Festivals and Events
Posted on Feb 05, 2011 under Big Island Events |What’s Happening on the Big Island
February to October 2011
Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival: February 5 and 6, 2011 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Downtown Waimea. Opening festivities behind Parker Ranch Center. Annual salute to the blooming of the Church Row cherry trees in the traditional Japanese custom of hanami. Activities, entertainment, tea ceremonies, bonsai displays, crafts, and ethnic food. 961-8706
Liane Carroll Jazz Concert: February 11, 2011 – 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani Resort. Popular jazz artist Liane Carroll performs at the Orchid Salon Ballroom, along with the Olliephonics, to help benefit the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival scholarship program. 334-0322 www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org
Arts and Fine Crafts Fair: February 12, 2011 – 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. An assortment of local crafts including quilts, wood working designs, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and more. 326-4152
Bobfest Agricultural Fair: February 13, 2011 – 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Mooheau Park and Bandstand, Hilo. Keep it Green Hawaii presents a day of demonstrations, vendors, healthy food and live music to promote sustainable living practices. 216-7372 www.myspace.com/bobfestagfair
Quisine of Hearts Valentine Brunch: February 13, 2011 – 11:30-2:30 p.m.
Waters Edge Ballroom, Hilton Waikoloa Village. An exhaustive assortment of fine food, wine and coffee to benefit nutrition awareness programs. Tickets at Kailua Candy Company, Kona Wine Market and Tropical Dreams Ice Cream. 326-2350, email jeanhull@hawaii.rr.com
Chinese Film Festival: February 14, 2011 – 7 p.m.
Palace Theater, Hilo. Films from or about China will be presented to the public as part of the Chinese New Year holiday season. The event will begin with a lion dance and firecracker blessing. 933-9772
Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute: February 17-20
Kahilu Theatre, Waimea. Public workshops and jam sessions for all skill levels, held in three separate events including a kanikapila on Thursday at 7 p.m., a talk story gig on Saturday at 2 p.m., and a concert on Sunday at 1 p.m. 885-6868
Ukulele and Slack Key Masters Concert: February 19 – 8 p.m.
Kahilu Theatre, Waimea. Talented musicians including the Hookena group perform traditional Hawaiian music. 885-6868
Hawaii Avocado Festival: February 19, 2011 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens, Kealakekua. Farmers market, crafts, food samplings, agricultural demonstrations and more at this annual celebration of the versatile avocado. 936-5233 www.manakeasanctuary.org
Laupahoehoe Music Festival: February 19, 2011
Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park. Popular Hawaiian bands as well as local crafts and food to help provide funds for community projects. 938-3688 www.laupahoehoemusicfestival.com
Panewa Stampede Rodeo: February 19 and 20, 2011
Equestrian Center, Highway 11, Hilo. Fun family event at the Panewa Zoo includes various contests and games.
Art on the Water: February 26, 2011 – 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Waters Edge Ballroom, Hilton Waikoloa Village. Enjoy some music and wine while viewing fine art displays by Janelle Marie along with the word working designs of Tai Lake. 990-0737, email tigerjonesproductions@yahoo.com
Swing into Spring: February 26, 2011
Kona Beach Hotel Ballroom, King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Festive buffet dinner gala features a cabaret show, auctions and other entertainment. 808-331-1115 www.konafestivalechorale.org
Grow Hawaiian Festival: February 26, 2011 – 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, Captain Cook. A cultural event featuring Hawaiian arts and crafts such as kapa making, storytelling, hula, and lei making. Learn about native Hawaiian plants. 323-3318, email agg@bishopmuseum.org
Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival: March 5, 2011 – 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Annual resort event brings together the best Hawaii ukulele artists. www.waikoloabeachresort.com
Portuguese Day in the Park: March 6, 2011 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gilbert Carvalho Park, Hilo. A tribute to celebrate Portuguese history, featuring live music, an ancestry booth, and excellent food such as Portuguese bean soup, sweet bread, sausages and malasadas. 935-0547
Kona Brewers Festival Paina Dinner: March 10, 2011 – 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort. Primer feast for the annual Brewers Festival weekend presents a gourmet spread with an assortment of Kona Brewing Company beer, served ocean side. Tickets: 334-1133 www.konabrewersfestival.com
Kona Brewers Festival Golf Open: March 11, 2011 – 9 a.m.
Big Island Country Club, Kona. Annual tournament to benefit Hawaii Montessori School. All levels of players welcome to register for the one-day event which includes fees, carts, lunch, and pupus during the awards ceremony. 334-1133, email wendyt@hawaii.rr.com
Kona Brewers Festival: March 12, 2011 – 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Annual craft beer extravaganza features an assortment of specialty beers from Hawaii and the Mainland, along with gourmet food. 331-3033
Lions Club Pancake Breakfast: March 12, 2011 – 6:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Hale Halawai, Kailua-Kona. Annual breakfast to support various community projects. Breakfast featuring pancakes and sausages will include live entertainment. Tickets available at the door.
Big Island International Marathon: March 20, 2011
Hilo. Participants run a 10.8 mile course along the coastline, through rich tropical terrain and black lava beaches to the Hilo bay front finish line. 969-7400
Magic Spectacular: March 26, 2011 – 2:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Aloha Theatre, Kainaliu. The yearly show of musicians includes the Big Island Magic Club and a top entertainer. Fundraiser for the Society for Kona Education and Art in Honaunau. Call for tickets to the matinee or evening presentation, 323-9707 or 328-9392, or email alohamagic@aol.com
Kona Music Festival: April 2, 2001 – 3 p.m.-10 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Hotel. Top musicians perform at the luau grounds. Formerly the Kona Jazz Festival. Tickets available at Soundwave Music in Kailua-Kona. 345-3268, email juliejaded@gmail.com
Kona Chocolate Festival: April 2, 2011
Naalehu Theatre, Kau. The 9th annual chocolate connoisseurs gala celebrates the chocolate industry with chocolate body art, assorted treats, champagne and beer, and entertainment. A chance to visit the old plantation era Naalehu Theater. 987-8722 www.konachocolatefestival.com
Pops Menagerie: April 2 and 3, 2011
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel Ballroom, Kailua-Kona. The Kona Festivale Chorale presents its annual concert. 331-1115 www.konafestivalechorale.org
Lavaman Triathlon and Sports Festival: April 3, 2011
Waikoloa Beach Resort. Annual fitness congregation open to runners, bikers and swimmers at all levels of ability. An awards party with barbeque follows at Anaehoomalu Bay. 329-9718 www.lavamantriathlon.com
Merrie Monarch Festival: April 6-29, 2011
Hilo Civic Center. Legendary celebration of the culture of hula features various competitions, activities and entertainment. 935-9168 www.merriemonarchfestival.org
Easter Egg Hunt and Bunny Visit: April 23, 2011
Waikoloa Beach Resort. Annual visit by Pekelo Cottontail and Koloa Duck features an egg hunt and photo taking for the keiki. 886-2884
Earth and Ocean Festival: April 23, 2011 – 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort. Environmental awareness event in celebration of Earth Day, with various educational activities and displays. 329-2861
May Day is Lei Day: May 1, 2011 – 12:00-6 p.m.
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Resort-wide cultural event includes hula performances, musical entertainment, lei making, and a lei making contest. 883-0669, email catherinetarleton@gmail.com www.queensmarketplace.net
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii Celebration: May 1, 2011 – 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Hilo. Big family festival celebrates the art of lei making with contests and displays, storytelling sessions, hula performances, Hawaiian music, tours of the native forest. 967-8222 www.volcanoartcenter.org
Lei Day Celebration: May 1, 2011 – 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kalakaua Park, Hilo. Free family event to celebrate the month of the lei with Hawaiian music, hula dancing, lei demonstrations and more. 895-0850 www.leiday.net
Singspiration Concert: May 7, 2011
Mokuaikaua Church, Alii Drive, Kona. Kona Festivale Chorale presents its annual free performance at the historic church. 331-1115
Big Island Film Festival: May 11-15, 2011
Mauna Lani Resort. Sixth annual festival of independent filmmaking, with numerous short film showings and social events at various venues throughout Mauna Lani and Waikoloa Beach Resort. www.bigislandfilmfestival.com
Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko: May 21, 2011
Hula Platform, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Micah Kamohoalii and Halau Na Kipuupuu perform traditional Hawaiian chant and hula overlooking Kilauea Crater. 967-8222 www.volcanoartcenter.org
Hawaii Rohto Ironman: June 4, 2011
Hapuna Beach State Park. The swimming, biking, and running race consists of a half course for athletes in preparation for the major Ford Ironman Triathlon in October. Open to all athletes. www.ironman703hawaii.com
Kamehameha Day Celebration: June 11, 2011 – 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
North Kohala. The annual draping of the leis at the original King Kamehameha statue in Kapaau begins at 8:00, followed by a parade through downtown Hawi at 9:00. Exhibits, craft making, entertainment and food will be presented at Kamehameha Park from 10:00 to 4:00. 884-5840, 895-3168
King Kamehameha Parade: June 12, 2011 – 9 a.m.-noon
Kailua-Kona. Major cultural celebration in downtown Kona features a parade from the south end of Alii Drive toward the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, up Palani to Kuakini, and on to Old Airport Park. Eight Hawaiian Islands will be represented with their prospective colors and floral decor. 938-4644
Kamehameha Festival: June 12, 2011 – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Coconut Island (Moku Ola), Hilo. Cultural presentations, a crafts fair, and entertainment by top Hawaiian musical artists. 989-4844
Run Forrest Run Keiki Fun Runs: June 18, 2011 – 8 a.m.-noon
Hale Halawai County Park, Alii Drive, Kona. The popular Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and the Kona Marathon sponsor these run-walk races for children ages 1 to 14. 967-8240 www.konamarathon.com
Kona Marathon & Family Fun Runs: June 26, 2011 – 5:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort, Kona. Open public marathon for all ages and levels of ability features various run courses along the shoreline. Note the various road closures from Keauhou to Palani and through parts of Kuakini Highway. Marathon info. 967-8240, road closures 325-0287 www.konamarathon.com
Clean Energy Summer Camp: August 1-12, 2011 – 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
NELHA Gateway Energy Center, Keahole, North Kona. Special two-week session for kids ages 9 through 13 features a series of fun activities. Representatives of Green Power Girl and the Green Power Heroes will instruct students on the future of clean energy by exploring various sources of energy. 310-266-8660, email apg@greenpowergirl.com www.greenpowerheroes.com
Hawaii State Senior Softball Tournament: August 2-4, 2011 – 8 a.m.
Old Airport Softball Fields, Kailua-Kona. Seniors from around the islands gather for the 36th annual event that runs throughout the day. Public is welcome to attend. 961-8592, email parksrecreation@co.hawaii.hi.us
Hawaii Horse Expo: August 5-7, 2011 – 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Anna’s Ranch, Waimea. The annual gathering of horse lovers is fittingly held at the historic ranch and heritage center in the beautiful green hills of Waimea. Meet and learn techniques from equine experts and see vendor displays. 887-2301, email NANJON8@aol.com
Orchid Safari: August 5-7, 2011 – 9 a.m. -5 p.m. or 6 p.m.; until 2 p.m. Sun.
Edith Kanakaole Stadium, Hilo. Large display of specially bred orchids will be judged by experts from the American Orchid Society. The 59th annual three-day orchid extravaganza will include classes on cultivation techniques, sales areas, a silent auction, entertainment, and refreshments. 333-1852
Cream of the Crop Coffee and Dessert Tasting: August 6, 2011 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Haku Amphitheater, Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai. Top Kona coffee growers will present their unique brews and offer tastings and information. Vote for the best coffee in the organic, estate and open categories. The event will include Hawaiian music as well as art displays. 328-1666, email jimmonk@alum.mit.edu
Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko: August 13, 2011
Hula Platform, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free event features dancing and chant in the traditional style by professional hula halau. 967-8222 www.volcanoartcenter.org
Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival: August 13, 2011 – 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Royal Kona Resort. The 3rd annual nationwide gathering of bartenders features great barbeque food prepared by local chefs, displays by local vendors, live music by the pool, and a big Mix-off competition. Free, except for the Spin Doctors concert. 808-214-8133, email liz@hawaiihotels.com
Establishment Day Hawaii: August 13-14, 2011
Puukohola Heiau, Kawaihae. Attend workshops on traditional Hawaiian crafts in this annual summer gathering to promote Hawaiian culture. Held on the beach below the heiau south of Kawaihae Harbor. 808-882-7218
Hulihee Palace Monthly Concert and Village Stroll: August 14, 2011.
Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona. The Daughters of Hawaii present a free concert and hula presentation on the Palace’s south lawn. Bring a beach mat or chair. From 1:00 to 6:00 participating local merchants along the shoreline strip will have displays and special discounts. Cars will be restricted on Alii Drive. 936-9202
Wili Wili Festival: August 20, 2011 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Waikoloa Golf Course, Waikoloa Village. Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle and the Waikoloa Village Association present various educational booths and workshops to promote green living practices. Craft displays, food, and live entertainment will be included. 883-1191, email wiliwilifest2011@gmail.com
Volcano Art Center Rainforest Runs: August 20, 2011 – 7 a.m.-noon
Cooper Center on Wright Road, Volcanoes National Park. One-half mile marathon covers 4,000 feet of native forest and ranch lands along Kilauea Volcano. Call to ask about entry fees, 967-8240, email raceinfo@volcanoartcenter.org www.volcanoartcenter.org
Waikoloa Koi Day: August 23, 2011 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Studio at Queens’ Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. View a large display of award winning koi fish. Meet Hawaii koi farm owner Gary DeCoito and learn about the care and history of these colorful fish in this first annual event. Open to the public.
Taste of Life Benefit: August 27, 2011
Keauhou. Annual AIDS fund raiser supports Big Island education and outreach programs, counseling, testing services, a food pantry, and medical assistance for people with HIV/AIDS. Features dinner, dancing and a silent auction. 331-8177, email tina@hihaf.org www.hihaf.org
International Haari Boat Festival: August 20-21, 2011 – 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wailoa State Park, Hilo. Teams race in decorative boats along the Wailoa River to celebrate the cultures of Hawaii and Okinawa. Features Okinawan food, a country store, and entertainment.
Lavaman Triathlon & Sports Festival: August 28, 2011 – 7 a.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort. The Olympic distance triathlon begins Sunday morning in Keauhou Bay and ends at Keauhou Beach Resort, where a big party awaits the athletes. A Family Health, Sports and Fitness Expo will be held on Saturday preceding the event. Also on Saturday a Keiki Dash & Picnic will be held at Kahaluu Beach Park following a LavaKids Youth Aquathon. Participants of all skill levels are welcome. Entry fees apply. 877-532-8468 www.lavamantriathlon.com
Run For Hope: September 2-4, 2011
Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai. A non-competitive 10K run and 5K run/walk marathon to benefit Hawaii cancer research. The event includes the 15th annual Taste of Hawaii Island on Friday, September 2; Hualalai Golf Scramble and Tennis Tournament on Saturday, September 3; and Run For Hope on Sunday, September 4. 325-8052, email monica.balanay@fourseasons.com
Taste of Hawaiian Island: September 2, 2011 – 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Hoku Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai. This 15th annual culinary event presents a range of select dishes prepared by the best Big Island chefs. Live entertainment and a silent auction will be included. Reservations required by August 31.
Poke Contest: September 3, 2011 – 12 noon
Hilton Waikoloa Village. This favorite local event is part of the resort-wide Hawaiian Cultural Weekend festivities held each year. Sample a wide variety of creative poke dishes prepared by local chefs. Fee required along with a 30 Days of Aloha ribbon. www.hawaiiislandfestival.org
Kindy Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Contest: September 3, 2011 – 6 p.m.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Hawaiian singers and storytellers take to the stage in this fun annual event featured as part of Waikoloa Beach Resort’s Hawaiian Cultural Weekend. Purchase a Hawaii Island Festival: 30 Days of Aloha keepsake ribbon for attendance, which also requires a fee, to this and other Cultural Weekend events. www.hawaiiislandfestival.org
Hualalai Golf Scramble: September 3, 2011 – 1 p.m.
Jack Nicklaus Signature Hualalai Golf Course. Two-man scramble competition for a discounted rate on the stunning oceanside course at Kaupulehu, followed by awards ceremony. 325-8052
Hualalai Tennis Tournament: September 4, 2011 – 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Jack Nicklaus Signature Hualalai Golf Course. Open game of mixed doubles with interchanging partners, as part of the weekend-long Run for Hope benefit for cancer research. 325-8052
Slack Key Guitar Festival: September 4, 2011 – 12 noon-5 p.m.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. Free annual concert features performances by the best Hawaiian guitar players. Includes food vendors. 808-226-2697 www.slackkeyfestival.com
Artist Talk with Amber Aguirre: September 8, 2011 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Donkey Mill Art Center, Holualoa. Nationally known artist Amber Auirre creates sculptural forms out of clay that boldly illustrate real-life situations. Her art is unique, often provocative and always interesting. Join her for a free discussion about it. 322-3362, email donkeymill@gmail.com
Kupuna Hula Festival: September 14-15, 2011 – 5 p.m.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. Experienced hula dancers perform in this much-awaited annual event, which includes a Hawaiian crafts fair from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in two hotel ballrooms. 322-1812 www.hawaiiislandfestival.org
Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko Performance: September 17, 2011 – 10:30 a.m.
Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Top Hawaiian dancers perform traditional hula overlooking Kilauea Crater. Free admission; park entrance fees apply.
Waimea Paniolo Parade and Hoolaulea: September 17, 2011 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Church Row to Waimea Park; Waimea Ball Park. Fun family event features the annual brigade of decorated princesses on horseback riding through town in the morning. The 11 a.m. crafts fair that follows will have art and craft displays, vendors, games, local food, and live entertainment. Portion of Mamalahoa Highway will be closed. 936-4376
Hulihee Palace Concert and Village Stroll: September 18, 2011 – 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Kamaaina pricing by selected merchants, art displays, outdoor restaurant seating, and various entertainment will be featured along Alii Drive, which will be closed to vehicles on this Sunday. At 4:00 stroll over to the Hulihee Palace lawn for a free concert by the Merrie Monarch’s Men’s Glee Club and the Hawaii County Band. 936-9202
Kau Kau Kailua: September 18-24, 2011
Kailua-Kona. Various restaurants will offer a rare opportunity to enjoy an excellent three-course dinner for a fee of $20, $30, or $40 at selected establishments along the water’s edge. Special values will be offered at smaller, quick-service restaurants. Hours and costs vary.
Namaste Birthday Celebration: September 24, 2011 – 9 & 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; 3:30 p.m.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Hilo. The white bengal tiger will receive his customary ice cake and bone candles on the morning of his 14th birthday. A giant mouse pillow stuffed with catnip will be presented at 10:30. And at 3:30 p.m. he gets a turkey dinner. Festivities include live music, crafts, kids’ games, and a petting zoo. Admission is free. 959-9233 www.hilozoo.com
Breadfruit Festival: September 24, 2011 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Amy B.H. Greenwell Botanical Garden, Captain Cook. Numerous activities involving the breadfruit including cooking demonstrations, educational talks, a cook-off contest, breadfruit tree sales, and cultural workshops. Submit entries for the Breadfruit Festival cooking contest by September 12. Dishes may be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 8:45 on the morning of the Festival. 963-6860, email cubanwahine@hawaii.rr.com www.breadfruit.info.com
Lions Feast 2011: September 24, 2011 – 5:30-9 p.m.
Makaeo Pavilion, Old Airport Beach Park, Kona. Lions Club of Kona presents its annual spread featuring pupus and fresh fruits, Keahole lobster, steak, lavish desserts, and more. Live local entertainment will be included. Tickets required. 987-6249, email jbmkona@gmail.com
Queen Liliuokalani Hula Festival: September 25, 2011 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Queen Liliuokalani Park, Hilo. Large annual event brings together some of the island’s best hula halau to honor the last queen of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Includes music, a flower drop, and food. Shuttle transportation available from Civic Auditorium parking area. 961-8706
Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival: September 30, 2011 – 6-8 p.m.
Hilton Waikoloa Village. The 16th annual presentation of the choicest local food will feature fresh grass-fed beef, mutton, lamb, pork, and wild boar, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Talk with farmers and ranchers at vendor booths and enjoy the dishes. 987-3432. Tickets available at http://www.tasteofthehawaiianrange.com.
Woodworkers & Artists Invitational Exhibit: October 1-28, 2011 – 8:30-4:30 weekdays
Wailoa Center, Hilo. Local craftsmen and artisans display unique sculptures and furniture pieces created from the hardwoods of Big Island forests. Ceramics, stone and glass sculptures, and paintings will also be featured. Held each day except for weekends until October 28; Wednesday hours noon to 4:30 p.m. Artists will present an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 1. 933-0416
Faces of Hawaii: October 1-28, 2011: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Niaulani Campus, Volcano Art Center, 4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano Village. See a photography display of Hawaii’s faces. Selected entrees will appear in book called Faces of Hawaii, Vol. IV, compiled by Pulitzer Prize winner and Denver Post photographer Craig F. Walker. Opening reception is held on October 1. 967-8222
Kohala Country Fair: October 1, 2011 – 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Kapaau, North Kohala. The 27th annual fair will be filled with keiki games and activities, cultural workshops, contests, art and crafts displays, a petting zoo, and numerous local performers. Location is one mile east of the King Kamehameha statue towards Pololu. Free admission.333-8712 www.kohalacountryfair.com
Portuguese Festival: October 1, 2011 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kona Historical Society Kalukalu Pasture, Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua. Kona Historical Society presents its annual celebration of the Portuguese’s influence on Kona’s ranching heritage. See saddlemaking exhibits and arts and crafts displays and enjoy the best of Portuguese food including fresh baked sweet bread and malasadas. Local musicians will entertain. 323-3222 www.konahistorical.org
Wayfinding Festival: October 7-9, 2011
Imiloa Astronomy Center, Hilo. Learn about the legendary Pacific voyagers and canoe navigators and current-day efforts to revive the art. 969-9704 www.imiloahawaii.org
Ironman Triathlon: October 8, 2011
The big annual endurance run, bike and swim marathon features athletes from all over the world. Prepare for road closures along Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
An Evening with Cyril Pahinui and Peter Moon: October 8, 2011
Kilauea Theater, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Award winning Hawaii slack-key guitarist and singer Cyril Pahinui performs with the popular Hawaiian singer Peter Moon. 967-8222, email concerts@volcanoartcenter.org www.volcanoartcenter.org
Hawaii Writers Assoc. Ohana Day – Celebration of the Arts: October 9, 2011 – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort. Big creative fair free to the public will have art displays, educational booths, children’s writing and art contests, craft vendors, food, and music. 430-0038, email duke@twotonproductions.com www.hawaiiislandwriters.org
Honoring the Ancients Workshop: October 14, 2011 – 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Hale Pulelehua, Hula Preservation Society, Kaneohe. Cultural workshop focuses on three ancient hula implements: the treadleboard, hand sticks, and the spinning gourd rattle. Learn how to make and use these musical tools and see videos and live hula demonstrations. Reservation fee. 247-9440, workshops.hps@gmail.com
Metropolitan Opera HD Live Broadcast – Anna Bolena: October 15, 2011 – 1 p.m.
Makalapua Stadium, Kona. A live transmission of the Metropolitan Opera brought to our local movie theater. The first of the Met Opera’s HD 2011-2012 season productions features the famous story about the wife of King Henry VIII. The 11 live opera performances will be presented each Saturday until April 2012. Fee is $24. 329-7133, email sscadden@hawaii.rr.com
Hulihee Palace Monthly Concert and Village Stroll: October 16, 2011 – 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona. Free concert at 4 p.m. by the Merrie Monarchs men’s glee club, along with hula dancing, on the historical Palace’s south lawn. Bring a beach mat or chair. Throughout the day participating local merchants along the shoreline strip will have displays and special discounts. Cars will be restricted on Alii Drive. 936-9202
Taste of Hilo: October 16, 2011 – 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Sangha Hall, Hilo. Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii sponsors the 13th annual presentation of local freshly grown food by participating chefs and beverage suppliers. Call for tickets and information: 934-0177 or 987-8328, or email jccih@jccih.org.
Spooktacular: October 20-29 – 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science, Pahoa. The 4th annual Halloween event features scary attractions such as haunted houses and a kids’ Keiki Land, in addition to games, entertainment and food. Presented by the Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science Center. Free admission does not include ticket fee for each attraction. 965-3730, 756-3004, macb347@aol.com
Friends and Neighbors Concert: October 25, 2011 – 7 p.m.
Kilauea Visitors Center Auditorium, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Popular trio of local performers features Wes Awana, Nona Wilson and Ti Chun.
Halloween Ghost Stories: October 28, 2011 – 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Hotel Honokaa Club, Honokaa. Ancient Hawaiian myths and spooky ghost stories are the subject of this 7th annual gathering headed by Maui’s master storyteller Kathy Collins. Held in the Motonaga Garage at Akiko’s Buddhist B&B. Small fee to attend. 775-0678
Pumpkin Patch: October 23, 2011 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hawaii Preparatory Academy Upper Campus, Waimea. Select a pumpkin from over 500 displayed on a giant patch in at this 20th annual event. Enjoy great food, a silent auction, various activities, and live performances by Lorenzo’s Army and Te ‘Ea O Te Turama Tahitian Dance. 315-0591, email smacy926@hotmail.com www.hpapumpkinpatch.com
Metropolitan Opera HD Live Broadcast – Don Giovanni: October 29, 2011 – 1 p.m.
Makalapua Stadium Theater, Kona. The second of a series of productions transmitted live by New York’s Metropolitan Opera, Mozart’s famous story of Don Juan will be sung in Italian. The 11 live opera performances will be presented each Saturday until April 2012. Fee is $24. 329-7133, email sscadden@hawaii.rr.com
Hawaii Island Humane Society Halloween Pet Walk: October 29, 2011 – 8 a.m.-noon
Queen Liliuokalani Park, Hilo. Free event, including contests and prizes, promotes pet exercise and awareness of the Hawaii Island Humane Society. 329-8002, email exec.dir@hihs.org
Hawaii Island Humane Society Halloween Pet Walk: October 30, 2011 – 8 a.m.-noon
Hale Halawai, Alii Drive, Kona. Event promotes awareness of Hawaii Island Humane Society and the exercise of pets and their owners. Contests and prizes will be included. Walkers are encouraged to raise pledges. Free to the public. 329-8002, email exec.dir@hihs.org
