Why To Visit Kona for the Holidays
It doesn’t take much arm twisting to talk someone into visiting Hawaiʻi, but the winter holidays are an especially nice time in paradise. While most people on the Mainland are digging out snow boots and shovels and heading to the mall for holiday shopping, why not give yourself and your family the gift of a Hawaiian vacation? Head to Kona on the Big Island (aka Hawaiʻi Island), where the daily temperature averages a perfect 82 degrees. If lounging on the beach with a Mai Tai sounds like your kind of holiday magic, here are a few more reasons to consider celebrating winter festivities in the land of aloha.
A White Christmas
In many Mainland states, getting snow on Christmas is a hit or miss experience. Unless you live in the Rocky Mountains, one of the northern states…or Hawaiʻi. Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaiʻi soars a whopping 13,802 feet above sea level and boasts a white capped peak every winter. I`f you fear missing out on a snowball fight on Christmas Day, never fear. A drive up to Mauna Kea and you’ll be building a snowman in no time. However, you may need to pack a coat and mittens for this adventure!
Christmas Palm Trees
Locals love to get into the Christmas spirit by decorating palm trees with colorful twinkle lights, orchids and other exotic blooms. The beautifully lit palm trees sway gently in the ocean breezes so you won’t forget Santa’s impending arrival. And yes, Santa does visit the islands. Yet instead of a sleigh, he arrives on an outrigger canoe wearing an aloha shirt.
Whale Watching
Every year from December to May, visitors have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the majestic kohalā, or humpback whale. Thousands of these gentle giants make a pilgrimage to Hawaiʻi Island from the Gulf of Alaska every year to give birth to their young in the warm tropical waters. Being privy to witnessing a breach one of these 40-foot long, 40 ton marine animals is a highlight for those lucky enough to have this experience. Body Glove Cruises offer daily whale watching tours with our knowledgeable naturalist on board. What better way to say “Happy Holidays” than a whale watching tour!
Sandy Toes and Swimsuits
Christmas in Hawaiʻi is beautiful and festive. Although you may not be defrosting your toes in front of a fireplace, Kona boasts all the traditional trimmings of the magic of Christmas, just at a slower pace. Beautiful light displays and holiday parades fill shop windows and streets. Hawaiian Christmas music floats through the air and you never need to be concerned about poor weather ruining your plans. Leave your winter coat behind, pack your bikini and head to Kona to build a sand snowman. There’s nothing better than spending the holidays in a relaxed and beautiful atmosphere with those you love the most. Mele Kalikimaka and Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!