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 Many of Hawaii’s ceremonies, festivals, and religious events reflect the diverse origins of the state’s people. Starting in January or February is the Chinese New Year celebration, called the Narcissus Festival, in Honolulu. March marks the start of the Cherry Blossom Festival, also in Honolulu. March 26 is Kuhio Day, a state holiday created in honor of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, the second delegate to the Congress of the United States from Hawaii. Buddhists in Hawaii observe Wesak Day, the first Sunday in April, as the birthday of the Buddha. Lei Day, the first day of May, is dedicated to the lei as a symbol of Hawaii. The 50th State Fair is held in Honolulu for about two weeks late in spring.
Kamehameha Day, on June 11, is observed throughout the state in honor of Kamehameha I, the king who united the islands. In July and August, Bon dances are performed by Buddhists to honor their dead ancestors. On August 21, Hawaii celebrates Admission Day, the anniversary of becoming a U.S. state. The chief celebration in the fall is Aloha Festivals, which is held during September and October and features pageants, parades, boat races, hula festivals, and balls. Bodhi Day, the day the Buddha attained supreme enlightenment and solved the riddle of life, is celebrated in December.
The list below presents an overview of the major events in the Hawaii - Big Island area.
January
PGA MasterCard Championship Golf Tournament
Watch the pros play in this 18 hole, par 72 golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Last year's purse was $1.5 million. Located at the Hualalai Resort Golf Club, Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii. Call (800) 417-2770 for more information.
Annual Stan Cann Classic
The Hawaii Island Paddlesports Association hosts this annual OC - 1/surfski canoe race at Hilo Bay. This is a great race for novice paddlers. The courses run from the bayfront to outside the breakwater. Call (808) 969-6695 for information.
Hula Kahiko Series
Come out and watch the Hula Halau as they present artistic and cultural dances that have been handed down through generations. These free outdoor presentations are held in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawai'i, on Highway 11, approximately 30 miles south of Hilo. Call (808) 985-6000 for information.
February
Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival
Join the fun in this celebration of the Chinese New Year. Food, arts and crafts, entertainment, kids activities and lion dances will keep you going. Located in Kalakaua Park. Call (808) 933-9772 for more information.
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
Enjoy arts and crafts, parades, food, Taiko drums, bon dancing, karaoke, hula cherry blossom art and much more in this annual festival honoring the janpanese culture. Located in Waimea. Call (808) 961-8706 for more information.
Waimea Town Celebration
Celebrates Captain Cook's arrival with two days of sporting events, from canoe racing to a marathon. Carnival fun includes Hawaiian food, lei-making and ukulele contests. Call (808) 335-2824 or (808) 338-9975 for more information.
March
Annual Tahiti Fête of Hilo
Come out and watch the finest in Tahitian dancing. At least 20 Polynesian dance companies (halau) are expected along with 250 solo dancers from various dance companies. Arts and crafts and food from Tahitian and local artisans will be available. Polynesian island guest performers will highlight this event. Located at at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. Admission is $12 a day or $25 for the Weekend Pass. Call (808) 935-3002 for more information.
Kona Brewers Festival
The first Saturday in March brings opportunity to sample the best of local beer at a festival including live music, fire dancing, fashion, food, and an award ceremony for best home brew. Located at the Kona Beach Hotel, Palani Road. Call (808) 326-1126 for more information.
Annual Stampede Rodeo
Hawaii’s ranchers, known as paniolos, started their annual rodeo on the Big Island more than 35 years ago. Admission is free for the two-day, action-packed event. Located at Route 160 & Hale O Keawe Road. Call (808) 323-2388 for more information.
April
The Annual Merrie Monarch Festival
Enjoy a festival of cultural events beginning with a Ho`olaule'a, music, food and fun. Also included in this week-long festival is a free hula exhibition night, ancient and modern hula competitions and a parade through Hilo. Call (808) 935-9168 for more information.
Celebration of the Arts
Held in the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, this festival features artistic works, workshops, and other entertainment. Admission is free. Located at One Ritz-Carlton Drive. Call (808) 669-6200 for more information.
Earth Day Ho’olauea & Luau
Earth Awareness Week brings ecology focus, live music, food stands and cultural displays. Admission is free. Located at Vidinha Stadium, on Queen Kapule Road. Call (808) 828-0297 for more information.
May
Keauhou Kona Triathlon
This annual triathlon is a half ironman distance race held on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It includes a 1.2 mile swim in Kailua Bay, a 56 mile bike starting at Kailua Pier and going up Kuakini Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway and a 13.1 mile run from the Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort along Alii Drive and back. Call (808) 329-0601 for more information.
Orchid Show
This annual Mother's Day Orchid Show and Sale is hosted by the Kona Orchid Society. Educational sessions are scheduled. Located at Hale Halawai on Alii Drive. Free to the public. Call (808) 322-8817 for more information.
June
King Kamehameha Day Celebration Floral Parade
Come out and celebrate this annual event. Colorful floral floats, glamorous Pa`u riders, marching bands along with free entertainment, crafts, and food. Call (808) 989-8282 for more information.
Annual Waiki’I Music Festival
For two days, the Waiki'i Ranch hosts visitors from all over as Hawaii's best performers showcase talents. Artists set up booths, and local food is plentiful at concessions. The event benefits North Hawaii Community Hospital and North Hawaii Hospice. Saddle Road. Call (808) 883-2077 for more information.
July
Concert in the Sky
Thousands head to Vidinha Stadium to celebrate the Fourth of July. Top restaurants provide food, Hawaiian celebrities entertain, and events throughout the day are capped by a fireworks finale. Proceeds benefit hospice. Queen Kapule Road. Call (808) 634-9100 for more information.
Parker Ranch Fourth of July Rodeo
Parker Ranch, Hawaii’s largest working ranch near the town of Waimea (Kamuela), hosts paniolos in roping and riding competition. Horse races, food and entertainment add to the fun. 66-1304 Mamalahoa Highway. Call (808) 885-2303 for more information.
World Billfish Challenge
Held over two weeks in July, for three tournament divisions: Light Tackle, Heavy Tackle and Total Release. Billfish events promote conservation through "tag and release" programs. Kailua Pier. Call (866) 922-4294 for more information.
August
Puukohola Heiau Cultural Festival, Kawaihae
Join in the celebration of King Kamehameha's temple. Festivities include hula, lei making and other traditional demonstrations. Call (808) 882-7218 for more information.
Ka Hoolaa O Na Alii
Join others at Halemaumau Crater, the home of the goddess of volcanes, for The Aloha Festivals Royal Court Investiture. In this ceremony, the royal monarchs will be adorned with symbols of royalty to the sounds of ceremonial chant and hula honoring Hawaii's noble heritage. Call (808) 885-7786 for more information.
September
Historic Waimea Walking Tour
The West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center showcases what the island was like before civilization. Tours focus on West Kauai's colorful past including impact of Captain Cook's historic landing. Free admission. 9565 Kaumuali'i Highway. Call (808) 338-1332 for more information.
Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade
Honor Hawaii's oldest ranching community by joining in the festivites which include floats, marching bands, and Pau Riders. Call (808) 885-7786 for more information.
Aloha Festivals Hilo Hoolaulea
Join more than 10,000 people at the Aloha Festivals block party celebration. The festivities include dancing, entertainment, ethic foods and Hawaiian arts and crafts. Call (808) 935-5461 for more information.
October
Aloha Festival Kauai
The Aloha Festival comes to Kaua'i before wrapping up in Maui. Festivities include a parade and street fair. Hawaii's largest festival, more than 50 years old, has a different theme each year. Free admission. Call (808) 589-1771 for more information.
Hana Fishing Tournament
The boat fishing begins at 5 am and the shoreline fishing begins at 7 am. The Hana Play Day, for the kids, starts at 11 am and includes various games and kayaking. The adult Play Day starts at 1pm and includes coconut husking and net throwing. Call (808) 248-7758 for more information.
Hana Lei and Floral Show
Enjoy the colorful blossoms of the local flowers and learn how to make them grow at this annual floral show. Call (808) 248-7002 for more information.
November
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
The annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is Hawaii’s oldest food festival, bringing locals together while attracting hundreds of visitors to celebrate Kona’s famous harvest at more than 30 community events. Call (808) 326-7820 for more information.
Waimea Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar institute
A Friday night concert begins an intensely musical weekend at the Kahilu Theatre with workshops, master classes, kanikapila and lecture demonstrations led by featured artists. Beginners are welcome to immerse in Hawaiian music. Call (808) 885-6017 for more information.
King of the Hawaiian Islands Boxing Grand Championships
Check out several contenders at this annual boxing event. Tickets required for admission. Call (808) 322-0664 for more information.
December
Aloha Festival Hawaii
After starting elsewhere in late August, Hawaii's biggest festival comes to the Big Island at the end of September. Activities include a parade and hula exhibition, and this giant street party unfolds at various locales, attracting crowds with free entertainment. Multiple Big Island locations. Call (808) 589-1770 for more information.
Peaman’s Post Pig-Out Plunge Biathlon
The Peaman Biathlon series takes participants ready for the challenge on a 1.3-mile swim from the pier at the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona. Held on Sunday after Thanksgiving, the timed event has no entry fee and no awards. Alii Drive and Palani Road. Call (808) 324-7327 for more information.
Traditional Mochi Pounding For New Year
Join in this traditional Japanese practice of mochitsuki, where a sweet paste is prepared and eaten for a sweet new year. Activities to celebrate throughout the day. Call (808) 963-6422 or more information.
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