The spirit of Kailua-Kona comes alive once again as the much-anticipated Kailua Kalikimaka returns to Historic Kailua Village on Sunday, December 13, 2026. This festive event, known as the Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll, promises an afternoon filled with local artisans, delicious food, vibrant music, and a bustling holiday atmosphere along the picturesque Aliʻi Drive.
"It's a celebration of community and culture, where the heart of Kailua-Kona beats strongest."
The Story of Kailua Kalikimaka
A Celebration Rooted in Community
The Historic Kailua Village Business Improvement District has confirmed that the Kailua Kalikimaka edition of its monthly Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll will take place on Sunday, December 13, 2026. This event transforms Aliʻi Drive into a pedestrian-friendly marketplace, offering a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and community spirit.
The Kailua Kalikimaka Holiday Concert, however, remains unconfirmed for 2026. While past editions have featured notable performers like Amy Hānaialiʻi, no official announcements have been made regarding the 2026 lineup or schedule.
- Confirmed: Kailua Kalikimaka / Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 1–6 p.m.
- Not yet confirmed: The standalone 2026 holiday-concert time, performer, and stage location.
- Past context only: A previous concert was held 4–5 p.m., at Emma’s Square, with Amy Hānaialiʻi. Do not assume this repeats in 2026.
A Holiday Stroll Along Aliʻi Drive
Experience the Heart of Kailua-Kona
Kōkua Kailua is one of Kailua-Kona’s most welcoming community events. On its scheduled Sundays, Aliʻi Drive closes to vehicle traffic from the pier and seawall area to Hualālai Road, creating a walkable route for families, visitors, artists, and local businesses.
The December 13, 2026 edition is the holiday version called Kailua Kalikimaka. This event is more than just a seasonal market; it’s a celebration of the local culture and community.
- Arrive with enough time to walk the full route before the busiest period.
- Browse artists’ work with care rather than rushing from booth to booth.
- Eat from a local vendor or visit a village restaurant.
- Listen for live music as part of the stroll, while checking the final concert notice separately.
- Keep the shoreline and public walkways clear for everyone enjoying the event.
Leashed dogs are welcome at Kōkua Kailua, according to the organiser. Even so, a holiday crowd can be overwhelming for some pets, so use good judgment and follow current event signage on December 13.
The Concert: What Is Known
Awaiting the Holiday Melodies
The holiday-concert tradition has a strong past connection to Amy Hānaialiʻi, described in event listings as Hawaiʻi’s top-selling female vocalist. A prior Kailua Kalikimaka programme featured her in a free concert from 4–5 p.m. at Emma’s Square.
As of September 29, 2026, neither the artist’s official show page nor the Historic Kailua Village concert page reviewed provides a 2026 confirmation.
- Past performer: Amy Hānaialiʻi.
- Past concert site: Emma’s Square.
- Past concert duration: 4–5 p.m.
- 2026 performer, site, and time: Not confirmed.
Why Kailua-Kona Feels Different
A Unique Blend of History and Culture
Kailua-Kona is the island’s historic west-coast town, where the sea, shops, restaurants, and public gathering places meet along Aliʻi Drive. During Kōkua Kailua, the road becomes a pedestrian promenade, giving visitors a chance to experience the village at a walking pace.
The event is also a reminder that Hawaiʻi Island is much more than a resort destination. Local artists, musicians, and food makers are the reason an event like Kailua Kalikimaka carries community energy.
Buy directly from makers when possible, ask about the story behind an item, and leave space for local residents who are using the event as their own gathering.
Holiday Music and Hawaiian Culture
A Melodic Celebration of Traditions
A Kailua Kalikimaka concert offers the possibility of hearing Christmas music through a Hawaiʻi lens. Songs may range from familiar seasonal standards to local favourites and Hawaiian-language selections, depending on the performer.
Hawaiian music is more than background sound. It carries language, family history, place, and feeling. If the final programme names a performer, take a moment to learn about their work before you arrive.
Other Holiday Events Nearby
Expand Your Kailua-Kona Holiday Experience
The confirmed December 13 village stroll could become one part of a Kona holiday weekend. KonaWeb’s 2026 calendar lists a separate Lighted Boat Parade in Kailua Bay as December TBA, following the Kailua Village Stroll.
Once the organiser confirms the final 2026 programme, visitors may be able to turn the day into a fuller evening. Until then, plan the 1–6 p.m. December 13 village stroll and treat everything else as optional.
Getting to Historic Kailua Village
Your Guide to a Seamless Arrival
The village stroll runs through central Kailua-Kona, and the organiser provides a business-district address at 75-5751 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. On event day, parts of Aliʻi Drive are closed to vehicles, so do not plan to drive straight to the pier.
For visitors flying in, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole is the west-side gateway. A same-day arrival can work only if your flight, baggage, and ground transport leave enough time for the 1 p.m. start.
- Water and sun protection for the early afternoon.
- Comfortable footwear for a long outdoor walk.
- A light layer for the evening by the bay.
- A reusable bag for purchases from local vendors.
- A charged phone, while remembering to stay present for the music.
Admission and Spending
Enjoying Kailua Kalikimaka on a Budget
The Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll is free to attend. The organiser’s 2026 schedule identifies the December 13 Kailua Kalikimaka gathering as part of the monthly public stroll.
Set aside a budget for food, crafts, local art, and transport. Vendor prices are set individually, and no standard shopping amount applies. If the later concert announcement includes reserved seating, special packages, or a related fundraiser, those terms would need to be checked separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is Kailua Kalikimaka 2026 in Kailua-Kona?
The Kailua Kalikimaka Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll is confirmed for Sunday, December 13, 2026, from 1–6 p.m.
Is the 2026 Kailua Kalikimaka Holiday Concert confirmed?
A holiday concert is listed as December TBA, 2026, but its exact date, performer, time, and venue are not yet confirmed.
Will Amy Hānaialiʻi perform in Kona in 2026?
Not yet confirmed. Amy Hānaialiʻi performed at a past Kailua Kalikimaka concert, but no current 2026 show announcement was found.
Where is the Kailua Kalikimaka event held?
The December 13 village stroll runs along Aliʻi Drive in Historic Kailua Village, between Kailua Pier and Hualālai Road. A past concert was staged at Emma’s Square, but that site is not confirmed for 2026.
Does Kailua Kalikimaka cost money?
The December 13 Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll is free. The separate 2026 concert’s admission policy has not been finalised.
Is the Lighted Boat Parade on December 13, 2026?
Not confirmed. The 2026 calendar lists it as December TBA. Verify the final date and time before planning around it.
Can I bring my dog to Kōkua Kailua?
The organiser allows leashed dogs at the village stroll. Consider your pet’s comfort in a holiday crowd.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event category: Free community holiday marketplace and live-entertainment gathering.
- Confirmed event: Kailua Kalikimaka / Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll 2026.
- Confirmed date: Sunday, December 13, 2026.
- Confirmed hours: 1–6 p.m.
- Location: Historic Kailua Village, Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island; road closure area extends from Kailua Pier/seawall to Hualālai Road.
- Admission: Free for the confirmed village stroll.
- Marketplace features: More than 100 vendor booths, local artisans, crafters, food, merchants, and live music.
- Kailua Kalikimaka Holiday Concert: Listed as December TBA, 2026; performer, date, time, and venue not confirmed.
- Amy Hānaialiʻi: Past holiday-concert performer at Emma’s Square, but her 2026 participation is not confirmed.
- Lighted Boat Parade and Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade: Listed separately as December TBA, 2026; not confirmed as part of the December 13 event.
- Organiser contact: Historic Kailua Village Business Improvement District, kailuavillage@gmail.com.
Keep Sunday, December 13, 2026, free for Historic Kailua Village. Walk Aliʻi Drive, meet Kona’s makers and musicians, and watch for the final holiday-concert announcement that could add one more memorable note to your Big Island Christmas.
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