BIG ISLAND CULTURAL CALENDAR: SPRING 2017

As the weather heats up and the rain clouds burn off earlier and earlier, there’s no reason not to get outside and enjoy everything the Big Island has to offer. These events coming up in the Spring season are must-do activities whether you’re a resident or just visiting for a short vacation. Experience all the culture and Aloha of Hawaii during these free concerts, Hula events, and local celebrations of island tradition. Check out the Big Island cultural calendar for Spring 2017:

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. 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.

Lei Day
May 1, 2017

May Day is Lei Day on the Big Island. On May 1, local lei artisans put together an annual event to showcase their unique craft. Visitors will enjoy lei-making demonstrations, hula performances, and guided tours through local gardens to learn the sustainable protocol for harvesting lei materials. Of course, may gorgeous leis will be available for purchase. Read more here.

Kau Coffee Festival
May 19, 2017 – May 28, 2017

Kua is one of the most unique districts on the Big Island.Further removed from the metropolitan areas such as Kona and Hilo, Kua is a rural community that with many coffee farms, macadamia nut groves, and agriculture. This Kau Coffee festival showcases everything that this district has to offer. Over 10 days, the community hosts events such as coffee tastings, music, and farm/mill tours. For more info, go here.

Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival – South Kohala
June 1, 2017 – June 4, 2017

The annual Big Island jazz and blues festival in South Kohala draws Grammy award winning talent to the Big Island. From  5-9pm, come check out Jazz and Blues legends as you sip cocktails at the beautiful oceanfront Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Food will be available for purchase so come hungry. Read more here.

King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade
June 11, 2017

The King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi is a day-long celebration which honors the Hawaiian King. The parade will pass through historic Kailua village and viewers will enjoy the colorful display of floats and cultural costume. The show starts at 9 a.m. and draws a large crowd so be sure to arrive early! Festivities will also extend long into the evening. A free concert begins at 11:45 a.m. at Hulihe’e Palace where local vendors will be selling food, drinks, and Hawaiian Crafts.

Did we miss any events you think we should add to our list? Let us know by leaving a comment below.