Big Island Events: Kona, Hilo & Hawaii Island Event Calendar 2026

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a vibrant lineup of festivals, concerts, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings throughout the year. From traditional Hawaiian festivals to major international sporting events, there is always something exciting happening across the island.

Whether you're exploring Kailua-Kona on the sunny west coast or visiting Hilo on the lush eastern side, the island hosts hundreds of events that highlight local culture, food, music, and outdoor adventure. This guide covers the most popular Big Island events, including a month-by-month Big Island Hawaii events calendar for 2026, plus recurring activities and community celebrations.

What’s Happening in Hawaii Today on the Big Island?

Many travelers search what’s happening in Hawaii today when visiting the island. Fortunately, the Big Island hosts daily activities across multiple towns and communities.

Visitors can find Big Island events today happening across Kona, Hilo, Waimea, and surrounding areas. These events often showcase Hawaiian culture, local music, food, and art.

Popular daily activities on the island include:

• Farmers markets featuring fresh produce and local crafts
  
  
• Live music at beachside restaurants and resort venues
  
  
• Cultural demonstrations, including hula and Hawaiian storytelling
  
  
• Local art shows and community festivals
  
  

Checking a Big Island events calendar is one of the best ways to stay updated on activities happening throughout the island on any given day.

Big Island Events Today

Travelers frequently search big island events today when looking for spontaneous activities during their stay.

Daily events on Hawaii Island often include small community gatherings and cultural experiences that allow visitors to connect with local traditions.

Some of the most common events on the Big Island today include:

• Farmers markets and artisan craft fairs
  
  
• Live music performances and cultural shows
  
  
• Food festivals and pop-up dining events
  
  
• Art exhibits and local gallery showcases
  
  

Many of these activities take place in Kona and Hilo, the island’s two largest towns. Checking local listings and community calendars can help visitors quickly find events happening today.

Big Island Events This Weekend

Weekends are especially lively across Hawaii Island. Visitors often search big island events this weekend when planning their travel itinerary.

Weekend events frequently include larger festivals and community celebrations. These may feature live music, cultural performances, and food vendors showcasing local cuisine.

Popular weekend events on the Big Island often include:

• Farmers markets and craft fairs
  
  
• Outdoor concerts and beachside festivals
  
  
• Food and drink celebrations featuring local chefs
  
  
• Cultural gatherings and traditional Hawaiian performances

Kona events this weekend may include resort concerts, sporting events, and oceanfront festivals. Meanwhile, Hilo events this weekend often highlight farmers markets, art shows, and community celebrations in historic downtown Hilo.

Big Island Events Calendar 2026

The Big Island hosts major festivals, sporting events, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

This Big Island Hawaii events calendar for 2026 highlights some of the most popular annual events and seasonal celebrations.

From coffee festivals to international sporting competitions, these events attract visitors from around the world while celebrating the island’s unique culture and traditions.

January Events on the Big Island

January marks the beginning of the winter event season on the island.

Highlights include the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, typically held in late January or early February. This cultural festival celebrates Japanese traditions and the arrival of cherry blossoms in Waimea.

Winter is also the peak whale watching season on the Big Island. Visitors often participate in ocean tours or watch humpback whales from coastal viewpoints.

Throughout January, smaller community events and cultural celebrations also take place across the island.

February Events on the Big Island

February continues the winter festival season and offers several cultural and conservation-focused events.

Chinese New Year celebrations often take place in multiple island communities, featuring traditional performances and festive gatherings.

The Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative hosts educational events and conservation programs that highlight the island’s unique ecosystems.

February is also a popular month for whale watching tours, as humpback whales remain active in Hawaiian waters.

March Events on the Big Island

March brings a lively mix of music festivals and cultural gatherings.

The Kona Brewers Festival is one of the island’s most popular events, featuring craft beer, gourmet food, and live entertainment.

Music lovers may also enjoy the Laupahoehoe Music Festival, which celebrates Hawaiian music and community spirit.

The Kona Orchid Society shows display rare and beautiful tropical orchids, attracting gardeners and flower enthusiasts from across the region.

May Events on the Big Island

May celebrates agriculture and Hawaiian traditions.

The Kaʻū Coffee Festival highlights locally grown coffee with farm tours, tastings, and community events.

In Hilo, the Lei Day Festival honors the Hawaiian tradition of lei making with cultural demonstrations and performances.

Another highlight is the Annual Farm Festival at Hāmākua Harvest, where visitors can experience farm tours, fresh produce, and locally produced food.

June Events on the Big Island

June features statewide celebrations honoring Hawaiian history.

King Kamehameha Day celebrations take place across the islands and often include parades, ceremonies, and cultural performances.

The Hikiauuli festivals celebrate Hawaiian traditions and community gatherings through music, dance, and storytelling.

These events provide a meaningful way for visitors to experience authentic Hawaiian culture.

July Events on the Big Island

July brings summer celebrations and outdoor events.

Fourth of July festivities take place across the island, including fireworks displays, concerts, and community gatherings.



Visitors may also find summer beach festivals, outdoor markets, and live music events happening throughout Kona and Hilo.

August Events on the Big Island

August is known for outdoor athletic events and community celebrations.

One popular event is the Volcano Run, which takes participants through scenic landscapes near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Local festivals and community gatherings also take place throughout the island during the summer season.

September Events on the Big Island

September hosts one of the island’s most famous sporting events: the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race.

Held in Kona, this event is the largest long-distance outrigger canoe race in the world, attracting international paddlers and spectators.

The race is accompanied by cultural events and community celebrations throughout the region.

October Events on the Big Island

October is one of the busiest months on the island’s event calendar.

The Ironman World Championship in Kona brings athletes from around the world to compete in one of the most prestigious triathlons.

Another major highlight is the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, which features renowned chefs and showcases Hawaii’s diverse culinary scene.

These events draw thousands of visitors to the island each year.

November Events on the Big Island

November celebrates one of the island’s most famous agricultural products: coffee.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival features farm tours, coffee tastings, parades, and cultural performances.

This long-running festival honors the heritage of Kona coffee farmers and offers visitors a chance to experience local traditions.

December Events on the Big Island

December brings festive celebrations across the island.

Holiday parades take place in towns like Kona and Hilo, while Christmas festivals and seasonal markets offer shopping, entertainment, and community gatherings.

Visitors can also enjoy holiday concerts and cultural performances throughout the month.

Kona Events & Kailua Kona Happenings

Kona hosts many of the island’s most popular festivals and sporting events. Visitors frequently search for kona events or kailua kona events when planning their trip.

Many activities take place along Aliʻi Drive, the scenic oceanfront road lined with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Popular Kona events often include:

• Beachside concerts and music festivals
  
  
• Cultural celebrations and community events
  
  
• Food and wine festivals

• Sporting competitions and outdoor races
  

Kona Events Calendar

The Kona events calendar highlights upcoming festivals, concerts, and community gatherings happening throughout the region.

Events commonly featured in the calendar include farmers markets, live music shows, and cultural celebrations.

Travelers often check the Kona calendar of events when planning their trip to ensure they don’t miss major festivals or seasonal activities.

Kona Events Today & This Weekend

Visitors often search kona events today or kona events this weekend when looking for things to do nearby.

Activities may include beach concerts, farmers markets, and local food festivals.



Many events in Kailua Kona take place near downtown, along Aliʻi Drive, or at nearby resorts and cultural venues.

Hilo Events & Local Happenings

On the eastern side of the island, Hilo offers a vibrant cultural scene filled with Hilo happenings and community events.

Downtown Hilo frequently hosts farmers markets, art shows, and music performances that celebrate local culture.

Visitors searching for hilo hawaii events often discover cultural festivals, craft fairs, and traditional celebrations highlighting Hawaiian heritage.

Hilo Events Calendar

The Hilo calendar of events lists festivals, concerts, art shows, and community gatherings happening throughout the year.

Visitors can find farmers markets, educational workshops, and cultural celebrations that highlight the unique traditions of the region.

Checking the Hilo events calendar is one of the best ways to discover local events during your visit.

Hilo Events Today & This Weekend

Travelers frequently search hilo events today or hilo events this weekend when planning activities on the east side of the island.

Events may include farmers markets, music performances, craft fairs, and art exhibitions.

Downtown Hilo often hosts cultural gatherings and community celebrations that showcase local talent and traditions.

Recurring Weekly Events on the Big Island

In addition to major festivals, the Big Island hosts several weekly community events.

Popular recurring events include:

• Friday Night Market at the Hilo Town Market (Fridays)
  
  
• Aloha Fridays at Volcano Art Center
  
  
• Hale Hoʻaloha Lūʻau at Mauna Lani
  
  
• Hilo Farmers Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays)

• Pāhoa Community Farmer’s Market (Sundays)

These events offer a great opportunity to experience the island’s local culture, food, and crafts.

Stay Near the Best Big Island Events at Koili Point

If you're planning to attend Big Island events, choosing the right place to stay can make your trip even more memorable.

Staying close to the island’s main event hubs makes it easier to explore festivals, concerts, and cultural celebrations happening across Hawaii Island.

Koili Point offers comfortable vacation rentals ideal for travelers who want to experience the best of the Big Island while enjoying a relaxing home base.

Whether you're visiting for a major festival, a sporting event, or simply exploring local markets and community gatherings, staying nearby helps you make the most of your trip.

Vacation rentals provide extra space, privacy, and convenience compared to traditional hotels. Guests can enjoy a more relaxed island experience while still having easy access to popular Kona events, Hilo happenings, and Big Island festivals throughout the year.

After a day exploring Big Island events today or this weekend, returning to a peaceful vacation rental allows visitors to unwind and fully enjoy the island atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Island Events