Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Dec. 1-4: Unique holiday shopping opportunities, Hawaiian Christmas Nights, Santa Paws, Christmas Corners and more

Phew! The holidays are in full swing, so apologies for the delay.

Between the hustle and bustle leading up to Turkey Day, food coma and dinner aftermath we’re sure you’re all familiar with as well as a holiday weekend full of continued festivities with family and friends we haven’t seen for awhile, we’re sure you know it’s been more than busy.

But we’re back! And the Big Island, as always, has plenty to do now that we all might have a little more free time after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

There are several events happening today, including a meet-and-greet with Santa Paws himself at Rock Star Pet Supplies & Gifts in Kailua-Kona that is a benefit for the Paws Across Waters Hawai’i – Pawhi program of Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary.

It’s also the final day for the Holiday Craft Festival at Hilton Waikōloa Village, featuring handmade creations from 40-plus local crafters and artisans, that also gives back to local charities and communities.

And don’t miss the 38th annual Volcano Village Artists Hui Studio Tour and Sale in Volcano. Today is the last chance to tour some of the best art studios and galleries on the island and grab a one-of-a-kind holiday gift for a loved one, or even yourself.

Volcano Cat Sanctuary is hosting an adoption event today in Hilo for anyone looking to bring home a furbaby for the holidays. The Waimea Community Chorus also invites everyone to enjoy the season of “Peace, Light & Love” today during its 30th winter concert.

Plus, there’s an entire World of Magic happening at the historic Palace Theater in downtown Hilo this afternoon presented by Hilo Elks Lodge 759 and featuring world-class entertainer and elite magician David Kuraya from Maui as well as Puna Taiko.

Coming up later this week is a special Christmas Corners event Monday at Hilo High School, featuring festive holiday decorations and performance by students, and Hawaiian Christmas Nights tour stop with Zeo Worship at New Hope Hilo, including favorite Christmas classics and worship songs in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).

There’s all that and more happening just within the next 4 days! Are you ready for a holiday season packed with events and festive fun? We are.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Dec. 1-4.

(P.S.: The top 10 will be back on its regular Thursday later this week.)

No. 1 — Santa Paws (Kailua-Kona, Dec. 1)

When: Until 3 p.m.

Location: Rock Star Pet Supplies & Gifts, Kona Coast Shopping Center, Suite 20, 74-5586 Palani Raod

Rock Star Pet Supplies & Gifts has a bunch of festive activities happening this holiday season, and December kicks off with the one and only Santa Paws visiting the shop!

Come and get your very own Polaroid picture with Santa Paws and take as many photos of your own as you like during a special meet-and-greet, all for a donation of just $10. Funds raised from the event will benefit the Paws Across Water Hawai’i-Pawhi program of Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary.

For more information, call the store at 808-347-5333.

No. 2 — Holiday Craft Festival (Waikōloa, Dec. 1)

When: Until 4 p.m.

Location: Hilton Waikōloa Village, Waikōloa Convention Center, 69-425 Waikōloa Beach Drive

There’s only one day left to get a head start on your holiday shopping at this one-of-a-kind event showcasing handmade creations from more than 40 talented local crafters and artisans while supporting local charities and organizations.

The unique one-stop-shop celebrates local small businesses and provides crucial support to the Big Island, with proceeds benefiting on-island charities and local communities through Hilton Waikoloa Village’s charity committee.

The event is free and open to the public, with free parking included.

No. 3 — 38th annual Volcano Village Artists Hui Studio Tour and Sale (Volcano, Dec. 1)

When: Until 4 p.m.

Location: 5 studio and gallery sites throughout Volcano

Don’t miss your chance to take a tour of some of the best art studios and galleries on the Big Island to see work created by 15 of the most inspired artists around — and grab one of their pieces for a loved one, or even yourself, as a unique holiday gift.

Today is the final day to meet and talk story with nine Hui artists and six guest artists in five different studios and galleries in Volcano Village. Offerings include a variety of media including raku pottery, handmade jewelry, wood and metal sculpture, blown and fused glass, fiber arts, paintings, prints and more.

A special drawing for artwork contributed by each of the artists is planned at the end of the sale. Maps to the studios and galleries are available online.

No. 4 — Kitten Adoption Event (Hilo, Dec. 1)

When: Until 2 p.m.

Location: Pau Hana Counseling office, 224 Kamehameha Ave., Suite 202

He sees you when you’re watching those mischievous kitten videos online. He knows when you’re liking sleeping kitten reels on Instagram. Santa even knows if you’ve been asking should you get one of your own or not. So you better just come cuddle with a few furballs, for goodness’ sake.

Come meet all of the sweet rescue babies that are guaranteed to steal your heart — and make a perfect holiday addition to your home. Volcano Cat Sanctuary will have bunches of cute and adorable kittens available for adoption and pre-adoption during the event.

The sanctuary will host another adoption event from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Pau Hana Counseling office and an additional event from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at Kohala Coffee Co. at Puna Kai Shopping Center in Pāhoa.

For more information about adopting a kitten or future adoption events, call Volcano Cat Sanctuary at 808-345-7561 or email to intakes@volcanocatsanctuary.org.

No. 5 — Waimea Community Chorus 30th Winter Concert: “Peace, Light & Love” (Waimea, Dec. 1)

When: 2 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Kick off the holidays with this celebration of music and community reflecting harmony and togetherness.

The concert offers a thoughtful and uplifting selection of music performed by more than 50 voices and spanning genres from the classical beauty of Mozart and Haydn to the soulful sounds of gospel and spirituals. There also will be holiday favorites along with at least one beloved pop classic as part of the varied and engaging repertoire.

Visit the Kahilu Theatre website to purchase tickets, which are $35 for adults, $15 for keiki.

No. 6 — World of Magic Show (Hilo, Dec. 1)

When: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

David Kuraya doesn’t need a box or wand to amaze audiences with magical delights. The master of sleight-of-hand magic and world-class entertainer, recognized as an elite magician, creates a personal connection with people watching through a collective energy and teamwork, transforming the event into a unique and bonding experience that resonates long after the final applause.

Kuraya, who regularly performed at the renowned Warren & Annabelle’s Magic Nightclub formerly in Lahaina, Maui, will amaze the audience with original, clean and crafted routines as part of this annual event presented by Hilo Elks Lodge 759.

Big Island’s own Puna Taiko will also perform, Big Island Elks occupational therapist Chrystalyn Naccarato will share information about the free services available for keiki in need and rounding up the event will be Santa himself stopping by to share some cheer — and presents.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

No. 7 — Christmas Corners (Hilo, Dec. 2)

When: 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Hilo High School, 556 Waiānuenue Ave.

The community is invited to visit the high school patio and surrounding areas that have been decked in full holiday style with deorations created by students and featuring performances also by students.

Hilo High clubs and classes prepared decorated booths with games, activities and prizes galore. There also will be plenty of food concessions, as well as Teapresso, with cookies and hot chocolate available, too. And be sure to take pictures with Santa!

The students hope to see everyone there to celebrate and spread the Christmas cheer.

No. 8 — From Near Death to New Purpose: An Evening with RoyalKye Aurelius Funk (Kapa‘au, Dec. 3)

When: 2:30 p.m.

Location: North Kohala Public Library, 54-3645 ʻAkoni Pule Highway

Surviving a near-fatal crash reshaped RoyalKye Aurelius Funk’s life. He was given a second chance, which led to him helping others find strength, purpose and faith in their own journeys in life. Funk invites the community to hear his story and meet him during this exclusive book-signing and meet-and-greet event.

It will be an evening of unforgettable inspiration, transformation and faith as Funk reads from his new book “The Miracle Man: Empowerment Practices, A meditation & More” and those who attend hear his story in person and connect directly during a question-and-answer session.

Seeking resilience? Exploring the miracles of life? Just want to be uplifted? No matter the case. This event is for anyone who wants to come together and embrace tranformation and growth. Learn more online.

No. 9 — Hawaiian Christmas Nights with Zeo Worship (Hilo, Dec. 4)

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: New Hope Hilo, 840 Kupulau Road

Imua Garza, Tiffa Garza, Kamu Sing and Tiffany Thurston are Zeo Worship. They are excited to bring the spirit of Christmas to Hawaiʻi Nei. It will be a holiday night to remember as the group fervent in spirit boils over with praise and love for Jesus.

What better way to celebrate the season of Christ’s birth than with a joyful night of stories, songs and worship. Enjoy your favorite Christmas classics and worship songs in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) as the group shares the beauty of Christmas and the reason for the season together.

Dinner will be available for purchase from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Food trucks will also be on-site. For more information, call New Hope Hilo at 808-959-7700 or visit the church website.

No. 10 — Jingle Bell 5K Beer Run (Dec. 7, Kohala Coast; Registration ends Dec. 4)

When: 10 a.m. Saturday

Location: The Shops at Mauna Lani, 68-1330 Mauna Lani Drive

“It’s the most wonderful time … for a beer!” We won’t argue with what this event’s website says at all. Especially when it’s about coming together during the holidays to give back to the community.

All walkers, runners and joggers — even strollers, with care and caution — are welcome to participate in this fun run. You must have a valid ID, but you don’t have to be 21 years old to enjoy the event. Only if you plan to enjoy the beer. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including special prizes for the top 3 finishers in the chugtastic Beer Division. There’s also a prize drawing.

All proceeds go toward People for Active Transportation Hawai‘i, a community-based nonprofit public access organization serving Hawai’i County that champions and educates the public about safe, accessible and active transportation opportunities around the Big Island.

Early packet pickup is from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Island Hopper Taproom. Race Day packet pickup is 8 to 9:30 a.m. All participants receive one free post-race beer on tap from Island Hopper Taproom and access to the post-race Holiday Market with music, food, local vendors, keiki activities and holiday costume contest.

So don your most festive attire and come get your jingle on! Cost to participate is $40. Must be 21 or older to participate in the 5K Beer Division. Click here to register by the 10 p.m. Dec. 4 deadline. For additional details, visit the Jingle Bell 5K Run website.

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Want to check for yourself what’s going on around the island?

We admit. We can’t fit everything going on each week in our top 10. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover other events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops that pique your interest.

• Aloha Theatre, Kealakekua: https://apachawaii.org/
• Blue Dragon Tavern, Kawaihae: https://www.bluedragontavern.com/
• Donkey Mill Art Center, Hōlualoa: https://donkeymillartcenter.org/
• East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Hilo: https://ehcc.org/
• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
• Hilo Town Market, Hilo: https://hilotownmarket.co/events
• Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo (on Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041333509786
• Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, Honoka‘a: https://www.honokaapeople.com/
• Kahilu Theatre, Waimea: https://kahilu.org/
• Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona: https://keauhoushoppingcenter.com/experience/
• Kona Commons, Kailua-Kona: https://www.konacommons.com/events
• Lava Shack, Pāhoa (on Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/lavashackpahoa/?hl=en
• Lyman Museum, Hilo: https://lymanmuseum.org/
• MyBar Kona, Kailua-Kona: https://www.mybarkona.com/
• Palace Theater, Hilo: https://hilopalace.com/
• University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center, Hilo: https://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/
• Volcano Art Center, Volcano: https://volcanoartcenter.org/
• Wailoa Center, Hilo: https://www.wailoacenter.com/
• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/