List of miscellaneous events on the Big Island of Hawaii that do not fit the other (Hawaiian, cultural, music and movie, and sporting) categories. Find a local festival during your stay on the Big Island and get the true local experience!
February – Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival
Chinese lion dancers snake to Hilo’s Kalākaua Park which is transformed into a mini-Chinatown to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Performances, displays, cooking and cultural demonstrations show the Chinese influence in Hawai‘i. For more info call 808-935-8850 or visit their website.
February – Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
This popular festival celebrates Japanese traditions and culture and includes cherry blossom viewing, music, demonstrations, exhibits, crafts, entertainment, ethnic foods, a farmers’ market and visiting performers and artisans from Japan. For more info call 808-961-8706.
April – MAMo: Maoil Arts Month
This month long celebration held annually in the month of May celebrates the depth, breadth, and diversity of the Native Hawaiian arts community with a month long of different events including amongst others exhibits and local art markets! For more info check their website.
September – Annual Parade and Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace.
The tranquil Hāmākua Coast town of Honoka‘a organizes a parade featuring bands, floats, clubs, school groups, performance artists and dancers to honor the United Nations International Peace Day. For more info call 808-640-4602 or visit their website.
October – Hilo Way finding Festival
Are you intrigued by the ancient arts of navigating and way finding that enable the ancient pacific islanders to find their way in thousands of square miles of ocean? This festival celebrates the historic sailing feats of the pacific peoples that used celestial navigation, and is also organized to revive and expand skills and interest in long distance canoe voyaging. Free activities include panel presentations and workshops led by Hawai‘i’s master
canoe navigators. For more info call 808-969-9704 or visit their website.
November – Black and White Night
Downtown Hilo’s biggest annual strolling party with numerous live music venues, fashion shows, a treasure hunt through town, free food, author & artist receptions. Everyone dresses in black and white, from shorts and T-shirts to gowns and suits to enter the “Best Dressed Black & White Contest” for cash prizes. For more info call 808-935-8850 or visit their website.