Christmas in Kauai
 

Aloha! We are planning on being in Kauai the week of Christmas. We'll be staying at the Grand Hyatt. We have two small children (ages 5 and 3) and will be joined by my husbands brother, his wife, and their 2 year old.
I would love any recommendations on celebrating Christmas on the island.
Particularly recommended restaurants for a 'traditional' Christmas dinner, any candlelight church services, etc.
My thoughts are to pack an extra suitcase that we'll check in and will hide the kids' stockings, some gifts, etc. I'd love to also find a small tree that we can put up Christmas Eve while the boys are sleeping and surprise them with the news that Santa came to visit our hotel room!
Please let me know if you've celebrated Christmas in Kauai (or are a local) and any recommendations you may have.
Mahalo!
Blessings,
Wendy

I'd check with the hotel's coincerage to see if they can arrange for a tree. I recall reading a post similar to yours a year or ago or so and the coincerage at the FS Maui set up a tree and decorated the room for them. The Hyatt is not the FS, but I'd check with them anyway. Some hotels have Santa arrive on the beach by boat. Hopefully our local guruess, auntiemaria will show up and give you some ideas.

pila

That was me that was at the Four Seasons Maui for Christmas. We have such great memories of that trip! We actually shipped our gifts to the hotel in advance. The hotel was able to have a tree (table top) in our room when we arrived...with some simple decorations on it already plus I bought some more Hawaiian ones from Hilo Hatties for my two girls to decorate. At the 4S there were a bunch of great activities for kids on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I would call the hotel and ask the children's program director. Have a great trip!

Make sure you visit the old county courthouse on Rice Street in Lihue. It is decked out inside and out with about 100,000 lights and very unusual decorations made from recycled objects. Santa and Mrs Claus are there on weekend evenings. This is truly a must-see. I even read an article about it in the LA Times travel section today!

Also, it can be tough to find a tree on Kauai by Dec 24th. We lived there for 6 years and they routinely sold out right after Thanksgiving, but with the new Costco and Home Depot there may be a better supply. If a tree is important you should contact the Hyatt ahead of time.

reecieboo:
Definitely contact the Hyatt concierge (wait until next week, though -- they're uptoherebusy with the Grand Slam golf tournament this week).

Their concierge's consistently win our newpaper's "Best of..." contest, for their exemplary service. They can get you a fake tabletop tree and simple island-style ornaments, from K-Mart or Wal-Mart. What a fun vacation for your kids!!

The concierge can also direct you to any of the candlelight church services in nearby Koloa (many beautiful old churches there).

http://www.wkbpa.org/christmas.html

A brilliant wonderland of color and the spirit of fellowship are the hallmark of the annual Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade starting at 6pm, Saturday, December 23, 2006. Come early, browse through shops, eat dinner and stay for the entertainment following the parade at Hofgaard Park. The event is free and visitors are welcome to join in this colorful community event. Waimea Town, dripping with lights, a brilliant wonderland of color serves as a backdrop to its annual Lighted Christmas Parade.

Mahalo to Everyone!
Please forgive my delay responding.
I really do appreciate each of you taking the time to share your thoughts and suggestions. We'll be flying out Friday morning! Can't wait!
Christmas Blessings,
Wendy

Have a great Holiday Reecieboo! :-)