Activities

It seems as the island is in a very festive mood already this holiday season — and we do mean very; from traditional things to do to several events that are new, there are myriad ways to get into the holiday spirit during the upcoming week. Check them out now!

More than 60 lighted entries — including many festively decked out trucks and other big rigs — are set to parade through Waimea, lighting up the historic community for a holiday show like none other on the island.

It’s that time of year — an even more most wonderful time for everyone who enjoys hula and hālau that perform. Ticket request forms postmarked Dec. 1 or later are being accepted for the 2026 “Super Bowl of Hula.”

The 31st installment of the popular community event will once again feature an outstanding lineup of craft brews, culinary creations from local chefs, live entertainment and aloha, now under the leadership of Rotary Clubs of West Hawaiʻi.

Free Zoom event Dec. 12 will feature several officials discussing how to improve the state’s resilience and self-sufficiency.

‘Tis the week after Thanksgiving, when what to our wondering eyes should appear, but the arrival of Christmas and holiday events aplenty, from far and near.

Individual and team registration options available from Nov. 24 through Dec. 22 for Elementary (grades 3-5) and Intermediate (grades 6-8) groups. Season runs Jan. 26 through March 11, 2026.

The annual festival — now in its 33rd year — celebrates blossoming of the historic cherry trees planted in 1972 in Church Park Row, the festival’s headquarters. Fred Nonaka helped plant them and now at 89 years old, he’s still on pruning duty. Meanwhile, his wife Nancy Nonaka was the spark behind the many cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities offered each year at Kamuela Hongwanji Mission.

The holidays are officially upon us as we head into Thanksgiving week, and the top 10 definitely reflects the most wonderful time of the year, with several events celebrating Turkey Day 2025 and another holiday market. Be sure to check them out now!

Dr. Michael Aronowitz hosting Game Night with Lasting Benefits this weekend that will teach participants some of the skills and tools needed to sustain any kind of connection.

Employees donate rice for local food banks; holiday recipe contest celebrates cooking with local ingredients

We’ve said it before and will likely say it again, but when you read the headline on this week’s Top 10 things to do on the Big Island and don’t think diverse, unique or even a little quirky, maybe even a “Huh?”, we’d really like to know where you live.

Latest in nonprofit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center’s training series will discuss the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality assessment, how to enhance the performance of team members and leaders as well as better use your own and others’ motivations and strengths.

Put on by Hawai‘i County’s Parks and Recreation Department, practice for the North Hawai‘i Novice Girls Division Basketball season starts Jan. 5 with games slated for Feb. 3 to March 12.

Parents and guardians can begin registering keiki for Hawaiʻi County’s 2025 Winter Fun Program on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

PARENTS Inc. and its donors brought holiday joy to more than 90 children during 2024, providing gifts, essentials and a renewed sense of hope. The organization’s goal this year is to reach up to 200 keiki, offering them a warm and memorable Christmas.

The 18th Hawaiʻi Island Veteran’s Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday in downtown Hilo.

There will be tree giveaways, plantings and educational activities happening this month throughout the state — each also highlighting Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green’s formal proclamation of 2025 as Year of Our Community Forests.

The Spooky Season is behind us, Big Island, which means it’s beg … Oh. Nope. Not going there yet. Get those bodies up and going, friends and neighbors. Let’s enjoy as much as we can with as many loved ones as possible to make as many special memories our own brains can hold. Check out the top things to do now!

Ray Chickao Kunitake, 88, will be the Grand Marshal for the Lantern Parade that kicks off the 10 days of festivities.