Annual Hawaii Events on the Big Island

Are you staying in a Hawaii vacation rental on the Big Island? Be sure to explore more details on the best annual events in Hawaii! Celebrating culture, nature, athleticism, authentic foods, and so much more. The Big Island is a wonderful place with renowned local events. Dive into the details and start planning your vacation today! 
 

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival

Location: Waimea, Hawaii 
Month: February 
Don't miss out on the beauty of the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival! The festival celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms (Sakura) in Waimea and showcases Japanese culture. Attendees can enjoy local cuisine, tea ceremonies, demonstrations, and more with the beautiful cherry blossoms. You can also explore public parks, gardens, and scenic overlooks of Cherry Blossom trees. Enjoy Japanese and Hawaiian culinary foods including sushi, tempura, mochi, and more. Join in on the celebration of Japanese culture with this wonderful community event for all ages! 
 

Merrie Monarch Festival

Location: Hilo, Hawaii 
Month: April 
Held in Hilo, this week-long festival celebrates Hawaiian culture! This annual event takes place in April every year and includes hula competitions, art exhibits, craft fairs, and a grand parade. The Merrie Monarch Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Hawaii, specifically on the Big Island. It honors the legacy of King David Kalkaua, often referred to as the "Merrie Monarch," who was a patron of the arts, particularly hula. In addition to the hula competitions, the festival features a range of cultural events and activities throughout the week. One of the highlights of the festival is the Ho'olaule'a, or the grand parade, which winds its way through the streets of Hilo, with floats, traditional costumes, and live music. 
 

Big Island Chocolate Festival

Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 
Month: April/May 
The Big Island Chocolate Festival, held in the spring each year, celebrates all things chocolate! Kailua-Kona is known for its significance in the Hawaiian cacao industry. The event includes chocolate tastings, cooking demonstrations, and even a gala. This is your opportunity to sample a wide variety of chocolates from local and international chocolatiers! Watch in awe as professional chocolatiers share their techniques for tempering chocolate, creating truffles, and incorporating chocolate into dishes. Oftentimes, a portion of the proceeds from tickets benefit local organizations including the agriculture/education industry and the local community. 

Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo

Location: Waimea
Month: July
The Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo is a lively and traditional celebration held at the historic Parker Ranch in Waimea. This event is a staple for the community's Independence Day festivities, blending the spirit of American patriotism with Hawaiian culture. The Rodeo offers many different events including bull riding, bronc riding, team topping, barrel racing, and more! 

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament

Location: Kona, Hawaii 
Month: August
Held in Kailua-Kona, this fishing tournament has a long history and usually occurs in August. Anglers compete to catch the largest billfish, such as marlin and sailfish. The tournament typically spans several days, during which anglers from around the globe compete for the title and prizes. People from all over travel to the Kona coast, known for its abundance of big game fish, particularly marlin. Beyond the fishing competition, spectators gather to watch the boats return with their catches. Join in on the celebration of sport fishing and Hawaiian culture! 

The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic

Location: Mauna Lani 
Month: Labor Day Weekend - August/September
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic is an event held at the Mauna Lani resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. This annual celebration brings together top chefs, fine wine, and the culinary traditions of Hawaii. The luxurious Mauna Lani resort provides a beautiful backdrop for the Culinary Classic. With its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Kohala Coast, this event creates an unforgettable experience for visitors. 

Ironman World Championship

Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 
Month: October 
The Ironman World Championship is one of the most renowned and challenging endurance events in the world for qualified athletes! Held in Kailua-Kona, this triathlon event takes place every October. Athletes from all over compete in a race that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon (26.2 miles). This event attracts many visitors and athletes to enjoy spending time in Kailua-Kona, a picturesque coastal town on the west side of the Big Island. The course definitely showcases the island's natural beauty. Learn more about the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii which attracts elite athletes and inspires spectators every year!  
 

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

Location: Kona, Hawaii 
Month: November 
Celebrating the renowned Kona coffee industry, the Kona Coffee Festival takes place in November in the Kona region on the Big Island of Hawaii. It includes coffee tastings, farm tours, cultural events, and a coffee-picking contest. It celebrates the rich heritage of coffee cultivation in the Kona region, which boasts ideal growing conditions with its volcanic soil, elevation, and climate. Attendees can attend coffee farm tours, tastings,  live performances, art exhibits, and educational seminars on coffee! 
 
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