Calendar of Events on The Big Island
In our first edition of Hawaii The Big Island Revealed, we listed a calendar of local events for the island. It was a colossal waste of time! Things change so often in Hawaii that we couldn't keep it current. The web fixes that. Don't get me wrong. Some of the events listed below will not occur or will change time or place. That's because decisions about these things are made quite capriciously in the islands, often the day of the event. We'll change this page daily if we have to, but you can't bet your life on the timeliness of these events. Nonetheless, if you're interested in attending a local event, these might be worth checking into.
SEPTEMBER 2010
After Dark in the Park, Tuesdays at 7pm, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center Auditorium. Weekly lecture series. Call (808) 985-6000 for information, to confirm dates and reservations.
Volcano Art Center at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers new exhibits and programs each month. Call the Center at (808) 967-8222 for the current schedule.
Wednesdays, Weekly Performance involving music, chants, hula, film clips -- a blend of mediums to educate you about Hawaiian culture and the history at The Palace Theatre in Hilo. Call Alice Moon at (808) 933-9772.
Every First Saturday
Mauna Kea Visitor's Information Station, monthly program to discuss recent observations and discoveries, 6pm, with stargazing. Limited seating, (808) 961-2180.
Every Third Saturday
Aloha Saturdays at Kalakaua Park in Hilo, features performances, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, lectures and more by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, scholars, musicians, hula halau and community groups. They strive to promote creative and culturally authentic programs for all.
Saturdays & Sundays
Mauna Kea Visitor's Information Station offers free summit tours starting at 1pm. All participants in the Summit Tour must have their own 4-wheel drive transportation to the summit. Participants must be at least 16 yrs of age, not pregnant and in good health. Check their web site for other information and requirements: Visitor Information Station website.
Second Sunday of the Month
Aloha Sundays at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo on Kalakaua Street, presents a special daytime program featuring a wide variety of activities for residents and visitors featuring authentic Hawaiian cultural programming, art, student projects and entertainment. Call (808) 961-5711.
September 3-5
Hawaiian Cultural Weekend features Hawaiian falsetto singing, falsetto and poke contests, Ms Aloha Nui Pageant and Royal Court appearance and a Hawaiian brunch. At Waikoloa Beach Resort hotels and shops. Call (808) 886-8822.
September 4 & 5
Parker Ranch Round-Up Club Rodeo at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea as a fundraiser to provide scholarships for school-age children of Parker Ranch employees. This rodeo tradition at Parker Ranch is highly anticipated with loads of family-style fun. Starts at noon Saturday, 1pm on Sunday. Call (808) 885-8669.
September 4-6
Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race is the largest long-distance canoe race in the world, attracting dozens of canoe halau (clubs) and hundreds of paddlers from Hawaii and beyond. The event features single hull, double hull and individual races along with a torchlight parade, dance and lu'au awards ceremony. Visit: www.kaiopua.org.
September 4-11
East Hawaii Dance Festival is to preserve Hawaiian dance. It offers a memorable experience to residents and visitors through dance performances, and educational and experiential activities. At The Palace in Hilo. Call (808) 961-5711.
September 5
Kona Style Slack Key Guitar Festival fifteen of the best slack-key artists from Hawaii and the Big Island will perform. Authentic Hawaii music from noon to 5pm. Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa in Kona. Call (808) 226-2697.
September 5
Honuapo Hoolaulea Festival at Honuapo Park in Kau featuring continuous Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian music, hula, presentations, numerous educational and cultural booths, and activities. 10am-5pm. Call (808) 929-9891.
September 10
Mealani a Taste of the Hawaiian Range & Agricultural Festival features an Agricultural Tradeshow promoting locally grown and value-added products, an educational cooking demonstration "It's All About Taste", a public chef demonstration "Grass Fed Beef 101", agricultural and historical displays, 30 premiere Hawai'i chefs featuring forage fed meats from head to tail, and local Hawaiian music. 6pm-8pm at Hilton Waikoloa. Call (808) 959-2013.
September 18
Waimea Paniolo Parade and Hoolaulea this parade celebrates the Hawaiian paniolo or cowboy with many colorful entries and Hawaiian Island princesses on horseback. Followed by crafts show, games and arts plus island food, products and entertainment. 11am-4pm. Free in Waimea town.
September 19
Kokua Kailua Village Stroll & Concert Kailua village becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway and marketplace. Enjoy free music, artists, and merchants open for shopping and dining. At 4pm, there is a free Hawaiian music concert on the lawn at Hulihee Palace honoring Hawaiian royalty. Bring your own mat or chair and they will be checked for free while you stroll Alii Drive. 1-6pm.
September 27
Queen Liliuokalani Festival, He Halia O Liliuokalani Festival celebrates the birthday of Hawaii’s beloved Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. It is held in the beautiful surroundings of the Queen’s historical namesake, Japanese-style gardens in central Hilo. Features Royal Monarch pageantry, a mass hula, music, crafts, a "floral rain" cultural demonstrations, taiko drums, Japanese tea ceremony, ethnic food booths, children’s games, information booths and other participatory activities. Hula performances by worldwide hula halau (schools). 10am-4pm. Call (808) 961-8706.
OCTOBER 2010
After Dark in the Park, Tuesdays at 7pm, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center Auditorium. Weekly lecture series. Call (808) 985-6000 for information, to confirm dates and reservations.
Volcano Art Center at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers new exhibits and programs each month. Call the Center at (808) 967-8222 for the current schedule.
Wednesdays, Weekly Performance involving music, chants, hula, film clips -- a blend of mediums to educate you about Hawaiian culture and the history at The Palace Theatre in Hilo. Call Alice Moon at (808) 933-9772.
Every First Saturday
Mauna Kea Visitor's Information Station, monthly program to discuss recent observations and discoveries, 6pm, with stargazing. Limited seating, (808) 961-2180.
Every Third Saturday
Aloha Saturdays at Kalakaua Park in Hilo, features performances, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, lectures and more by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, scholars, musicians, hula halau and community groups. They strive to promote creative and culturally authentic programs for all.
Saturdays & Sundays
Mauna Kea Visitor's Information Station offers free summit tours starting at 1pm. All participants in the Summit Tour must have their own 4-wheel drive transportation to the summit. Participants must be at least 16 yrs of age, not pregnant and in good health. Check their web site for other information and requirements: Visitor Information Station website.
Second Sunday of the Month
Aloha Sundays at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo on Kalakaua Street, presents a special daytime program featuring a wide variety of activities for residents and visitors featuring authentic Hawaiian cultural programming, art, student projects and entertainment. Call (808) 961-5711.
October 9
2010 Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko Performance see traditional hula and chant performed outdoors on the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater, featuring Halau Na Pua Ha‘aheo o Kona under the direction of kumu hula Roy Palacat. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 9:30am-1:30pm. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, donations appreciated. Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-8222.
October 9
Ford Ironman World Championships 1,700 of the strongest triathletes compete in one of the biggest challenges that sports has to offer. The swim segment begins and ends at the pier in Kailua. The bike race travels north on the Kona Coast to the small village of Hawi, and then returns along the same route to the new transition area at the King Kamahamaha Hotel. The marathon course travels through Kailua and onto the same highway used for the bike race. Contestants run back into Kailua-Kona, coming down Alii Drive. Call (808) 329-0063.
October 9 & 10
East Hawaii Dance Festival offers a memorable experience to residents and visitors through dance performances, and educational and experiential activities, and in the process develops an understanding and respect for the unique cultural heritage of Hawai'i through dance. At the Civic Auditorium in Hilo. Call (808) 961-5711.
October 29 & 30
6th Annual OBAKE Night: Local Style Halloween Ghost Stories in the Motonaga Garage at Akiko’s Buddhist B&B "Obake" (Japanese for ghost) stories are a real part of local culture. Some are scary & some are about unusual phenomenon while some are unexplainable coincidences. Kathy Collins, storyteller & performer from Maui will be sharing stories from the unseen realms of Hawaii. $8. Call (808) 963-6422.
After Dark in the Park, Tuesdays at 7pm, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center Auditorium. Weekly lecture series. Call (808) 985-6000 for information, to confirm dates and reservations.
Volcano Art Center at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers new exhibits and programs each month. Call the Center at (808) 967-8222 for the current schedule.
Wednesdays, Weekly Performance involving music, chants, hula, film clips -- a blend of mediums to educate you about Hawaiian culture and the history at The Palace Theatre in Hilo. Call Alice Moon at (808) 933-9772.
Every First Saturday
Mauna Kea Visitor's Information Station, monthly program to discuss recent observations and discoveries, 6pm, with stargazing. Limited seating, (808) 961-2180.
Every Third Saturday
Aloha Saturdays at Kalakaua Park in Hilo, features performances, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, lectures and more by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, scholars, musicians, hula halau and community groups. They strive to promote creative and culturally authentic programs for all.
Saturdays & Sundays
Mauna Kea Visitor's Information Station offers free summit tours starting at 1pm. All participants in the Summit Tour must have their own 4-wheel drive transportation to the summit. Participants must be at least 16 yrs of age, not pregnant and in good health. Check their web site for other information and requirements: Visitor Information Station website.
Second Sunday of the Month
Aloha Sundays at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo on Kalakaua Street, presents a special daytime program featuring a wide variety of activities for residents and visitors featuring authentic Hawaiian cultural programming, art, student projects and entertainment. Call (808) 961-5711.
November 3-7
Moku O Keawe International Festival a competitive and educational celebration of hula and hula arts. The event includes an International Hula Competition; Cultural Workshops with interpreters; a hoike event open to applicants; and a Cultural MarketPlace to build and strengthen Hawai‘i’s living cultural traditions through education and the enrichment of the practice and development of hula and the associated arts. Waikoloa Beach Resort. Call (808) 345-9364.
November 5
Black & White Night Hilo's biggest annual strolling party with numerous live music venues, fashion shows, a treasure hunt through town, free food, author & artist receptions. Everyone dresses in black and white, from shorts and T-shirts to gowns and suits to enter the "Best Dressed Black & White Contest" for cash prizes. 5pm-10pm. Free event.
November 5-14
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival including parades, New Waves at NELHA event, Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Pageant, Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll, Kona Coffee Picking Contest, recipe contest, tastings, Cupping Competition, art exhibits, entertainment, and farm & mill tours. Call (808) 326-7820 or visit www.konacoffeefest.com.
November 6-13
5th Annual Kahumoku 'Ohana Hawaiian Music & Lifestyles Workshop on the grounds of the Pahala Plantation Cottages, this is a rare week-long opportunity to learn ki ho'alu (slack key guitar), 'ukulele, steel guitar, song writing, music theory and hula, from today's top masters, many of which have ties to the island of Hawai'i. Other cultural activities include lei making, chant, Hawaiian Song and choir, pahu drum carving, lauhala and coconut palm weaving, food preparation and traditional crafts. Tuition for the event includes all music and cultural classes, private one-on-one lessons from all instructors, three meals a day. Call (808) 929-9811.
November 19-20
23rd Annual Christmas "EG"Stravaganza oldest and largest craft fair on the Big Island returns for its 23rd year with even more talented artisans. Fun for everyone with games throughout the show, including Mystery Shoppers, trivia questions, Scavenger Hunts and live keiki performances on Saturday. Call (808) 959-7389.
November 20-28
Christmas in the Country Begins! Special holiday celebrations include art demonstrations and print and book signings by gallery artists, plus quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during the holiday season. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Free; Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-7565.
DECEMBER 2010
After Dark in the Park, Tuesdays at 7pm, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center Auditorium. Weekly lecture series. Call (808) 985-6000 for information, to confirm dates and reservations.
Volcano Art Center at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers new exhibits and programs each month. Call the Center at (808) 967-8222 for the current schedule.
Wednesdays, Weekly Performance involving music, chants, hula, film clips -- a blend of mediums to educate you about Hawaiian culture and the history at The Palace Theatre in Hilo. Call Alice Moon at (808) 933-9772.
Every First Saturday
Mauna Kea Visitor's Information Station, monthly program to discuss recent observations and discoveries, 6pm, with stargazing. Limited seating, (808) 961-2180.
Every Third Saturday
Aloha Saturdays at Kalakaua Park in Hilo, features performances, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, lectures and more by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, scholars, musicians, hula halau and community groups. They strive to promote creative and culturally authentic programs for all.
Saturdays & Sundays
Mauna Kea Visitor's Information Station offers free summit tours starting at 1pm. All participants in the Summit Tour must have their own 4-wheel drive transportation to the summit. Participants must be at least 16 yrs of age, not pregnant and in good health. Check their web site for other information and requirements: Visitor Information Station website.
Second Sunday of the Month
Aloha Sundays at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo on Kalakaua Street, presents a special daytime program featuring a wide variety of activities for residents and visitors featuring authentic Hawaiian cultural programming, art, student projects and entertainment. Call (808) 961-5711.
December 27
13th Annual Mochi Pounding Celebration at Akiko's Buddhist Bed and Breakfast in Hakalau. Good luck rice cakes are pounded and made in the traditional "old-fashioned" way. Everyone takes their turn at pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck. Fire building starts at 6 a.m. to steam the sticky rice. Event goes from 8am-2pm with local style lunch for $5, local entertainment, fortune telling, Japanese calligraphy and more. Call (808) 963-6422.
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