Top 20 things to do on Big Island: Grammy winner Kalani Pe‘a live, Jingle Bell Beach Run, Celtic Christmas, tribute to The Beatles and much more

There’s less than 2 weeks until Christmas and still plenty of holiday cheer to be had around the Big Island.

There’s the 16th Jingle Bell Beach Run in Kona, Grammy winner Kalani Pe‘a is performing a Christmas concert in Waimea, keiki entrepreneurs are selling their wares during a special holiday market in Hilo, you can experience a Celtic Christmas in Waikōloa and there are even workshops to make your own wreath and for keiki to make a jolly holiday delivery truck toy.

That’s just to name a few.

There are also plenty of non-holiday activities and events, including Coffee Talk at the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit in Kaʻū during which you can learn about the koa and sandalwood forests of the Big Island, a tribute to The Beatles by the Hilo Jazz Orchestra, the Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Festival at Mauna Lani resort and more.

Here are our top 20 things to do on the Big Island for the week of Dec. 14-20.

No. 1 — Kalani Pe‘a: Purple Hawaiian Christmas (Waimea, Dec. 15)

The three-time Grammy winner and four-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singer, songwriter and producer of Hawaiian contemporary and soul music returns to the Kahilu Theatre, located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, for this special holiday concert that will also feature special guests Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners Lorna Lim and Wailau Ryder as well as hula performances.

The concert, which also will celebrate the release of Pe‘a’s latest holiday album “Purple Hawaiian Christmas,” begins at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased in advance online.

No. 2 — Coffee Talk: The Koa and Sandalwood Forests of Hawai‘i Nei (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kahuku Unit, Dec. 16)

Come to the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in the park’s Kahuku Unit, located near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, and learn about the sustainable management of the majestic acacia koa and almost harvested to extinction ʻiliʻahi (sandalwood).

J.B. Friday, extension forester for the University of Hawaiʻi, will share his knowledge about these two incredibly important trees in the Hawaiian forest from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Free to attend.

No. 3 — 16th Jingle Bell Beach Run (Kailua-Kona, Dec. 17)

After a 3-year hiatus, this annual Christmas-themed family fun run returns, starting and finishing at Coconut Grove Marketplace, located at 75-5809 Ali‘i Drive.

The hundreds of creative holiday costumes participants wear make this event unique — it’s an incredible parade of holiday fun. Plus, awards are presented for the top three best-dressed Christmas costumes. And if you’re not a fast runner and your costume was junk, you still have a great chance to win one of the dozens of raffle prizes.

There also is Santa’s Keiki Dash for children 6 and younger. Both start at 7:30 a.m. For more information, click here.

No. 4 — Holiday Keiki Market (Hilo, Dec. 17)

Come support keiki entrepreneurs, the future of Hawai‘i, who will be providing and selling their own special products and activities as they learn business and life skills during this special market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gam3Escape, located at 57 Shipman St.

It will be a great chance to purchase some holiday gifts while supporting Hawai‘i’s future. There also will be a lucky number drawing for all who attend. A list of vendors and products is available at the store. Free to attend.

No. 5 — Holiday Concert with Lito Arkangel (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Dec. 20)

This local musician, entertainer and educator returns to the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium for a magical seasonal concert featuring holiday music and local favorites.

Born and raised in Hilo and Puna, Arkangel grew up loving music and sitting next to his grandmother while she played piano for their church. As an adult, his music career took off, with two albums nominated for Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

The concert from 7 to 8 p.m. is part of the park’s Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian music) concert series. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free to attend, but park entrance fees apply.

No. 6 — Holiday Pop-up Edition of Big Island Art Fair (Waikōloa, Dec. 15-17)

Come talk story with 30-plus Big Island artists during this special pop-up event from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 15-17 at Kings’ Shops, located at 250 Waikōloa Beach Drive.

A wide range of subjects and styles will be represented, including mixed media art, art photography, oil painting, watercolors and soft pastels. More contemporary forms such as graffiti-style art, acrylic paintings and lino prints are also part of the exhibition, as are 3-D works in stone carving, ceramics, palm weaving and gourd carving.

You’ll also be able to vote in the art contest, which challenges artists to express “The Hawai‘i Experience.” Winners will be announced and cash prizes awarded Sunday night.

The event is free to attend. For more information, click here, find the art fair on Facebook or email to contact@bigislandartfair.com.

No. 7 — Tribute to The Beatles Abbey Road (Hilo, Dec. 14)

The Hilo Jazz Orchestra is paying tribute to The Beatles with this live concert beginning at 7 p.m. at the historic Palace Theater, located at 38 Haili Street.

Tickets are $10 for students, $20 general admission or $30 for priority orchestra seating and can be purchased in advance online. Prices are $5 more the day of the show.

Doors, box office and concessions will open 1 hour prior to the show.

No. 8 — Christmas Wreath Workshop (Hilo, Dec. 16)

Still need a wreath to liven up your home for the holidays? Why not make your own?

Naʻauao Vivas will lead this free workshop starting at 10 a.m. at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, located at 76 Kamehameha Ave. Participants need to bring their own foliage to use for their wreaths. Wreath backings, pins and light refreshments will be provided.

Space is limited. Sign up today online.

No. 9 — A Jream Christmas with Josh Tatofi & Friends (Hilo, Dec. 14-15)

Gather at The Crown Room, located at the Grand Naniloa Hotel at 93 Banyan Drive, for this local Hawaiian-style lineup, brought together for you and your loved ones in the spirit of Christmas. The holiday shows from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. each night will feature Tatofi as well as friends Kalena Ku and Mark Yamanaka.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $79. Get yours online in advance before they’re gone.

No. 10 — Center Stage Winter Showcase and Fundraiser (Hilo, Dec. 16-17)

Join Center Stage Dance Alliance for a weekend of live performances and holiday cheer at the historic Palace Theater, located at 38 Haili St.

The keiki classes will take the stage at 3 p.m. Saturday followed by fundraiser festivities in the theater’s lobby from 3:30 to 5 p.m., including a silent auction, bake sale, live music, face painting and other fun kids’ activities.

Performances featuring older classes showcasing styles in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and breakdancing will be at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

Doors, box office and concessions open at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets for the keiki show are $9 general admission or $12 for priority orchestra seating. Tickets for the other two performances are $20 general admission or $25 for priority orchestra seating. Lap keiki are free for all shows.

Purchase your tickets in advance online.

No. 11 — “Brave Mrs. Sato” Author and Illustrator Event (Hilo, Dec. 16)

Meet Lori Matsukawa and Tammy Yee at 10:30 a.m. at Basically Books, located at 334 Kīlauea Ave., and hear them talk about their new book “Brave Mrs. Sato.”

In a little Hawaiian house with a mango tree, Cathy and her babysitter Mrs. Sato spend their afternoons arranging flowers, cooking and having adventures. When Cathy has to move away, Mrs. Sato comforts her by sharing her own story of immigrating from Japan to Hawai‘i.

Matsukawa’s debut children’s book shows readers how heritage, food, traditions and stories can help them feel at home wherever they are. Free to attend.

No. 12 — Holiday Beach Walk Painting Workshop (Kailua-Kona, Dec. 15)

Create your own holiday decoration painting and bring your friends to create some holiday magic and cheer during this workshop from 4 to 7 p.m. at Olivia Clare Boutique, located at Bay 5 at 74-5606 Pawai Place.

Bring your own pupus and cocktails or drinks of your choice to enjoy. This painting class teaches shapes of shells and how to create a natural-looking beach, with ribbons adding a holiday touch or do your painting without them to display it all year.

Cost to attend is $65. Register online.

No. 13 — Taste of Puna Party (Kea‘au, Dec. 16)

Come from 2 to 9 p.m. at 15-1906 3rd Ave. to check out all the crafts, food and music as part of the Taste of Puna Artisan Market’s event space grand opening. Vendors will include Seafaring Gypsy, Rad Hatter, Kristen’s Rawsome Kitchen, Nova1, Danie With Crystals, Old Growth Organics, Crystal Matrix Art, Focus Photo, Bear Song Studios and many more.

Bring your own lawn chair. 

For more information about Taste of Puna, click here. For more information, call 808-865-6097 or email to tasteofpuna@gmail.com. To download the invite image, which is necessary to attend, visit the event’s Facebook page.

No. 14 — Kamehameha Schools Alumni Founder’s Day Ceremony (Kea‘au, Dec. 19)

The Big Island is invited at 6 p.m. to the William Charles Lunalilo Center at Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i Campus, located at 16-174 Volcano Road, for this special ceremony celebrating the birth of Kamehameha Schools founder Ke Ali‘i Pauahi.

Alumni will join the event that will include mele, oli, ha‘i ‘ōlelo and hula on this special day of remembrance.

For more information, check out the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association East Hawai‘i Region Instagram page.

No. 15 — Celtic Christmas (Waikōloa, Dec. 15)

This show will feature the Hawai’i Irish Dance group from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Coronation Pavilion at Queens’ Marketplace, located at, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive.

Hawai’i Irish Dance is comprised of a diverse group of professionals, students and friends brought together by a love of dance, music and Irish culture.

Don’t miss this special Celtic holiday experience. Free to attend.

No. 16 — Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Festival (Kohala, Dec. 14-17)

An influential instrument conceived in Hawai’i, the steel guitar transformed the sounds of modern country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Honor the origins of Hawai‘i’s indigenous instruments during this music festival at Mauna Lani resort, located at 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive.

The festival will feature interactive workshops, vintage steel guitar exhibits, live music and more.

Music and events are planned for noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, with Twilight at Kalāhuipua‘a in the Eva Parker Woods Cottage at 5 p.m. that day. The festival is free to attend.

For more information, including a full lineup, click here.

No. 17 — The Nutcracker Ballet (Kailua-Kona, Dec. 16)

West Hawai’i Dance Theater & Academy presents this abbreviated version of the classic and beloved tale from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at Hawai’i Keiki Museum, located at 74-5533 Luhia St.

Journey into the enchanting realm of dance, music and holiday magic through this live performance. Experience the timeless tale of Clara and her Nutcracker prince. All ages welcome.

Free with normal museum admission.

No. 18 — “Seasons” (Kealakekua, Dec. 16)

Kona Dance & Performing Arts, located at 81-981 Halekii St., is hosting its first intimate evening benefit gala at 6:30 p.m. Come for an elegant evening in the studio, redecorated and set up for maximum atmospheric enjoyment.

Dress up a bit for this upscale event complete with available pupus and drinks. The “Seasons” theme is literal and metaphorical. Enjoy food, drinks, performances and a silent auction. Come ready to be moved.

Tickets are $50. Purchase your tickets in advance online.

No. 19 — Kids DIY-U Workshop: Holiday Delivery Truck (Kailua-Kona, Dec. 16)

Calling all little elves! Bring your mini do-it-yourselfer to Lowe’s Home Improvement, located at 75-5677 Hale Kapili St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for one of these workshops hosted by a Red Vest expert.

Kids will love hand-crafting this unique holiday delivery truck toy that also makes a memorable gift. It’s also a gift card holder.

Reserve your spot now online. Walk-ins also will be available beginning at 1 p.m. on the day of the workshop.

No. 20 — Reserve your spot now for Christmas Day Buffet (Kailua-Kona, Dec. 25)

Have you been busy this holiday season? Looking for a break and thinking it would be nice for someone else to do the cooking on Christmas Day? How about spending part of Christmas Day at a nice resort with beach access?

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort, located at 75-5660 Palani Road, has you covered.

The resort is hosting an all-you-can-eat holiday feast. Come and enjoy a a cornucopia of flavors and dishes from 5 to 8 p.m., including a cold station featuring chopped island greens, “local style” potato salad, spicy poke and more; a hot station with ginger-black bean crab, pan-roasted chicken, pork vinha d’allhos, “Chinese style” steamed island catch and more; a pasta station where you can build your own pasta creations; and desserts featuring a selection of the chef’s sweet treats.

Cost is $85 per person. Call 808-329-2911 to reserve your spot today.