Your Guide to Holiday Craft Fairs on Hawai‘i Island in 2023
Feeling crafty? Big Island's got you covered with these local holiday craft fairs.
‘Tis the season to shop local and fill gift bags and boxes with handmade gifts for your loved ones. Of course handmade gifts made by the folks in our own communities are the best, and Hawai‘i Island offers up craft fairs all over the island where residents and visitors can find unique, handmade items. Events include community fairs, studio tours and more. Help the artists keep more money in their pockets by bringing cash, if you can, and don’t forget your reusable shopping bags!
Hilo Christmas Extravaganza
November 17-18, times vary
Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo
Photo: Courtesy of Malama Pono Events
One of the biggest shopping events during the holiday season is back again at the Edith Kanakaʻole Tennis Stadium with more than 100 vendors, including 36 that are new to the event. In addition to the shopping there will be food vendors and raffles throughout the day. The entry fee is $2 (bring cash!) and keiki 12 and under get in free.
Mākeke Kalikimaka – Grand Naniloa Holiday Fair
November 18-19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Dr., Hilo
Photo: Courtesy of The Grand Naniloa Hotel
Grand Naniloa is jumping in on the craft fair action with their first-ever Mākeke Kalikimaka. The fair will be hosted in the hotel’s lobby level Sandalwood and Hoʻomalimali rooms, showcasing more than 20 local vendors. Entry is free and complimentary self parking is available. Attendees are encouraged to stay through the evening and enjoy live music and hula performance from 5—9 p.m. on Saturday and 7—9 pm on Sunday at the hotel’s Hula Lounge Lobby Bar. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Keiki Entrepreneur’s Keiki Market
November 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Gam3scape, 57 Shipman St., Hilo
Support your local keiki crafters who are hosting two keiki markets this holiday season. These markets give young entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell their products and host activities as they learn business and life skills. There will be random prize drawings every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Big Island Art Fair
November 16-18, hours vary
Kahilu Town Hall, 67-1198 Lindsey Rd., Waimea
This three-day event will be packed with activities, as well as an opportunity to shop for art from a variety of Waimea-area artists. Artists will be doing live demonstrations throughout the weekend including seed bead weaving, palm weaving and graffiti. On Saturday, guests can get hands-on and make their own projects. Mochinga will be on-site all weekend serving up tasty Greek delicacies.
10th Annual Kona Palisades Artists’ Studio Tour
November 18-19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kona Palisades Subdivision, Kailua-Kona
Take a stroll around the Kona Palisades neighborhood while getting to know local artisans that live there. Jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking and more can be found during this stroll—there’s even an artist doing gyotaku (fish printmaking). Get a stamp at each stop to be entered to win a door prize provided by the artists.
Volcano Village Artists Hui 37th Annual Studio Tour and Sale
November 24-26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Volcano Garden Arts and Cafe Ono, 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano
Ditch the madness of Black Friday in favor of supporting artisans from Volcano’s thriving arts community. Four studios will be opening their doors to showcase a variety of artists—Pam Barton Studio, J.M. Fusions, Volcano Garden Arts, Margaret Barnaby Studio, and Volcano Art Center. Just look for the fiddlehead banners for participants, and be sure to get a stamp on your stamp card to be entered for a prize drawing.
Puna Hongwanji Mission Winter Craft Fair
December 2, 9am-3pm
Puna Hongwanji Mission, 16-492 Old Volcano Rd., Kea‘au
More than 80 arts and crafts vendors and local businesses await at this year’s Winter Craft Fair in the heart of Kea‘au. There’s also a full lineup of live entertainment, food vendors, raffles, and a silent auction covering the indoor and outdoor areas of the Mission grounds.
Malamalama Waldorf Holiday Craft Faire and Rummage Sale
December 3, 11am-3pm
Malamalama Waldorf School, 15-1834 Maku‘u Dr., Kea‘au
This community event at Malamalama Waldorf School in Hawaiian Paradise Park will feature a variety of handmade gifts for the holidays as well as a rummage sale, bake sale, live performances, keiki crafts, and more. This is one you can bring the whole family to for an afternoon of fun.
Donkey Mill Art Center Holiday Studio Sale
December 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
78-6670 Mamalahoa Hwy., Holualoa
Holualoʻa artisans tend to lean more towards the fine arts, so this is a great place to find something for that really special someone. This year’s event features art from Donkey Mill’s community of artisans including students, teachers, members and staff and will include works from their fiber arts, ceramics, metals and print studios.
