Celebrating Cherry Blossoms and Chinese New Year on Hawaii’s Big Island

While this is the coldest, darkest time of year for a lot of folks on the mainland, it’s our favorite time of year here on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. The sun is rising at 7 a.m. and setting into the sea a little after 6 each evening. The mornings and evenings are just cool enough for a light jacket, and the mid-day temperature is in the low 80s – very comfortable for shorts, t-shirts and slippahs, but not blisteringly hot. The skies are clear and blue and sunny. It is a good, good life.

Blossoming with unique, local festivals

This is also a very fun time of year. While most of the time, life is very laid back here on the Big Island, the first weekend of February bursts into action with several unique local festivals.

Up first – Asian Fest, celebrating Chinese New Year

Next weekend kicks off with Asian Fest on February 1 at Waikoloa Beach Resort, where we’ll celebrate the Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of the Pig. There are free food samples from local restaurants, a line-up of live music and dance entertainment, and we especially love the Chinese Lion Dancers and the beat of the Taiko drums.

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival

On February 2, we’ll head up to the green, rolling hills of Waimea for the Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, which celebrates the blooming of the town’s historic cherry trees with free, multi-cultural performing arts, hands-on demonstrations, and over 150 crafters and food booths.

Waikoloa Wiliwili Festival

The following weekend, on February 9, is the annual Waikoloa Wiliwili Festival, which celebrates and educates festival-goers on the beautiful wiliwili tree and the importance of protecting the native Hawaiian dry forest ecosystem. The festival features vendor booths, food, live music, games, a native plant sale, free lectures and workshops, and guided tours of the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve.

Come and visit Hawaii

Whether you want to explore the festivals or just put your feet in the sand, we’d love to have you come visit. There continue to be good airfares to Kona – set up a fare tracker on Google Flights to find the best deals. Then, visit our website to find your perfect vacation rental, whether you’re looking for a cozy studio for two or a luxurious villa for a big group.

Brand-new home in Waikoloa Beach Resort

You can be among the first to enjoy our brand-new, single-family home in the beautiful new community of Ainamalu in Waikoloa Beach Resort, with convenient access to shops and restaurants, as well as the island’s best golf and beaches.

Luxurious, laid-back island living

This three-bedroom, two-bath home is the definition of laid-back island living. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea, a large, private lanai with gas grill and outdoor dining space, and even a tropical outdoor shower off the master suite.

Special introductory rates on vacation rental home

Right now, you can take advantage of special introductory rates, available for a limited time! And remember, you can save 10% on your vacation rental when you book directly with us and mention “Aloha Escape” in your reservation. Hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival.