Calendar of Events Big Island > Big Island Events and Festivals

The Big Island is also called the Hawaiian island of superlatives. Famous Golf Championships on the Kohala Coast or celebration of Hawaiian cultural events during the Aloha Festival in September bring big crowds of visitors to the Big Island. Big Island event highlights are the Ford Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona in October and the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, Big Island. Those Big Island events attract Big Island visitors from the Mainland and from around the world year after year. Read more monthly highlights of 2012 Big Island events.

Big Island Monthly Events 2012

Skip Big Island monthly events and go to all-year round 2012 Big Island Events

Big Island Events May 2012

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY - HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Date: May 1, 2012
Time: 11am - 1pm
Place: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy live entertainment by the "Kani Le'a Ma Kilauea" Ukulele Band! Also, a hands-on cultural demonstration of lei-making will be offered, on the Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Everyone is welcome and all events are free (donations accepted); park entrance fees apply. Time: 11 AM to 1 PM. For more information, call 808-967-8222, email or visit site

HULA PU'ILI CLASS - HONAUNAU
Date: May 4, 2012
Time: 10am - 2pm
Place: Honaunau
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is proud to present the May 2012 Kahiko (traditional) Hula event with Hula Pu'ili (bamboo rattle). Pu'ili adds sound, rhythm, cadence, and visual effects to the hula. Visitors will have opportunities to learn from the kumu hula (hula teachers) and participate in hula movements with the Pu'ili. Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Honaunau. Park Admission applies. For more information, call (808) 328-2326, ext. 1702 or email or visit site

CINCO DE MAYO ROLLER DERBY SCRIMMAGE - OLD AIRPORT STATE PARK
Date: May 5, 2012
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Place: Kona Old Airport
It's a Cinco de Mayo scrimmage at the Old A's skate rink. Join the Paradise Roller Girls for a mixed-level scrimmage and food, refreshments, music, silent auction and derby swag! Half-time pinatas and derby "lucha libre". Tickets are $3 at the door for rink-side seating (suicide seats and bleachers available, first come first serve.) Free self-serve seating outside the fence. Time: 6pm-8pm. For more information, call (808) 987-8549 or email or visit site

ANNUAL HULA AND MUSIC PERFORMANCE EVENT - WAIKOLOA BOWL AT QUEENS' GARDENS
Date: May 5, 2012
Time: see site
Place: Waikoloa Bowl
Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola, under the direction of Kumu Keala Ching, presents "Pana Ka Pu'uwai Ho'okahi" (Our Hearts Beat as One). Hula halau from around the world will perform both kahiko (ancient style hula) and hula 'auna (modern style). Musical guests include Jerry Santos and Olomana, Aunty Diana Aki, with special appearances by Kumu Hula Loea Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Kumu Hulu 'Ulu Hewett, and more. Keoki Kahumoku will lead an 'ukulele "Jam Session". Tickets are available online at nawaiiwiola.org

KA'U FARMERS TABLE DINNER - NA'ALEHU
Date: May 5, 2012
Time: 5pm - 9pm
Place: Na'anlehu Ka'u Farmers' Table
A Feast for the Senses will be hosted by Kalaekilohana Bed and Breakfast from 5-9pm. The event features an intimate evening of music with world-renowned Hawaiian entertainer Robert Cazimero and the culinary magic of Executive Chef Morgan Starr of Mi's Italian Bistro. The locally sourced fare includes a paired five-course gourmet meal and a Ka'u coffee dessert bar. Tickets are $100 in advance. The event is being sponsored by Mi's Wine and Cheese Shop, Hana Hou Restaurant and Kalaekilohana. For information and tickets, contact Kalaekilohana at 808-939-8052, email or visit site

KODOMO NO MATSURI CHILDREN'S DAY FESTIVAL - HILO
Date: May 5, 2012
Time: 10am - 2pm
Place: Hilo
The Japanese Community Association of Hawai'i hosts its 6th biennial "Kodomo No Matsuri", or Children's Day Festival. Highlights include taiko drumming, the ShiShi-Mai Dog, and the popular Japanese manga cat, Doraemon¨. Hands-on taiko demonstrations, exhibits, food, storytelling, games, numerous "make-and-take" craft activities and more. Participate in the Sumo Contest, Jan Ken Po Contest, or catch a live fish! Free; all ages welcome! Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Sangha Hall, 398 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, Hawaii, Cost:Free to the public. For information call: 959-5702 or email

KA'U COFFEE FESTIVAL'S TRIPLE C RECIPE CONTEST
Date: May 6, 2012
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Place: Kau
Pahala Cheer on contestants vying in cookies, candies and crackers categories - all must contain K'au Coffee. Hawaiian music, limited samples. Free admission and free contest entry, rules at www.kaucoffeefestival.com. Info: 808-928-9811. For more information, call 808-929-9550 or email or visit site

TROPICAL PAWS BENEFIT - FOUR SEASONS HUALALAI RESORT
Date: May 11, 2012
Time: 6pm
Place: Fours Seasons Hualalai Resort
This annual fundraiser for Hawai'i Island Humane Society will begin at 6pm, and feature a Silent and Live Auction; buffet dinner; entertainment and dancing with the Bill Noble Trio and emcee Eddie O from LAVA 105FM. Tickets $100 plus sales tax per person; $1500 for a reserved table of 10. Ticket purchases are not tax deductible. Call 329-2135 x3, or visit site for more info or to purchase tickets.

ANNUAL KA'U COFFEE FESTIVAL - PAHALA
Date: May 12, 2012
Time: visit site
Place: Pahala
Pahala Attendees can sample Ka'u coffees prepared in a wide variety of brewing methods while chatting with 2011 U.S. Barista Champion Pete Licata. Festival highlights include day-long live entertainment featuring music by Cyril Pahinui, Keoki and Moses Kahumoku and a host of others, plus hula, local food and crafts, farm and mill tours and lots of internationally renowned Ka'u coffee. Festival entry is free. Entry to the Ka'u Coffee Experience and tours are $10. Visit kaucoffeefest.com for frequent updates and a schedule of events.

7th ANNUAL MOTHER'S DAY HULA AND CONCERT CELEBRATION
Date: May 12, 2012
Time: Call for more info
Place: King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel
Halau Kala'akeakauikawekiu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Aloha Victor, presents their annual "Mama, My Mama, I Love You" Mother's Day hula and concert celebration at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel Lu'au Grounds. Guests will enjoy entertainment by the halau, and music by Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning musicians Kekuhi Kanahele, Anelaikalani, Darren Benitez, and Sean Na'auao. Tickets are $40 general seating only; $100 for private Hawaiian buffet and reserved concert seating. This is the halau's official Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition Fundraiser. For more info, call Kumu Aloha at 989-4616.

ANNUAL VISITOR INDUSTRY CHARITY WALK - WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT
Date: May 12, 2012
Time: See below
Place: Waikoloa Beach Resort
Walkers start at 7am Registration for the 3 mile Charity Walk will be at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel from 6-7am. Run starts at 6:45am; Walk at 7am (For safety reasons, walkers should not be on the route prior to the runners). Those under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult and walkers under the age of 18 must have their application signed by a parent or guardian. A minimum donation of $35 adult/$25 under 18, including infants, is required to participate, and includes a T-shirt and the Beach Party. The Beach Party following the Walk will include a brunch, games and top-notch live entertainment. Registration forms can be requested online. For more information, call the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Assn. at (808) 923-0407 or visit site

ARTISTS IN ACTION - VOLCANO VILLAGE
Date: May 12, 2012
Time: 11am - 3pm Place: Volcano Garden Arts Join members of the Volcano Village Artists Hui for a day of free demonstrations and hands-on activities. Activities will include demonstrations of pottery making, collage, accordion book making, and Japanese paste paper. Come enjoy a day of free fun, learn how local artists create their unique works, and try your hand at a variety of creative projects. A delicious gourmet lunch will be available for purchase. Time: 11am to 3pm at Volcano Garden Arts, 19-3834 Old Volcano Hwy, Volcano Village. Free to the public. For more information, call 808/987-3472 or email

HAPA CONCERT - HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Date: May 12, 2012
Time: 7pm
Place: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
One of Hawai'i's most popular duos will perform at 7 pm at Kilauea Military Camp Theater. $37 adults; $34 Volcano Art Center members, Seniors, Military, Students. Tickets available online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

ANNA RANCH HERITAGE CENTER
Date: May 12, 2012
Time: 9 - 12noon
Place: Anna Ranch Waimea
Starting May 12th, Anna Ranch Heritage Center will conduct a docent training series. The series consists of three consecutive Saturdays. May 12th, May 19, and May 26th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. We are seeking those who are interested in preserving and sharing paniolo traditions in the heart of paniolo country. For more information call (808) 885-4426 or visit site

THE ART & TRADITIONS OF HULA AT KILAUEA - HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Date: May 19, 2012
Time: See below
Place: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This Volcano Arts Center program features a Hula Kahiko "informance" with kumu Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah. A 45-minute narrated demonstration of the preparation, protocol and offering of traditional hula and chant will be presented at the hula platform in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, followed by 45 minute lessons in lei making at 12 pm and 'ukulele playing at 1:30 pm (bring your 'ukulele if you have one) at VAC. All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply.

PUNA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Date: May 19 -28, 2012
Time: Visit site
Place: Puna
Workshops, music intensives, concerts thruout Puna. Sponsored by Kalani and KAPA radio. For more info, visit PunaMusicFestival

"KOKUA KAILUA" VILLAGE STROLL AND HULIHE'E PALACE MONTHLY EVENT - KAILUA-KONA
Date: May 20, 2012
Time: Stroll starts at 1pm
Place: Kailua-Kona
Free Hawaiian music featuring the Merrie Monarchs men's glee club and Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawai'i on the Palace's South Lawn at 4 p.m., presented by the Daughters of Hawaii. Bring your own beach mat or chair. Before and after the Palace performance, stroll thru historic Kailua Village (the Stroll starts at 1pm & goes till 6pm), enjoy oceanside cafes and restaurants, local musicians & artists. For more info about the Palace event, email For info about the Village Stroll, call 808-936-9202, email or visit site

BIG ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL - MAUNA LANI RESORT AND THE FAIRMONT ORCHID
Date: May 24 - 28, 2012
Time: 5:30pm
Place: Mauna Lani Resort
This "Talk Story" film festival celebrates independent, narrative, Hawaiian and international filmmakers and their films. There will be social food & beverage events and entertainment as well as the film presentations, and an award brunch. Kama'aina discounts for tickets every night. There will be some great celebrity guests. The "Best of the Fest" event will present the audience-voted best feature and best short film of this year's festival at 5:30pm, with a concert featuring a popular Hawaiian musician. For more information, call 808/557-5200, 808/883-0394 office or email. For complete schedule information and tickets, visit BigIslandFilmFestival.com

ANNUAL HILO INTER-TRIBAL POWWOW & NATIVE HERITAGE DAYS
Date: May 26 - 28, 2012
Time: 9am - 6pm Sat + Sun, 9am - 4pm Mon
Place: Hilo
Three days of non-competitive sharing, classes, a craft fair featuring the work of traditional artisans, and other educational, cultural, and fun events culminating in an honoring of veterans. Lots of drumming and dancing! Everyone is invited to experience the sights, sounds, flavors and spirit of Native America through music, dance, storytelling, food, arts and crafts. This is a drug and alcohol free event. The Powwow is hosted by the Federation of American Natives. For more information, call 808-747-2903 or e-mail

All-Year round Big Island Events 2012

PGA Mastercard Golf Championship - January 2012

2012 PGA Mitsubishi Electric Golf Championship at Hualalai takes place in January 2012. 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 Hilo International Marathon - March 2012

15th Hilo Marathon will take place March 18, 2012. The Hilo Marathon has limited entries for 2012. Registration will be closed when slots are filled. 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

Big Island Lavaman Triathlon – April 2012

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 15h Annual Lavaman Triathlon will take place on April 1st, 2012. There are overall and Age Group awards for Lavaman Triathlon, which includes trophies and prizes and even two Ironman Age Group slots for the 2010 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." FYI: 2012 Lavaman Race has sold out. Last chance is charity slot.
>>> Read more on the Big Island Lavaman Triathlon

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival - April 2011

The 49th Annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festifal will take place in Hilo April 12 - 14, 2021. So, if Big Island 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. Normally, the Big Island hula festival starts on Easter Sunday in Hilo with lots of music, food and fun. This Big Island hula festival is a week long festival of cultural events including Hawaii's most prestigious hula competitions at Edith Kanaka’ole stadium. 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 Film Festival - May 2011

The 2012 Big Island Film Festival takes place May 24 - 28 at Mauna Lani Resort Resort. This location includes free parking and other great values. The Big Island Film Festival has become part of the major Big Island events calendar with celebrating its 7th festival in 2012. 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 Rohto Ironman 70.3 Big Island - June 2011

The 70.3 Ironman Hawaii takes place June 2nd, 2012. 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 athletes for the Hawaii Rohto Ironman 70.3 is $290. This Hawaii Ironman 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 Annual 4th of July Horseraces & Rodeo - July 2012

The Annual Parker Ranch 4th of July Rodeo takes place at Parker Ranch in Waimea. Big Island Ranchers participate in fast-paced horseraces and rodeo events with Parker Ranch cowboys. Ribbon mugging, ranch mugging, dally team roping, Po'o Wai U and more. Keiki activities including roping practice and pony rides. Lots of food and mementos for sale at the Parker Ranch Store booth. Time: 9 am to 12 noon at Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena, Waimea. Cost: $5 in advance/$6 at the gate; kids 10 & under free. For more information, call 885.2323, email or visit www.parkerranch.com

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament – August 2012

The 2012 Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament takes place August 12 - 18. 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 - September 2012

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 2012

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. Aloha Festival events take place in Waikiki, Oahu 9/15 + 9/22/2012.
>>>Read more the Big Island Aloha Festival

Big Island Ironman Triathlon Kona – October 2012

The next Big Island Ironman takes place October 6, 2012. Without any doubt, the biggest Big Island event, not just for the Big Island but for all Hawaii, is the Hawaii Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship. Every October, on the Saturday closest to the full moon, about 1,500 of the world's fittest people tackle one of the toughest endurance events, the Ford Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship. The Hawaii Big Island 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.

The Kona Ironman is a day-long event. 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, for athletes and Big Island vistors alike.
>>>5 Best Tips for Kona Ironman
>>>See Big Island Ironman Photos

Kona Coffee Festival - November 2012

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. The 2012 Kona Coffe Festival takes place November 6 - 8th/2012.
>>>Read more about the Kona Coffee Festival

Moku O Keawe Festival - November 2012

The Moku O Kawe International Festival 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 2012 Moku O Kewawe International Festival

More 2012 Big Island Events by the month

Find all the Big Island events, happenings, activities, farmers' markets, festivals, parades, Hawaiian music, sports events and more at Big Island locations: Kona, the Kohala Coast, Waimea, Hilo and everywhere in between.
>>>Read more on Big Island Events 2012

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