Skating is offered daily from 4 to 9 p.m. until Jan. 3, 2015. The 1,800-square-foot hybrid ice skating rink can hold up to 25 people.

KAANAPALI – The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas will continue its timeless holiday tradition for the third consecutive year by presenting ice skating in the tropics. Open to resort guests, island visitors and local residents, this exciting activity and more await all this festive season.

The first among resorts in Hawaii to offer this unique holiday experience, the four diamond beachfront resort has unveiled “Skating By The Sea, A Kaanapali Holiday,” transforming its outdoor South Lobby Lawn into a holiday escape complete with a 1,800-square-foot hybrid ice skating rink with magnificent views of the warm Pacific and frolicking humpback whales.

According to resort General Manager Angela Nolan, the skating rink will comfortably hold up to 25 persons.

“This unique idea was introduced in 2012 in partnership with BH Skating International, a company that has also created similar skating rink experiences in Los Angeles and Manhattan,” said Nolan.

“The rink’s surface is made with a synthetic polymer and finished with a natural glide for a real ice feel, allowing the use of ice skates. This is an environmentally sound alternative to real ice, as it doesn’t need refrigeration units, generators or electricity.”

Open to all, there is a $15 fee for 30 minutes of access to the rink, which includes skate rental. The fun-filled activity is open to adults and children ages seven and older (minimum height of 42 inches).

Other year-end festivities include holiday meals on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve at Ocean Pool Bar and Pulehu, an Italian Grill. A New Year’s Eve party is also offered at Pailolo Bar & Grill with music, dancing and midnight toast to welcome 2015!

Children, too, will have their share of holiday fun with activities such as the Elf Villa Visit the night before Christmas. Dressed in elf costumes, resort associates will bring milk and cookies, as well as Christmas stockings filled with goodies, to children in their villa. They will read a favorite bedtime story before tucking the children in for the night. Parents are recommended to book early, as the activity was sold out last year.

On Christmas Day, festivities begin early with Santa Claus making an appearance on the resort’s beach. Arriving on a beautifully decorated outrigger canoe, Santa and his helpers will join resort guests in the merry-making planned for the day.

Parents planning a night out on their own can book their children at the Westin Kids Club for a fun-filled evening that includes dinner. Open to children ages 5-12, the night camp is offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. Themed nights include Glow Putt Party, S’mores & Swimming as well as Sand Crab Hunting. Charges apply.

For those seeking downtime during the festive holidays, Spa Helani, a Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas is presenting three gifts of relaxation.

For more details on various holiday offerings, visit www.westinkaanapali.com. For holiday meal reservations, call (808) 667-3259. For spa reservations, call 662-2644, and for kids club night camp, call 667-3254.