Hawaiʻi Island’s Must-Attend Events & Festivals in 2026
From coffee to cacao, paddles to rodeos, this 2026 Big Island events guide covers Hawaii’s best annual festivals — all within reach from Pacific 19 Kona.
January
Hawai‘i Wood Guild Invitational Masters Show — Waimea
When: January 2026 (exact dates TBD)
Where: Isaacs Art Center, Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Waimea
What it’s about: A high-caliber show of woodworking craftsmanship featuring local artisans and furniture makers.
Why you should go: A quieter, creative start to the year — proof that Big Island art can be as refined as its landscapes.
Learn more: www.konaweb.com/calendar
February
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival — Waimea
When: February 2026 (typically the first Saturday)
Where: Church Row Park, Waimea
What it’s about: Cherry blossoms meet paniolo culture — hula, bonsai, mochi-pounding, and Japanese-Hawaiian fusion traditions.
Why you should go: Beautiful photo ops and a truly local event that bridges two cultures.
Learn more: www.hawaiicounty.gov
March
Kona Brewers Festival — Kailua-Kona
When: March 8, 2026 (tentative)
Where: Kailua-Kona
What it’s about: Craft beer tastings from local breweries, live music, and the irreverent “Trash Fashion Show.”
Why you should go: A community-driven celebration that pairs good beer with good causes.
Learn more: www.konabrewersfestival.com
April
Lavaman Triathlon Waikoloa — Kohala Coast
When: April 6, 2026
Where: Waikoloa Beach Resort
What it’s about: A scenic triathlon combining ocean swims and coastal rides — considered Kona’s “little Ironman.”
Why you should go: A high-energy event perfect for athletes and spectators alike.
Learn more: www.lavamantriathlon.com
Big Island Chocolate Festival — Waikoloa Village
When: April 23–25, 2026
Where: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
What it’s about: Cacao farm tours, chef demos, tastings, and chocolate pairings in a tropical setting.
Why you should go: Because “training recovery” can include dessert.
Learn more: www.bigislandchocolatefestival.com
May
Hilo Lei Day Festival — Hilo
When: May 1, 2026
Where: Kalākaua Park, Hilo
What it’s about: Traditional lei-making, live music, and hula performances celebrating aloha.
Why you should go: A warm, genuine community event — Hawaiʻi at its most welcoming.
Learn more: www.hiloleiday.com
Big Island Film Festival — Waikoloa
When: May 23–27, 2026
Where: Waikoloa Beach Resort
What it’s about: Independent films, workshops, and starlit outdoor screenings.
Why you should go: Cinema meets tropical nights — a signature Big Island experience.
Learn more: www.bigislandfilmfestival.com
June
Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival — Kailua-Kona
When: June 6–8, 2026
Where: Kailua-Kona
What it’s about: A multi-day celebration of Pacific and Asian heritage through food, dance, and Fireknife competitions.
Why you should go: Equal parts performance and cultural education — vibrant, noisy, and unforgettable.
Learn more: www.hawaiikuaulifestival.com
King Kamehameha Day Celebrations — Island-wide
When: June 11, 2026
Where: Parades and ceremonies throughout the island
What it’s about: Floral tributes and parades honoring the monarch who united the Hawaiian Islands.
Why you should go: One of the most meaningful civic holidays in Hawaiʻi — proud, local, and full of color.
Learn more: www.kamehamehafestival.org
July
Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo & Horse Races — Waimea
When: July 4, 2026
Where: Parker Ranch Arena, Waimea
What it’s about: Barrel racing, bull riding, and paniolo (cowboy) traditions dating back generations.
Why you should go: A uniquely Hawaiian twist on the Old West.
Learn more: www.parkerranch.com
4th of July Fireworks — Kailua-Kona & Hilo
When: July 4, 2026
Where: Kailua Bay & Hilo Bay
What it’s about: Community parades and fireworks displays over the ocean.
Why you should go: Simple, festive, and undeniably scenic.
Learn more: www.konaweb.com/calendar
August
Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival — Hilo
When: August 2026 (exact dates TBD)
Where: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
What it’s about: Free festival showcasing Hawaiian visual, literary, and performing arts.
Why you should go: Connect with the island’s creative pulse — beyond beaches and volcanoes.
Learn more: www.hilohawaiianhotel.com
Haari Boat Festival — Hilo
When: August 2026 (exact dates TBD)
Where: East Hawai‘i region
What it’s about: Traditional Okinawan fishing boat races and music celebrating local Japanese-Hawaiian communities.
Why you should go: Culture, rhythm, and history — a fusion unique to the islands.
Learn more: www.hawaiimagazine.com
September
Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race — Kailua-Kona
When: September 2026 (Labor Day weekend)
Where: Kailua Pier and surrounding coast
What it’s about: The world’s largest long-distance outrigger canoe race, with hundreds of teams from across the Pacific.
Why you should go: It’s pure Hawai‘i — endurance, ocean, and community.
Learn more: www.kaiopua.org
Kona Pride Festival — Kailua-Kona
When: September 2026 (dates TBD)
Where: Downtown Kailua-Kona
What it’s about: A celebration of LGBTQ+ pride with parades, performances, and nightlife events.
Why you should go: Inclusive, vibrant, and full of aloha.
Learn more: www.konapride.com
October
IRONMAN World Championship — Kailua-Kona
When: October 10, 2026
Where: Kailua-Kona
What it’s about: The iconic triathlon returns to a combined men’s and women’s format for the first time since 2019.
Why you should go: Experience the roar of the crowd and world-class endurance — right outside Pacific 19’s doors.
Learn more: www.ironman.com
Hawai‘i Island Festival of Birds — Island-wide
When: October 18–20, 2026
Where: Various nature preserves and visitor centers
What it’s about: Birding tours, conservation talks, and photography workshops focusing on Hawai‘i’s native species.
Why you should go: See biodiversity few visitors ever notice.
Learn more: www.birdfesthawaii.org
November
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival — Kailua-Kona
When: November 7–16, 2026
Where: Kailua-Kona
What it’s about: Coffee tastings, farm tours, parades, and cultural performances celebrating Hawai‘i’s most famous crop.
Why you should go: A caffeinated, aromatic love letter to Kona’s farming heritage.
Learn more: www.konacoffeefest.com
December
Kona Christmas Parade — Kailua-Kona
When: December 13, 2026
Where: Downtown Kailua-Kona
What it’s about: Floats, live music, and community holiday cheer under palm trees.
Why you should go: Holiday spirit, Hawaiian style.
Learn more: www.konachristmasparade.org
Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade — Waimea
When: December 20, 2026
Where: Waimea
What it’s about: A festive evening parade featuring lights, local bands, and Santa’s island debut.
Why you should go: Waimea’s small-town charm meets Christmas magic.
Learn more: www.waimeatown.org
Why This Calendar Matters for Pacific 19 Guests
Staying at Pacific 19 means you’re in the center of the island’s most celebrated events — from the roar of IRONMAN to the rhythm of the Kona Coffee Festival.
Some events (IRONMAN, Chocolate Festival, Coffee Festival) book up months in advance — plan early.
Many events (Kamehameha Day, Canoe Races, Cherry Blossom) reveal the heart of Hawai‘i’s culture — slow down and experience them.
During IRONMAN week, expect road closures near Aliʻi Drive; Pacific 19 remains walking distance to the action.
For more about Pacific 19 travel guides and stays:
www.pacific19.com/kona/rooms/
www.pacific19.com/kona/field-notes/kona-restaurant-guide/
www.pacific19.com/kona/experiences-tours/