Hawaii Island Events and Festivals
Hula in Hilo, triathlon and canoe races in Kona, coffee festivals and a Fourth of July rodeo.
Many of Hawaii Island's events grow out of its culture and its farms. Hula, outrigger canoe racing, ranching and coffee each have their own celebrations, and they draw as many residents as visitors. Kona hosts the largest sporting events, Hilo has the island's most famous cultural festival, and Waimea and Kau keep smaller, community-run traditions.
Plan ahead for the big ones. Hotel rooms in Hilo are scarce during Merrie Monarch week, and Kona is full during the IRONMAN in October and the canoe races over Labor Day weekend. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also offers free cultural programs and evening talks; check its monthly events listings. Dates move from year to year, so confirm on each organizer's site.
Annual Festivals and Events
A beer and food festival pairing island brewers with local chefs, held at a Kailua-Kona hotel; it sells out.
A week of hula honoring King David Kalakaua, with the world's best-known hula competition, a Hawaiian arts fair and a parade through Hilo. Competition tickets are hard to get.
A celebration of Hawaii-grown cacao with tastings, chef demonstrations and a gala at a Kohala Coast resort.
Farm tours, tastings and a hoolaulea celebrating the district's award-winning coffee.
A paniolo tradition now past its sixtieth year, with rodeo events and horse races at the Parker Ranch arena.
A long-distance outrigger canoe race on Kailua Bay that draws paddlers from across the Pacific.
The triathlon world championship, with the swim in Kailua Bay and the bike course running north to Hawi and back. Roads close on race day.
More than a week of farm tours, a cupping competition, a parade and coffee tastings during the harvest.
Dates move from year to year — confirm on the organizer’s site before you plan around an event.
Official Event Calendars
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Get free trip quotes »Hawaii Island Events — FAQ
How do I get Merrie Monarch tickets?
Tickets to the hula competition are limited and requested by mail, months before the festival; the festival website explains the current process. Many free events, such as the parade, craft fair and daytime performances, do not need tickets.
When is the IRONMAN in Kona?
The IRONMAN World Championship is usually held in October. Expect road closures along the Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Alii Drive on race day, and book Kona hotels early.