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Big Island Events > Event Calendars> Big Island Festivals

Big Island Events is the most comprehensive events calendar for Hawaii's Big Island. It's your place to find all the events, happenings, activities, festivals, parades and more at Big Island locations: Kona, the Kohala Coast, Waimea, Hilo and everywhere in between.

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Big Island Festivals

Aloha Festivals Aloha Festivals are Hawai'i's premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawai'i's music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique Hawiian island traditions.

Big Island Film Festival Film Festival May 14 - 17, 2009 at Queens’ Marketplace of Waikoloa Beach Resort. This new location will include free parking and other great values. Some of the social events will still be held at Hilton Waikoloa Village and Waikoloa Marriott Beach Resort and Spa, but the movie venues will now be at the Queens’ Marketplace.

Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival Annual Big Island Music Festwill take place in Hilo at EHCC (East Hawaii Community Center) in May 10, 2009.

Kona Coffeee Festival 11/6 - 11/15/2009 Kailua Kona.

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival A week long festival of cultural events including Hawaii’s most prestigious hula competitions at Edith Kanaka’ole stadium. The stadium begins with a Ho’olaule’a on Moku Ola (Coconut Island) on Easter Sunday in Hilo with lots of music, food and fun. On Wednesday there is a free hula exhibition night at the stadium that begins at 6:30pm. Thursday is the solo Miss Aloha Hula competition, where each dancer performs both hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula `auana (modern hula). Friday is the group Kahiki (ancient) and Saturday the Auana (modern) hula competition. A grand parade takes place through Hilo town Sat morning. Find more detailed information about the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival on their homepage.

Big Island Sporting Events

PGA MasterCard Championship - January

This major Big Island golf event is held at the Hualalai Resort Golf Club. It annually kicks off the PGA Championship Tour. Call 800-417-2770

Big Island International Marathon - March

2009 celebrates the 12th Big Island Marathon in Hilo starting at Hilo Bayfront. Run along the ocean at one of the world's most scenic marathons, the Hilo Marathon. Call 808-969-7400

Lavaman Triathlon - April

Not ready for the Big Island Kona Ironman. Start with the Lavaman Triathlon which features an ocean swim, off-road run and bike ride down Queen Kaahumanu Hwy. Call 808-329-9718

Hawaii Ironman 70.3 - May

Another Big Island Ironman to prepare athletes for the real Kona Ironman in October: Hawaii Ironman 70.3 Hawaii takes place on May 30, 2009 with a 7am start at Hapuna Beach State Park. Triathlon consists of 1.2 miles Swimming, 56 miles Biking + 13.1 miles Running.

Kona Marathon - June

Kona Marathon takes place June 24 in Keauhou-Kona. Join the Kona Marathon on the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Run Course in West Hawaii's Premiere running event.

Parker Ranch Independence Day Rodeo - July

Parker Ranch Rodeo attracts Big Island visitors to Upcountry Waimea each year. See real paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) in action at the Waimea Rodeo at Parker Ranch. Call 808-885-7311

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament - July + August .

The Big Island Billfishing Tournament in Kona is one of the big international fishing tournaments. It is a week-long event in Kailua-Kona which is known as the the'grandfather of all big game fishing tournaments'.

Kona Ironman Triathlon - October

2009 Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship takes place in Kona, Hawaii October 10, 2009. Read more about this biggest Big Island event on our Hawaii Ironman page.

Ongoing Big Island Events 2009

BIG ISLAND FARMERS MARKETS Kohala Coast, Hamakua Coast, Kona, Hilo

Hilo Farmers Market Biggest Big Island Farmers Market Fresh produce & craft Visit their site
Saturdays, Wednesdays Downtown Hilo, corner King Kamehahea Ave
Honokaa Farmers Market
Saturdays 7:30a.m. in front of Honokaa Trading Co.
North Kohala Farmers Market
Saturdays 7:30a.m. - 1p.m. near Hawi post office, 889-0618
Kona Farmers Market
Saturdays 10am - 2 pm Keauhou
Waikoloa Village Farmers Market
Saturdays 7:15a.m. at Waikoloa Community Church parking lot.
Waimea Hawaiian Homestead Farmers Market
Saturdays 7a.m. - noon at Kuhio Hale Lawn, 885-0525
Volcano Farmers Market
Saturdays 7am - 9am

MUSIC WITH THE ISLAND TOUCH

Famous Big Island John Keawe slackkey guitar player, plays at these Big Island places:
Bamboo Restaurant: 808-889-5555
King's Shops : 808-886-8811
Kona Village Resort: (Ph# 808-325-5555 for entry pass)
June Calendar
Every Monday- 6-9:30pm – Kona Village Resort
Every Tuesday- 6-7pm – Kings Shops Waikoloa
Jun 6 - 6:30-9:30pm – Bamboo Restaurant
Jun 19 - 6:30-9:30pm – Bamboo Restaurant
Jun 28 - 5-8pm Kona Brewing Co.

Big Island Ongoing Events 2009

AN EVENING IN THE PARK
Date: Every 1st or 2nd Wednesday of Each Month
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (S. Kona)
Each month, there are speakers on different topics such as traditional story telling, hula & chant, crafts, native Hawaiian forest birds,volcano eruption and more. Call: (808) 328-2288 or visit their site.

CULTURAL DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
Date: January through September (Call Park Headquarters for Date)
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
Place: Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, Kawaihae, S. Kohala
Cultural demonstration programs on Hawaiian crafts. Other special Hawaiian programs are presented throughout the year. Footpath, guided and self-guided tours, exhibits and interpretive talks, bird watching. Call: (808) 882-7218 or visit their site.

"HAWAI'IANA LIVE!" - PALACE THEATER, HILO
Date: Each Wednesday
Time: 11am - 11:45am
Join Leilehua Yuen in this local's-eye-view of Hawai'i Island each Wednesday in Hilo's historic Palace Theater. Through traditional chant and storytelling, music, hula, and video featurettes, Leilehua explores different facets of Hawai'i Island. Topics and films change weekly as the program revolves around the Hawaiian lunar calendar, and surprise guests and musicians often appear. A few of the past guests are Mary Ann Lim, Keoki Kahumoku, Leina'ala Lassiter, Diana Aki, and Stan Kaina. Sometimes there is hula! The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, playing some of Hawai'i's most beloved melodies. Wednesday mornings, 11:00 to 11:45am, except Christmas and New Year weeks. Admission: $5; kids free. Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. Call 934-7010 for more information.

KONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY TOURS
Date: Ongoing
Place: Kalukalu (14 miles south of Kailua-Kona)
Offering a variety of guided tours, lectures, and exhibits including the Historic Kailua Village Walking Tour, the Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour, Captain Cook Lecture and more. For reservation & cost call (808) 323-3222.

MA LALO O KA PO LANI (UNDER THE NIGHT'S SKY)
Date: Every 3rd Saturday of Each Month
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
An innovative program of cultural experiences shared by members of our Hawaiian communities followed by the regular evening stargazing program. Call: (808) 961-2180 or visit their site.

NELHA PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday (excluding holidays)
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Exhibit area open weekdays 8am-4pm)
Place: Keahole Point (one mile south of Kona Int'l Airport)
Ocean technology pioneers harness Arctic-cold deep seawater for the future of mankind. Visit the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) recognized world-wide as a unique and innovative business, research and science technology park. Fee $5/person (children under age 8 free). Call: (808) 329-7341

RANGER-LED PROGRAMS: HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Date: Daily
Ranger-led walks and hikes enrich your knowledge of the Park's resources and Hawaiian culture. Walks may be wheelchair accessible or may be longer hikes. The daily schedule of ranger presentations is posted each morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center. Call: (808) 985-6000

VOLCANO ART CENTER
Date: Ongoing
Place: Kilauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Volcano Art Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii's people and environment through activities in the visual, literary and performing arts. Under a cooperating agreement with the National Park Service, Volcano Art Center presents ongoing programs in the Park. Call: (808) 967-8222 or visit their site.

Big Island Events July 2009

ANNUAL PARKER RANCH RODEO
Date: July 3, 2009
Time: 9am - 12:00 noon
Place: Parker Ranch Arena
Award-winning Independence Weekend tradition includes action-packed rodeo events, keiki (children) activities, ono (delicious) food and more. Parker Ranch paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) are joined by other Big Island paniolo for a corral of traditional rodeo events from 9:00 a.m. until noon at Parker Ranch Arena, Waimea. Cost: $6 at gate (ages 10 and under are free). For more information call 808/888-5669, email , or visit site www.parkerranch.com

FOURTH OF JULY PARADE & CELEBRATION - VOLCANO VILLAGE
Date: July 4, 2009
Time: 9am - 12:00 noon
Place: Volcano Village
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the Volcano Post Office and proceed for one half mile along Old Volcano Road to Cooper Community Center, featuring the Hawaii County Band, floats, antique cars, fire engines, bicycles, horses, and animals in costumes! Music, games, food booths, dunking pond, craft fair and prizes to follow. Call Betsy Mitchell for more info at (808) 967-7209.

FOURTH OF JULY INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE - KAILUA-KONA
Date: July 4, 2009
Time: 5:30pm
Place: Starts at Kona Gym
The theme for this year's 4th of July parade is "Celebrate Freedom!". Grand Marshall will be Judge Ronald Ibarra. The parade will begin at 5:30pm at the Kekua'okalani Gym and follow the traditional route from the Kona Gym along KuakiniHwy.to Palani, down to Ali'i Dr., along Ali'i Dr. to Coconut Grove Marketplace. Announcing stations will be at Kaiwi and Kuakini (West Hawaii Today), King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, Life Church above Shave Ice, Pancho & Lefty's, Kimo's/Uncle Billy's (with a magic show at 5), Waterfront Row (with music at 5), and La Cala at Coconut Grove Marketplace. 60 entries, including military, community groups, music, lights, and more. Entry deadline June 25. Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. For more information, call (808) 329-5226, email or visit site

ANNUAL KAILUA-KONA FOURTH OF JULY INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION - COCONUT GROVE MARKETPLACE
Date: July 4, 2009
Time: 4pm - 10.00pm
Place: Coconut Grove MarketPlace's
Annual alcohol and drug-free family event from 4-10pm at Coconut Grove MarketPlace's volleyball court. The end of the parade will arrive between 6 & 7pm, with fireworks over the Bay at 8:30pm. At 9pm the Hero of the Year award will be presented, then there will be the "Big Island B-Boy Battle" breakdance competition, a skatepark will be set up near Outback Steakhouse, and there will be performances by local artists, dancers and musicians, including LT Smooth, ILLCO Antix Band and Red Light Taxi. Clowns, face-painting, children's activities and gifts are planned, as well. For more info, call 990-4263 or email

FIREWORKS OVER KAILUA-KONA
Date: July 4, 2009
Time: 8:30pm
Place: Kailua Bay
Fourth of July fireworks will start at 8:30 p.m. over Kailua Bay. Enjoy the patriotic music with the fireworks - tune to LAVA105.3 FM. Mahalo to the many generous local sponsors who funded these fireworks ($3500 in donations still needed as of June 20th)! Time: 8:30 p.m. till approx. 8:45 p.m. For more information about donating to the fireworks fund (deadline is June 26th), call 329-3602 or email or visit site

GREAT WAIKOLOA RUBBER DUCKIE RACE & 4TH OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA
Date: July 4, 2009
Time: 10am-8:30pm
Place: Waikoloa Beach Resort
Benefit for United Cerebral Palsy Assn. of Hawaii. Free entertainment all day, from 10 am to 8:30 pm; Fireworks and laser light show at 8:30 pm. Forms for "Duckie adoption" available at all Kings' Shops merchants.

TURTLE INDEPENDENCE DAY
Date: July 4, 2009
Time: 8:30am
Place: Mauna Lani Pond
Three and four year old turtles are released in the ocean after growing up in the Mauna Lani ponds. 8:30am, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows. 808/885-6622

ONOMEA BAY RUN - HILO
Date: July 4, 2009
Time: 7:30am
Place: Hilo
Big Island Road Runners (BIRR), with support from Hawaii Island United Way (HIUW), is excited to announce the inaugural running of The Onomea Bay Run, a 5K/10K Road Race to benefit the HIUW. The run follows the scenic route through Onomea Bay, starting and finishing at the Papaikou Hongwanji. The start time for the event is 7:30am. The event ends at 12pm. Cost: $20 - includes post-run food and beverage. Entry fee for kids 12 and under is $15. There is a $5 discount for all BIRR members. There will be a post-run reception for the runners. Address of the Papaikou Hongwanji is 27-376 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou. DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM AT www.hiuw.org. For more information, call 987-5224, email or visit www.hiuw.org

HAWAII PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
Date: July 9, 2009
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea
Concerts, some free and some ticketed, in venues island-wide, presented by the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, which is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit educational and performance organization devoted to excellence in the art of classical music. "The essence of the festival is the coming together of talented, motivated vocalists and instrumentalists with world-renowned artists/teachers to study and perform together in the exotic beauty that is Hawaii." The Festival's free Opening Night Concert will feature the faculty artists beginning at 7:30 pm at Davies Chapel, Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea. There will be a "Meet the Artists" reception following. For more info about the performers and this year's concerts, please visit the Festival's website.

"CREAM OF THE CROP" COFFEE AND DESSERT TASTING - FOUR SEASONS RESORT
Date: July 11, 2009
Time: 10am - 2pm
Place: Hualalai Four Seasons Resort
On Saturday, July 11, 2009, from 10am to 2pm, the Kona Coffee Council will be holding its Sixth Annual Cream of the Crop coffee and dessert tasting competition at the Hualalai Four Seasons Resort in the Haku Amphitheater. Admission is free. To complement the delicious coffee there will be live Hawaiian music, & chefs from local restaurants and resorts, as well as amateurs, will be offering desserts made with Kona coffee as one of the ingredients. Visitors to the event will be encouraged to vote for their favorite coffee in the three categories. Local chefs will be voting for their favorite coffees as well, so visitors can see how their votes compare to those of professionals. Interspersed with the coffee and dessert booths will be a number of local artists who will be demonstrating, and have for sale, coffee related arts. This event is being sponsored by the Hualalai at Four Seasons Resort, The Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and the Kona Coffee Council. For more information, call 808/328-1666, email

HAWAII VOLCANOES NAT'L PARK'S ANNUAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Date: July 11, 2009
Time: 10am - 3pm
Place: Volcanoes National Park
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's annual cultural festival will feature Hawaiian music, hula, crafts sales and demonstrations by local artists and practitioners from 10am to 3pm. The event is free; Park entrance fees apply. Contact 808/985-6011 or 985-6153 or visit site for more info.

LANIHAU CENTER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - KAILUA-KONA
Date: July 11, 2009
Time: 11am - 2pm
Place: Kailua Kona
Lanihau Center celebrates their anniversary on Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 11AM-3PM, with activities for the keiki, and island music featuring InDeeJanus and Na Hoku Hanonhano Award winner, Weldon Kekauoha, who won Song of the Year in 2008. A few booth spaces are available for any business or organization that provides activities for the keiki. Please contact Margo Takata at (808)960-1392 if you are interested in a booth. For information, call 808/960-1392 or email

ANNUAL "CHRISTMAS IN JULY" - ART, GIFT, COLLECTIBLES, & CRAFT FAIR
Date: July 11, 2009
Time: 9am - 5pm
Place: King Kam Hotel Kona
Time: 9:00am to 5:00 pm at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach hotel, Kailua-Kona. Free to the public. For more information, call 325-5155 or email

ANNUAL BIG ISLAND HAWAIIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL - HILO
Date: July 18 + 19, 2009
Time: noon - 6pm
Place: Hilo
This is an annual festival spotlighting Hawaiian slack key and steel guitar and 'ukulele greats. Local crafts vendors and food will be available. Time: Noon-6pm at Hilo High School Auditorium. For more information, call 935-9085, email or visit site

HULIHE'E PALACE MONTHLY SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES AND VILLAGE STROLL
Date: July 19, 2009
Time: 1pm - 6pm
Place: Kona
Free Hawaiian Music Concert featuring the Merrie Monarchs men's glee club and dancing by the halau of Etua Lopez on the Palace's South Lawn at 4 p.m., presented by the Daughters of Hawaii. Bring your own beach mat or chair. Before and after the Concert, stroll thru Kailua Village (the Stroll starts at 1pm & goes till 6pm), enjoy outdoor cafe's and restaurants, local musicians & artists. Special kama'aina pricing at participating restaurants & merchants. Stroll sponsored by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Destination Kona Coast, Kailua Village Business Improvement District, and Kailua Village Merchants Association. For more info about the Palace concert, email . For info about the Village Stroll, email

28th ANNUAL COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN - KONA BOWL, KAILUA-KONA
Date: July 25, 2009
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Place: Kona Bowl
Hosted by KKOA 107.7 FM, at the local level, the Colgate Country Showdown is America's largest country music talent search. This is an exciting community event that provides aspiring artists on the Big Island an opportunity for state, regional, and national exposure while promoting a greater appreciation of country music. Come support our local talent on July 25th at the Kona Bowl. More information and entry forms available at www.koacountry.com or call 329-8090. Time: 2-4 PM. Free to the public. For more information, call 329-8090, email or visit site

Big Island Events June 2009

NORTH KOHALA KAMEHAMEHA DAY CELEBRATION
Date: June 11, 2009
Time: 8am
Place: King Kamehameha in Kapa'au
8:00am, Lei Draping at the statue of King Kamehameha in Kapa'au; 9:00, Parade from Downtown Hawi to the Statue in Kapa'au, with floats, Pa'u Units and more; 10:00am-4:00pm, Ho'olaule'a (crafts fair) at Kamehameha Park top field - lots of local exhibits, including saddle and lei making, Hawaiian health, quilting, and more. Ono food and great entertainment, featuring local artists as well as Hoku Zuttermeister and Cyril Pahinui. Experience a great day of history and culture! For more info, contact Cicely Ho'opai at 884-5840 or Maile Carvalho at 895-3168

KAMEHAMEHA FESTIVAL - HILO
Date: June 11, 2009
Time: 10am - 5pm
Place: Moku Ola (Coconut Island) in Hilo
This festival features a ho'olaule'a with top Hawaii recording artists, hula halau, and various cultural presentations. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. at Moku Ola (Coconut Island) in Hilo. Free. A drug, alcohol and smoke-free event. For more information contact Pua at (808) 989-4844 or e-mail .

KAILUA-KONA'S KING KAMEHAMEHA DAY COMMUNITY PARADE & HO'OLAULEA
Date: June 13, 2009
Time: 9am - 4pm
Place: Kailua-Kona, Alii Dr
A beautiful floral parade through the heart of Kailua-Kona honoring the great Hawaiian monarch from 9-noon along Alii Drive. The parade will begin at Huggo's, head north on Ali'i drive through town and end at the intersection of Palani and Kuakini Hwy. The parade will feature many Hawaiian-themed entries, including pa'u riders representing all the Hawaiian Islands, bands, hula and many community groups. Food booths, crafts and much more. The ho'olauea, which is an arts and crafts fair and native arts exhibit, will take place from 9am-4pm at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. For more info, contact 333-0045, email or visit site

THE 7th ANNUAL HAWAII ISLAND SEED EXCHANGE
Date: June 13, 2009
Time: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Place: Captain Cook
The Seed Exchange will take place at Bishop Museum's Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook from 8:30am to 12:30pm. This annual event is for all farmers, gardeners, and "would be" gardeners who are interested in exchanging and receiving seed, cuttings, and keiki of food crops that have been successfully grown on Hawaii Island. This yearly festival promotes the concept of "Food Self-Sufficiency" for Hawaii Island, and is a chance for farmers and gardeners to come together and share the successes of their farms & gardens with the community, to network, and to share in educational presentations. Kumu Keala Ching and Na Wai Iwi Ola will be assisting with the opening ceremony honoring the Goddess of the Moon, Hina. All morning workshops will be connecting the rhythms and influences of the moon to agriculture. For more information contact Nancy Redfeather at 322-2801 or email

OPENING RECEPTION FOR "HAWAI'I NEI 2009" - VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Date: June 13 - August 2, 2009
Time: 9am - 5pm
Place: Volcano Art Gallery
"Hawai'i Nei 2009," a juried exhibition of art representing native species is presented by the Natural Area Reserves System, the Three Mountain Alliance watershed partnership, and the Volcano Art Center Gallery, and it is the first juried art exhibition on Hawai'i Island to celebrate Hawaii's native flora and fauna. The show features artists of all ages working in a wide variety of media, with prizes in four divisions: adult, high school, middle school, and elementary school. The daily exhibition hours will be June 13-August 2, from 9am to 5pm. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Free (Park entrance fees apply). Call (808) 967-7565 or visit site

KOHALA IN CONCERT - HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Date: June 13, 2009
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kohala's music is an acoustic blend of island, folk, and jazz guitar that reflects the environment, landscape, and culture of the Kohala region on the Big Island, where the trio lives. Lead guitarist, GRAMMY-Award winning Charles Michael Brotman, is a classical guitarist who began playing contemporary jazz after completing graduate studies in music. Rupert Tripp, Jr. and Charlie Recaido grew up in Hawai'i playing island music on steel-string guitars and using an acoustic finger picking style. The trio's diverse musical influences combine to create their own distinct sound. The band has released 7 CDs since 1998 and has toured extensively throughout Hawai'i, Japan, and the continental U.S. At Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, 7:30 PM. $16 adults/$14 seniors 65 & up or children 12 & under ($2 more at the door). For ticket outlets (in Hilo, Kea'au & Volcano), group rates, or to purchase tickets with a credit card, call (808) 967-8222 or visit site

BIG ISLAND TAIKO FESTIVAL - UH HILO
Date: June 13 - 14, 2009
Time: 7:30pm
Place: UH Hilo
Featuring taishoji taiko, with Hui Okinawa Kobudo taiko, Puna taiko club, and Kona Daifukuji taiko. Saturday, June 13, 7:30pm; Sunday, June 14, 2pm. Reserved seating only. Tickets: $10 General; Seniors/Students and Children $5. UH Hilo Performing Arts Center summer box office hours: June 1-14; M-F, 11am-3pm. To order tickets, call 974-7310 or order online at http://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.ed For disability accommodation, contact Heidi Veilleux at 933-3209.

HULIHE'E PALACE MONTHLY SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES AND VILLAGE STROLL - KAILUA-KONA
Date: June 14, 2009
Time: 4pm
Place: Kailua Kona, Place South Lawn
Free Hawaiian Music Concert featuring the Merrie Monarchs men's glee club and dancing by the halau of Etua Lopez on the Palace's South Lawn at 4 p.m., presented by the Daughters of Hawaii. Bring your own beach mat or chair. Before and after the Concert, stroll thru Kailua Village (the Stroll starts at 1pm & goes till 6pm), enjoy outdoor cafe's and restaurants, local musicians & artists. Special kama'aina pricing at participating restaurants & merchants. Stroll sponsored by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Destination Kona Coast, Kailua Village Business Improvement District, and Kailua Village Merchants Association. For more info about the Palace concert, email hulihee@ilhawaii.net. For info about the Village Stroll, email

DOLPHIN DAYS SUMMER FEST
Date: June 18 - 21, 2009
Time: visit site
Place: Hilton Waikoloa Village
Dolphin Days is a benefit for Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation. This three-day extravangaza includes Grand Prix Tennis Tournament, free Dolphin Program presented by Dolphin Quest at the Dolphin Lagoon, a luau with Polynesian entertainment, and the Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival featuring over 2 dozen of Hawaii's best chefs in concert with top jazz musicians for an unforgettable evening (includes silent auction), closing with an impressive fireworks display. For more info, call Hilton Waikoloa Village at 808/886-1234; or visit site

SUMMER FARMFEST & 'UKULELE JAM - HOLUALOA
Date: June 20, 2009
Time: 9am - 3pm
Place: Holualoha
From 9am -3pm partake of free samples from West Hawaii's finest farms at over a dozen village shops and galleries, enjoy Animal Husbandry's petting zoo, see cheese making and bowl turning demonstrations. The event will also mark the Grand Opening of Holuakoa Gardens & Cafe's Farmers Market & Artisan Foods Deli! Plus, live 'ukulele music all day long on three stages throughout town. Parking at Imin Center and Holualoa School. Visit site for more info.

2009 NA MEA HAWAI'I HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE - HI VOLCANOES NAT'L PARK
Date: June 13, 2009
Time: visit site
Place: Volcanoes Park, Platform Kilauea Crater
See traditional hula and chant performed outdoors on the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater, featuring Halau Na Pua 'o Uluhaimalama under the direction of kumu hula Emery Aceret. Hawaiian crafts demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Free (Park entrance fees apply). Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org

PU'UHONUA O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK ANNUAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Date: June 27 + 28, 2009
Time: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Place: Pu'uhonua O Honaunau
Annual major cultural festival in a beautiful historic setting, from 9am-3pm. Storytellers, canoe builders, carvers and weavers will share their skills both days. Hula followed by a traditional Hawaiian food tasting and hukilau (traditional Hawaiian community fishing event) on Sunday. Call 328-2288 for more info.

'OHANA SUNDAY AT NIAULANI: "OUR SONGS OF HAWAI'I" - VOLCANO
Date: June 28, 2009
Time: visit site
Place: Volcano Village
'Ohana Sunday at Niaulani: "Our Songs of Hawai'i" with Keith & Carmen Haugen, the third in a series of 2009 lectures on the art and culture of Hawai'i. Spend an afternoon with this award-winning musical duo that performed in Waikiki for 35 years in some of the most sought-after venues, including the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Hear about the Hawaiian language, history, place names, and inspiration behind many of Keith's original compositions as their two voices and two instruments (guitar and 'ukulele) harmonize, plus enjoy lovely hula by Carmen, sing-along songs, and other surprises. A family musical treat not to be missed! Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village (corner of Kalanikoa & Old Volcano Roads). Free (calabash donation suggested). Time: 2:00 PM at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus, in Volcano Village. For more information, call (808) 967-8222, email or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org

KONA MARATHON & FAMILY FUN RUNS
Date: June 28, 2009
Time: visit site
Place: Kailua Kona
Four great races run on the beautiful Kona coast. Run or walk a marathon, half marathon, 10K or 5K course. (5K and 10K races on the 19th; Marathon & 1/2 Marathon on the 20th) Jim Lovell, 808/325-0287 or http://www.konamarathon.com

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Read more on Big Island Aloha Festival Events on Best Hawaii Vacation Blog. Best Hawaii Vacation Blog has lots of recommendations and entertainment for your Hawaii vacation. Hawaii, Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Oahu & Kohala Coast: vacation rentals, activities, air fares, beaches, car rentals, events, golf, hiking, hotels, real estate, resorts, restaurants, weather, wedding.

For Big Island Luaus on the Kona and Kohala Coast, visit our page on Hawaiian luaus and Kohala Coast restaurants.

Find information about Big Island Farmer's Markets in Kona, Hilo, Waimea, Hawi with dates and location.

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Please, email us with information about Big Island events you would like to share with Hawaii Island visitors on our Big Island events calendar of the month.

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