Things to Do on The Island of Hawaii

Big Island Events & Festivals

The Big Island’s events calendar is as varied as its landscapes — legendary hula competitions, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) rodeos, cherry blossom festivals at 2,500 feet in Waimea, Kona coffee harvest celebrations, stargazing gatherings, and one of the most famous endurance races in the world. Time your trip right and the event you attend can end up being the highlight of the whole vacation.

Here are the major Big Island events worth planning around:

Merrie Monarch Festival (Hilo, early April). Hawaii’s most prestigious hula competition runs for one week beginning on Easter Sunday at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium in Hilo. The 63rd annual festival is April 5–11, 2026. Tickets for the hula competition nights sell out months in advance — plan early if you want to attend in person.

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (Waimea, early February). The free 33rd annual festival is February 7, 2026, headquartered at Church Row Park in Waimea and running 9am–3pm across multiple venues in town. It celebrates Waimea’s historic cherry tree bloom with Japanese tea ceremonies, multicultural performances, cooking demonstrations, and free shuttle service between the Parker Ranch historic homes, Church Row Park, and Pukalani Stables.

Kona Brewers Festival (Kailua-Kona, mid-March). The 31st annual Kona Brewers Festival is March 14, 2026, at the historic King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Founded in 1996 and now run by the Rotary Clubs of West Hawai‘i, the all-inclusive festival pass includes curated craft beer pours, unlimited culinary tastings from local chefs, and live music.

Big Island International Marathon (Hilo, mid-March). The 2026 race is March 15, starting and finishing at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The course runs along the old coastal highway past Onomea Bay and Hilo Bay. Events include the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a 2-mile walk, plus virtual options for all distances.

Ironman World Championship (Kailua-Kona, October). After being split between Kona and Nice, France from 2023–2025 over logistical and community concerns, the Ironman World Championship returns to Kailua-Kona as a single unified event starting in 2026, with men’s and women’s races held on the same day. Kona is effectively closed on race day — book lodging and rental cars a year in advance if you plan to attend.

Hawaii Island Festival of Birds (Hilo, late October). The 2026 festival is October 24 at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, with a theme of “Celebrating Resilience.” It’s dedicated to Hawaii’s native bird species and environmental awareness.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Kailua-Kona, November). Held annually since 1970, the 10-day Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates Kona’s nearly 200-year-old coffee heritage. Highlights include the lantern parade through downtown Kona, coffee cupping competitions, farm tours, a coffee art contest, and Hawaiian craft demonstrations. A festival button ($5 per person) is required for entry to most events.

Beyond these headliners, the Big Island also hosts smaller but distinctive events throughout the year — monthly farmers markets, slack-key concerts, paniolo rodeos in Waimea, and the annual Mauna Kea stargazing gatherings. Browse our monthly island event posts below for the complete calendar of what’s happening during your trip.