The island of Hawai'i is ready to welcome travelers in 2025 with lots of new experiences, activities and events celebrating its natural wonder, rich multiculturalism and adventurous spirit.

Highlights include a brand-new tour taking visitors to the many sites of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, a local cacao farm and ever-breathtaking Waiānuenue Falls, offering a fun mix of adventures in nature, history and chocolate indulgence. Visitors can also look forward to Kohala Coast hotel and resort expansions and renovations, lots of tasty new dining experiences for foodies spotlighting locally sourced ingredients, and an exciting calendar of events in the new year — including a major event hosted on Hawai'i Island for the first time ever. Whether you're a connoisseur of 'ono (delicious) food, an outdoor enthusiast or love being a cultural explorer, 2025 on the island of Hawai'i promises something extraordinary for everyone.

Read on for a glimpse of what's in store for travelers in the new year ahead.

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Hawaii Forest & Trail’s newest adventure gives travelers a chance to see and taste some of the best of Hawai‘i Island’s east side. On its Volcano, Chocolate and Waterfalls Adventure, guests join Hawaii Forest and Trail’s interpretive guides on a journey through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s breathtaking and ever-changing landscape. The tour next heads to an interactive tree-to-chocolate experience where participants discover how cacao grown on a  1,000-acre tropical farm is transformed into chocolate. The day concludes with a stop at picturesque Waiānuenue Falls (aka Rainbow Falls) in Hilo. For more information, call Hawaii Forest & Trail at 808-331-8505.

Kohala Spa at Hilton Waikoloa Village recently announced the return of sauna and steam room relaxation facilities in both its men’s and women’s lounge areas. Spa guests can now soak up some warmth before or after massages or body treatments on the day of their appointment. Parking validation for spa guests not staying at the Hilton is also available at the spa. Browse options and book treatments online at https://www.KohalaSpa.com.

Link to Image: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jz6d00xpgkswbc5u14tt5/Kohala-Spa-Steamroom.jpg?rlkey=1y8wc8j5asox7jqvf1q3pdoi0&dl=0
Photo Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village

TASTY TIDBITS

A new chapter begins for HāLani restaurant at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection in December as it transforms into a coastal Mediterranean eatery. Led by Auberge’s culinary experiences director, Yvan Mucharraz, and HāLani executive chef, Allan Nagun, the al fresco restaurant will debut a new menu featuring mezze platters, wood-fired pizzas and local seafood dishes. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired wines and cocktails alongside views of the Pacific Ocean. Exclusive events — including Coastal Flatbread and Paella Nights — add to the restaurant’s new dining experiences. For more information, visit https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/dine/halani/.

Link to Images: HERE

Photo Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Kamuela Provision Company (KPC) at Hilton Waikoloa Village recently unveiled its new winter menu focused on shareable dishes. Menu highlights include a mango shrimp agua chile featuring Kona shrimp, steamed Keāhole lobster with butter-fried garlic, and a tomahawk steak served with ali‘i mushrooms. KPC’s nightly specials include the Sundown Savor and Sip, which pairs a shareable plate and tropical drink for a single price, after 7 p.m.; a Thursday Pacific Plates prix fixe menu; and Bourbon Saturdays with 50% off select bourbons with a meal. For more information and reservations, visit https://www.HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com/KPC.

Link to Image: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dgdlhkve17enrlqcnh1xg/2024-10-25-KPC-Menu-Updates-and-Specials-0034CH6A6579.jpg?rlkey=h1ujdg61h9e9kzzoem9ywyzbl&dl=0
Photo Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village

Nui Italian restaurant at Hilton Waikoloa Village is featuring new menu items and a special promotion benefitting Hawai‘i Island charities. Guests can enjoy classic Italian appetizers such as fritto misto and new items like spuma di mortadella with pistachio pesto. Three new Italy-inspired salads are also offered, including the tricolore with arugula, endive and radicchio trevisano. The restaurant’s newest entrée, Brasato di Manzo, features melt-in-your-mouth braised beef short ribs with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and cremini mushrooms. Join Nui Italian in December for its Piece of the Pie promotion, during which a portion of pizza purchases supports local charities. For more information and reservations, visit https://www.HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com/Nui.

Link to Image: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9tyjagyl9mx0iofmodbzg/2024-06-12-New-Nui-Italian-Menu-CH6A5982-opt.jpg?rlkey=st6jkb66ksbaaj3k5qywkuyvw&dl=0
Photo Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village

Join Fair Wind Cruises on its eco-friendly Kona Coast Snorkel Cruise and explore Hawai‘i’s vibrant marine life while supporting ocean reef conservation and sustainable tourism. Fair Wind Cruises is introducing a new chickpea curry slider to its onboard menu this season, crafted to align with its commitment to plant-based dining and reducing environmental impact. From its food offerings to its reef-safe practices, Fair Wind Cruises tours aim to honor Hawai‘i’s natural beauty. For more information and reservations, visit fair-wind.com or call 808-345-0238.

Link to Image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kgboPVNXW0MCs_9n1RQALNJE6fhccVQ9/view?usp=sharing

Photo Credit: Fair Wind Cruises

UPCOMING EVENTS

Continuing its January tournament journey through the Hawaiian Islands, the PGA Tour heads to the island of Hawaiʻi’s Hualālai Golf Course from January 16 to 18 for the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualālai. The tournament roster will include PGA Tour champions from the past five years and other tournament winners from the past two years. For more information, visit HualalaiResort.com.

Presented by the County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Parks and Recreation and community members, the annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is set for February 1. The festival marks the blooming of the town’s historic cherry trees at Church Row Park and celebrates the Japanese tradition of hanami, which translates as “cherry blossom viewing.” With events at Parker Ranch Center and among the flower-filled cherry blossom trees of Church Row Park in Waimea, the popular festival features cultural demonstrations, food from local chefs, craft vendors, a traditional tea ceremony, live entertainment and more. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064661262713.

Set for February 8, the Wiliwili Festival is a free, family-friendly educational event at the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve. The festival features exhibitors with engaging activities and educational materials, a native plant giveaway and experts on plant propagation, growing and care. Guided forest tours led by Hawaii Forest & Trail (HFT) will be offered every hour, showcasing the preserve’s unique ecosystem. HFT’s guides have helped collect millions of native seeds through weekly giveback tours. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, exploration and self-guided tours of the preserve. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, visit https://www.waikoloadryforest.org/.

The Pana‘ewa Stampede Rodeo is a two-day rodeo highlighting the paniolo (cowboy) skills of local cowboys, cowgirls, keiki (children) and visiting contestants in traditional rodeo events. The annual rain-or-shine event, held on President’s Day weekend, February 15 and16, draws residents and travelers to check out traditional cattle roping, double mugging, bull riding and other thrilling rodeo competitions. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/PanaewaStampedeRodeo/.

The events of the Hawai‘i Triennial 2025 (HT25) will expand beyond Oʻahu to Maui and Hawaiʻi Island for the first time, February 15 through May 4, with Hawai‘i Island’s opening celebration happening in March. Held once every three years, the Hawai‘i Triennial is one of the state’s largest periodic exhibitions of contemporary art, involving dozens of artists, key venues and organizational partners. This year’s theme, “ALOHA NŌ,” is a call to know and an invitation to form new understandings of love as acts of care, resistance, solidarity and transformation. For more information, visit HawaiiContemporary.org.

The third-annual Kona Steel Guitar Festival will be held at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa in Keauhou, February 27 to March 1. Free and open to the public, the event brings together legendary steel guitarists to celebrate Hawaiian steel guitar music and offers Kona-area steel guitarists an opportunity to join other players from across Hawai‘i and the U.S. The festival will go on hiatus after this 2025 edition, so make plans to attend this one. For more information, visit KonaSteelGuitarFestival.com.

Set for March 8, the 30th Annual Kona Brewers Festival is a celebration of craft beer, Hawai‘i culture and supporting charities. The popular event brings beer enthusiasts and the community together to raise money for Kona-area conservation, education and cultural preservation organizations. Attendees enjoy craft beer, delicious cuisine, live music and the culture of the Kona district of Hawai‘i Island. For more information, visit https://konabrewersfestival.com/.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Pacific 19 Kona’s Garden Wing, a new addition situated in free-standing buildings behind the main hotel, features 28 new guest rooms and suites surrounding a private garden lawn. The addition includes two expansive 612-square-foot suites, including an apartment-style option with a kitchenette, ideal for extended stays. At the end of days exploring Hawaiʻi Island, guests can unwind in their accommodations with a private lānai and modern amenities, including a macro bar and mini fridge. The Garden Wing lawn is also available for occasions such as intimate wedding receptions and corporate gatherings. To book the new Garden Wing rooms or an event on the lawn, visit https://www.pacific19.com/.

Link to Images: Pacific 19 Kona Photos

Photo Credit: Pacific 19 Kona

Hilton Waikoloa Village recently announced the opening of its newest collection of rooms and suites, Palace Tower Grand. The updated resort accommodations feature bright, island-inspired interiors alongside a palette of tropical colors, new furnishings focused on comfort and modern convenience amenities. The refreshed design incorporates touches of sun, sand and natural surroundings. Rooms are available to book now for stays starting in January 2025. For more information and reservations, visit https://www.HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com.

Link to Image: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zvfxhvg3yx3lozph7efpa/Hilton-Waikoloa-Palace-Tower-2-3292.jpeg?rlkey=up3r45o142rklhf7s7lw06wvk&st=y0bf3bia&dl=0
Photo Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village

Located on the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort property on the Kohala Coast, the Ocean Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, recently completed its third phase of renovations. Phased renovations have been ongoing since 2023 with expected completion by the end of this year. In the renovation’s most recent phase, Hilton Grand Vacations Club converted 114 standard hotel units to 84 vacation ownership suites and revitalized the resort’s exterior. The upgraded property includes one-, two- and three-bedroom units with free-standing showers and bathtubs, living rooms, dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, in-unit washers and dryers, and modern furnishings. For more information, visit www.hiltongrandvacations.com. 

Link to Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/dnskpjiptpbo3k27zjd1f/AOGWpPe4aNGxWKrgxr19Yeg?rlkey=29d03215c31nhag6ywyrmtmfr&e=1&st=4xg7t5wh&dl=0

Photo Credit: Hilton Grand Vacations

MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Plan your next gathering at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort with its oceanfront views, versatile venues and Hawai‘i-inspired amenities. With over 28,000 square-feet of space — including the grand Kamakahonu Ballroom and Lū‘au Grounds — the resort offers indoor and outdoor settings for gatherings of all sizes. Guests can enjoy customized catering options, onsite audiovisual support and immersive Hawaiian cultural activities. Located in Kailua-Kona, the resort welcomes weddings, corporate events and celebrations. For more information, visit konabeachresort.com.

Link to Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/mld7wqyeqb8bs18s7mme2/ABnqlnSKRAM-qSkT3BpRwNk?rlkey=t3l2j9lqsih8xrnryoxz41w8i&e=1&st=t5p6g3s4&dl=0

Photo Credit: King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort

Aloha Beach Weddings offers couples beach wedding and elopement experiences on Hawaiʻi Island. Aiming to offer local guidance and a personalized touch, Aloha Beach Weddings handles everything from décor to photography, incorporating Hawaiian elements such as lei exchanges and pū (conch shell) calls. For Aloha Beach Weddings’ special winter 2024 promotion, couples booking experiences in December will receive a discount when using the promo code FALL2024. For more information or reservations, visit https://www.alohabeachweddingskona.com/.

Link to Images: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n4rRDnPskYcS-FcrlVEMFmDwtNXrkyEp/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YeG2ckCDyMGZzy-IaggyyTKlIx0YrtMT/view?usp=sharing

Photo Credit: Tetiana_Me_Photography