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We mentioned before that the Big Island is also
called the island of superlatives. Not only the biggest of the Hawaiian
island chain, the big Island promises lots of adventures, many beyond
the ordinary, and offers a wide spread array of Big Island events
which attract each year thousands of Hawaii visitors. Big Island
vacation highlights may include one of the following Big Island
events:
Big Island Events
PGA Mastercard Golf Championship - January
This annual PGA golf event at the Four Seasons
Resort Hualalai Golf Club annually kicks off the PGA Champion’s
Tour. It features 36 top golfers who have won Champions Tour or
other PGA majors or money events in a 54-hole competition for a
total purse topping $1.5 million. This golf tournament is a highlight,
which Big Island golf enthusiasts don’t want to miss.
>>>Read
more on PGA Golf Tournaments
Big Island International Marathon - March
Run along the ocean at one of the world’s
most scenic marathons. This certified, scenic course follows "the
coast of old Hawaii" along the Pacific Ocean, past exotic waterfalls,
over narrow bridges and lava beaches. After a downhill of 500 ft.
and some hills in the first 8 miles, this marathon course is fairly
flat. Hilo is located in on the East Coast of the Big Island, which
features lush tropical rainforest. So anticipate some rain. As with
all our Big Island events, lots of volunteers make this Hilo Marathon
a success for athletes and spectators.
>>>Read
more on Hilo Marathon
Merrie Monarch Hula Festival - Easter
(March or April)
So, if sports events are not your personal preference,
the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival attracts thousands of visitors
each year after Easter. The Merrie Monarch Festival is held each
year to celebrate Hawaiian culture, dance and music. The 45th Annual
Merrie Monarch Festival (2008) hula competition in Hilo Hawaii is
scheduled for next year from March 30 – April 5, 2008, which
is one week later than usual. This date shift was done in order
to accommodate another major event in Hilo. Normally, the Big Island
hula festival starts on Easter Sunday in Hilo with lots of music,
food and fun. It’s not easy to get tickets for the hula performances.
There is a free hula exhibition on Wednesday night at the stadium
that begins at 6:30pm.
>>>Read
more on Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
Big Island Lavaman Triathlon –
April
The Lavaman Triathlon and Sports Festival takes
place at Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island.
The highlight of this sports and fitness event is the Lavaman Triathlon
Olympic Distance Triathlon, which includes 1.5 k Swim, 40K Bike
+ 10K Run. The 11th Annual Lavaman Triathlon will take place on
April 6th, 2008. There are overall and Age Group awards for Lavaman
Triathlon, which includes trophies and prizes and even two Ironman
Age Group slots for the 2008 Ironman Triathlon!
The Lavaman experience has grown into a multi-sports festival, complete
with a the Lavaman Youth Biathlon. The Lavaman Triathlon has been
featured worldwide on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) and incorporated
into the OLN show, "Triathlon World."
>>>
Read more on the Big Island Lavaman Triathlon
Big Island Film Festival - May
The Big Island Film Festival has become part of
the major Big Island events calendar with celebrating its 3rd festival
this year 2008.The new location for the film festival is the Queen's
Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort. The Queen's Marketplace is
across from the famous Kings Shops, which offers tons of shopping
and restaurants. The Queen's Marketplace complements the 'old' Kings
Shops. A few of the film festival's social events will still take
place at the Hilton Waikoloa Beach Resort and Marriott Beach Resort.
>>>
Read more about the Big Island Film Festival.
Hawaii Ironman 70.3 Big Island
- June
The 70.3 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii takes place the last
Saturday in June. Start is at at Hapuna Beach State Park. This former
Honu Triathlon has become a popular competition for athletes to
prepare for the real Hawaii Kona Triathlon or at least for those
who cannot manage to qualify for the Ironman Triathlon to get a
taste of what it's like to do half an Ironman. This 70.3 Hawaii
Triathlon consists of 1.2 miles Swimming near the shores of Hapuna
Beach, 56 miles Biking on Hwy 19 from Hapuna Beach to Mauna Lani
Resort and 13.1 miles Running a course through Mauna Lani Resorts.
Entry Fees for all state and international athletes: $235 Prior
to October 1, 2008, $265 October 1, 2008 until closed. Ironman 70.3
Hawaii is open to all competitors as an International qualifier
for the Ford Ironman World Championship and the Foster Grant Ironman
World Championship 70.3.
>>>Read
more about the 70.3 Hawaii Ironman on the Big Island
Parker Ranch Independence Day Rodeo
– July 3rd, 2009
On Friday, July 3, 2009, Parker Ranch presents
its Annual Horse Races and Rodeo held at the Parker Ranch Arena.
This year Parker Ranch Rodeo event is commemorating the 50th Anniversary
of Hawaiian Statehood! The Parker Ranch Independence Rodeo takes
place at the Parker Ranch Arena in Waimea. This rodeo celebrates
the tradition of the Hawaiian cowboys (paniolos) with action rodeo
events and delicious food. It provides visitors a rare glimpse at
real-life paniolo in action, including horse races, team sorting,
double mugging, roping and more. Tickets for the rodeo can be purchased
at the Parker Ranch Store in mid-June and also at the gate on rodeo
day. For more information call 808-885-7655.
>>>Read
more about Parker Ranch Events
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament
– July 20 - 24, 2009
The Golden Anniversary of the Hawaiian International
Billfish Tournament Kicks Off in July: Monday, July 20 – Friday,
July 24, 2009! The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament started
Kona's big game fishing reputation nearly 50 years ago. Passionate
fishing teams from around the world, Australia, Bahamas, New Zealand,
South Africa, California and Hawaii, get attracted to this tournament
in catching the prized Pacific Blue Marlin and winning the Hawaiian
International Billfish Tournament
>>>Read
more on the Big Island’s Billfish Tournament in Kona
Annual Hawaii Slack Key Guitar Festival
- August
This annual festival which features the greats
of slack key guitar, will be held at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort
& Spa, from 1-6pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase;
no outside food or beverages allowed. WEAR A HAT; BRING AN UMBRELLA
FOR SHADE. >>>Read
more about The Hawaii Slack Key Guitar Festival
Aloha Festivals Big Island - September
Each year the nation wide Aloha Festival events
attract a big crowd, which enjoy the fun events plus the chance
to learn more about the Hawaii culture and heritage. The Aloha Festivals
is Hawaii's premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawaii's
music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique island
traditions. Big Island Aloha Festivals usually start at the end
of August and offer a big variety of events all through September.
>>>Read
more the Big Island Aloha Festival
Big Island Ironman Triathlon Kona –
October
The 2009 Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Ford World Championship
takes place in Kailua Kona on Saturday October 10, 2009. Every year
on the second Saturday in October about 1,500 triathletes from around
the world compete for the ultimate triathlon, the Hawaii Triathlon
Ironman Word Championship in Kona. The Ironman is probably the biggest
event the Hawaiian Islands host, not just in regards to the thousands
of visitors watching the competition but also due to the international
reputation the Ironman receives. A 2.4-mile ocean swim in Kona with
start from the Pier at Alii Dr, 112-mile bike race from Kona to
Hawi on the north tip of the Big Island and the final 26.2-mile
marathon takes everything out of each contestant. Competitors have
17 hours to finish. You want to be at the finish line when the clock
stops counting at midnight. That’s when the real drama starts
unfolding. The Hawaii Ironman is an experience of a lifetime.
>>>Visit
official Ironman Website
>>>See Big
Island Ironman Photos
Kona Coffee Festival - November 6 - 15,
2009
The first coffee was planted in Kona by a missionary
in 1828. These first trees were taken from cuttings planted on Oahu
a few years earlier. Coffee and Kona turned out to be a perfect
match. Rich volcanic soil, hard-working family farmers, and perfect
climatic conditions made the success of Kona coffee happen. First
time that Kona coffee was mentioned was in 1840. Ever since then
coffee was planted in several locations on the Big Island but Kona
Coffee was the best. Come visit the the Kona Coffee Festival. Taste
Kona's coffee and you'll sense its strength, the hand-picked quality
that sets it apart. Kona Coffeee makes a great gift taking home
from your Hawaii vacation.
>>>Read
more about the Kona Coffee Festival
Moku O Keawe Festival - November
The Moku O Kawe International Festival 2008 takes
place 11/5 - 11/9/08 at the Waikoloa Bowl, Waikoloa Beach Resort,
adjacent to Queen's Marketplace. The festival shows great hula competition
and hands on culture workshops by 8 top kumu including Keali'i Reichel,
opening concert with Napua Greig and much more. Beautiful photos
and information at www.MokuOKeawe.org designed by Kuha'o Zane.
>>>Read
more about the Moku O Kewawe International Festival
Many more 2009 Big Island Events by the
month
Big Island Vacation links
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