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Please note that all information and other content about upcoming festivals and events are provided to BIVB by the event organizers. BIVB makes no warranties or representations about the accuracy, reliability, or suitability of such information and other content, all of which are provided “as is”.
What's sizzlin' on the Big Island
Big Island Event Calendar
Seven Wonders
07/19/2009 - 12/31/2009 FamilyExhibit-Show
Courtesy Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii
Return to the past to visit the Seven Wonders of the ancient world on Earth and then journey into space to learn about seven wonders of the cosmos in this all new show digital show at Hilo’s high-tech Imiloa Astronomy Center planetarium. Great for kids and families. Shows at 1 and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Fee. For more information call (808) 969-9700 or visit www.imiloahawaii.org
Niaulani Nature Walk / Forest Tour
11/02/2009 - 11/30/2009 FamilyNatural History
Elder hostel Rainforest Hike by Paul J. Buklarewicz
Take a one-hour guided nature walk through an old-growth Hawaiian rain forest on an easy, half-mile loop trail. The walk introduces individuals, families, and groups to the native plants and birds of Volcano. Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village (corner of Kalanikoa & Old Volcano Roads). Free. (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org
H.N. Greenwell Store Living History Experience
11/02/2009 - 11/30/2009 FamilyNatural History
Amy Greenwell Museum. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.
Experience daily life in the Hawaiian Kingdom in the 1890’s at this general store, built by English immigrant Henry Greenwell. Costumed interpreters show you authentic goods of the day and provide a rare glimpse into Kona’s colorful past. 10 a.m – 2 p.m. Monday – Thursday in Kealakekua. Small fee. (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org
Kona Stories
11/05/2009 - 11/26/2009 FamilyCulturalNatural History
Amy Greenwell Museum. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.
Trained storytellers and special guests bring Kona’s interesting history to life in these lively weekly sessions. Includes narratives of the coffee belt, cowboy and ranch life, good gossip, ghost stories as well as retellings from diaries and letters of residents of old Kona. At the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum in Kealakekua, Thursday 10:30 a.m. – noon. Free. (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org
Mysterious Light: Discoveries from the Mauna Kea Telescopes
11/11/2009 - 12/31/2009 FamilyNatural History
This unique, 3-D planetarium presentation provides an exciting visual opportunity to learn about the galactic and interstellar discoveries being made by the powerful telescopes in the astronomical obsevatories atop Mauna Kea. 2 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday. Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Call (808) 969-9704 or visit www.imiloahawaii.org
The 2009 Bay Concert
11/21/2009 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalNatural History
Enjoy entertainment by top Hawaiian performers Na Leo Pilimehana and Hookena at this event to benefit restoration and preservation of one of Hawaii’s most beautiful coastal marine venues – Kahaluu Bay in Kona. Also featuring taiko drummers. 5 – 8 p.m. Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa Convention Center in Kona. Fee. (808) 887-6411 or visit www.kohalacenter.org/bayconcert09.
Christmas in the Country
11/21/2009 - 11/29/2009 FamilyCulturalExhibit-Show
Christmas in the Country, Courtesy Volcano Art Center
Special holiday celebrations include demonstrations and print and book signings by artists and authors, plus a selection of quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during the holiday season. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free (Park entrance fees apply). Call (808) 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Fireside Talk Story at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
11/27/2009 FamilyCulturalNatural History
The lobby of the Volcano House hotel is the gathering place for these informal monthly “talk story” sessions about the history, culture and people of Hawaii. This session: Stories of the Hawaiian Islands with Jessie Ke and Maile Yamanaka. 7 – 8 p.m. Free. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Mystery of the Christmas Star
11/27/2009 - 12/31/2009 FamilyNatural HistoryHoliday
Courtesy Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii
The “Christmas Star” that guided the shepherds and the wise men to Bethlehem and the birthplace of the baby Jesus is a part of the Yuletide story tradition. This program explains the scientific thinking about the history of this legendary star. In the planetarium dome of the Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. 3 p.m. Fridays only. Call (808) 969-9704 or visit www.imiloahawaii.org
H.N. Greenwell Store Living History Experience
12/01/2009 - 12/31/2009 FamilyCulturalNatural History
Amy Greenwell Museum. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.
Experience daily life in the Hawaiian Kingdom in the 1890’s at this general store, built by English immigrant Henry Greenwell. Costumed interpreters show you authentic goods of the day and provide a rare glimpse into Kona’s colorful past. 10 a.m – 2 p.m. Monday – Thursday in Kealakekua. Small fee. (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org.
Kona Stories
12/03/2009 - 12/31/2009 FamilyCultural
Amy Greenwell Museum. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.
Trained storytellers and special guests bring Kona’s interesting history to life in these lively weekly sessions. Includes narratives of the coffee belt, cowboy and ranch life, good gossip, ghost stories as well as retellings from diaries and letters of residents of old Kona. At the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum in Kealakekua, Thursday 10:30 a.m. – noon. Free. (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org
Waimea Christmas Fair and Twilight Parade
An anticipated annual event in Waimea, this celebration features a day full of arts, crafts, music and numerous Yuletide season activities all over town, capped by a festive parade – of lighted trucks! – from historic Church Row to the Parker Ranch Center. Starts at 10 a.m. with parade at 6 p.m. Free. For information caall (808) 933-9772 or e-mail amooninfo@bigisland.com.
Holualoa Festival of Light and Music
12/05/2009 FamilyPerforming ArtsHoliday
Witness the lighting of the town Christmas tree, hear various musicians perform Christmas music thru the evening at stages around the village, and receive treats from the galleries and shops in this charming art colony in the middle of Kona coffee country. You may even see Santa himself! 5:30 – 8: 30 p.m. For information call (808) 322-8484 or visit www.holualoahawaii.com.
Holiday Lights Celebration
This colorful Christmas tree and light display features a children’s tree ornament contest, entertainment by community youth, an ohia yule log hunt, caroling, marshmallow roasting, light refreshments and a visit by Santa Claus. 4 – 7 p.m. Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. A holiday family event sure to delight. Free. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Hilo Christmas Gift Fair
12/05/2009 - 12/06/2009 FamilyExhibit-ShowHoliday
Don’t miss this Yuletide invitational fair featuring a “Who’s Who” of Hawaii’s cultural artists and master craftsmen/craftswomen sharing their one-of-a-kind collection of holiday season gifts, arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday in the Butler Building next to the Civic Auditorium in Hilo. Free. Call (808) 966-4647 or visit www.namakua.com.
Niaulani Nature Walk / Forest Tour
12/07/2009 - 12/28/2009 FamilyNatural History
Elder hostel Rainforest Hike by Paul J. Buklarewicz
Take a one-hour guided nature walk through an old-growth Hawaiian rain forest on an easy, half-mile loop trail. The walk introduces individuals, families, and groups to the native plants and birds of Volcano. Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village (corner of Kalanikoa & Old Volcano Roads). Free. (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org
Charity Trees
12/07/2009 - 01/03/2010 FamilyHoliday
Each year Hawaii Island non-profit organizations vie to see which one can most creatively decorate a Christmas tree promoting their organization. Stop by to cast your vote for the best tree; top vote-getting trees win cash prizes to benefit their charitable efforts. A beautiful and spectacular Yuletide display. On exhibit daily at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows on the Kohala Coast.
A Christmas Story
12/11/2009 - 12/20/2009 FamilyPerforming ArtsHoliday
One of the all-time funniest holiday movies, this live performance tells the touching story of Ralphie, a young boy growing up in the ’40’s, who dreams of owning a BB gun. He sets out to convince the world this is the perfect gift, but…complications arise! Aloha Theater in Kainaliu in Kona. Fee. 7:30 p.m. Friday/Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Call (808) 322-1648 or visit www.apachawaii.org.
The Nutcracker Ballet
12/11/2009 - 12/12/2009 FamilyPerforming ArtsHoliday
The Nutcracker Ballet is a always a delightful, holiday tradition, like Christmas trees and presents. This year’s performance showcases 70 students of the Island Dance Academy in the Tchaikovsky classic. A must-see for children and adults alike. 7 p.m. both nights. Palace Theater in Hilo. $10 adults, $8 children 12 and under. Call (808) 934-7010 or visit www.hilopalace.com
Kona Community Christmas Parade
An anticipated holiday event enjoyed by both young and old, residents and visitors. Business and community groups, musical and choral groups and many others take part in this colorful parade, theme of which is Na Mele o Kalikimaka – The Songs of Christmas. Starts at 5 p.m. on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona. (808) 329-5226 or visit www.konaparades.com
Kailua Village Stroll
12/13/2009 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulinaryHoliday
Hulihee Palace. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor's Bureau
Spend a day strolling Alii Drive (which will be closed to traffic) from 1 – 6 p.m.in the charming town of Kailua Village, the heart of Kona and home to historical sites like Mokuaikaua Church and Hulihee Palace. This Sunday features a special holiday season performance at 5 p.m by Hawaii’s top female recording group Na Leo Pilimehana. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Hulihee Palace Concert
12/13/2009 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalHoliday
Photo courtesy Daughters of Hawaii and Hulihee Palace.
This historic Kona landmark presents a free concert featuring the Hulihee Palace Band performing special seasonal music with hula performed by Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii. Starts at 4 p.m. on the lawn overlooking Kailua Bay. After the concert, stroll through Kailua Village enjoying cafes, restaurants, local musicians and artists. Call (808) 329-1877 or visit www.huliheepalace.org
Healing Garden Festival
12/20/2009 - 11/10/2009 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalNatural HistoryCulinaryAg TourismConference-Workshop
This unique festival showcases the health-giving properties of native Hawaiian plants and foods. Presentations and workshops, healing arts, cooking demonstrations, lei-making contests, tours, hula and musical entertainment. 9:30 – 4:30 at Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook and Kailua-Kona. (808) 638-0888 or visit http://hawaiihealthguide.com for complete schedule.
Fireside Talk Story at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The lobby of the Volcano House hotel is the gathering place for these informal monthly “talk story” series sessions about the history, culture and people of Hawaii. This month: “The First Christmas in Hawaii” with Leilehua Yuen. 7 – 8 p.m. Free. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org. p
Aloha Saturday
01/09/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
These monthly programs feature musical performances by Hawaii Island musicians and hula halau, along with presentations by community groups. Also featured are authentic arts and crafts vendors and food booths. Noon – 4 p.m. Kalakaua Park in Hilo. Free. (808) 961-5711 or visit www.ehcc.org.
Kailua Village Stroll
01/17/2010 FamilyCulturalCulinary
Spend a day strolling Alii Drive (which will be closed to traffic) in the charming town of Kailua Village, the heart of Kona and home to historical sites like Mokuaikaua Church and Hulihee Palace, beautiful seaside views, lots of friendly vendors and merchants, and restaurants offering a wide variety of food choices. From 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Niaulani Nature Walk & Forest Tour
02/01/2010 - 02/22/2010 FamilyNatural History
Take a one-hour guided nature walk through an old-growth Hawaiian rain forest on an easy, half-mile loop trail. The walk introduces individuals, families, and groups to the native plants and birds of Volcano. Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village (corner of Kalanikoa & Old Volcano Roads). Free. (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
02/06/2010 FamilyCulturalCulinary
This popular festival held in the community of Waimea celebrates Japanese traditions and culture and includes cherry blossom viewing, music, demonstrations, exhibits, crafts, entertainment, ethnic foods, a farmers’ market and visiting performers and artisans from Japan. For additional information contact (808) 961-8706.
Kailua Village Stroll
02/21/2010 FamilyCulturalCulinary
Spend a day strolling Alii Drive (which will be closed to traffic) in the charming town of Kailua Village, the heart of Kona and home to historical sites like Mokuaikaua Church and Hulihee Palace, beautiful seaside views, lots of friendly vendors and merchants, and restaurants offering a wide variety of food choices. From 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Niaulani Nature Walk & Forest Tour
03/01/2010 - 03/29/2010 FamilyNatural History
Take a one-hour guided nature walk through an old-growth Hawaiian rain forest on an easy, half-mile loop trail. The walk introduces individuals, families, and groups to the native plants and birds of Volcano. Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village (corner of Kalanikoa & Old Volcano Roads). Free. (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org
Kailua Village Stroll
03/21/2010 FamilyCulturalCulinary
Spend a day strolling Alii Drive (which will be closed to traffic) in the charming town of Kailua Village, the heart of Kona and home to historical sites like Mokuaikaua Church and Hulihee Palace, beautiful seaside views, lots of friendly vendors and merchants, and restaurants offering a wide variety of food choices. From 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
May Day is Lei Day
05/01/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
May Day means Lei Day at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Kohala Coast. Celebrate this time-honored tradition with the resort’s day-long, resort-wide event highlighting Hawaii’s diverse culture. Live, local entertainment, authentic Hawaiian arts and crafts, performances by talented hula halau, lei-making contest and Lei Queen. (808) 886-8822 or visit www.waikoloabeachresort.com
Kau Coffee Festival
05/01/2010 - 05/02/2010 FamilyCulturalCulinaryAg Tourism
If coffee gets you going, then go to this festival celebrating the bean in Hawai‘i Island’s beautiful Kau district. Featuring a Miss Kau Coffee pageant, hoolaulea, best coffee competition, recipe contest, music and entertainment, farm tours, coffee demos and more. At the Community Center in Pahala. Most events are free. (808) 929-9550 or visit www.kaucoffeefest.com.
King Kamehameha Day Celebration
Come to the northern tip of the Big Island to honor the legendary Hawaiian king in his North Kohala birthplace. A day long cultural festival with floral parade, ceremony draping the King’s statue in lei, hula, food booths and musical performances mark this special day. 8 a.m – 4 p.m. in Kapaau and Hawi.
Kamehameha Festival
06/11/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
This festival features features a hoolaulea with top Hawaii recording artists such as Cyril Pahinui, hula halau, various cultural presentations, Hawaiian chant competition, dance of the warrior exhibition, food, and art and crafts booth. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Moku Ola (Coconut Island) in Hilo. Free. For information visit www.kamehamehafestival.org.
King Kamehameha Day Parade
06/12/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalHoliday
A beautiful floral parade through the heart of Kailua-Kona honoring the great Hawaiian monarch. Featuring Hawaiian-themed entries, including pa‘u riders representing all the Hawaiian Islands, bands, hula and community groups. Also food booths, crafts and much more. Parade starts at 9 a.m. in Kailua Village.
Great Waikoloa Rubber Ducky Race & 4th of July Extravaganza
An all day fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy of Hawai‘i, the fun-filled event features a wild and wacky rubber ducky race, live entertainment, and lots of exciting activities, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Kings’ Lake. 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Call (808) 886-8811 or visit www.waikoloabeachresort.com.
Kailua-Kona Independence Day Celebration
An annual event featuring live music, games, children’s activities, and the traditional parade (6 p.m.) along Alii Drive with the Hawaii County Band, floats, antique cars and more plus a fireworks display over Kailua Bay (8:30 p.m.). 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Coconut Grove Shopping Center. Visit www.konaparades.com
Annual Parker Ranch Rodeo
07/04/2010 FamilySportsCultural
A paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) "cuts" a steer from the herd at Parker Ranch. Kirk Aeder
This award-winning Independence Day weekend tradition includes action-packed rodeo events, keiki (children) activities, delicious food and more. Parker Ranch paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) are joined by other Big Island paniolo for a corral of traditional rodeo events from 9 a.m. – noon at the Parker Ranch Arena in Waimea. Call (808) 885-5669 or visit www.parkerranch.com.
Turtle Independence Day
07/04/2010 FamilyNatural HistoryHoliday
Held purposefully every year on July 4, this different event educates people about endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles. Watch as the young honu (turtles), which have grown up in the ponds at the Mauna Lani Resort, are given their freedom as they are released back into the ocean. Call the Mauna Lani Resort at (808) 885-6622 to learn more.
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