Aloha and Happy Easter!
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii this April, you’re in for a treat. The Big Island is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and festive celebrations. Easter is no exception, and there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy during your stay. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on celebrating Easter in Hawaii and highlight some of the Big Island Easter events happening in April 2023.
First things first, let’s talk about the traditions of Easter in Hawaii. Although Easter is primarily a Christian holiday, it is celebrated by people of all faiths on the islands. Many families attend church services in the morning, followed by a big feast with friends and loved ones. In Hawaii, the feast often includes local dishes like kalua pig, lau lau, poi, and haupia. And, of course, no Hawaiian celebration is complete without music, hula, and lei.
If you’re looking to attend a traditional Easter service, there are many churches on the Big Island that welcome visitors. Some of the most popular include the Hilo Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Kona Baptist Church, and the Waimea United Church of Christ. These churches often have special Easter Sunday services with beautiful music, inspiring sermons, and fellowship with the community.
But Easter in Hawaii is not just about religious observance. There are also plenty of secular activities and events to enjoy. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Easter on the Big Island:
Attend an Easter Egg Hunt
Easter egg hunts are a beloved tradition in Hawaii, and there are many to choose from on the Big Island. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park usually hosts a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for children, with prizes, games, and crafts. The event is held at the Kilauea Military Camp on Easter Sunday and is free to attend. Other egg hunts occur at local parks, community centers, and resorts, so watch for flyers and posters. You can find more detailed information about Big Island Easter events in the recent article published by BigIslandNow.com here.
Visit the Hilo Farmers Market
The Hilo Farmers Market is a must-visit destination on the Big Island and is especially lively during Easter weekend. The market is open daily, but on Saturdays, it is bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, crafts, and food. During Easter weekend, the market is decorated with colorful Easter eggs and bunnies, and many of the vendors offer Easter-themed items like handmade chocolates, pastries, and flower arrangements.
Take a Helicopter Tour
One of the best ways to see the beauty of the Big Island is from above. Helicopter tours are a popular activity among tourists, and during Easter, many tour operators offer special deals and packages. Imagine soaring over the lush rainforests, volcanic craters, and pristine beaches while listening to Hawaiian music and commentary from an experienced pilot. It’s an experience you will never forget.
Attend the Merrie Monarch Festival
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture held in Hilo every April. The festival features hula competitions, craft fairs, food vendors, and music concerts, showcasing the richness and diversity of Hawaiian traditions. Although the festival is not specifically Easter-themed, it takes place during Easter week and is a great way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture.
Book a Vacation Rental
Of course, one of the best ways to celebrate Easter on the Big Island is to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Book a vacation rental with Kohala Coast Properties, Inc., and experience the beauty and tranquility of the island. Our properties are located in some of the most scenic areas of the Big Island, with stunning ocean views, private pools, and luxurious amenities. You can enjoy beautiful sunsets, starry nights, and gentle trade winds from the comfort of your own vacation home and create your own Easter celebration!
Attend an Easter Brunch
Most hotels and resorts offer special Easter Sunday brunches with exquisite menus filled with fresh local fares, desserts, and live entertainment. Here are some venues you can consider: Easter Brunch at Hawaii Calls Restaurant, Easter Brunch at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, and Easter Brunch at the Fairmont Orchid.
Now that you know some of the best ways to celebrate Easter on the Big Island, let’s take a look at some of the events happening in April 2023:
Easter Sunday at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
As mentioned earlier, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park usually hosts a fun Easter egg hunt for children on Easter Sunday. The event is held at the Kilauea Military Camp and is free to attend. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be games, prizes, crafts, and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.
Easter Brunch at the Fairmont Orchid
The Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast is hosting a special Easter brunch on Sunday, April 16, 2023. The brunch will feature a buffet of delicious dishes, including prime rib, shrimp, omelets, salads, and desserts. From what we heard, there will also be live music and activities for children.
Hula Arts at Kilauea
The Volcano Art Center Gallery, located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is hosting a special event called Hula Arts at Kilauea on April 8, 2023. The event will showcase the art of hula, with performances by local hula schools, music by traditional Hawaiian musicians, and crafts by local artisans.
Merrie Monarch Festival
As mentioned earlier, the Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture held in Hilo every April. The festival features hula competitions, craft fairs, food vendors, and music concerts, all showcasing the richness and diversity of Hawaiian traditions. The 2023 festival will take place from April 9 to April 15, 2023.
In conclusion, Easter in Hawaii is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, enjoy the beauty of the island, and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. Whether you attend a traditional Easter service, participate in an Easter egg hunt, enjoy a helicopter tour, or simply relax in a vacation rental with Kohala Coast Properties, Inc., you will surely have a memorable experience. And with so many events and activities happening on the Big Island in April 2023, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mahalo for reading, and we hope to see you soon on the beautiful island of Hawaii!
Save on your Hawaii vacation rental
Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.
We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!