Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (Early February). Annual festival celebrating the bloom of Waimea's historic cherry trees (imported from Japan). Features Japanese tea ceremonies, multicultural performances, cooking demonstrations, and local artisans. The 33rd annual…
Kona Brewers Festival (March (occasionally shifted; 2026 was April 4)). Annual craft beer festival held in Kailua-Kona, typically at the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Features craft breweries from across Hawaii and the mainland alongside local food and live music.
Merrie Monarch Festival (Easter week (April; precise dates vary annually with Easter)). World-renowned hula competition held in Hilo since 1964, considered the most prestigious hula contest in the world. The 63rd annual festival ran April 5–11, 2026. Features kahiko (ancient) and ʻauana (modern) hula…
Big Island Chocolate Festival (Late April (2026: April 23–25)). Annual festival at Waikoloa Beach Marriott showcasing locally grown cacao and Big Island chocolate makers, with tastings, seminars, chef demonstrations, and a gala fundraiser.
Kaʻū Coffee Festival (May). Annual festival celebrating the award-winning Kaʻū coffee-growing district in the southern Big Island, with farm tours, tastings, and cultural events.
King Kamehameha Day Celebration (June 11). Hawaii state holiday honoring King Kamehameha I. The Big Island hosts two major celebrations: a floral parade along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona and the traditional lei draping ceremony plus parade in North Kohala…
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (August). One of the world's premier big-game fishing tournaments, held annually off Kailua-Kona since 1959. Draws international fishing teams competing for Pacific blue marlin and other billfish.
IRONMAN World Championship (October (2026 date: October 10)). The world's most prestigious triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run) has been held in Kailua-Kona since 1981. Draws thousands of athletes and spectators annually. In 2026 men and women race together on…
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November (approximately 10 days; 2026: November 6–15)). Founded in 1970, one of Hawaii's oldest food festivals. Celebrates the iconic 100% Kona coffee harvest with farm tours, cupping competitions, cultural performances, and artisan markets in the Kona region.