at Jack’s Diving Locker, the family will not be bored this holiday season. So, get out there and indulge in the fine food, great music, parades and craft fairs occurring throughout our community.

Today

A miniature Christmas Village created by island painter and Kona resident Martha Greenwell is on display through Jan. 4 at the Isaacs Art Center at Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea. Affectionately known as “The Mouse House,” the village took Greenwell eight years to build. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. The Isaacs Art Center will be closed Thanksgiving weekend and between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Friday

Joanne Williams’ 31st annual Christmas Treasures craft fair will feature thousands of unique gifts, jewelry, crafts and collectibles offered by vendors from throughout the state. The sale is held 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona.

Find cool weather and unique art, antiques and Christmas gifts at the annual Holiday House, 99-1949 Pukeawe Circle in Volcano. The house will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Dec. 7, 8. Proceeds will benefit Kona Community Hospital Auxiliary’s nursing scholarship fund. For information, call 938-9694.

Kailua Village Artists holds an All Member Artists Reception and Holiday Charity Tree Ornament Sale from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Kona Marketplace Gallery on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona. Meet the artists, enjoy pupus and entertainment. Sales of handmade ornaments on a decorated charity tree will benefit Friends of the Children of West Hawaii. For information, call 329-6653.

Saturday

Kona Music Society presents Handel’s “Messiah” at 7 p.m. Saturday at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea and at 5 p.m. Sunday at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona. Tickets may be purchased at konamusicsociety.org. The musicians will also present a free community concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Old Kona Airport Park pavilion.

Merchants in Hawi and Kapaau will celebrate Small Business Saturday and encourage residents to do their Christmas shopping locally at a street fair until 7 p.m. Saturday on the main road through the two communities. Shops, galleries, and restaurants will have sidewalk sales, live music and other roadside attractions. For information, visit visitnorthkohala.com or call the Living Arts Gallery 889-0739.

Honokaa Elementary Association will hold a craft, rummage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Honokaa School’s cafeteria. Proceeds will fund excursions and fun “extras” for the students. For information or donations, call Karen Kishimoto at 775-8820, extension 231.

Sunday

For 24 days starting Sunday, tenants of Kings’ Shops will hold drawing for gifts. Visit KingsShops.com to see participating stores and events.

Dec. 5

Parker School’s giant Norfolk Pine will be illuminated at Big Island Giving Tree lighting festivities from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5. This year’s theme, “Lucky 7” suggests donations in sevens, such as seven cans of spam, or seven packages of diapers. Dress warmly for this outdoor event and enjoy entertainment, hot cocoa, saimin and dinner selections. For information, call Rhonda Bell at 880-1984 or Nancy Carr Smith at 896-2239.

Dec. 6

For the 20th year, visitors to Mauna Lani Bay Hotel’s lobby will be delighted by Christmas trees decorated by area nonprofits. Starting Dec. 6, people can vote for their favorite tree for $1 per vote. On Dec. 19, the hotel will award cash prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 to the three organizations with the most votes. Donations will be split among all participating organizations. The trees will be on display through the holiday season.

The West Hawaii County Band will play songs of pure imagination and holiday celebration as part of its monthly series at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Hale Halawai on Alii Drive. Lawn chairs are welcome. The concert is free. For information, contact Lisa Archuletta at 961-8699 or email her at maestrolisa@yahoo.com.

Hilton Waikoloa Village kicks off the Christmas season with a tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the hotel’s main lobby. The event features carolers, a hula halau performance and a visit from Santa.

Dec. 7

Decorated trucks will dazzle crowds at Waimea’s famous Twilight Christmas Parade, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Church Row and ends at Waimea Town Park.

Those who like to make their own holiday decor will learn important skills at Waimea Outdoor Circle’s wreath making class from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Waimea Nature Park. All materials are included as well as coffee and cookies. Cost is $45 for a large wreath or $35 for a small one. A $5 discount is offered for all Waimea Outdoor Circle members. Reserve a spot in advance for this popular class. Call 443-4482 and leave a message or visit waimeaoutdoorcircle.org for information.

Kealakekua Ranch Center Association hosts its Paniolo Christmas Event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 on the upper level of the shopping center. On center stage will be Chrissy Kama Hula Studio, The Great Barusky, T&T Zumba and The Dancing Tree. Additional activities include a Hawaiian crafts fair, free photos with Santa, pony rides and a Jingle Bell singing contest for the tenants of Kealakekua Ranch Center. For information, call Kitty at 323-3188, ext. 22.

Find that one-of-a-kind gift at the Kona Potter’s guild holiday sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 at Society for Kona’s Education and Art between mile markers 105 and 106 on Mamalahoa Highway, south of Captain Cook. The guild uses a variety of clays and techniques — iridescent raku, porcelain underwater scenes, functional high fire and low fire stoneware. The studio will be open after the sale through December. Call 328-9665.

Holualoa Village holds its 17th annual Music &Light Festival Dec. 7. The festival begins at dusk with the lighting of the Village Christmas tree on the lawn of the old library, and includes Santa’s arrival, music by John Keawe and other artists, refreshments at art galleries and shops, and food vendors along Mamalahoa Highway. For information, email Gene Smith at islandbear12@gmail.com or visit holualoahawaii.com.

Get your photo taken with Santa — underwater — at Jack’s Diving Locker in Coconut Grove Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7. The free photos make fun holiday greetings from Hawaii and are available for download after the event. All children, adults and families are welcome. For information, call 329-7585 or visit jacksdivinglocker.com.

Live music will highlight a holiday bazaar from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Lutheran Church at the bottom of Lako Street in Kailua-Kona. Kids can participate in crafts and have their picture taken with Santa and handmade crafts will be sold. University of the Nations Dance Troupe will perform at 10 a.m. Call 329-5733 or email kklcht@me.com for more information.

Handcrafted Christmas gifts, baked goods, plants, sushi and a Secondhand Store Extraordinaire will highlight Waimea Seniors’ Christmas Bazaar 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 7. For information, call Pat Lewi at 885-4307.

Impress someone on your shopping list with the gift of art purchased at the Affordable Art Exhibit and Sale 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Firehouse Gallery. The event features pieces by local artists priced under $250.

More than 40 Christmas crafters will offer their products all day Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at Parker Ranch Center. To learn more, call Frank Zablan at 960-2548.

Waimea Rocks! is an upcountry Christmas fair featuring entertainment and crafts from more than 30 vendors and food from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Waimea Center. Hula, music and Taiko drumming is all offered free of charge. Donations to Big Island Giving Tree will be encouraged. For information, call Rhonda Bell at 880-1984, Nancy Carr Smith at 896-2239 or visit WaimeaTown.org.

Crafty Hands &Gifts, too, will feature locally made items by dozens of island artisans, food and lucky number drawings 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 7 at Thelma Parker Gym in Waimea. Food donations are suggested for Annunciation Pantry. Call Benita Salazar at 960-9944 for more information.

Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s handbell choir will perform at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Kings’ Shops center court stage.

Dec. 8

Waikoloa Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Waimea presents its 19th annual community Christmas festival at 6 p.m. Dec. 8. Several Hawaii Island choirs will share Christmas carols. The concert is free and all are invited. For information, call Katherine Kenney at 557-2079 or email k_kenny@yahoo.com.

Parker Ranch Center’s Big Island Giving Tree Celebration offers hula, keiki hip hop and music from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 8 at the shopping center’s Fireside Food Court. Donations to the Big Island Giving Tree will be accepted and pictures with Santa will be taken. Call Rhonda Bell at 880-1984 or Nancy Carr Smith 896-2239 for information.

Dec. 9

Kona Festivale Chorale presents its 26th annual Celebration of Christmas in Music at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Ballroom Dec. 9. The chorale will present “Christmas Is the Best Time of the Year,” a Paul Johnson production. Tickets may be purchased by calling 331-1115.

Dec. 12

All are invited to attend Kona Adventist Christian School’s annual Christmas Program at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12. The school is at 82-1013 Kinue Road in Captain Cook.

Dec. 13

Grace Community Church will present “Good Stuffs From Above,” a free, half-hour “moppet” musical with over 50 mop puppets. It humorously, yet sincerely, tells the story of the babe in the manger, and the purpose of his birth. The Grace Moppeteers will perform at 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Lanihau Center and at those same times Dec. 14 at Coconut Grove Marketplace. The performance will also be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 at Grace Community Church, 74-4889 Plain Road. For information, contact the church at 326-9580 or gracekona.org.

Dec. 14

Streets will be filled with cheer during Kailua-Kona’s annual Christmas parade starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at Kekuaokalani Gym and proceeding along Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona. For information, call Cliff Kopp at 345-2108.

Waimea Community Chorus will perform its 20th annual holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, and 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at Kahilu Theatre. The concert will showcase seasonal music, both classical and modern as well as lighthearted holiday melodies. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $10 for children. Discounts are available for early purchases at Waimea General Store and Without Boundaries. For information, call Miguel Bray at 938-3062 or the theatre office at 885-5818.

Families can enjoy a day of craft making, games, and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the 14th Annual WinterFest at Hale Halawai. The event will raise funds for Hawaii Montessori School’s Kona campus. A silent auction will feature dozens of items and services donated from community businesses. For information, visit hawaiimontessori.org or call 329-0700.

Join West Hawaii Dance Academy for an intimate, up-close-and-personal performance of “Nutcracker Sweets” Ballet at 1 p.m. Dec. 14 at the group’s dance studio at 74-5626 Alapa St., Bay 15. The Sugar Plum Fairy will serve tea and cookies after the performance, and academy instructors and staff will be available to answer questions and register new students. Admission is free, with donations accepted. For information, contact 329-8876 or visit whdt.org.

Christmas at the Fairmont will feature dining with the chefs at an elegant, ocean side gala to support the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association programs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14. The event also features entertainment and a live auction. An online fundraising auction is open to everyone at konakohala.org. That auction ends at the event. Event tickets are $85 online or $90 at the door. Call 895-1967 or visit konakohalachefs.org.

Ocean View Community Association is organizing a keiki Christmas party at 11 a.m. Dec. 14 with games, crafts and lunch for families. The association seeks donations of new and unwrapped toys and volunteers to wrap presents, decorate and help with food preparation. Call Fortune Otter at 345-8239 or the association office at 939-7033 for information, to volunteer or to donate.

Dec. 18

Santa will visit the Waimea Midweek Farmers Market from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 18. Bring a camera to capture photos of your keiki with Santa, or have market staff take one and email it to you.

Dec. 19

Amy Hanaialii will perform a Christmas concert at 7 p.m., Dec. 19 at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. Hanaialii is Hawaii’s top-selling female vocalist of all time. She will be joined by her full band including Grammy award-winning Jeff Peterson, Steve Jones, Darryl Pellegrini and hula dancer Kehau Nielson. Tickets range in price from $20 to $64, depending on seating. For information and tickets, visit kahilutheatre.org or call 885-6868.

Dec. 20

Chamber Orchestra of Kona gets electrified for the holidays at its Electric ‘Lite’ Orchestra Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Hale Halawai. Electric violins, violas and cellos will be highlighted in this performance of traditional holiday classics and fun, new holiday tunes. Admission is free.

Dec. 21

A holiday craft fair will be held at Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay’s convention center from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 21. Admission and parking is free. Call 326-4152 for more information.

The Ocean View Community Association will partner with Ka‘u School of the Arts to host a multitalented program with a band, chorus, hula, a piano concerto and more. The program is scheduled for 1 p.m. Dec. 21, at the Ocean View Community Center. For information, call 939-7033 or email ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

Dec. 24

Mokuaikaua Church observes Christmas with a candlelight service at 8 p.m. Dec. 24. All are welcome to celebrate Jesus’ birthday at Hawaii’s oldest Christian church, established in 1820. For information, call 329-0655 or email office@mokuaikaua.com.

Living Stones Church holds its Christmas Eve Celebration at 7 p.m. Dec. 24. The candlelight service will be held on the church’s oceanfront lawn at 76-6224 Alii Drive. For information, call 326-7720, email info@livingstones.us or visit livingstones.us.

A Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at Unity of Kona in Kona Center at 75-5722 Hanama Place. Live music with the Unity Choir and light refreshments will follow. For information, call 322-0885, or email unityofkona@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: Additional events may be planned that are not listed above.