Couple trip over Christmas

Question

Hello -

My husband and I will be coming to Hawaii for 9 nights over Christmas. This is our first trip to the Island of Hawaii. I am thinking we should split our trip between Kohala and Puna or Hilo probably split 6 and 3. Husband is really hoping to see lava flow, we both enjoy easy to moderate hiking, the beach, exploring.

We usually like to stay in condos so we can cook some of our own meals. I am looking for condos that have a resort like feel with a nicer pool and that is walking distance to the beach and/or walkable to restaurants (in Maui we usually stay in Kihei). Would love recommendations. Would also like restaurant recommendations for nice dinners out. Nice hikes and any tips appreciated.

Answer

A 9-night Christmas trip split between the Kohala Coast and the Puna/Hilo side is an excellent plan for a first visit to the Big Island. The west side gives you the sunny beaches, resort-style condos, pools, and walkability you’re used to from Kihei, while the east side gives easy access to Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, rainforest hikes, and—if you’re lucky—lava viewing.

A 6 (Kohala) + 3 (Puna/Hilo) split is perfect for the holiday season, when west-side beaches are at their best and east-side weather is wetter.

Below is a complete set of suggestions including condo recommendations, restaurants, hikes, lava spotting tips, and itinerary structure.

Best condo-style accommodations on the Kohala Coast (walkable, resort feel, great pools)

The Kohala Coast is where you’ll find the nicest condo resorts with large pools, manicured grounds, and walkability to beaches and restaurants. All of the following offer a Kihei-like convenience but with more upscale amenities.

Waikoloa Beach Resort – Kolea Condos: Luxury, beachfront access via A-Bay, large pool area, and walkable to both the Queens’ Marketplace and King’s Shops. One of the closest you can get to beachfront condos on the entire island.
Waikoloa Beach Villas: Beautiful units, resort-style pool, directly across from shops and restaurants, 10–12 minute walk to the sandy beach at A-Bay.
Hali’i Kai at Waikoloa: Oceanfront condo resort with one of the best pools on the island (multi-level, saltwater, oceanfront bar), walkable to beach trails, a bit longer walk to A-Bay but stunning sunsets.
Mauna Lani Terrace Condos: Steps from a beautiful calm beach with great snorkeling, adjacent to two luxury hotels, excellent walking paths, and stunning lagoon-like beaches.
Mauna Lani Point: Ocean-view condos with access to the private Mauna Lani Beach Club. Great for couples wanting quiet and resort-quality surroundings.

Best east-side (Hilo/Puna/Volcano) condo and cottage-style stays

The east side doesn’t have the same resort-style condos, but you can find comfortable cottage or vacation-rental options close to the attractions you want.

Volcano Village cottages: Cozy, romantic rainforest cottages with fireplaces, perfect for Christmas. Great for access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and possible lava viewing.
Hilo Lagoon Centre Condos: Basic but walkable to downtown Hilo and Banyan Drive.
Dolphin Bay Hotel (Hilo): A relaxed, quiet boutique option with kitchenettes.
Puna vacation rentals (Kalapana / Keaau): Private, lush settings with unique designs and easy access to the eastern lava zones.

Where to eat: Nice dinner recommendations

The island has superb dining, especially on the west coast. For Christmas week, reservations are essential.

Merriman’s Waimea: Finest farm-to-table restaurant on the island; upscale but relaxed.
Ulu Ocean Grill (Four Seasons Hualalai): Amazing oceanfront dining, excellent for a special Christmas dinner.
CanoeHouse (Mauna Lani): Modern Japanese-Hawaiian fusion, romantic and elegant.
Napua (Mauna Lani Beach Club): Local ingredients, intimate setting right on the beach.
Brown’s Beach House (Fairmont Orchid): Open-air dining, oceanfront, refined menu.
Jackie Rey’s (Kona + Hilo locations): Casual but excellent for seafood and Hawaiian flavors.

Hikes that match your “easy to moderate” preference

Your interests line up perfectly with the Big Island’s variety. Here are the best trails for couples wanting scenic but manageable hikes:

Kīlauea Iki Trail (Volcanoes National Park): 4-mile loop, one of the best hikes on the island—crater floor, lava formations, rainforest edges.
Thurston Lava Tube + Rim Trails: Short, easy trails combined into a half-day of lava tube and crater views.
Pololū Valley Lookout & Trail: Moderate hike down to a stunning black sand beach; excellent at sunrise.
Waipio Valley Lookout: The valley itself is currently restricted, but the lookout and nearby trails are great photo stops.
Puako Petroglyphs: Easy desert-style walk through lava fields with ancient carvings.
A-Bay to Hilton Lagoon Trails: Flat, pretty coastal walking paths perfect at sunset.

Lava flow viewing tips (December is a good month)

Lava activity changes often, and no one can guarantee surface flows, but Christmas is historically a good time for at least glow or crater activity at Halemaʻumaʻu. Here’s how to maximize your chance:

Stay on the east-side last—Volcano Village gives you flexibility to visit the crater at night.
Check lava reports upon arrival at Volcano Visitors Center.
Bring warm layers—Volcano nights can drop to 45°F.
If surface lava is visible from near Devastation Trail or Keanakākoʻi, go just after sunset for best views.

Christmas-week planning tips

Reserve rental cars very early—holiday inventory sells out.
Restaurant reservations should be made 2–3 months ahead.
Expect heavier traffic near Kona and Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Stock up on groceries early, since stores are busy near the holiday.
Beaches fill by mid-morning—arrive before 9 a.m. for A-Bay, Hapuna, or Mauna Kea Beach.

Suggested 9-night itinerary structure

Here’s a simple flow that works well for Christmas travel and maximizes lava chances:

Nights 1–6: Kohala Coast — Beaches, snorkeling, whale watching, sunsets, resort-style condo living.
Nights 7–9: Volcano or Hilo — Lava viewing, rainforest, waterfalls, Exploring VNP.

Final thoughts

Your trip plan is excellent, and the Big Island is very rewarding for couples who enjoy hiking, exploring volcanoes, and relaxing on beautiful beaches. The Kohala Coast will give you the resort-style condo atmosphere you love from Maui, while Puna/Hilo or Volcano will give you the dramatic volcanic landscapes you can’t find anywhere else in Hawaii.

Couple trip over Christmas

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