The Waikoloa Christmas Parade and Keiki Fest transforms the charming master-planned community of Waikoloa Village into a festive wonderland on Saturday, December 13, 2025, combining the magic of Christmas with authentic Hawaiian hospitality and community spirit. This beloved annual tradition, hosted by the Waikoloa Lions Club in partnership with the Waikoloa Village Association, begins with a colorful parade at 10:00 AM followed by the Keiki Fest from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Waikoloa School Plex, offering families an unforgettable day of holiday celebration in one of the Big Island's most picturesque residential communities.
Event overview and community significance
The Waikoloa Christmas Parade and Keiki Fest represents the heart of community celebration in this unique Big Island village located on the western slopes of Mauna Kea. What started as a small neighborhood gathering has evolved into one of the most anticipated holiday events on the Big Island, drawing families from across the island to experience authentic small-town Christmas magic with a distinctly Hawaiian flavor. The event perfectly embodies the aloha spirit through its emphasis on community participation, family fun, and giving back during the holiday season.
The celebration serves multiple community purposes beyond entertainment, functioning as a major charitable fundraiser for local causes while strengthening bonds among Waikoloa Village residents and visitors. The Lions Club's involvement ensures that the event maintains its service-oriented mission, with proceeds supporting vision screening programs, youth activities, and community improvement projects throughout the year.
Parade details and route
The Christmas parade kicks off at 10:00 AM sharp, beginning at the Skate Park on Paniolo Road and proceeding along Paniolo Road from Laie Street to the Waikoloa School intersection. This scenic route through the heart of Waikoloa Village showcases the community's distinctive architecture and manicured landscapes while providing excellent viewing opportunities for spectators along the entire path. The parade route will be closed to traffic from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM to ensure safety for participants and spectators alike.
The parade typically features dozens of entries representing local businesses, community organizations, schools, clubs, and families who create elaborate floats, decorated vehicles, and walking groups that embody the Christmas spirit. Participants compete for prizes in categories including best decorated float and best decorated keiki bike, adding a friendly competitive element that encourages creativity and community involvement.
Keiki Fest activities and entertainment
Following the parade, the celebration continues with the Keiki Fest at the Waikoloa School Plex from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, transforming the school complex into a holiday playground designed specifically for children and families. This free festival features an impressive array of activities including interactive games with prizes, craft booths where children can create holiday decorations, and various entertainment options suitable for all ages.
One of the festival's most popular attractions is the opportunity for children to have their photos taken with Santa Claus, who makes a special appearance to spread holiday cheer and listen to Christmas wishes. The Hawaii Police Department enhances the community service aspect by operating a free Keiki ID booth during the festival, providing an important safety service for families while adding to the day's activities.
Special competitions and prizes
The 2025 event continues beloved traditions including the doggie parade, which allows families to showcase their decorated pets in a fun competition that adds unique charm to the celebration. This pet-friendly element reflects the community-oriented nature of Waikoloa Village and provides entertainment for animal lovers of all ages.
The decorated keiki bike contest encourages children to transform their bicycles into rolling works of holiday art, with prizes awarded for creativity and festive spirit. Additionally, the festival features drawings for exciting prizes including bicycles and skateboards, ensuring that the giving spirit of Christmas extends throughout the event with opportunities for children to receive special gifts.
Food and vendor opportunities
The Keiki Fest incorporates local food vendors offering a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. These food booths typically feature both traditional American festival fare and local Hawaiian specialties, creating opportunities for visitors to experience authentic island flavors while enjoying the festivities. The combination of food vendors and craft booths creates a mini-marketplace atmosphere that supports local businesses and artisans.
Vendor participation is carefully coordinated through the organizing committee, with interested food vendors and crafters encouraged to contact Lion Sue McCord-Sorbets at 883-989-0215 for registration information. This organized approach ensures quality offerings while maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that defines the event.
Community involvement and volunteer opportunities
The success of the Waikoloa Christmas Parade and Keiki Fest depends entirely on community involvement, from parade participants to festival volunteers. Local businesses, community groups, families, and individuals are all encouraged to participate either by entering the parade or volunteering during the festival. This grassroots approach creates a genuine community celebration where neighbors come together to create magic for children and families.
Organizations and individuals interested in participating in the 2025 parade can register by contacting the organizing committee well in advance of the event date. The inclusive nature of the celebration welcomes creative interpretations of Christmas themes while maintaining family-appropriate content that reflects the values of the Waikoloa Village community.
Waikoloa Village setting and atmosphere
Waikoloa Village provides an ideal setting for this intimate holiday celebration, offering a master-planned community environment that combines suburban convenience with rural Big Island charm. Located on the western slopes of Mauna Kea at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, the village enjoys cooler temperatures than coastal areas while maintaining easy access to major Big Island attractions and amenities.
The community's well-maintained streets, sidewalks, and public spaces create a safe and welcoming environment for families attending the parade and festival. The village's distinctive architecture and landscaping provide an attractive backdrop for parade photography and create a sense of place that distinguishes this celebration from larger, more commercial holiday events.
Family-friendly scheduling and accessibility
The event's timing from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM makes it particularly suitable for families with young children, allowing participation during optimal energy hours while leaving the remainder of the day available for other activities. The compact timeframe also makes it practical for visitors traveling from other parts of the Big Island to attend while exploring additional attractions in the area.
The Waikoloa School Plex venue provides accessibility features including paved surfaces, restroom facilities, and adequate parking for attendees. The school setting also creates a safe, contained environment for children to enjoy games and activities while parents can relax and socialize with other families.
Cultural significance and Hawaiian elements
While celebrating the traditional Christmas holiday, the Waikoloa event incorporates subtle Hawaiian cultural elements that reflect the islands' unique approach to holiday celebrations. The combination of mainland Christmas traditions with local hospitality creates an authentically Hawaiian Christmas experience that appeals to both residents and visitors seeking something special during their Big Island stay.
The community's diverse population often brings multicultural elements to parade entries and festival activities, creating a celebration that reflects the modern Hawaiian experience while maintaining respect for traditional holiday themes. This cultural blend demonstrates how contemporary Hawaii successfully integrates various traditions into unified community celebrations.
Transportation and parking
Waikoloa Village's location along Highway 190 provides convenient access from all parts of the Big Island, with clear signage directing visitors to the village center and school complex. Adequate parking is typically available at the school and surrounding areas, though arriving early ensures the most convenient parking spots and optimal parade viewing locations.
For visitors staying at nearby resorts such as the Hilton Waikoloa Village or Mauna Lani, the short drive to Waikoloa Village offers an opportunity to experience a different side of Big Island life while participating in an authentic community celebration. The village's walkable layout makes it easy to move between parade viewing areas and festival activities.
Weather and comfort considerations
December weather in Waikoloa Village typically features pleasant temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, making it comfortable for outdoor activities throughout the day. The higher elevation provides relief from coastal humidity while maintaining the warm, sunny conditions that make outdoor celebrations enjoyable for all ages.
Visitors should bring sun protection including hats and sunscreen for the outdoor parade and festival activities, while also considering light layers for comfort as temperatures may vary throughout the day. The combination of open areas and covered spaces at the school complex provides options for different comfort preferences.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 13, 2025, and plan to experience the warmth and joy of small-town Christmas magic at the Waikoloa Christmas Parade and Keiki Fest. Whether you're a Big Island resident looking for authentic community celebration or a visitor seeking family-friendly holiday activities, this charming event offers the perfect blend of Christmas spirit and Hawaiian hospitality. Arrive early to secure prime parade viewing spots, bring your camera to capture the festive floats and happy children, and prepare to create lasting holiday memories in one of the Big Island's most welcoming communities.
