The Island of Hawaii’s relatively enormous landmass will host a wide range of events this coming October. The most universally appealing is surely this year’s Hawaii Food & Wine Festival - but other more niche events are also coming, centered around topics from songwriting, to ecology, to missionary work.
No matter who you are or what you’re looking for out of your visit, the Island of Hawaii will have something to offer in the middle month of fall. Here are the most exciting events and festivals coming to the Big Island in October.
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2023 Events and Festivities
Events for the Big Island of Hawaii in October 2023 will be posted in the coming weeks. Typically, we'll update this page about six to eight weeks before the month in question. Below, you can review a summary of what happened within the last 12-18 months, as many of these Hawaii events are held annually.
2022 Events and Festivities
12th Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
While many of the events related to this self-explanatory festival are taking place on Maui, some of the coolest - including Bourbon, Brews, and BBQ at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - are taking place on the Big Island. This enormous event is facilitated by chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists who are all world-class and come from all over the world.
When: Begins Friday, October 28th
Where: Various Locations
More Info: Hawaii Food & Wine Festival - Schedule of Events
Hawaii Songwriting Festival
In 2022, the Hawaii Songwriting Festival finally makes its in-person comeback. When it comes to the craft of songwriting and intimate musical performance, this is an exceptionally huge comeback. The festival is revered for its being relatively small, relaxed, and friendly while also mingling professionals and amateurs all together under the shared umbrella of a love of music.
When: October 20th - October 22nd
Where: 62-100 Kauna’oa Dr, Waimea (Westin Hapuna Beach Resort)
More Info: Hawaii Songwriting Festival
Volcano Art Center’s Forest Fair
The Volcano Art Center is self-described as being “where people, art, and nature meet.” This ecological event is hosted on their Niaulani Campus, a restored native rainforest. It is an opportunity to engage with the fantastic natural life that colors Hawaii’s forests - birds, plants, and the land itself. There will also be books and plants for sale!
When: Saturday, October 8th, 10 AM - 3 PM
Where: 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano (Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus)
More Info: Volcano Art Center - Events
The Pacific Surge Event
YWAM Ships is a religious organization that does missionary work around the world. In October, their Kona location will host a Pacific Surge fundraiser. Speakers from various locations across the globe will take the microphone, including both of the organization’s founders.
When: October 13th - October 16th
Where: 75-5687 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona
More Info: YWAM Ships Kona - Pacific Surge Fundraiser
A Taste of Hilo
A Taste of Hilo started in 1998 and has since become the premier culinary event for the Island of Hawaii’s eastern region. It will be held virtually this year and will feature a silent auction to support the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii.
When: Begins Monday, October 17th
Where: Online/Virtual
More Info: Taste of Hilo
We hope you find this helpful guide to planning your October on the Big Island. As always, mahalo, and best wishes for your visit!
