When you think of October on Hawaii Island there are a few images that may come to mind:

1: The athletic energy of the IronMan World Championship in Kona, with a few days worth of events leading up to the big race including the Underpants Run and Parade of Nations. This year it’s all male athletes!

2. The food and tasting events! The Taste of Hilo and the Food and Wine Festival at the Mauna Kea are some of the best in the state for local and culinary excellence.

3. The fun of music and Halloween! The Slack Key Guitar Festival showcases the unique sounds of Hawaiian musicians and the various Halloween events show that even when we don’t get traditional fall weather experiences, kids can still get their Trick or Treating in!

We will be posting more Halloween events as we get into October, so check back for more!

October 3-6

3rd Annual Aloha Shirt Festivial

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa -78 -128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona

12pm to 9pm

Na‘alehu Theatre announces the 3rd annual Aloha Shirt Festival, Vintage Wear Collector’s Exhibit and Kona’s own ‘Fashion Week’ during the shoulder and fashion season and in conjunction with Aloha Festivals. The event offers vintage “aloha wear’ exhibits, sales and appraisals, music and entertainment stars and celebrity appearances, a Fashion Fair/Pop-up MarketPlace, silent auction, a series of traditional workshops and demonstrations, a lei competition, industry trainers, speakers and resource providers, food and beverage events, hair and makeup shows, professional photo workshops, live music and hula, an afternoon tea party, exciting fashion runway shows featuring vintage collections, repurposed clothing collections, individual contemporary designers and various other wearable arts and accessories and manta watching! Note: activities and entertainment, please check website for updates. For more information Click Here

October 4

Pineapples Comedy Show

Kailoki’s Restaruatn & Bar-92-8754 Hawaii Blvd, Hawaiian Ocean View

8pm

We are excited to announce Pineapples Comedy Show returning with a special guest hoppin’ over from Maui.  As always, no cover-but please, if ya laugh once, or likely for over an hour, please consider a tip for their time and entertainment!   Cmon down, have a bite, a drink, and a good laugh-or maybe ya got funnies yourself and wanna join the open mic. Karaoke follows right after the show, so we hope to see ya there for one or both! For more information Click Here

October 5

Abled Hawai‘i Artists (AHA) 17th annual art festival

Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo

10am to 3pm

AHA promotes disability awareness and pride by celebrating the spectrum of creativity, while promoting inclusive entrepreneurship in the arts.

AHA is the largest celebration of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month- a meaningful community event that brings together more than 400 participants for a day of inclusive music, performing arts, visual arts, healing arts, hands on demonstrations, silent auction and more.

AHA is a FREE event that incorporates speeches by disability self-advocates and important community leaders. Enjoy FREE healing arts demonstrations, express the artist in you with various FREE all-ages and abilities art making activities – fun for the entire `ohana. Artist, & Community.

Organization and Entertainer REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/W1jWRD1joppg4wt66

Volunteer REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/TCsb8T6YSzuAtHjZ6

For more information Click Here

October 5-20

Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival

Honoka’a Heritage Center -45-3490 Māmane Street, Suite CHonokaʻa, HI

11am to 10pm

The Honoka’a Heritage Center will host the 2024 Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival over a two-week period marking the 30th anniversary of the closing of the last local sugar plantation. The festival will celebrate the rich history and lasting legacy of an era and an industry that permanently shaped Honoka’a and the surrounding Hāmākua region, while also exploring newer agricultural initiatives with promise for the future. On the morning of October 12th, there will be a parade, followed by the Hāmākua Fair with many fun games, activities, and live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening. This is just one of many events during our festival, so please visit the Honokaʻa Heritage Centerʻs website for an updated schedule of events!  For more information Click Here

October 7-11

The Youth Arts Series Fall Break 5th Annual Halloween Art Camp 2024 

8am to 12pm

Ages 8-14

It’s our favorite time of the year again… Halloween Art Camp is here! Our spookiest and kookiest camp has returned for its 5th year!
Take a tractor out to the Phantom Farm, a desolate landscape where the veggies don’t like you either…
Join us as we create pieces to be displayed in our 5th Annual Haunted House. Through their classes, students will learn a variety of techniques ranging from 3D building, fabric/textile work, sculpting and more. We will be collectively creating our spooky farm themed art installation. In addition to the art techniques, students will build their communication and teamwork skills while contributing to this collaboration.

The Haunted House will open to the public on October 19th and the student’s creations will remain on view until the end of October. The Haunted House is a fundraiser for the Youth Arts Series. Proceeds from entry will go toward continuing youth programs at EHCC throughout the year.

Deadline to register is Tuesday, October 1 by 4:00 PM. For more information Click Here

October 12

VFW & AUX Post 3830 Pahoa 1st Annual Oktoberfest

Shipman Park, Kea’au

10am to 5pm

Come support the Veterans! We will have games, contests for adults and keiki, and a bounce house! We will be serving up Brats and Hot Dogs to go along withour Beer Garden. Live Music by “Gringo Starr”.

We will also be featuring The 2024 1st Annual Wiener Dog Wiener Nationals as a fundraising event where dachshund owners showcase their dogs in a race with contests for speed and style. The Fundraiser is for our wonderful Veterans and their families here in Hawaii. Races will take place in fenced racetrack located at the Shipman Park in Keaau, HI. Along with the races there will be a costume contest and a talent contest. For more information Click Here

October 12

Waimea Fall Festival

Waimea District Park-67-1315 Ala ‘Ohia Road, Kamuela

10am to 4pm

The fun-filled family festival, hosted by Waimea Athletics, will feature live entertainment throughout the day, a pumpkin patch, Selfie Suite photo booth, indoor and outdoor keiki games and activities, a craft sale, community information booths and exhibits, and lots of great food.

Brother Noland, legendary composer, innovator, educator, multi-Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, and Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, will headline the entertainment, along with 2024 Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Kenny Tagavilla, Waimea’s Hama ‘Jang and Ryan Hooley, the U.S. Army Schofield Barracks 25th Infantry Division Brass Quintet, and more. For more information Click Here

October 12

27th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Kona Style

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa -78 -128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona

1pm to 5pm

Join us for the 27th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Kona Style – slated for Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the newly renovated and beautiful Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. It will be an epic afternoon of smooth music and great vibes. And, for those thinking of coming to the festival think about staying the weekend at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa as the hotel is offering a special festival rate for fans of the festival. Just copy and paste the information below to make a reservation:

https://reservation.outrigger.com/?adult=1…

The group code to use is: 241013SLA

For a video tour of the hotel please copy and paste either of the links below into your browser:

https://app.box.com/s/s1phfsfcbzigy5e5dhmqnu9gzpkoh4pc

October 18-20

Holoholoween 2024

Hilo Equestrian Center

Please check website for hours of operation as they vary

Big Island Pulse introduces Haunted Holoholo-ween. A fun fall festival & pumpkin patch experience for the whole ‘ohana! Festive concessions and much more! This event will be safe and fun for all ages! For more information Click Here

October 18

14th Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival-Lucky Dragon with Martin Yan & Friends

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel-62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea

6pm to 9pm

Step into the Year of the Dragon and raise a glass to good fortune at the breathtaking Mauna Kea Beach Hotel this fall! HFWF24 kicks off on the Island of Hawaii as we celebrate the strength, wisdom and auspiciousness of this mythical creature through the flavors of Asia.

Prepare for an unforgettable grand tasting as ten esteemed Asian American chefs, including the legendary Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook fame, embrace the creative spirit of the Wood Dragon to showcase unique dishes inspired by their heritage. From the bold flavors of China to the delicacies of Japan, and everything in between, you’ll enjoy a taste of tradition and innovation while highlighting the best of Hawaii’s local ingredients in every bite. Plus, you’ll sip and savor handcrafted cocktails from top mixologists and curated wines expertly chosen by renowned winemakers to enhance the flavors of each dish. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious epicurean, you’ll enjoy an evening of yin and yang—balance and harmony with every bite and sip!

Don’t miss this celebration of Asian American culinary excellence with an evening of exquisite flavors! Explore our NEW VIP Experience at this signature event! For more information Click Here

October 19

2024 Big Island Arts Summit

Located in the NELHA Mauka Research Campus Building– 73-860 Makako Bay Dr., Kailua-Kona

10am to 3pm

In conjunction with the National Energy Lab Hawaii Authority (NELHA), we are excited to celebrate NELHA’s 50th anniversary. Our summit aims to propel a flourishing arts economy on the Big Island, under the theme “An Ocean of Possibilities: Cultivating Knowledge, Fostering Collaboration”. This theme beautifully intertwines education, collaboration, diversity, and economic vitality to illustrate how the fusion of diverse perspectives and shared knowledge can raise the tide of enrichment and prosperity. For more information CLICK HERE

October 19

17th Annual Run for the Dry Forest

Puʻuwaʻawaʻa-71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona

7:45am -10K “Extreme Trail Running Experience”

8am-5K which is suitable for most people and jogging strollers

9:30am-The keiki run with parents

Come join us for a run through the dry forest, at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a! The Run for the Dry Forest is a 10K run, 5K run/walk, and 1/4-mile keiki run. There will also be educational booths and a silent auction with items from local businesses. It’s fun for the whole family! Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a is home to several species of endangered birds and many endangered plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Proceeds from the race events contribute to conservation of these species. Registration is required. General registration is open and is $45 for adults and $25 for children 14 and under. Registration increases during race week to $65 for adults and $30 for children. So sign up now as there will be no race day registration. This is a cupless event! To reduce waste, a collapsible, reusable race cup will be included in each registration packet. PLEASE NOTE: No pets are allowed, as there are endangered nene geese in the area. Time: 6:45 am to noon. For more information and to register visit the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests website at akakaforests.org/run

October 19

Street Eats, A Kailua Village Food Truck Festival

Ali’i Drive, Kailua Kona

12pm 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

October 25-27

Wild Women Hawaii “Refresh Retreat”

Oct 25 at 5pm

Oct 27 at 3pm

A weekend retreat for women featuring activities such as mermaiding, jungle treks, ocean basking, floating meditation, Reiki circle from Rainbow Reiki Energy, sharing circles, pampering from Mermade Spa, lei-making, spooky storytelling, sound bath, and more. For more information Click Here

October 26 & 27

Boo at the Zoo

Pana’Ewa Zoo-Hilo

3pm to 6 pm

• Keiki Activities & Entertainment
• Costume Contest
• Concessions
• ‘Not So Scary’ Animal Sites
• Trick-or-Treating: * $100 / bag

*Kiki must use zoo bag to collect treats. While suplies last.

October 26

Vision 2020 Dance Party-Halloween Costume Contest

YMCA-200 W. Lanikaula St., Hilo

5:30pm to 10:30pm

Fun, dancing, prizes! Costumes highly encouraged. Costume contest 6pm; dancing begins at 7pm. Pre-sale tickets $20 at YMCA office; $25 at the door – cash sales only. Bring your own snacks & bevs. Proceeds benefit YMCA Family Visitation Center. 21+ . For more information Click Here

October 26

2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship

Kaahumanu Place-75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona

6am to 11:45pm

In 2024 the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i will host the very best male professional and age group triathletes from around the world. Their 140.6-mile/ 226km journey will present the ultimate test of body, mind and spirit: The historic KONA® race will take athletes through the clear waters of Kailua Bay, along the wind-swept coast, and through the barren lava fields of the Island of Hawai`i, where strength, grit, and heart must be summoned to navigate challenging race conditions, and Island heat. Through 40+ years of stellar athletic prowess, emotional performances and inspiring achievements, the IRONMAN World Championship has etched a reputation as the pinnacle of the triathlon landscape and an iconic global sporting event. In 2024, the men return to the KONA® race to show the world that “Anything is Possible!” For more information Click Here

October 26

2nd Annual Waiʻono Brewfest

Naniloa Driving Range-120 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI

VIP @2pm – 6pm
General @3pm-6pm.

A 21+ ONLY event, with over 50+ drink selections, various food vendors and food trucks, music, yard games and much more.

Discounted designated driver passes for those bringing your ʻOhana safely in. Na ka ʻeleu mikimiki! Limited tickets available, so hurry and get yours today!! E luana, e nanea ma Waiʻono! For more information Click Here

October 26

2024 HAWAI’I FESTIVAL OF BIRDS – HILO

Grand Naniloa Hotel-93 Banyan Dr, Hilo

9am to 5:30pm

This exciting full day event celebrates the diverse bird species found in our Islands. The celebration in Hilo includes a Bird Fair, Manu Hula Hōʻike, and expert guest speakers. Proceeds raised from this festival will support future Hawai’i Island Festival of Birds, plus the conservation work of the Hawai’i Wildlife Center and the Conservation Council for Hawai’i. For more information : birdfesthawaii.org.

October 27

TASTE OF HILO 2024

Sangha Hall-424 Kilauea Ave, Hilo

1pm to 3pm

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce invites you to enjoy ‘ono grinds at East Hawai’i’s premier culinary event, which showcases more than 30 of the island’s tastemakers and beverage purveyors. Attendees enjoy sweet and savory delights created by chefs, restaurants and patisseries, and sample locally crafted beer, wine and sake. The event is a great way to taste flavors and ingredients unique to the islands. Each year, a different local ingredient is featured. Other local products featured at A Taste of Hilo have included Big Island abalone, sturgeon, pasture-raised beef, kampachi and blue fin tuna. Proceeds help support Hawai’i Community College’s workforce development programs. Silent Auction dates: October 21-27; pickup will occur on-site on October 27. Tickets are now on sale at tasteofhilo.org.

October 27

10th Annual East Hawaii Jazz and Blues Festival

The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel–71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI

1pm to 6pm

Join for the 10th Annual East Hawaii Jazz and Blues Festival at The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel!
The VIP party will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 General admission and VIP printed tickets will be available for in-person purchase on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 14 from HIVM board members, at Basically Books at 334 Kilauea Ave Hilo, and at Big Island Climbing at 126 Keawe St Hilo, HI. For more information Click Here

October 27

 Lanihau-lloween

Lanihau Center, located at 75-5595 Palani Road. Kailua-Kona

5pm to 8pm

Get ready for a free spooktacular night of candy, family fun and incredible Halloween-themed Jeeps. Whether you’re a Jeep enthusiast or just looking for a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween, this event is perfect. Put on your best costumes and bring your friends and family along for an unforgettable evening filled with thrills, chills and lots of sweets.

Festivities will include trick-or-treating with Big Island Jeep Club and at participating Lanihau merchants, face painting by CynthiArtistry and Big Island Face Painter Jennifer Mydock, spooky live music by DJ Syf, balloon artists from Circ Du Latte, a magic show by Alexander the Amazing and keiki activities with Hawai‘i Keiki Museum. FREE EVENT For more information Click Here

October 27

The 6th Annual Fly Around Hilo Bay with Big Island Witches

Reeds Bay, Hilo

9:00am

Big Island Witches will gather at Hilo Bay where they’ll glide across the water in full witch regalia. Meet at Hilo’s Reed’s Bay. Potluck to follow. For more information Click Here

October 28

Kona Winds and Trunk or Treat with the Kona Racing Association 

Kona Commons Shopping Center, located at 74-5450 Makala Boulevard, Kailua-Kona

4pm to 7pm

You can also get an early start to Halloween by joining the Kona Racing Association in the Kona Commons parking lot across from Office Max from for a Trunk or Treat family experience. Costumes are optional. Both events are free, family friendly and open to the public.

October 29

Halloween Fun Fest

Kuleana Education, located at 74-4820 Māmalahoa Highway

10am to 2pm

Everyone is invited for a wicked good time to celebrate Halloween. Entry is free. The event will include bounce houses, games, crafts, a human maze, a haunted house, a selfie station, face painting, Halloween kids’ tattoos, prizes and food and drinks.

All games cost one ticket each. Crafts, tattoos, face painting, the haunted house and the human maze vary between one and three tickets each. The bounce houses cost $10 for unlimited bounce.

To purchase tickets for the rides and other activities in advance, click here.

October 29

YMCA’s Halloween Carnival

YMCA-200 W. Lanikaula St., Hilo

4pm to 8pm

Free public event – carnival games, prizes, food vendors! Free Zumba w/Liko, Moses & friends. Costumes encouraged! Free family fun event! For more information Click Here

October 31

4th Annual Trunk or Treat

Maku’u Farmers Market-15-2131 Keaau-Pahoa Rd, Pāhoa

5:30pm

A trunk or treat event for keiki, with participation from ‘ohana, orgs, IG influencers, businesses and whoeva else’. For more informaiton scan the QR code, text or call 808.896.5537

October 31

HalloQueen Trick or Treat

Queen’s Marketplace–69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa

4pm to 7pm

Join us for a fang-tastic free, family-friendly event bursting with goodies and ghoulish fun! Stroll through the marketplace, stop by participating booths and merchants for sweet treats (while supplies last), and dive into spooky activities like face painting, graveyard games, and balloon artistry that’ll blow your mind! Plus, don’t you dare miss the jaw-dropping magic show by the one and only Alexander D’mazing at 5pm in the Coronation Pavilion—it’s bound to be spellbinding! For more information Click Here.

October 31

Halloween Spook-Tacular in Waimea

5pm to 8 p.m

Join the residents of Waimea’s Lua Lai community, located next door to Waimea Elementary School on Halloween for this trick-or-treat event that will have you howling with delight.

Witches, werewolves and vampires are welcome during this fang-tastic outing sponsored by the Rotary Club of North Hawai‘i and Parker School. The event provides families and their keiki with a walkable and safe environment for trick-or-treating.

October 31

Candy Crawl

Keauhou Shopping Center Kailua-Kona

8am

Candy Crawl will be a free trick-or-treat event with participating Center tenants, and management will provide a goodie bag for the keiki—registration is required. Parents must register their child(ren) on Eventbrite, one ticket per child. Only the child needs a ticket. Eventbrite link will go live on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 8 a.m.  You can click here to register when the link goes live.

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