SPOTLIGHT: KAUAI
12.1-29: Kauai Festival of Lights. Outside, Lihue’s historic county building twinkles with festive lights. Inside, a display charms clients with island-style decorations, from surfing Santas to a tree festooned with Spam cans. The free event happens every Friday through Sunday evening.
www.kauaifestivaloflights.com
HAWAII ISLAND
12.16: Jingle Bell Beach Run. Joggers of all fitness levels kick up their heels at this holiday sprint, the largest running contest in Kona. Friends and families don jolly outfits in hopes of snagging a best-costume award.
www.kona5k.com
12.29: Traditional Mochi Pounding. In tiny Wailea town, Akiko’s Buddhist Bed and Breakfast hosts this community gathering, a year-end ritual. Visitors take turns pounding sticky rice into mochi, with crafts, food vendors, Hawaiian entertainment and talk-story sessions.
www.akikosbnb.com
MAUI
12.1: Living Wreath Making. Hawaii’s rich soil and steadfast sunshine keep the environment flourishing all year long. At this workshop, clients learn about the destination’s native plants, make their own living wreath and discover the relationship between Maui’s land and people.
www.mnbg.org
12.1-2: Holiday Lighting of the Banyan Tree. Planted in 1873, Lahaina’smagnificent banyan spreads out across 1 acre by the sea. During this weekend, its branches brighten with thousands of radiant bulbs, as Hawaiian hula, carols and crafts please the crowds.
www.visitlahaina.com
OAHU
12.1-1.1: Honolulu City Lights. All month, Hawaii’s capital dazzles clients with cheerful displays. Locals love the opening night Electric Light Parade and free yuletide concert. Special events continue throughout the season, including exhibits of trimmed trees and garlands.
www.honolulucitylights.org
12.9: Honolulu Marathon. With breathtaking views of the ocean, beach and volcanic craters, clients get a runner’s high during Hawaii’s most famous footrace. Fans line the scenic 26.2-mile course, sharing their aloha with plenty of aid stations and applause.
www.honolulumarathon.org
