Greater Hawaii - Big Island has festivities taking place all through the year including concerts, festivals, fairs and sporting events.
The list below presents an overview of the major events in the Hawaii - Big Island area.
January
College Baseball
From the crack of the bat to the slide on into home, NCAA baseball packs a wallop of home run frenzy for what’s oft called America’s favorite pastime. Diamond action starts in January, continuing through most of June.
Hawaii Warriors
PGA MasterCard Championship Golf Tournament
Watch the pros play in this 18 hole, par 72 golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Last year's purse was $1.5 million. Located at the Hualalai Resort Golf Club, Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii. Call (800) 417-2770 for more information.
Annual Stan Cann Classic
The Hawaii Island Paddlesports Association hosts this annual OC - 1/surfski canoe race at Hilo Bay. This is a great race for novice paddlers. The courses run from the bayfront to outside the breakwater. Call (808) 969-6695 for information.
Hula Kahiko Series
Come out and watch the Hula Halau as they present artistic and cultural dances that have been handed down through generations. These free outdoor presentations are held in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawai'i, on Highway 11, approximately 30 miles south of Hilo. Call (808) 985-6000 for information.
February
Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival
Join the fun in this celebration of the Chinese New Year. Food, arts and crafts, entertainment, kids activities and lion dances will keep you going. Located in Kalakaua Park. Call (808) 933-9772 for more information.
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
Enjoy arts and crafts, parades, food, Taiko drums, bon dancing, karaoke, hula cherry blossom art and much more in this annual festival honoring the janpanese culture. Located in Waimea. Call (808) 961-8706 for more information.
Waimea Town Celebration
Celebrates Captain Cook's arrival with two days of sporting events, from canoe racing to a marathon. Carnival fun includes Hawaiian food, lei-making and ukulele contests. Call (808) 335-2824 or (808) 338-9975 for more information.
Cool Kailua Nights Block Party & Health Awareness Fair
In early February, the city of Kailua (Oahu) hosts a street festival to benefit Castle Medical Center's Chemo Unit and Ho'ola Cancer Excersise Wellness Program, along Uluniu and Aulike Streets, featuring live entertainment, food, vendor booths, carnival rides and a silent auction. Call (808) 782-7576 for more information.
March
Hawaiian Family Affair
Over the first weekend in March, the University of Hawaii at Hilo hosts a festival for families featuring food, arts and crafts, games, contests, live entertainment and educational health and social service displays and exhibits. On the UHH campus at 200 West Kawili. Call (808) 974-7678 for more information.
Annaul Tahiti Fête of Hilo
Come out and watch the finest in Tahitian dancing. At least 20 Polynesian dance companies (halau) are expected along with 250 solo dancers from various dance companies. Arts and crafts and food from Tahitian and local artisans will be available. Polynesian island guest performers will highlight this event. Located at at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. Admission is $12 a day or $25 for the Weekend Pass. Call (808) 935-3002 for more information.
Kona Brewers Festival
The second Saturday in March brings opportunity to sample the best of local beer at a festival including live music, fire dancing, fashion, food, and an award ceremony for best home brew. Located at the Kona Beach Hotel, Palani Road. Call (808) 331-3033 for more information.
Annual Stampede Rodeo
Hawaii’s ranchers, known as paniolos, started their annual rodeo on the Big Island more than 35 years ago. Admission is free for the two-day, action-packed event. Located at Route 160 & Hale O Keawe Road. Call (808) 323-2388 for more information.
Honolulu Glass Art & Bead Festival
During the first week in March, the Ware Warehouse in Honolulu (Oahu) hosts a juried exhibition of gems, beads, collectible glass and found art. Call (866) 925-FLEX for more information.
Hawaiian International Auto Show
The Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu hosts an exhibition of the latest car models, automotive products and services, over a weekend in late March, sponsored by Motor Trend. Call (808) 943-3500 for more information.
April
The Annual Merrie Monarch Festival
Enjoy a festival of cultural events beginning with a Ho`olaule'a, music, food and fun. Also included in this week-long festival is a free hula exhibition night, ancient and modern hula competitions and a parade through Hilo. Call (808) 935-9168 for more information.
Stylist of Kahala Mall Competition
Early in April, teams of apparel design students from the University of Hawaii Manoa and Honolulu Community College compete for the title at the Kahala Mall in Honolulu. Call (808) 732-7736 for more information.
Celebration of the Arts
Held in the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, this festival features artistic works, workshops, and other entertainment. Admission is free. Located at One Ritz-Carlton Drive. Call (808) 669-6200 for more information.
Earth Day Ho’olauea & Luau
Earth Awareness Week brings ecology focus, live music, food stands and cultural displays. Admission is free. Located at Vidinha Stadium, on Queen Kapule Road. Call (808) 828-0297 for more information.
Keiki Earth Day
During the last week in April, Baby Awareness hosts a festival of music, crafts and workshops on sustainability in celebration of Earth Day, at the Manoa Market Place, 2nd Floor, 2752 Woodlawn Drive. Honolulu. Call (808) 828-0297 for more information.
May
Keauhou Kona Triathlon
This annual triathlon is a half ironman distance race held on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It includes a 1.2 mile swim in Kailua Bay, a 56 mile bike starting at Kailua Pier and going up Kuakini Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway and a 13.1 mile run from the Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort along Alii Drive and back. Call (808) 329-0601 for more information.
Orchid Show
This annual Mother's Day Orchid Show and Sale is hosted by the Kona Orchid Society. Educational sessions are scheduled. Located at Hale Halawai on Alii Drive. Free to the public. Call (808) 939-9282 for more information.
June
King Kamehameha Day Celebration Floral Parade
Come out and celebrate this annual event. Colorful floral floats, glamorous Pa`u riders, marching bands along with free entertainment, crafts, and food.
Taste of Hawaii
Early in June, Smith's Tropical Paradise in Wailua, Kauai, a private 30-acre park, hosts a Sunday brunch featuring 50 chefs from all over Hawaii, beverage vendors, live musicians and a boutique auction. Call (808) 783-1407 for more information.
Annual International Festival of the Pacific
Celebrating Japanese influences on Hawaii's culture, highlights include a Lantern Parade, food festival, craft demonstrations, contests, and a Japanese tea ceremony at the Tea House at Liliuokalani Park. Admission is free. Events end in August. Downtown Hilo. Call (808) 934-0177 for more information.
Annual Waiki’I Music Festival
For two days, the Waiki'i Ranch hosts visitors from all over as Hawaii's best performers showcase talents. Artists set up booths, and local food is plentiful at concessions. The event benefits North Hawaii Community Hospital and North Hawaii Hospice. Saddle Road. Call (808) 883-2077 for more information.
July
Concert in the Sky
Thousands head to Vidinha Stadium to celebrate the Fourth of July. Top restaurants provide food, Hawaiian celebrities entertain, and events throughout the day are capped by a fireworks finale. Proceeds benefit hospice. Queen Kapule Road. Call (808) 634-9100 for more information.
Parker Ranch Fourth of July Rodeo
Parker Ranch, Hawaii’s largest working ranch near the town of Waimea (Kamuela), hosts paniolos in roping and riding competition. Horse races, food and entertainment add to the fun. 66-1304 Mamalahoa Highway. Call (808) 885-2303 for more information.
Annual International Festival of the Pacific
Celebrating Japanese influences on Hawaii's culture, highlights include a Lantern Parade, food festival, craft demonstrations, contests, and a Japanese tea ceremony at the Tea House at Liliuokalani Park. Admission is free. Events end in August. Downtown Hilo. Call (808) 934-0177 for more information.
World Billfish Challenge
Held over two weeks in July, for three tournament divisions: Light Tackle, Heavy Tackle and Total Release. Billfish events promote conservation through "tag and release" programs. Kailua Pier. Call (866) 922-4294 for more information.
Joy of Sake
Sponsored by the International Sake Association honoring the late brewmaster Takao Nihei of the Honolulu Sake Brewery, Joy of Sake at the Hawaii Convention Center draws crowds for sampling many labels not available on the mainland. For more information, call (808) 739-1000.
Home Building and Remodeling Show
During the last week in July, the Edith Kanakaole Stadium, 323 Manono Street, Hilo hosts national and local home and garden product vendors and exhibitors. For more information, call (808) 934-4239.
August
Puukohola Heiau Cultural Festival, Kawaihae
Join in the celebration of King Kamehameha's temple. Festivities include hula, lei making and other traditional demonstrations. Call (808) 882-7218 for more information.
Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival
Bartenders from around the country compete for a $10K prize, world's best barbeque contest, and celebrity judges pick the winners, in mid-August, at the Royal Kona Resort in Kailua-Kona. 75-5852 Alii Drive. Call (808) 214-8133 for more information.
Baby Aweareness Anniversary Party
Under My Umbrella at the Manoa Marketplace hosts a birthday party at Baby A, featuring live music and story-telling, face painting and birthday cake. 2752 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 5-209, Honolulu. Call (808) 988-0010 for more information.
Annual International Festival of the Pacific
Celebrating Japanese influences on Hawaii's culture, highlights include a Lantern Parade, food festival, craft demonstrations, and a Japanese tea ceremony at the Tea House at Liliuokalani Park. Free admission. Downtown Hilo. Call (808) 934-0177 for more information.
Ka Hoolaa O Na Alii
Join others at Halemaumau Crater, the home of the goddess of volcanes, for The Aloha Festivals Royal Court Investiture. In this ceremony, the royal monarchs will be adorned with symbols of royalty to the sounds of ceremonial chant and hula honoring Hawaii's noble heritage. Call (808) 885-7786 for more information.
September
College Football
NCAA Football, created in 1997 to promote college football ideals, makes no bones about the importance of each game. Losing at any time during the season can thwart a team's chances for postseason action or an NCAA Championship. No wonder NCAA Football marketers have adopted a tagline of "NCAA Football: Every Game Counts."
Hawaii Warriors
Historic Waimea Walking Tour
The West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center showcases what the island was like before civilization. Tours focus on West Kauai's colorful past including impact of Captain Cook's historic landing. Free admission. 9565 Kaumuali'i Highway. Call (808) 338-1332 for more information.
Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade
Honor Hawaii's oldest ranching community by joining in the festivites which include floats, marching bands, and Pau Riders. Call (808) 885-7786 for more information.
Aloha Festivals Hilo Hoolaulea
Join more than 10,000 people at the Aloha Festivals block party celebration. The festivities include dancing, entertainment, ethic foods and Hawaiian arts and crafts. Call (808) 935-5461 for more information.
Aloha Festival Hawaii
After starting elsewhere in late August, Hawaii's biggest festival comes to the Big Island at the end of September. Activities include a parade and hula exhibition, and this giant street party unfolds at various locales, attracting crowds with free entertainment. Multiple Big Island locations. Call (808) 589-1770 for more information.
October
Native American Flute & Storytelling Concert
On the first weekend in October, the Center for Hawaiian Studies, University of Hawaii, 2645 Dole Street in Honolulu hosts a free concert sponsored by the American Indian Pow Wow Association and the American Indian Store. Call (808) 734-8018 for more information.
China Cultural Festival & Tradeshow
During the first week of October, Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu hosts magicians, acrobats, musicians, dancers and comedians from Beijing, with crafts and exotic food booths, cultural exhibits and cooking demonstrations. Call (808) 533-3181 for more information.
Aloha Festival Kauai
The Aloha Festival comes to Kaua'i before wrapping up in Maui. Festivities include a parade and street fair. Hawaii's largest festival, more than 50 years old, has a different theme each year. Free admission. Call (808) 589-1771 for more information.
Hana Fishing Tournament
The boat fishing begins at 5 am and the shoreline fishing begins at 7 am. The Hana Play Day, for the kids, starts at 11 am and includes various games and kayaking. The adult Play Day starts at 1pm and includes coconut husking and net throwing. Call (808) 248-7758 for more information.
Hana Lei and Floral Show
Enjoy the colorful blossoms of the local flowers and learn how to make them grow at this annual floral show. Call (808) 248-7002 for more information.
Full Life Golf Tournament 2007
In mid to late October, the prestigious Hokulia golf course hosts a golf tournament to benefit the Full Life organization, their school for disabled adults in Kealakekua, and other disabled Big Island residents. Enjoy a day of golfing and exceptional food. Call (808) 322-9333 for more information.
The BOO! Bash
Each Halloween, Baby Awearness on the 2nd floor of Manoa Marketplace in Honolulu throws a party for the whole family, featuring face painting, music, crafts, storytelling, and healthy treats while learning about the many green products, workshops and programs available to new parents. Call (808) 988-0010 for more information.
November
College Basketball
Hawaii Warriors
First devised by James Naismith in 1891, with the first recorded collegiate game in 1893, legions testify there’s no sound so soothing as a basketball whooshing through the net after a flick of the wrist. NCAA basketball brings grass roots hoop dreams to an entirely new level each fall, building toward March Madness, the NCAA Division Basketball Championships.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
The annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is Hawaii’s oldest food festival, bringing locals together while attracting hundreds of visitors to celebrate Kona’s famous harvest at more than 30 community events. Call (808) 326-7820 for more information.
Waimea Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar institute
A Friday night concert begins an intensely musical weekend at the Kahilu Theatre with workshops, master classes, kanikapila and lecture demonstrations led by featured artists. Beginners are welcome to immerse in Hawaiian music. Call (808) 885-6017 for more information.
King of the Hawaiian Islands Boxing Grand Championships
Check out several contenders at this annual boxing event. Tickets required for admission. Call (808) 322-0664 for more information.
Talking Circle: Big Island Indigenous Film Festival
On the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Palace Theater in Hilo will screen the productions of Native Americans, Native Hawaiians and First Nations filmmakers. Call (808) 557-8607 for more information.
December
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Also known as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, in Spanish Recuerdo de Pearl Harbor, or simply Pearl Harbor Day in most corners of the world, December 7, 1941 is commemorated, when thousands of American Navy, Army and civilians in Hawaii were killed or injured, and hundreds of aircraft and battle ships destroyed, by a surprise attack from the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Although most public offices remain open on this day, the U.S. flag is traditionally flown at half-mast until sunset. On December 7, the U.S. Navy and U.S. National Parks Service hold a ceremony to remember Pearl Harbor, on Kilo Pier from 7:30am to 9:30am; the Pacific Fleet Band performs, the U.S. Marine Corps presents a rifle salute, and a moment of silence is observed at 7:55am to mark the exact time of the attack. U.S. Navy shuttles will be available on a first come first served basis. Call (808) 422-2771 for more information.
Handmade Holiday Market
In early to mid December, Baby Awareness hosts a free all-day exposition featuring small businesses, artists and craftspeople exhibiting their products, a make-and-take class led by paper crafter Randi Kamauna, yoga with Omolulu, and live music provided by Uncle Wayne, on the second level of the Manoa Marketplace just east of Honolulu and north of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. 2752 Woodlawn Avenue, Suite 209, Honolulu. Call (808) 988-0010 for more information.
Peaman’s Post Pig-Out Plunge Biathlon
The Peaman Biathlon series takes participants ready for the challenge on a 1.3-mile swim from the pier at the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona. Held on Sunday after Thanksgiving, the timed event has no entry fee and no awards. Alii Drive and Palani Road. Call (808) 324-7327 for more information.
Hawaii Healing Garden Festival & Solstice Celebration
During the week preceding Christmas Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook hosts a festival focusing on natural health and sustainability, featuring natural products from South Kona Green Market, organic goods and green services, live music, kids' activities and more. Call (808) 323-3318 for more information.
Traditional Mochi Pounding For New Year
Join in this traditional Japanese practice of mochitsuki, where a sweet paste is prepared and eaten for a sweet new year. Activities to celebrate throughout the day. Call (808) 963-6422 or more information.
