2017 HAWAII CULTURAL CALENDAR

Happy 2017! We’re excited to dive into the new year. Whether you’re looking for something extra-special to do or see on your vacation or you’re a local looking for a fun afternoon, these are this year’s can’t-miss activities in Hawaii. They draw thousands of spectators of every nationality so be sure to plan ahead and get your tickets! Check out our Hawaii 2017 Cultural Calendar:

Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai
Jan 17 – 21  

The Mitsubishi Championship will bring together golf’s top competitors to compete on one of the most famous courses in the world in the final round of the PGA Tour. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course’s infamous 17th hole gives golfers a green that practically touches the Pacific. If you don’t have tickets to the live event, tune in or get live updates here. Find out who will take the $1,800,000 purse and the title.

The 12th Annual Kona Surf Film Festival
January 28

Enjoy good vibes, live music, and surf movies at the 12th Annual Kona Surf Film Festival. This outdoor movie experience takes place at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel on the oceanside luau area. Bring your blanket, sit in the grass, relax, and watch some incredible surf footage from international surfers in locations around the world. Buy your tickets here.

The 22nd Annual Kona Brewers Festival
March 11

Since Kona Brewing opened its doors in 1996, the Kona Brewers Festival has brought craft beer to the masses in this day-long event. This year, over 36 Hawaiian brewers will tap two of their top beers to share with event-goers. As if that didn’t already send your taste buds tingling, 36 restaurant owners from all over Hawaii will also be serving island-style food. Get ticket  here.

Cream of the Crop Coffee Tasting Competition
April TBA

This annual event hosted by the Kona Coffee Council is truly a treat for the tastebuds. Enjoy coffee brewed by local farmers across the island as well as desserts hand crafted by some of the island’s most renowned chefs. The festivities will be hosted at the Sheraton Kona Resort Bayview Grounds and exact date and time will be announced shortly here.

Free National Parks Days
Weekends of National Park Week

Enjoy free entrance to the island’s beautiful national parks during National Park Week. It’s the perfect time to pack a picnic, put on some hiking shoes, and visit Hawai’i Volcano National Park.

Merrie Monarch Festival
April 16 – 27

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long celebration which honors King David Kalākaua, the last king of the kingdom of Hawai’i. He was known for his guardianship of Hawaiian culture and credited with bringing back many traditions—such as hula—after they were banned by earlier monarchs who sought to bring Christianity to the island. The festival includes a hula competition, and arts and crafts fair, free hula performances for the public, and—of course—the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade through Hilo. For a full event schedule, go here.

Big Island Chocolate Festival
April 28-29

While most people think of coffee as Hawaii’s staple crop, it also has a rich history in chocolate production. During the sixth annual Big Island Chocolate Festival, attendees can tour the Original Hawaiian Chocolate in Keauhou plantation, learn about the history of cocao on the island, and watch culinary demonstrations by local chocolate artisans. Get your tickets here.  

Did we miss something you think we should add to this list? Let us know! Leave a comment in the section below or email us.