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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
Hawaii Island Festival
08/28/2010 - 09/26/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalCulinary
A month-long event celebrating Hawaii’s aloha spirit and cultural traditions. Highlights include investiture of Royal Court at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park at 10 a.m. Aug. 28; falsetto singing/storytelling, Miss Aloha Nui and poke contests, and Hawaiian Elegance Brunch at the Waikoloa Beach Resort Sept. 3 – Sept 5; kupuna hula Sept. 17; and paniolo parade and hoolaulea in Waimea Sept. 18; Visit www.hawaiiislandfestival.org
Hawaiiana Live
09/01/2010 - 09/29/2010 Performing ArtsCultural
Photo courtesy Friends of the Palace Theater
A unique 45-minute cultural tourism program onstage. Experience Hawaiian history, traditions and culture through storytelling, film, music, oli and hula. Topics change weekly as the program revolves around the Hawaiian lunar calendar. Newly restored pipe organ featured. Palace Theater in Hilo. Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5/children free. Call (808) 934-7010 or visit www.hilopalace.com
Hawaiian Culture at Keauhou
09/01/2010 - 09/30/2010 Performing ArtsCulturalExhibit-Show
Visitors are invited to sample a variety of Hawaiian cultural activities that take place throughout the week at this hotel, including a history tour, lei making, chanting and hula, ukulele, Hawaiian language and arts and crafts with Hawaiian elders. Many activities daily 9 a.m – 3 p.m.; other activities on selected days. Free. For complete schedule visit www.keauhoubeachresort.com.
H.N. Greenwell Store Living History Experience
09/01/2010 - 09/30/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
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 Coast History Cruise
09/02/2010 - 09/30/2010 Performing ArtsCultural
Photo courtesy Body Glove
Get a waterborne perspective of the rich and diverse cultural history of the Kona Coast on this three-hour daily cruise which leaves from the Kailua Pier and travels 17 miles south to historic Kealakekua Bay aboard the 65-foot Kanoa II catamaran, with food, beverages and local musical entertainment. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Call (808) 326-7122 or visit www.bodyglovehawaii.com
Kona Stories
09/02/2010 - 09/30/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
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
Weekend of Hawaiian Culture
09/03/2010 - 09/05/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalCulinary
Waikoloa Beach Resort’s “Hawaiian Cultural Weekend,” part of the Hawaii Island Festival, features Hawaiian falsetto singing, falsetto and poke contests, Ms. Aloha Nui Pageant and Royal Court appearance and a Hawaiian Elegance brunch. At Waikoloa Beach Resort hotels and shops. Visit www.hawaiiislandfestival.org for the complete festival schedule or call (808) 886-8822.
East Hawaii Dance Festival & Extravaganza
09/04/2010 - 09/11/2010 Performing ArtsCulturalConference-Workshop
A celebration of dance featuring performances by Hawaii Island’s leading dancers ranging from hip-hop to hula, tango to tribal, traditional to cutting-edge on 9/4 at the Palace Theater in Hilo; classes throughout the week with student performance 9/11 at Hilo’s East Hawaii Cultural Center. Both performances at 7 p.m. (808) 217-9924.
Honuapo Hoolaulea
09/05/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalCulinaryHoliday
photo by Chelle Pahinui
Honuapo Hoolaulea (Sunday, Sept. 5) – A day-long festival at Honuapo Beach Park featuring live music – including a special appearance by celebrated Hawaiian musician Cyril Pahinui – hula, food, storytelling and activities highlighting the park’s history and cultural traditions. Lots of fun and friendly people. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the park in the beautiful Kau District. Information: call (808) 929-9891 or visit www.honuapopark.org.
Kona Style Slack Key Guitar Festival
09/05/2010 Performing ArtsCultural
Hawaii’s trademark method of tuning and playing the guitar – called “slack-key” – is showcased at this free music festival. Fifteen of the best slack-key artists from Hawaii and the Big Island will perform. Authentic Hawaiian music – an event not to miss! Noon – 5 p.m. Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa in Kona. (808) 226-2697 or visit www.slackkeyfestival.com
South Kona Green Market
09/05/2010 - 09/26/2010 Performing ArtsCulturalCulinaryAg Tourism
Photo courtesy South Kona Green Market
Held every Sunday, this farmers market advocates Hawai‘i Island sustainability by featuring locally-sourced fruit, produce and other foods, plus handcrafted items. The SKGM features live music and educational lectures; Master Gardeners are available to offer free advice. Held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Amy B.H. Greenwell EthnoBotanical Gardens in Captain Cook. Visit their website at www.skgm.org
Hawaii Film Hoike
09/10/2010 - 09/12/2010 Performing Arts
This festival of Hawaii-made or themed short and feature films has subjects ranging from King Kamehamea to rainforest preservation to salt making and taro growing – all set in the framework of the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle and the challenges it faces today. Showtimes vary. Palace Theater in Hilo. (808) 934-7010 or visit www.hilopalace.com.
Kupuna Hula Festival
09/17/2010 - 09/16/2010 Performing ArtsCultural
Some of Hawaii Island’s most experienced and talented kupuna or elder hula dancers will perform at this event, which is a part of the Hawaii Island Festival – 30 Days of Aloha. Also features an appearance by the Royal Court. 5 p.m. at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. For more information call (808) 322-1812.
Kailua Village Stroll
09/19/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalCulinary
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!
Hulihee Palace Concert
09/19/2010 Performing Arts
Photo courtesy Daughters of Hawaii and Hulihee Palace.
A monthly concert at this historic Kona landmark honoring a a Hawaiian monarch. Vocal music by the Merrie Monarchs and hula by Halau Na Pua Ui o Hawaii. Free. 4 p.m. on the lawn overlooking Kailua Bay. (808) 329-1877; www.huliheepalace.org.
It’s My Park! Film Festival
09/25/2010 Performing ArtsNatural History
At this festival, students in grades 7-12 from Hawaii Island showcase films they have produced entitled “It’s My Park!” with the theme of why Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is important. Come meet the young film makers and vote on your favorite film. 6 p.m. Free. Kilauea Visitor Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. (808) 985-6304 or visit http://dmhawaii.wordpress.com/
He Halia Aloha No Ka Queen Liliuokalani Festival
09/26/2010 Performing ArtsCultural
This 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. Hula performances by worldwide hula h?lau (schools). 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Call (808) 961-8706 for more information.
HANDS
09/27/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
This renowned Malaysian percussion ensemble will get your heart beating with their innovative performances on the Chinese drum. Their sophisticated and intricate drum technique, theatrics, movement and costuming makes for an extraordinary evening of musical and cultural entertainment. Free community event. 7 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org.
Hawaiian Culture at Keauhou
10/01/2010 - 10/31/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
Visitors are invited to sample a variety of Hawaiian cultural activities that take place throughout the week at this hotel, including a history tour, lei making, chanting and hula, ukulele, Hawaiian language and arts and crafts with Hawaiian elders. Many activities daily 9 a.m – 3 p.m.; other activities on selected days. Free. For complete schedule visit www.keauhoubeachresort.com.
Kamuela Philharmonic Autumn Concert
10/03/2010 Performing Arts
The third of three annual concerts presented by this talented, locally-based orchestra during the year, this performance will feature the Arnold Flute Concerto
and the Symphony #6 by Tchaikovsky. Free community event. 4 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or visit www.kamuelaphil.com.
Hawaiiana Live
10/06/2010 - 10/27/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
Photo courtesy Friends of the Palace Theater
A unique 45-minute cultural tourism program onstage. Experience Hawaiian history, traditions and culture through storytelling, film, music, oli and hula. Topics change weekly as the program revolves around the Hawaiian lunar calendar. Newly restored pipe organ featured. Palace Theater in Hilo. Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5/children free. Call (808) 934-7010 or visit www.hilopalace.com
An Evening of Hawaiian Music
10/12/2010 Performing ArtsCultural
An Island-style evening of hula with music by the talented Kuahiwi trio, who will share songs from their new CD, Hawaiian Music plus other favorites. The Kuahiwis smoothly blend the classic songs of their upbringing with modern rhythms and melodies of today. 7 p.m. Free. Kilauea Visitor Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. (808) 985-6011 or www.nps.gov/havo
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
10/13/2010 FamilyPerforming Arts
It’s ballet – but ballet reinvented into an entirely new and moderne genre by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson. This company’s performances are an always surprising mix of methods, styles and techniques that have evolved since it’s founding a decade and a half ago. Fee. 7 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org.
Hulihee Palace Concert
10/17/2010 Performing Arts
Photo courtesy Daughters of Hawaii and Hulihee Palace.
A monthly concert at this historic Kona landmark honoring a a Hawaiian monarch. Vocal music by the Merrie Monarchs as well as hula by Halau Na Pua Ui o Hawaii; this concert remembers Princess Kaiulani. Free. 4 p.m. on the lawn overlooking Kailua Bay. (808) 329-1877; www.huliheepalace.org.
Poetry Man
10/21/2010 Performing Arts
MIT grad, business consultant, surf instructor – that’s Kealoha, who is otherwise best-known as “poetry man,” for his founding of several major Hawaii poetry slam presenting and hosting groups. Kealoha, a finalist in four National Poetry Slams, makes poetry fun and engaging for young and old. A free community event. 7 p.m. Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org
Hula Camp
10/26/2010 - 10/29/2010 Performing ArtsCulturalConference-Workshop
A hula retreat for hula practitioners, hula lovers, and those interested in hula, its stories and traditions. All are welcome no matter what level of experience. Includes workshops, field trip to sites in Kona, and evening entertainment. The retreat will conclude with a field trip to Kilauea Volcanoes National Park. Fee. For more information call Keala Ching at Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort (808) 324-2553.
They Call Her Ladyfingers
10/28/2010 Performing Arts
From child prodigy to Hawaii’s consensus “First Lady of Jazz,” this film tells the story of Betty Loo Taylor, a Chinese-American jazz musician, otherwise known as “Ladyfingers.” Taylor’s unorthodox life and career wends from musical family darling to concert pianist to jazz icon. A free community event. 7 p.m. Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org
Hawaiian Culture at Keauhou
11/01/2010 - 11/30/2010 Performing ArtsCulturalCulinary
Visitors are invited to sample a variety of Hawaiian cultural activities that take place throughout the week at this hotel, including a history tour, lei making, chanting and hula, ukulele, Hawaiian language and arts and crafts with Hawaiian elders. Many activities daily 9 a.m – 3 p.m.; other activities on selected days. Free. For complete schedule visit www.keauhoubeachresort.com.
Hawaiiana Live
11/03/2010 - 11/24/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
Photo courtesy Friends of the Palace Theater
A unique 45-minute cultural tourism program onstage. Experience Hawaiian history, traditions and culture through storytelling, film, music, oli and hula. Topics change weekly as the program revolves around the Hawaiian lunar calendar. Newly restored pipe organ featured. Palace Theater in Hilo. Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5/children free. Call (808) 934-7010 or visit www.hilopalace.com
Kona Stories
11/04/2010 - 11/25/2010 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
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
New Waves at NELHA Luncheon and Tour
11/05/2010 Performing ArtsCulinaryAg Tourism
NELHA - Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.
A learning and tasting day at NELHA, the innovative aquaculture and natural energy facility on the Kona Coast. Guests will tour aquaculture operations and enjoy a luncheon prepared by local chefs featuring fresh NELHA seafood products plus other culinary treats. 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. $100 fee for tour and luncheon. Call (808) 329-8073 or visit www.keaholepoint.org.
LA Guitar Quartet
11/07/2010 Performing Arts
This well-known instrumental group combines talents with voice actor Phil Proctor to present “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote,” an evening of music, drama and comedy based on an adaptation of the novel by Miguel de Cervantes. Featuring new arrangements of music from medieval and Renaissance Spain. Fee. 7 p.m. Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org.
Mark Twain Talks Story / Tea for Two at Kalukalu
11/13/2010 Performing Arts
A living history performance featuring two vignettes; first, a monologue by American writer Mark Twain, a visitor to Hawaii Island in 1866; the second a conversation over tea between two of Kona’s pioneer ladies, Ella Paris and Elizabeth Greenwell.
7 p.m. at the Aloha Theater in Kainaliu. Fee. Call (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org
Galliard String Quartet
11/14/2010 Performing Arts
Considered Hawaii’s premier string quartet, the talented Galliard members perform works by the classical music masters, including Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Strauss, plus romantic interludes, Hawaiian and popular music and light classics. 4 p.m. Kilauea Military Theater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Fee. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
A Tribute to King David Kalakaua
11/20/2010 Performing ArtsCultural
This special hula event honors Hawaiian monarch David Kalakaua – known as the Merrie Monarch – credited with reviving the dance of hula in the 1800’s. Hula halau (schools) from Hawaii and elsewhere will perform ancient and modern hula. Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort in Kona. Free. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.. Free. For more information call (808) 324-2553.
Hulihee Palace Concert
11/21/2010 Performing ArtsCultural
Photo courtesy Daughters of Hawaii and Hulihee Palace.
A monthly concert at this historic Kona landmark honoring a a Hawaiian monarch. Vocal music by the Merrie Monarchs as well as hula by Halau Na Pua Ui o Hawaii. This concert remembers Hawaii’s beloved musical king, King Kalakaua. Free. 4 p.m. on the lawn overlooking Kailua Bay. (808) 329-1877; or visit www.huliheepalace.org.
Makana in Concert
11/23/2010 Performing Arts
Makana is a singer-songwriter from Oahu who has been heralded as a rising star of Hawaiian slack key guitar. Tutored by legendary slack key guitarists, he skillfully weaves Hawaii’s musical palette into a universal sound with rock, bluegrass, African, Latin, Celtic, modern and folk influences. Fee. 7 p.m. Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or visit www.kahilutheatre.org.
Kelly Page and Matt Snook: Country Music
01/09/2011 Performing Arts
Paige, who grew up in Kansas, is a young and fast-rising talent on the country music scene, with a unique style and sound as well as mature songwriting skills. She performs in concert with Matt Snook, a fellow Midwesterner with lots of raw talent and a natural singing voice. Free. 7 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org.
Kamuela Philharmonic Winter Concert
01/16/2011 Performing Arts
The first of three annual concerts presented by this talented, locally-based orchestra during the year, this concert will feature a performance of “The Planets” a seven-movement orchestral suite by British composer Gustav Holts, which premiered in 1920. Free community event. 4 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or visit www.kamuelaphil.com.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
01/26/2011 Performing Arts
The famous, Grammy-winning troupe from South Africa just seems to get better with every passing year, singing in venues around the globe and representing their nation at dozens of special musical events worldwide. A musical cultural emissary of the first quality and not to be missed. Fee. 7 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org.
He lei Hiwa no Iolani Festival
01/29/2011 Performing ArtsCultural
Sheraton Keauhou. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor's Bureau.
Held in honor of beloved Hawaii Island hula dancer Iolani Luahine, this is a day filled with learning and sharing the traditions of the Hawaiian art of hula. Workshops are led by some of Hawaii’s most respected kumu hula (teachers) and the day culminates with a celebration of hula. Fee. Keauhou Beach Resort in Kona. For information call (808) 324-2553
Battlefield Band
01/30/2011 Performing Arts
Battlefield Band has been performing on the international scene for more than three decades, inspired by Celtic music and fired by the modern Scottish cultural scene. The band integrates bagpipes with fiddle, keyboards, guitar and voice, mixing old songs and tunes with new material, in a unique fusion. Fee. 7 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org.
Chris O’Riley and Carter Brey
02/02/2011 Performing Arts
A classical and contemporary music crossover artist par extraordinaire, O’Riley’s poetic piano interpretations dazzle both young and old. Brey, meanwhile, is an acclaimed, multi-prize winning concert cellist, whose chamber music performance resume is among the best in the business. Fee. 7 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org.
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
02/05/2011 - 02/06/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalExhibit-ShowCulinary
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.
9th Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival
02/12/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
Chinese lion dancers snake to Hilo’s Kalakaua Park which is transformed into a mini-Chinatown to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Performances, displays, cooking and cultural demonstrations show the Chinese influence in Hawaii. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free! Information: (808) 934-7010.
Hawaii Island Chinese Film Festival
02/13/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalCulinaryHoliday
Palace Theater, Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.
This special film screening is a part of the Hilo Chinese New Year observance and will feature films from and about China. Preceded by a special lion dance and firecracker blessing! All showings are free at the historic Palace Theater in downtown Hilo. 7 p.m. For more information call (808) 933-9772.
ZooZoo
02/13/2011 FamilyPerforming Arts
ZooZoo is a madcap revue of illusion, comedy and fun, a delightfully whimsical performance for the whole family. With ingenious masks and outlandish costumes, mime, dance and music, ZooZoo brings playful polar bears, insomniac hippos and a menagerie of other animals to the stage. Wonderful, innovative theatre. Fee. 7 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org
Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute
02/17/2011 - 02/20/2011 Performing ArtsCulturalConference-Workshop
Open to everyone from beginners to experts, this institute features workshops, lessons, jam sessions and more to help you better play and enjoy Hawaiian music. Three free public concerts/ events are open to the public and include a kanikapila at 7 p.m. Thursday, talk story at 2p.m. Saturday and finale concert 1 p.m. Sunday. www.kahilutheatre.org.
Ukulele and Slack Key Masters Concert – 1
02/18/2011 Performing Arts
Two musicians – Jake Shimbukuro and Chris Wooten, and two instruments = the ultimate jam. That just about says it all for this concert, and the one the following night, Saturday, Feb. 19, which are among the most anticipated of the Kahilu theatre schedule every season. Fee. 8 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org
Ukulele and Slack Key Masters Concert – 2
02/19/2011 Performing Arts
Headliners for the second night of these Masters Concerts are the popular Hawaii recording group Hookena, who will perform an evening of traditional Hawaiian music with the other talented artists from the Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute. Fee. 8 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org
Alpin Hong
02/22/2011 Performing Arts
Take a talented classical pianist and mix in snowboarding, martial arts, and video games and you get – Alpin Hong, a creative tour de force opening the eyes, ears and imaginations of audiences everywhere. Hong connects to both young and old with his energy, stunning technique and rare humor. 7 p.m. Kahilu Theater in Waimea. Free! (808) 885-6868 or www.kahilutheatre.org.
Kona Brewers Festival
03/12/2011 Performing ArtsCulinary
This annual festival promotes craft brewing in Hawaii and promotes recycling. Expect about 60 craft beers from Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland, plus gourmet food. Also special Brewer’s Dinner, Golf Tourney and Run for the Hops. Held under swaying palm trees at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. Fee. (808) 331-3033 or visit www.konabrewersfestival.com.
Annual Spring Dance Concert
03/26/2011 Performing ArtsCultural
A popular yearly dance concert featuring innovating new works by talented Big Island choreographers and dancers. Ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop and more. Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 7:30 p.m. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Merrie Monarch Festival
04/24/2011 - 04/30/2011 Performing ArtsCultural
Merrie Monarach Hula. Photo by John Penisten, Big Island Visitor Bureau.
Hawaii’s most venerable hula celebration and competition with week-long festivities including exhibitions, musical entertainment, arts and crafts fairs and the Miss Aloha Hula Competition and kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula competitions. Except for the hula competition, events are free. Call (808) 935-9168 or visit www.merriemonarchfestival.org.
May Day is Lei Day
05/01/2011 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
Lei Day Festival
05/01/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
Photo courtesy Makahiki ma ka Ma'ukele
A family event celebrating Lei Day for all ages with lei-making demonstrations, lei contest and display, hula and ukulele performances, talk-story sessions, guided tours of the native forest and more. Lei contest is open to all ages and cash prizes are awarded for outstanding entries. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free. Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
"He Moolelo o Ka Lei”
05/01/2011 Performing ArtsCulturalExhibit-Show
Photo courtesy Makahiki ma ka Ma'ukele
This Lei Day event kicks off a celebration of the “story of the lei” for the month of May in Hilo. Event features Hawaiian music by well known entertainers, hula, lei-making demonstrations and the heritage, history and culture of the lei. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Kalakaua Park in downtown Hilo. Free. For more information, call 895-0850 or visit www.Leiday.net.
MAMo Native Hawaiians Arts & Cultural Festival
05/21/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalExhibit-Show
This special native Hawaiian Arts Market and Cultural Festival will feature more than 25 native Hawaiian visual artists, cultural demonstrations and performing artists. A rare opportunity to meet the artists! Plus keiki art tent, handcrafted items and fine contemporary art work. Keauhou Beach Resort in Kona. (808) 324-2553 or www.maoliartsmonth.org.
Hilo Inter-Tribal PowWow
05/28/2011 - 05/30/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalExhibit-ShowCulinaryHoliday
Everyone is invited to experience the sights, sounds, flavors and spirit of Native America through music, dance, storytelling, food, arts and crafts at this free family-oriented event with opportunities for audience participation throughout the weekend. At Wailoa River Park in Hilo. This is a drug and alcohol free event. For more information, go to www.hilopowwow.com. e-mail to info@hilopowwow.com or (808) 557-8607
Ford Ironman Hawaii 70.3 Triathlon
06/04/2011 Performing Arts
Home of many sporting events, the Ironman starts here. Photo by Bob Fewell, Big Island Visitor Bureau.
This event is half the Ironman distance – 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run – and is held at the beautiful Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii Resort on the Kohala Coast and is part of the official qualifier series for the 2010 Ironman Triathlon World Championship held in Kona later in the year. Call (808) 329-0063 or visit www.ironman.com
King Kamehameha Day Celebration
06/10/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalCulinaryHoliday
King Kamehameha Statue, Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.
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, with activities at Kamehameha Park. Call (808) 884-5168.
Kamehameha Festival
06/10/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalCulinaryHoliday
This festival features features a hoolaulea with top Hawaii recording artists, 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. Call (808) 989-4844 or visit www.kamehamehafestival.org. A no alcohol, no drug event.
King Kamehameha Day Parade
06/11/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCulturalHoliday
King Kamehameha Statue, Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.
A beautiful floral parade through the heart of Kailua-Kona honoring the great Hawaiian monarch. Featuring Hawaiian-themed entries, including pau 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.
Kona Style Slack Key Guitar Festival
09/04/2011 Performing ArtsCultural
Hawaii’s trademark method of tuning and playing the guitar – called “slack-key” – is showcased at this free music festival. Fifteen of the best slack-key artists from Hawaii and the Big Island will perform. Authentic Hawaiian music – an event not to miss! Noon – 5 p.m. Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa in Kona. (808) 226-2697 or visit www.slackkeyfestival.com
He Halia Aloha No Ka Queen Liliuokalani Festival
09/25/2011 Performing ArtsCultural
This 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. Hula performances by worldwide hula halau (schools). 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Call (808) 961-8706 for more information.
Moku o Keawe International Hula Festival
11/03/2011 - 11/06/2011 FamilyPerforming ArtsCultural
A multi-day event celebrating the hula and the hula arts, this festival features hula halau (troupes) from Hawaii, Japan and elsewhere competing in kupuna (senior), kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula divisions. Master instructors teach workshops and cultural classes throughout the event. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. Call (808) 886-8822 or visit www.mokuokeawe.org
Black & White Night
11/04/2011 Performing ArtsCulinary
Downtown 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. 5 – 10 p.m. Free! Call (808) 933-9772 or visit www.poshfestivals.com
Contact
email
Toll-free from U.S. & Canada:
1-800-648-2441
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