Happy Holidays and Happy NEW YEAR!
If there is one resolution I would like to share with you, it’s this: 2025 is the year of saying, “I can make a difference”. If you are a resident here in West Hawaii, this is the year to show up and let your voice be heard to make Kona the kind of community you wish to live in by getting involved, volunteering, and coming to public meetings or events.
This year, I created the 365 Hawaii Island Community Fund, which helped save two parades in Kailua Kona and I am helping solve the parking issues we are facing in Kona, (come to the Jan 5th event!) Beyond volunteering, I run a successful real estate business and I will be 60 this year! I need help to keep all of the this going AND more! The focus this year for me is “Alignment with Aloha” and asking folks to join in to help and receive the benefits of friends, fun, purpose and being Pono. If you’d like to join the 365 volunteer circle, send me an email!
For visitors, there are a few fun New Year’s Eve parties! The Kona Brewery is having live entertainment and a buffet and midnight merriment at their “Night To Remember” party. Tickets here
And if you love a good local style party. the 28th Annual KWXX Ho’olaule’a is coming back to downtown Hilo in Jan 18th.
Happy New Year to All!
January 5
Let’s Solve the Kona Parking Problem!
Papa Kona Restaurant-The Waterfront Row, 75-5770 Ali‘i Dr 1st Floor, Kailua-Kona
4:30pm – 7pm
Are you willing to take an active role in helping solve the parking issue and bring Aloha back to downtown Kona? Join us at Papa Kona Restaurant on Sunday, January 5th at 4:30 PM for an event that will shake up the parking situation in our town with action items to get our voices heard.
“Let’s Solve The Kona Parking Problem” is an event where we will discuss our five pronged approach that, with your help, will tackle this issue head-on. Your energy/knowledge and time is crucial in finding a solution that works for everyone.
We will also share what the new Mayor already has promised to do in the next few months!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a real difference in our community. RSVP now to secure your spot at the event!
(The parking issue is being discussed at the Council meeting on January 21st here in Kona. Please help us prepare and attend!)
RSVP now as there is limited space! For more information click HERE
January 6
Drop-in Ukulele Group
Unity of Kona 74-5599 Luhia Street, Suite F3 (Luhia II, Upper level facing Queen K Hwy.), Kailua-Kona
Every Monday from 6-7pm
Join us for a community collaborative kanikapila style jam session!
-Beginners to experts, all are welcome!
-Bring an ukulele. Some will be available for use on a limited basis.
-We will have handouts, helpers, and play along songs on the big screen tv.
-Come to learn, play, and share.
Free Group. Love offerings welcome. For more information click HERE
January 13
Steve Hofstetter
Aloha Theater-79-7384 Hawaiʻi Belt Road Kealakekua, HI 96750
7:30pm
One of YouTube’s most popular comics with over 225 million views and half a billion more on Facebook, Steve Hofstetter is also the host of Finding Babe Ruth on FS1. Hofstetter was the host and executive producer of Laughs (FOX) and he has been on CBS’ The Late Late Show, E! True Hollywood Story, Comics Unleashed, and more. He’s sold out shows in hundreds of cities and dozens of countries. Now is your chance to find out what the fuss is about during this no-holds-barred stand-up performance, featuring some of his unfiltered observations about life. For more information click HERE
January 15 – 19
Hawaiian Cup 2025
Save the Dates! $ pay out for OPEN divisions! Registration opens on October 1st, 2024! Registration closes on January 1st, 2025! Register EARLY! For more information click HERE
January 17
A Night of Hawaiian Music with George Kahumoku Jr & Friends
Naniloa Crown Room
Doors open at 6 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring the incredible talents of George Kahumoku Jr, Tia Carrere, and Daniel Ho! Experience the rich sounds of Hawaiian music as these renowned artists take the stage to share their passion and artistry. For more information click HERE
January 18
28th Annual KWXX Ho’Olaulea
Bayfront -Downtown Hilo HI
4:30pm to 10:30pm
We’re excited to announce that the 28th Annual KWXX Ho’olaule’a is coming back to downtown Hilo! 
Don’t miss Hawaii Island’s biggest music festival, with amazing performances from some of Hawai’i’s favorite artists, lots of food and craft booths too. Stay tuned for more details coming soon. Mahalo to the Hawaii County Mayor’s Office and Hawaii County Police Department for working with us to bring this event back. For more information click HERE
January 19
Kokua Kailua Villiage Stroll
Ali’i Drive, Kona
1pm to 6pm
Kokua Kailua, the popular monthly village stroll on Alii Drive, happens one Sunday each month from 1 pm to 6 pm. Kona’s Historic Kailua Village closes to vehicular traffic and becomes a festive, pedestrian-only outdoor marketplace that makes for a fun family-friendly day. Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll too.
Kokua Kailua stretches from Kailua Pier through Historic Kailua Village to Hualalai Road. Highlights include over 100 vendor booths showcasing the work of local artisans and crafters, musicians, and merchants offering a fantastic shopping experience and delicious dining options.
For more information click HERE
January 19
44th ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION
Maka`eo Pavilion, at Old Airport – Kailua-Kona
12pm Lunch-1:15pm program begins
The Annual Community Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration includes a Free Lunch that will be served for the celebrants with music, songs, and dance, and artwork from local school children. This is a free annual celebration that is open to the public to mark the anniversary of Dr. King’s birthday and to honor his life, work, and legacy. As the struggle for human and civil rights continue to challenge our nation and the world, this event provides our community the hope and encouragement that is needed during these challenging times. Please join in rededicating ourselves to the vision of Dr. King – racial equality, non-discrimination, and social justice through non-violent means. For more info, please contact Jasmin at jasmink01@aol.com. Click Here
January 20
Free Entrance to Volcanoes National Park
The park’s entrance is located off of Highway 11 between mile markers 28 and 29
Open 24 hours
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will have free entrance. This day is a federal holiday that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. For more information click HERE
January 24-26
ManaFest
Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center-Pāhoa
ManaFest CAMPING at Kalani is Available
2 Day Mana Music Workshop is Jan 21-22nd
3 Day Rose Temple Retreat is Jan 28-30th
ManaFest is a 3 Day transformational Music, Dance, Education & Arts Festival where you can refresh, renew, and reawaken your spirit where the ocean meets the jungle, in beautiful Hawai’i, and EVERYONE is Welcome! Come immerse yourself in a revolutionary celebration of creativity and empowerment, experience awe-inspiring musicians, captivating dancers, heartfelt rituals, live visual artists and transformational workshops. Explore our vibrant marketplace, rejuvenate in the red tent, create in our keiki clubhouse, and enjoy our family-friendly culture and the lively pulse of community and celebration!
Kids under 17 are FREE- Be sure to get your Camping Tix- to stay with us ALL weekend! Purchase tix at www.ManaFestival.Love. For more information click Here
January 26
Ōhi’a Love Fest & East Hawaii Master Gardeners Plant Sale
Komohana Research and Extension Center-875 Komohana Street, Kurtistown
10am to 2pm
Join us for a day of celebration, learning, and plant shopping! Enjoy talks, garden walks, music, moʻolelo, and more! 4H will be selling concessions. This event is perfect for plant lovers! You donʻt need to sign up for this event, just come on over! For more information click HERE
Buy Tickets for Upcoming Events~
The Kona Brew Festival is March 8th! Tickets are on sale now: https://konabrewersfestival.com/kona-brewers-festival-tickets
The Big Island Chocolate Festival is April 12th: Tickets are on sale now: https://bigislandchocolatefestival.com/tickets
Do you know of more Hawaii Island events coming up?
If you know of others that you would like to share or upcoming events, email me at Julie@Ziemelis.com. Please share this calendar to support our awesome business owners and events planners!
The event calendar for Hawaii Island is sponsored by the 365Hawaii Group of REAL Broker.
Team members are Julie and Eric Ziemelis, Realtors and founders of 365Hawaii YouTube channel, the 365Kona Newbies Group, Hilo Newbies Group and Kohala Newbies Group. Our focus is making Big Island a better place to live by creating community and opportunities for Aloha.
Thinking of buying real estate or just learning more about purchasing a home? Join our 365Ohana! or email Julie at Julie@Ziemelis.com
