This calendar lists the Big Island’s weekly, monthly and annual events. Most of the weekly ones are hula shows and Hawaiian craft demonstrations on the west side and at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, many of them free. Our Merrie Monarch and IRONMAN guide has the ticket process for the hula competition and the race-day road closures.
Use it before your trip to plan around a festival, or after you land to see what’s on this week. The map shows where each event is, over the next 30 days or in any month you pick. We recheck the listings every month, but confirm the date with the organizer before you book flights around an event. Farmers markets, with their days and hours, are in our farmers market finder.
Table of contents
Big Island events map
Every event on this page is on the map, so you can see which ones are near where you are staying. It opens on the next 30 days with weekly and annual events both showing. Pick a month to see the weekly events that run during your trip, and turn on Annual events to add that month's festivals. Tap a pin for the dates, then the event's name to jump to its full listing.
Loading the map…
Big Island events month by month
Every annual event on our list appears under the month it falls in, starting with this month. An event with a confirmed date shows it; the rest read “Usually” with the time of year from past editions until the organizer publishes the next dates. A festival that runs into a second month is listed in both.
November 2026 events
Major event
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Nov 6–15, 2026On now
Ten days of farm tours, a lantern parade from Kailua Pier, the Hōlualoa coffee and art stroll and a cupping competition, spread across Kona. Many farm tours are free with the $10 festival button, which the organizer requires for some events.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Honokaʻa Renaissance Faire
Nov 14, 2026
A one-day costume fair in Honokaʻa town with sword fighting, archery, music, artisan vendors and food. Costumes are optional.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Christmas in the Country
Nov 25–Dec 31, 2026
Volcano Art Center's holiday show of handmade wreaths, ornaments and decorations by local artists, in its gallery next to the Kīlauea Visitor Center. The gallery is inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, so the park entrance fee applies.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
December 2026 events
Christmas in the Country
Nov 25–Dec 31, 2026Continues from Nov 25
Volcano Art Center's holiday show of handmade wreaths, ornaments and decorations by local artists, in its gallery next to the Kīlauea Visitor Center. The gallery is inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, so the park entrance fee applies.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Holidays in Kahuku
Dec 5, 2026
A free holiday fair at the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with local artisans, live music, keiki (children's) activities and food. It runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the Kahuku entrance is near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Paradise Studio Tour
Dec 5–6, 2026
Puna artists open their home studios for a weekend art show and sale, with a map on the organizer's site. Entry is free, and 10% of sales go to local high school art programs.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade
Dec 5, 2026
An evening parade of lit floats and light-strung trucks through the middle of Waimea, run by the Waimea Community Association; 2026 is its 66th year. In 2024 the route along Kawaihae Road and Māmalahoa Highway was closed to cars from 5:55 to 7:15 p.m., and no traffic could cross town, so park before the closure starts. In recent years the floats have stayed parked at the Waimea District Park afterward for a closer look.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Kailua Village Christmas Parade
Dec 12, 2026
An evening Christmas parade through Kailua Village in Kona, run by the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association. It starts at 5:30 p.m.; come early for a curb spot.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
January 2027 events
Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualālai
Jan 21–23, 2027
The PGA Tour Champions season opener, played on the Hualālai Golf Course north of Kailua-Kona. Spectators need a ticket.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
February 2027 events
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
Feb 6, 2027
A day of cultural events around Waimea for the bloom of the cherry trees at Church Row Park, in the Japanese hanami (blossom-viewing) tradition. Hawaiʻi County sponsors it and community groups put it on.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Panaʻewa Stampede Rodeo
Usually Presidents' Day weekend in February
A two-day rodeo at the Panaʻewa Equestrian Center near the Hilo zoo. Tickets are sold for the stands, and keiki (children) 12 and under get in free.
March 2027 events
Kona Brewers Festival
Mar 13, 2027
A one-day beer and food festival on the grounds of the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, run as a Rotary fundraiser. The 2026 edition sold out, so buy tickets early.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Major event
Merrie Monarch Festival
Mar 28–Apr 3, 2027
A week of hula in Hilo built around the hula competition at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, plus a Hawaiian arts and crafts fair, hula shows and the Royal Parade through town. Competition seats go through the festival's ticket request process, and they go fast.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 14, 2026
Laupāhoehoe Music Festival
Usually early March
A day of Hawaiian music and local food at Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park on the Hāmākua Coast, raising money for the local charter school. Tickets are required; children 10 and under are free.
April 2027 events
Major event
Merrie Monarch Festival
Mar 28–Apr 3, 2027Continues from Mar 28
A week of hula in Hilo built around the hula competition at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, plus a Hawaiian arts and crafts fair, hula shows and the Royal Parade through town. Competition seats go through the festival's ticket request process, and they go fast.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 14, 2026
Lavaman Triathlon
Apr 4, 2027
An Olympic-distance triathlon, duathlon and aquabike at Waikoloa Beach Resort, with the swim in ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Big Island Chocolate Festival
Usually late April
Three days of cacao farm tours, chef demonstrations, a student chef competition and an evening gala at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. The farmers market and student competition are free; the gala and tastings need tickets.
May 2027 events
Hilo Hawaiian Music Festival
Usually late May
An afternoon-to-evening Hawaiian music concert at the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo. In 2026, tickets were $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Honokaʻa Western Week
Usually the week leading into Memorial Day weekend
Honokaʻa's paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) week opens with a parade and block party and runs through a Portuguese bean soup contest and other town events. The organizer says all events are free and open to the public.
June 2027 events
Hanohano Huliheʻe and Kona Kamehameha Day Parade
Jun 5, 2027
Kona's Kamehameha Day parade on Aliʻi Drive, followed by a free hoʻolauleʻa (festival) with hula, music and vendors on the grounds of Huliheʻe Palace.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaiʻi
Jun 5, 2027
A half-distance IRONMAN on the Kohala Coast: an ocean swim, then the bike and run on the rolling roads of the coast. You can watch from along the course.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
King Kamehameha Day Celebration in North Kohala
Jun 11, 2027
Ceremonies at the Kamehameha statue in Kapaʻau, a floral parade and a hoʻolauleʻa (festival) honor Kamehameha I in North Kohala, where he was born. It falls on June 11 whatever the weekday.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Hawaii Performing Arts Festival
Jun 20–Jul 12, 2027
Three weeks of classical music, opera and musical theater in Waimea every summer, sung and played by visiting musicians and the students in the festival's training program. Most performances are at Kahilu Theatre and Davies Chapel at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy; most are ticketed, and some are free or pay what you can.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Kaʻū Coffee Festival
Usually mid-June
A week of Kaʻū coffee events that ends with a hoʻolauleʻa (festival) at the Pāhala Community Center, between Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and the national park. The 2026 hoʻolauleʻa was free.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Annual Cultural Festival
Usually a Saturday in late June
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau has held this community festival since 1976. Practitioners share hula, lei making, weaving, ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamping) and Hawaiian games, with hands-on activities for all ages. The festival itself is free; in 2026 it ran 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
July 2027 events
Hawaii Performing Arts Festival
Jun 20–Jul 12, 2027Continues from Jun 20
Three weeks of classical music, opera and musical theater in Waimea every summer, sung and played by visiting musicians and the students in the festival's training program. Most performances are at Kahilu Theatre and Davies Chapel at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy; most are ticketed, and some are free or pay what you can.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo
Jul 4, 2027
Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) events and horse races at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea, with food and craft vendors. In 2026 gates opened at 7:30 a.m., tickets were $25 online or $30 at the gate, and keiki (children) 12 and under got in free.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 14, 2026
Christmas in July at Kahuku
Usually a Saturday in mid-July
A summer fair at the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with handmade Hawaiian crafts, music and food, plus free face painting and shave ice for keiki (children). In 2026 it ran 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the Kahuku entrance is near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11.
Experience Volcano Festival
Usually a weekend in late July
A weekend of music, hula, art demonstrations and food stops around Volcano Village, with a stamp passport and a free shuttle between locations. The organizer says almost all events are free.
Hilo Orchid Society Show and Sale
Usually a Friday-to-Sunday weekend in late July
Thousands of orchids on display and for sale at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium over three days. Adult entry was $6 in 2026, and visitors 17 and under are free.
Kailua Village Independence Day Parade
Usually July 4, evening
Kona's Fourth of July parade runs through Historic Kailua Village in the evening, with fireworks the same night.
Lā Hae Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Flag Day) Celebration at Puʻukoholā Heiau
Usually around July 31
Three days of Hawaiian Flag Day events at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, with pū ʻohe (bamboo trumpet) demonstrations, live music and talks on the flag's history. The flag raising is at noon on July 31, and that day there's a printing activity, so bring your own T-shirt or tote bag. Everything is free.
UCC Coffee Kona Marathon
Usually around the Fourth of July
Kona's marathon and shorter races around the Fourth of July. Finishers can stay for the parade through Historic Kailua Village and the fireworks over Kailua Bay.
August 2027 events
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament
Usually early August
An annual marlin fishing tournament based in Kailua-Kona.
Hoʻokūʻikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival
Usually a weekend in mid-August
The anniversary festival at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site opens at 6 a.m. Saturday with a hoʻokupu (gift-giving) ceremony at the heiau (temple). Booths on the grass at Spencer Beach Park run both days, with lauhala (pandanus leaf) weaving, kapa (bark cloth) making, featherwork, canoe rides and Hawaiian music. It's free.
September 2027 events
Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Races
Usually Labor Day weekend (2026: September 3-7)
Five days of outrigger canoe racing based at Kailua Bay in Kona, billed by the organizer as the world's largest outrigger canoe race. Spectators watch from shore at no charge.
Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa
Usually a Saturday in mid-September, at the end of Paniolo Festival Week
Pāʻū (skirt) riders on horseback, the festival's royal court, schools and floral floats parade through Waimea for the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys), followed by Hawaiian music, food, crafts and keiki (children's) activities at the Waimea District Park. It closes the Aloha Festivals Paniolo Festival Week; in 2026 the festival sold a $10 medallion for entry to its events.
October 2027 events
Major event
IRONMAN World Championship
Oct 9, 2027
The IRONMAN triathlon world championship, raced out of Kailua-Kona with an ocean swim, bike and run. Watching from the roadside costs nothing; book Kona rooms early for race week.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Dates confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Kona Style
Usually October
An afternoon concert of slack key guitar and Hawaiian music at the Outrigger Kona Resort in Keauhou.
Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival: Hawaiʻi Island weekend
Usually mid-October into early November
The Hawaiʻi Island weekend of the statewide food and wine festival: a chefs' golf classic, then an evening of tastings at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Every event is ticketed separately.
Waimea Fall Festival
Usually a Saturday in October
A family day at the Waimea District Park run by the community group Waimea Athletics: live entertainment, a food street, craft booths, outdoor rides and an indoor keiki (children's) game zone. You buy a wristband for the outdoor rides and a separate one for the keiki game zone.
Weekly and monthly events
Most run at shopping centers in Waikoloa and Keauhou or at two national parks, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, where the demonstrations themselves are free but the park entrance fee applies.
Pick a day to see only the events that run on it, for example a day you will spend near your hotel. Weekly events run every week on that day. Monthly events run only in some weeks, such as the second Saturday, so check the next date on each card.
Aloha Friday Cultural Demonstrations
Every Friday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.Next: Fri, Nov 13
Free hands-on Hawaiian craft sessions on the porch of the Volcano Art Center Gallery, next to the Kīlauea Visitor Center: lei making, lauhala (pandanus leaf) weaving, ʻukulele and more on a rotating schedule. Supplies are provided; the park entrance fee applies.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Fire show at Kings' Shops
Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 8–8:30 p.m.Next: Wed, Nov 11
An evening fire knife show by Nahoa Entertainment at Kings' Shops in Waikoloa, on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Friday Hula at Keauhou Shopping Center
Every Friday, 6–7 p.m.Next: Fri, Nov 13
Free hula in the courtyard of Keauhou Shopping Center on Friday evenings, 6 to 7 p.m. The center suggests coming for dinner and staying for the show; on some Fridays a musician plays instead of a hālau (hula school).
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 14, 2026
Hula & Cultural Demonstrations at Kings' Shops
First and third Wednesday of every month, 5:30–6:30 p.m.Next: Wed, Nov 18
Hula on the center stage at Kings' Shops in Waikoloa twice a month, paired with a poi ball demonstration on the first Wednesday and a fire knife demonstration, done without fire, on the third.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Hula Kahiko at Kīlauea
Second Saturday of every month, 10:30–11:30 a.m.Next: Sat, Nov 14
A monthly hula kahiko (ancient-style hula) performance on the outdoor hula platform near the Volcano Art Center Gallery, without amplification. Bring a mat or chair and arrive early for parking. The show is free but the park entrance fee applies, and eruption activity can cancel it.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Imu demonstration at Aloaliʻi Cultural Resource Center
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, 8–9 a.m.Next: Sun, Nov 8
A free morning demonstration of the imu, the Hawaiian underground oven, run by the Aloaliʻi Cultural Resource Center at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort. Book a spot ahead through the center.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Kanikapila Monthly Concert Series
Third Saturday of every month, 6–8 p.m.Next: Sat, Nov 21
A Saturday evening concert by a Big Island musician at the Coronation Pavilion in Queens' MarketPlace, with a different headliner each month.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Lei Making Demonstration at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Every Tuesday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.Next: Tue, Nov 24
Aunty Melanie Moses demonstrates Hawaiian lei making in the hālau (long house) near stop 16 of the park's walking tour. The demonstration itself is free.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Nov 5, 2026
Niaulani Rain Forest Walk
Every Monday, 9:30–10:30 a.m.Next: Mon, Nov 9
A free one-hour guided walk through an old-growth forest of koa and ʻōhiʻa, two native Hawaiian trees, at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, outside the park.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab)
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
Queens' MarketPlace Hula Show
Every Monday, 6–7 p.m.Next: Mon, Nov 9
A free hour of kahiko (ancient-style) and modern hula at the Coronation Pavilion in Queens' MarketPlace, Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Oct 13, 2026
ʻIeʻie Weaving Demonstration at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Every Monday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.Next: Mon, Nov 9
Uncle Pomai Brown weaves ʻieʻie roots, the material once used for fish traps and feathered helmets, in the canoe house next to stop 16. The demonstration itself is free.
Organizer's website (opens in a new tab) Our guide
Schedule confirmed by the organizer, checked Nov 5, 2026
The Kona Brewers Festival is held on the grounds of the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, on Kamakahonu Bay in downtown Kona. Image credit: Robert Thomas.