There is a reason I am personally thankful for November. It’s not just that Thanksgiving is at the end of the month, or there are 10 full days of the Kona Coffee Fest starting on the 1st of the month, or that the Honoka’a Renaissance Fair lets me re-use my Halloween costume. Nope! It’s because towards the end of the month, the humidity and heat have subsided from the summer! The ocean is still warm for swimming, a humpback whale may make an appearance and the holiday mood sets in. It’s a fun time to discover the fun events around the island!
November 1
KONA COFFEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL LANTERN PARADE
Walking from Kailua Pier to ale Halawai County Pavilion-75-5760 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona
6 pm to 7pm
Featuring colorful lanterns and authentic cultural costumes honoring Hawai’i’s rich history and multicultural diversity. For more information Click Here
November 1-10
53rd Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Hale Halawai County Pavilion-75-5760 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona
8am to 6pm
For almost two centuries, Kona’s volcanic soil has nurtured a legacy of coffee excellence. Each sip is a tribute to the generations who’ve cultivated, harvested, and shared their coffee traditions. Join us in honoring this rich heritage at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Explore event details and plan your unforgettable journey through centuries of tradition and flavor. For more information Click Here
November 2
ARBOR DAY AT AMY B. GREENWELL ETHNOBOTANICAL GARDEN
82-6160 Māmaloahoa Highway, Captain Cook
9:00am – 2:00pm
- Tree Giveaway and Plant Sale
- Cultural Demos and Keiki Activities
- Music and Food Trucks
- Partner Exhibits: Conservation Dogs of Hawai’i, CTAHR, Hawai’i Island Seed Bank, NRCS, Pālamanui Dry Forest, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative and more! Free Entry! For more information Click Here
November 2
‘A’ohe Lua e Like Aku Ai: Mo’olelo with Kumu Keala Ching
Donkey Mill Art Center-78-6670 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa
5pm to 7pm
Join us for a captivating evening of storytelling and music with Kumu Keala Ching who will be sharing stories and song about Kona and her incomparable land, sea and people. Participants are encouraged to bring a pūpū or drink to share. Admission to the program is free with the presentation of a $5 KCFF event button. Buttons will be available for purchase at the front desk.
About the Exhibition: Hānau Ka Moʻolelo focuses on the transformative power of moʻolelo and presents these stories, traditions, histories and remembrances as evidence of collective and individual experiences and unfolding memories. Filled with kaona and layered meanings, artworks become the vehicle through which moʻolelo manifest–artists thoughtfully revealing stories and histories they have witnessed, researched, and/or remembered.
About Kumu Keala Ching: Kumu Keala Ching is a Hawaiian cultural educator, composer, song writer, and spiritual advisor to many Hawaiian organizations. He lives and breathes aloha into his Hawaiian heritage with his strong presence and great heart. Under the tutelage of Loea Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Kumu Keala spent many years learning and building his knowledge. He is fluent in the Hawaiian language, which he uses as the foundation for teaching all of his students. Kumu Keala lives in Kailua-Kona, where he is Kumu Hula for Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola (the ancient waters of life) and co-founder and executive director of Na Wai Iwi Ola (NWIO) Foundation.
Mahalo Nui Loa: This exhibition and programming are made possible by support from The Hiroaki Elaine & Lawrence Kono Foundation, Hōlualoa Inn, the Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund of Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and our community of individual donors. For more information Click Here
November 3
Cat Video Fest-Directed by Will Braden
Palace Theater, 38 Haili St, Hilo
2:30pm
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
$10 General Admission
$9 Senior, Student & Veteran
Cat Video Fest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. Cat Video Fest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.
People love cat videos, and they love coming together for a shared experience. Cat Video Fest is committed to bringing the joy of cat videos to the masses, while doing good for the worldwide community of people working to help cats in need. 10% of proceeds goes directly to Action 4 Animals Hawai’i to help Big Island cats in need. For more information Click Here
November 3
TruHER North: Leading the Way Women’s Conference
The Arc Hilo-1099 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo
1pm
Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and uplifted! is coming to Hilo, and we’re bringing together an incredible lineup of local speakers and musicians!
Join us for a day filled with knowledge, connection, and celebration. Learn from inspiring women, network with like-minded individuals, and enjoy the talents of our amazing local artist, Ilona Irvine! Her song “Sacrifice” is on the radio right now!
Don’t miss out! Grab your tickets now and let’s make this conference unforgettable. For more information Click Here
November 9, 2024
NATIONAL PARK FEE-FREE DAY HONORING OUR MILITARY VETERANS
Veterans Day – no entry fees to our national parks! For more information Click Here
November 9-10
2nd Annual Dink in Pink Pickleball Tournament
Hōlua Racquet & Paddle – 78-7190 Kaleiopapa St. Kailua-Kona
8am to 4pm
We are excited to bring back the Dink in Pink Tournament to Holualoa this year! With the money raised last year, we were able to host in-person events for local breast cancer survivors and thrivers, including our first-ever day retreat right here, in Holualoa! Please help us raise funds for the upcoming year so that we can continue our mission of connecting local survivors and thrivers with resources and support – ensuring that no one feels alone in their cancer journey. For more information Click Here
November 9
3rd ANNUAL HONOKA’A RENAISSANCE FAIRE HONOKA’A
Honoka’a County Park-Honoka’a
11am to 7pm
Calling all fair maidens, noble knights, brave bards, and merry minstrels! Explore the villages and marketplaces, discover unique treasures, and feast on exotic flavors from vendors far and wide. Dazzling demonstrations, all-day stage performances, and activities for all ages will be scattered throughout the park and town. Mead and ale will be available, and costumes are encouraged! This event is free and open to the public. For more information Click Here
November 9
HAWAII ARTIST COLLABORATION 2024 CHARITY ART AUCTION
Hawaii Island Community Health Center Pavilion at 74-5214 Keanalehu Drive, Kailua-Kona,
4pm to 7:30pm
The Hawaii Artist Collaboration 2024 Art Auction is an annual premier event for art enthusiasts and collectors. Unique artworks created by 40 master makers from Hawaii, mainland USA and international artists work collaboratively in multiple disciplines for a week prior to this auction. Jewelers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, painters, sculptors, and more all come together to create works that no one person could imagine alone. Proceeds from the auction and ticket sales help fund art supplies for Hawaii Island art teachers and support future events. Don’t miss this opportunity to support the local art community and take home a masterpiece of your own. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable art experience. $40 includes island-style nibbles and 2 drink coupons. For more information Click Here
November 10
Street Eats, A Kailua Village Food Truck Festival
Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona
1pm to 6pm
Who’s hungry? The Kailua Village Business Improvement District rolls out Street Eats, A Kailua Village Food Truck Festival offering a wide variety of cuisine options from food trucks, food vendors and restaurant pop ups from around Hawaii Island. Alii Drive will close to vehicle traffic as food trucks line up in Historic Kailua Village. An array of seating options will be scattered throughout the village including interesting places that give locals and visitors a place to sit, eat great food and enjoy the seaside. Enjoy live entertainment and hula performances throughout the day in the heart of the village at Emma’s Square. For more information Click Here
November 10-11
Aloha Skate Draft Tournament
Spencer Kalani Schutte District Park Gym-7-1315 Ala Ohia Road, Kamuela
Nov 10-11am
Nov 11-8pm
FREE ADMISSION!!
November 11
6th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser
75-5660 Kopiko St Ste C7, #294, Kailua-Kona
8am to 3pm
Want the chance to golf on the prestigious Hokuli`a golf course? This private golf course will be home to our 2024 annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser! Tickets include lunch and access to the mini competitions for multiple prizes. We’ll also have a silent auction.Register and play as an individual or sponsor a hole! For more information Click Here
November 16
2024 Hawai’i Diver Ho’olaule’a
Laʻiʻōpua 2020-74-5210 Keanalehu Dr #74, Kailua-Kona
2pm to 7pm
! This action-packed event brings together Hawai‘i’s top spearfishers, innovative gear manufacturers, and the ocean community to celebrate Hawaiʻi’s rich freediving and spearfishing culture, along with FreeDiveSafe! Hawaiʻi’s four years of service. The event will begin with esteemed Hawaiian cultural expert Umi Zuke, who will open the event with a Pule, seeking protection for our ocean community and honoring the families who have lost loved ones to spearfishing. The festivities will commence with free workshops including SkeeProng’s Three-Prong Workshop, the Throw Net Workshop, and FreeDiveSafe’s freediving and spearfishing safety presentation. Explore free secondhand gear racks and vendor booths from top brands like Evolve Diving, participate in a silent auction for the chance to win prizes from donors like Waihana Wetsuits, Evolve Spearfishing, Kona Coffee and Tea, and more, or unwind with food, drinks, music, and conversation hosted by USA Spearfishing Champion Justin Lee. The night will finish with a sunset closing ceremony featuring the Big Island Throw Net Championship, hula, and fire knife dancers! Free entry for Hawai‘i residents with State I.D.; $35.00 for nonresidents. For more information Click Here
November 22-23
35th Annual Hilo Christmas Extravaganza
Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium-350 Kalanikoa St, Hilo
Nov 22-5pm to 9pm
Nov 23-9am to 5pm
Hilo Christmas Extravaganza Craft Fair is the premiere Christmas Shopping Event on the Big Island. Shop for the finest quality handmade items from over 100 artists from throughout the state and CA. For more information Click Here
November 23-24
Art Event Waimea
Anna Ranch Heritage Center-65-1480 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea
Nov 23-9am to 4pm
Nov 24- 10am to 3pm
10am to 3pm
The 4th annual Art Event Waimea will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23-24, 2024, at Anna Ranch Heritage Center in Waimea. The sale will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
A weekend trip to the sale also can include two farmers’ markets in Waimea on Saturday and another in nearby Honokaʻa on Sunday. The group includes five artists whose works are in the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts collection.
Eight Big Island artists – representing a range of mediums – will be selling their work. Twenty percent of all sales will benefit the ranch, which is on the National and State Registries of Historic Places. For more information Click Here
November 23
Turkey Trot
Fairmont Orchid is proud to present the Seventh Annual Turkey Trot.
Time: 6:30AM – 10:00AM
Location: Plantation Estates
Come trot with us and enjoy complimentary refreshments and cocktails. All participants will be entered to win a variety of prizes. All registration fees and donations will go to Hawai’i Island’s food bank, The Food Basket.
6:30 AM | Registration
7:30 AM | Race Time 5K Walk/Run
More Info: https://www.fairmontorchid.com/events/turkey-trot/
November 28
Thanksgiving Buffet
5pm to 9pm
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort-75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona
Join us at Honu’s on the Beach for a Thanksgiving Buffet with unbeatable views of the Kamakahonu Bay. Enjoy Slow-Roasted Turkey, Garlic Herb Crusted Prime Rib, assorted Poke, Chef’s sweet treats, and more. $65++ Per Person. For more information Click Here
November 30
THE DOWNTOWN HILO CHRISTMAS LIGHT PARADE
Bay Front-Downtown, Hilo
6pm
The East Hawai’i Lions Club and Leo Clubs will host the parade – and Santa will be there! They are looking forward to a parade full of floats, marching bands, and community groups representing the community of Hilo, Hawaii. For more information Click Here
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