The holiday season adds to the already wintery weather that Hilo experiences year-round. With all that rain and gloominess in the skies, it’s like Christmas everyday in this rainy town on the Big Island. And for the second year in a row, Hilo will be getting even more wintery cheer through a holiday open house.
Starting in mid-December, the Hawaii County Building transforms into a colorful gingerbread house of sorts that looks better than it tastes. Santa’s elves (also known as country volunteers) decorate dozens of trees, bake holiday treats and sound the trumpets that put out a call for holiday entertainment.
Local singers, musicians and dancers take the stage every weeknight for the two-week event. Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning musician Cyril Pahinui will be teaming up with charter school students for holiday performance. Taiko drummers, hula dancers and student musicians will dazzle the audience with their talent.
What a wonderful event this will be. Not only is it free to the public, but it showcases local talent that often go unnoticed. Those visiting the Big Island during this holiday season should definitely stop by one of the performances to get a taste of a true Hawaiian Christmas.
“ MAGIC OF THE SEASON” HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE • Dec. 10-21, 2012 • Hawaii County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo, HI 96720 • For more info, 808-961-8211
