Rain only helps reflect lights that have sprouted on many Waimea residences and business storefronts. A judging committee took advantage of crisp, clear skies Tuesday night to make a quick tally of the winners that will be announced at the
Rain only helps reflect lights that have sprouted on many Waimea residences and business storefronts.
A judging committee took advantage of crisp, clear skies Tuesday night to make a quick tally of the winners that will be announced at the annual Waimea Christmas Lighted Parade tonight.
Chris Faye, one of the escorts for the judges, said a big mahalo goes out to all who participated despite the damp weather, especially those who decorated and didn’t enter the judging.
Kaua‘i Care Center topped the Biggest and Brightest category, followed by the Kikiaola Land Company, whose display is anchored by one of its cranes forming the backbone of a large Christmas tree visible from the highway.
The Shrimp Station topped the Most Beautiful category and is located next to the Nukomoi Surf Company that placed second in the Most Creative category.
Following the Shrimp Station, First Hawaiian Bank and Aloha-N-Paradise followed in the Most Beautiful division.
The Waimea Post Office is one of the few places on the island that goes all-out when it comes to holiday decorating, and that effort earned it top honors in the Most Brilliant division followed by Dr. Kanna/Hair World and Aloha Rainbow Screening.
Namahana II, located next to Ishihara Market on the main street, topped the Most Creative division.
The Waimea Baptist Church topped the Most Traditional class followed by the Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union and Pioneer Seed Company.
The Higashi family, located across the road from Ishihara Market, topped the Most Brilliant Residence division and the Ayau family captured the Most Creative Residence division honor.
The annual contest is sponsored by the West Kaua‘i Visitor Center with prizes being awarded to the finishers.
Faye noted that among those who decorated but did not enter the competition, Obsession, located across the Hofgaard Park that is decorated by the West Kaua‘i Business and Professional Association, was decorated both outside and inside.
Big Save, located a stone’s throw from the park, was even color-coordinated this year and quite beautiful, Faye said.
Others that decorated include the Wranglers Restaurant and Hale Pule.
Faye said the lights are on through Christmas and encourages people to stroll through town once the sun goes down to enjoy the light displays.
During the judging, Faye said a young family were really enjoying the lights and even scored some candy from the Higashis.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
