Happy Holidays! A&B is bringing holiday cheer this season at our centers across the islands. We enjoy the opportunity to spread joy to the world, bringing families, neighbors, and the community together to make unforgettable memories. Here are some of the fun festivities we are sponsoring this holiday season!
The first weekend of December was packed with Christmas fun – especially December 1!
Twenty-seven A&B Windward residents marched in the Kaneohe Christmas Parade, handing out reusable bags and candy canes to thousands of paradegoers. At the same time, Lau Hala Shops in Kailua was hosting a tail-wagging Santa Paws event. Furry friends, both naughty and nice, snapped priceless photos on Santa’s lap to benefit the Hawaiian Humane Society. That same night, we underwrote the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lanihau Center. Kailua-Kona residents flocked to the center to enjoy the lights and entertainment, and a special gift drive was held to benefit the Salvation Army.
Around the isles on December 5, holiday magic came alive!
At The Shops at Kukuiula on Kauai, we held a very special Chanukah Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 5. The event took place at our weekly Culinary Market, and it included a very special “tiki torch” menorah lighting. In Kailua Town, we offered a free trolley service to the Castle Tree Lighting Ceremony from the Kailua Town Center parking garage. Sponsored by A&B, this 34th annual community event featured island musician Josh Tatofi, as well as a pre-ceremony concert by the Marine Forces Pacific Band. Then came the dazzling main event, the lighting of the tree, followed by photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, keiki activities and refreshments.
At our centers on December 8 – a craft fair and two fun parades!
Lanihau Center is hosting their Pua Na Pua Holiday Craft Fair from 10 am – 4 pm. This very special art fair celebrates the contributions of both developmentally disabled (DD) and non-DD artists. The event will feature arts, crafts and artisanal items, live music, demos, a silent auction, and so much more. At the same time, Waianae Mall will be having their annual Christmas Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a from 10 am – 2 pm. The grand parade will be followed by festive fun at the mall with food and craft booths, entertainment, Santa, a photo booth, and other fun activities! Last but not least, over forty A&B employees and their family members will be marching in the annual Manoa Christmas Parade at 5 pm to represent Manoa Marketplace. Along the mile-long route, marchers will be decked out in holiday flair and spreading cheer throughout the valley.
On December 15 the keiki will play, with a special bash and even a snow day!
Dec. 15 is all about the keiki (and the keiki at heart)! The Shops at Kukuiula is hosting the 2nd Annual Keiki Holiday Bash from 2 – 6 pm. This family-friendly event will feature face painting, crafts, photos with Santa, local entertainment and a snowy surprise! At Waipio Shopping Center, there will be a very special performance from 4 – 5 pm. Kanoelani Elementary School students will be spreading cheer with their “Wrapped in Love” Holiday Performance. This adorable show is a bonus part of our special partnership with Mililani ‘Ike and Kanoelani Elementary schools this year. This holiday season, select merchants at two of our centers, Gateway at Mililani Mauka Center and Waipio Shopping Center, are carrying holiday gift bags decorated by students from the schools. The decorated holiday gift bags can be used for purchases or for holiday gift giving and are available for a minimum donation of $2, with all proceeds going directly to the schools. Plus, A&B and the centers will match the proceeds with an additional $1,000 donation for each school! Finally, we’re bringing a White Christmas to Pearl City! Pearl Highlands Center is hosting the 13th Annual “Snow Days in Hawaii Nei” event from 10 am – 3 pm. This free, family-friendly event will feature 40 tons of snow, as well as games & activities, giveaways, special merchant offers and even more holiday magic!
December 16 at Waianae Mall – come one, come all, to the Christmas Festival!
We are wrapping up the holiday festivities with a bow at the Waianae Mall. From 10 am – 2 pm, the Waianae Coast Christmas Festival will have over 50 booths of “Made on the Waianae Coast” products. This is the perfect place to get any last minute holiday shopping done, all while supporting local! There will also be ono food and live music for everyone to enjoy. We hope you can join us at some of our fun, festive events this holiday season!