Big Island Events in September

Kūpuna Hula Festival

Imagine an evening under the stars in Kona, where the rhythm of the ipu (gourd drum) and the graceful movements of hula tell timeless stories. The Kūpuna Hula Festival honors Hawaiʻi’s elders, the kūpuna, by celebrating their artistry and wisdom through hula. Nearly 300 participants from across Hawaiʻi and even Japan will take the stage, dancing with the kind of grace that only comes from a lifetime of experience.

Each night begins with a festive atmosphere, doors open at 4 p.m., the shows start around 5 p.m., and alongside the performances is a lively craft fair running from morning to evening. There you’ll find local jewelry, handmade Hawaiian apparel, fresh flowers, and artisan goods, all infused with island culture. Tickets are just $20, but the craft fair is free to browse, making it a welcoming event for both locals and visitors.

This isn’t just a performance, it’s a heartfelt reminder that hula is for every generation, and the elders who carry these traditions keep Hawaiʻi’s culture thriving.

When: September 10–11, 2025
Where: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Kailua-Kona
More Info: Kupuna Hula Festival

Paniolo Festival & Waimea Paniolo Parade

Up in Waimea, the cool mountain breezes carry the spirit of the paniolo—Hawaiʻi’s own cowboys, who have been a vital part of the island’s ranching heritage since the early 1800s. The Paniolo Festival is a week-long celebration of this rich history. Throughout the week, you can catch line dancing nights, storytelling by the bonfire, workshops, a beef cook-off, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about the cowboy way of life in Hawaiʻi.

The crown jewel is the 73rd Annual Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 20th. The parade kicks off from Waimea Park, rolling right through town with horseback riders in full paʻu (traditional Hawaiian riding dress), floral floats, mounted units, and even a Royal Court. It all culminates at Kalani Schutte Waimea District Park, where a lively Hoʻolauleʻa (festival) unfolds. Expect live Hawaiian music, craft vendors, ono (delicious) food, games, and cultural exhibits. Best part? The parade and festival are completely free.

It’s not every day you get to witness Hawaiʻi’s cowboy culture firsthand—Waimea’s paniolo pride is contagious, and this festival will leave you with a whole new appreciation for island traditions beyond the beaches.

When: September 15–20, 2025 (Parade on September 20)
Where: Waimea (North Kohala region)
More Info: Paniolo Festival

Queen Liliʻuokalani Birthday Celebration

In the lush setting of Hilo’s Liliʻuokalani Gardens, a special gathering takes place each year to honor the birthday of Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Known for her strength, leadership, and the beautiful songs she composed (like the beloved Aloha ʻOe), Queen Liliʻuokalani’s legacy continues to inspire the Hawaiian people.

This family-friendly event includes hula performances, Hawaiian music, games for keiki (children), lei-making demonstrations, and cultural exhibits that tell the story of the Queen’s life and contributions. It’s a heartfelt celebration of Hawaiian heritage, blending joy with reverence, and a perfect way to spend a day connecting with the history and aloha spirit of the islands.

Being in Hilo for this event is a unique treat—the gardens themselves are stunning. When filled with music, laughter, and the fragrance of lei, it feels like stepping into a living tribute to Hawaiian royalty.

When: September 6, 2025 (first Saturday of September)
Where: Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Hilo
More Info: Queen Liliuokalani Celebration

September on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi is all about cultural richness and heartfelt celebration.

• In Kona, the Kūpuna Hula Festival gives you the chance to witness the grace and wisdom of Hawaiʻi’s elders as they share their stories through hula, surrounded by a buzzing craft fair and island hospitality.

• In Waimea, the Paniolo Festival immerses you in cowboy culture with a week of festivities, culminating in a parade that blends Hawaiian tradition with paniolo pride, bringing the whole community together.

• And in Hilo, the Queen Liliʻuokalani Birthday Celebration reminds us of the enduring legacy of Hawaiʻi’s last monarch, filling the gardens with music, dance, and a deep sense of history.

Together, these events show the diverse heart of the Big Island—from coastal traditions and elder wisdom to royal remembrance and cowboy spirit. If you’re visiting in September, plan to catch at least one of these festivals. Each one offers not just entertainment, but a meaningful connection to the people and culture that make Hawaiʻi so special.