October brings Ironman and a host of fun events to Kailua Kona! We are also highlighting a few events that will take place around the island over the next few months, as well. We are keeping our eyes out for Halloween events on the island and will post as we discover more or send info if you have it! And if you are looking to volunteer for IronMan, they can always use some extra hands and community spirit! It’s the first “women athletes only” Ironman this year. If you are planning to be in in Kona during this time, keep an eye out for bicyclists training around town and on the highway and check the map on the Ironman page for road closures the day of the race. And here is your fun things to do over the next two months!
OCTOBER
October 7, 2023
ASTRODAY AT KONA COMMONS SHOPPING CENTER
Learners of all ages are invited to Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua Kona on Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for an entertainment-filled day of astronomy, robotics, and natural sciences. Sponsored by the Maunakea Observatories, this free, open-air event is an opportunity for the community to meet with scientists and educators and learn how Hawai`i contributes to new and amazing discoveries in astronomy. The Maunakea Observatories and other science-based and community organizations will offer fun and informative science demonstrations and activities. There will be free giveaways while supplies last and the UH Institute for Astronomy will have a solar telescope on site to safely view the surface of the sun. Special grand prizes will include two NASA-themed skateboards. No purchase is necessary, but you do need to be present to win. Prize drawing times are 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Participating in this year’s event are: Maunakea Observatories: UH Institute for Astronomy, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, Gemini Observatory, TMT International, W.M. Keck Observatory, JCMT/East Asian Observatory, Submillimeter Array and Subaru Telescope. The Las Cumbras Observatory from Maui, will also participate. Science Organizations: Center for Mauna Kea Stewardship, Shadow the Scientist Program (USCS), The Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes, Hawai`i Keiki Museum, HCC Natural Sciences Dept. (Pālamanui), Hawaii Keiki Museum, National Weather Service (NOAA) Mauna Loa, NASA Solar System Ambassadors and Project PANOPTES.
October 7, 2023
“STREET EATS,” A KAILUA VILLAGE FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
From 11am to 5pm, enjoy a variety of food trucks that will be parked on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona. Alii Drive will be closed to traffic downtown to accomodate the event.
October 8, 2023
KAMUELA PHILHARMONIC CONCERT – KAHILU THEATRE, WAIMEA
The Philharmonic’s 2023/24 season kicks off at 2pm with the MasterWorks concert which features works by Richard Wagner, Antonio Salieri, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.Event Cost: $76 / $66 / $46 / $22. For more info, visit kamuelaphil.org
October 12, 2023
KONA UNDERPANTS RUN! The UPR was conceived in 1998 by Chris Danahy, Tim Morris, and Paul Huddle as a protest against wearing Speedos in inappropriate places (stores, restaurants, etc.). It has since morphed into a pre-race ice breaker and local fund raiser that has become an integral part of the IRONMAN World Championship event week.Over the years the Kona UPR has raised over $150,000 for local charities through registration and merchandise donations. We welcome all ages, all genders and all bodies as we celebrate the Aloha spirit that accompanies this incredible one-of-a-kind race week spectacle!For more information log on to http://www.ironmanfoundation.org/UPR/
October 14, 2023
IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP There will be community events during the run up to the race itself in Kona. These usually include a parade, a fun run and Athlete’s Village. Check the website as we get closer to the event. https://www.ironman.com/kona-community-eventsLooking to volunteer for Ironman? Over 5000 volunteers are involved in the production of the biggest race in Hawaii! Join in on the fun and meet new people and be part of something AMAZING! Check out the volunteer page:
October 14, 2023 Volcano Art Center Forest Fair The Forest Fair, is a one-day celebration of Hawai’i’s healthy native forest is scheduled for October 14, 2023 at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.The day long festival includes displays, vendors, free forest tours, and native plant and book sales. The free event provides information and product give a-ways making a fun, engaging event for guests to celebrate Hawai’i’s natural resources.Support for the Fair is provided by Hawai’i Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program. Volcano Art Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization created in 1974 whose mission is to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawaii through arts and education. Please visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
October 15, 2023 “A taste of Hilo”
From 1-3 pm, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce’s will present the annual “A Taste of Hilo” at Sangha Hall in Hilo, 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 support Hawai’i Community College. Tickets are now on sale ($75) at tasteofhilo.org.
October 21, 2023 Paint & Sip at Olivia Clare Boutique from 2pm to 5pm
October 21, 2023
TASTE OF THE PHILIPPINES; CULTURE, COUTURE, CUISINE – KAILUA-KONA
Celebrate Filipino culture and support scholarships for Filipino students, ftom 5:30-8:30pm at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort. Presented by the non-profit Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation; all donations are tax deductible. $75 General Admission. For more information: https://www.betterunite.com/tasteofthephilippines
October 20-21, 2023 13th Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival This year’s Food & Wine Festival is about Indigenous culture on the Island of Hawaii. The first day focuses on Indigenous World Cuisines and is presented by Kamehameha Schools. The second day is a morning Indigenous Food Culture Panel. Both are well worth your time as they check all the key boxes – beautiful location, cultural immersion, and incredible food and drinks. More info: Hawaii Food & Wine Festival – Schedule of Events
OCTOBER 21, 2023. HOWL-O-WEEN HUSTLE LILI’UOKALANI GARDENS HILO
October 21, 2023 Hawaiʻi Island Festival of Birds
Honoring our native manu (birds) with a full-day celebration in Hilo including a Bird Fair, Manu Hula Hōʻike, and expert guest speakers. Whether you’re a seasoned birder, bird-curious, interested in Hawaiian culture and conservation of native species, or some combination of all of the above, this festival offers something for everyone. This exciting event celebrates the diverse bird species found in our Islands. Though we are called the Hawaiʻi Island Festival of Birds, we are honoring native birds from throughout our state and have included conservation organizations from our neighbor islands to participate as well! Get ready for a day filled with fascinating guest speaker talks, uplifting and energizing manu hula presentations, fun activities, lots of talk story, and shopping opportunities.
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. http://www.birdfesthawaii.org
October 28, 2023
VASH HAWAI’I ISLAND FUNDRAISER – MAUNA LANI GOLF, SOUTH COURSE
Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai’i, Hawai’i Island, (VASH, a 501(c)(3) organization), serves as a temporary lifeline to provide initial assistance to visitors who have been victims of a crime or other adversities while on the island. VASH assistance is designed to help visitors cope with and recover from a variety of unfortunate situations, i.e. lost documents, crime, medical emergencies, or death of a loved one. VASH receives referrals from the Hawaiʻi County Police Department, local hospitals, airport security and others. Each situation is assessed individually and appropriate support services are offered. Volunteers are the heart of VASH. The services to visitors are made possible through the generous contribution of time and talents from a diverse group of trained and compassionate volunteers. With their help and aloha, VASH assists in hundreds of visitors each year. This Golf Tournament fundraiser will feature a four-person scramble on the famous Mauna Lani Golf, South Course, with Registration at 8am, and a Shotgun Start at 9am. Deadline for Registration is October 10. There will be lunch and Door/Team prizes following. For more info, call Rachel at 808-960-2338, email admin@VASHBigIslalnd.org or visit VASHBigIsland.org.
October 28, 2023
PLANT PEOPLE ROAD SHOW – KAILUA-KONA
Find out from Big Island growers what plant varieties thrive best in your location at the Plant People Road Show, to be held from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Makaeo Pavilion at Old Kona Airport State Park. The popular Road Show returns after a nearly three-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Admission is free. During the sale, talk story with growers from the island’s different regions. In addition, growers will offer plant selections geared for fall planting, and blooming plants for gift giving. Available will be bedding plants, veggie starts, herbs, roses, air plants, warm-tolerant varieties of cymbidium orchids, select and hard-to-find orchid varieties, assorted cactus and succulents, palms, fruit trees, bamboo and heliconia. In its eighth year, the Plant People Road Show offers two sales annually, around Valentine’s Day and Halloween. For more info, phone 808-987-3231.
October 28, 2023
RUN FOR THE DRY FOREST: 10K RUN, 5K RUN/WALK OR 1/4-MILE KEIKI RUN – PU’UWA’AWA’A FOREST RESERVE
The race will take place from 6:45am till noon at 71-1646 Hawai’i Belt Rd. The 10K run starts at 7:45am and is an “extreme trail running experience” featuring a 1200 ft. elevation gain in the first 3 miles. The 5K starts at 8:00am and is suitable for most people and jogging strollers. The keiki run starts at 8:30am and is perfect for little legs as well as parents. 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. To reduce waste this year, the event will be cup-less; 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. Cost: $40 per entrant. Sign up early, as prices will increase as race day approaches, and there will be no same day registration. For more information visit the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests website at akakaforests.org.
October 28, 2023
HAWAII ARTIST COLLABORATION 2023 CHARITY ART AUCTION – KAILUA-KONA
The Hawaii Artist Collaboration 2023 Charity Art Auction is a must-attend event for art enthusiasts and collectors. Discover unique and breathtaking artworks created by participating artists at one of Hawai’i Island’s most anticipated annual events.To be held Saturday, October 28 from 4-7pm at Hawai’i Island Community Health Center (74-5214 Keanalehu Dr., Kailua-Kona). This year’s artist collaborative marks the tenth year that more than 35 artists from throughout Hawai’i and around the world come together to create unique pieces of art in just four days during the week of October 23. The artwork produced will be offered for sale at a silent and live auction. Proceeds from the auction and ticket sales help fund art supplies for Hawai’i 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! Visit hawaiiartistcollaboration.org for more info. Tickets: $35 at Eventbrite.
October 29, 2023
26th ANNUAL HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY FESTIVAL – OUTRIGGER KONA RESORT, KEAUHOU
To take place from 1-5pm. Featuring some of Hawai’i’s best slack key players. Admission charge at the door; no pre-sale tickets. Llivestream available at www.facebook.com/slackkeyfesivals; youtube.com/hawaiianslackkeyguitarfestivals.
October 28, 2023
Halloween “KidX Candy Crawl” at Keauhou Shopping Center
Join us for FREE trick-or-treating with participating tenants, bounce houses, balloon twisting, a photo booth, entertainment, and more.
Candy Crawl will require Eventbrite registration from 2-6 PM to reserve the trick-or-treat bag. We will do our best to accommodate walk-ups, but we highly recommend signing up on Eventbrite. Parents do not need a ticket. While supplies last.
The registration link will go live on Saturday, October 21st. Our KidX events will go up quickly. WE DO NOT TAKE REGISTRATIONS OVER THE PHONE. For faster check-in, please be sure to print your ticket.
October 28, 2023
HAWAII ARTIST COLLABORATION 2023 CHARITY ART AUCTION – KAILUA-KONA
The Hawaii Artist Collaboration 2023 Charity Art Auction is a must-attend event for art enthusiasts and collectors. Discover unique and breathtaking artworks created by participating artists at one of Hawai’i Island’s most anticipated annual events.To be held Saturday, October 28 from 4-7pm at Hawai’i Island Community Health Center (74-5214 Keanalehu Dr., Kailua-Kona). This year’s artist collaborative marks the tenth year that more than 35 artists from throughout Hawai’i and around the world come together to create unique pieces of art in just four days during the week of October 23. The artwork produced will be offered for sale at a silent and live auction. Proceeds from the auction and ticket sales help fund art supplies for Hawai’i 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! Visit hawaiiartistcollaboration.org for more info. Tickets: $35 at Eventbrite.
OCTOBER 28, 2023 IKEBANA EXHIBITION
10AM-1PM Exhibition viewing, Ikebana demonstration, talk story and lunch. Register at:https://konabaptist.church/ikebana
October 29, 2023
26th ANNUAL HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY FESTIVAL – OUTRIGGER KONA RESORT, KEAUHOU
To take place from 1-5pm. Featuring some of Hawai’i’s best slack key players. Admission charge at the door; no pre-sale tickets. Llivestream available at www.facebook.com/slackkeyfesivals; youtube.com/hawaiianslackkeyguitarfestivals
October 29 to November 3, 2023
Please join us at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel for the 9th Annual East Hawaii Jazz & Blues Festival! Held annually on the last Sunday of October, the festival is the signature fundraising event for the Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Inc.One of the most popular music events on the Big Island of Hawai’i, featuring pupu buffet, dessert station, wine and beer tasting, and non-stop music showcasing some of Hawaii’s finest jazz and blues musicians along with highly acclaimed artists from the mainland. https://www.ehjazzbluesfest.com/tickets
NOVEMBER 2023
November 1, 2023
Get ready for our annual multi-block party! Walk the streets and experience all the food, fun and entertainment around Downtown Hilo. Come visit the main stage at the corner of Keawe and Haili Streets and walk to town to visit all the Registered Selfie Spots to win awesome prizes!
November 3-12, 2023
KONA COFFEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL
The annual celebration of one of Hawai’i’s most famous products. Hawaii’s oldest food festival starts brewing A TASTE OF KONA
Imagine the air is alive with musicianary heatsphere filled with the aroma of sensation. Taste of Kona from local island chefs. The Grand Finale with music and food, under the star promises to be a dazzling fusion of re 2023 Kona, A fabulous silent auction as friends gather to salute the 2023 Kona Coffee cultural The Grand Final… Taste of Kona promises to be a night to remember, The seven-time Grammissionded singer, song writer and composer LT Smooth and his Big Band bring out a blend of Hawaiian slack key, contemporary, jazz, and rhythm and blues just perfect for an evening of dancing. Jeff Ibach opens the night as he grooves on his guitar. As island chefs infuse dishes with their distinctive flair, you can bet chefs like Chef George Gomes from The Club at Hokulia, Chef Mike Quanan from King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort will be serving up plates of culinary art, taking event goers on a journey of flavors. Enjoy enticing delights from Thai Gallery Cuisine, Loko Wraps, The Fish Hopper and of course, 100% Kona Coffee from Kona Coffee & Tea, just to name a few. Don’t miss the adult-only The Grand Finale…A Taste of Kona happening on Saturday, November 11 at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort Luau Grounds. Gates open at 5:30 pm. 55 event parking validation provided and a no-host cocktail bar.
Festival button required.
Tickets are $125 for general seating and $1,200 for a VIP table of 10.
Purchase tickets online at www.konacoffeefest.com
November 3-4, 2023
BIG ISLAND HILO Fall fest! Food vendors, crafts, retail, giveaways and much much more!To become a vendor, email us at islandcravesllc@yahoo.com
November 4, 2023
November 5, 2023
November 5, 2023 ‘Ikuwā Festival is coming back to ʻImiloa! Join us from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 for this FREE festival celebrating the ʻIkuwā season and our connections to land, sea and sky. Bring the whole ʻohana for: Makahiki Games, Keiki Oli Challenge, Live Planetarium Programs Exploring Our Connections to Land, Sea & Sky, Hula & Mele, New ʻImiloa Interactive Exhibit Reveal, Crafts and Activities, Vendors, Waʻa, and more! https://imiloahawaii.org
Save the date for our Miss Kona Coffee 2024 Competition! Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel
Time: 6pm doors open 5:30pmTickets are $50. $5 Festival button is also required. Tickets will go on sale October 1st! http://Misskonacoffee.org
November 11, 2023
NATIONAL PARK FEE-FREE DAY HONORING OUR MILITARY VETERANS
No entry fees to our national parks!
November 11, 2023
2nd annual Honoka’a Renaissance Faire!! Travel back in time to a realm of merriment and festivities! Enjoy fine food and drink, master artisans, talented stage performers, live music, and fun family activities! Gather your friends and family and we’ll see you at the Faire!! Huzzah!!
November 4, 2023
HAWAI’I ISLAND VETERANS DAY PARADE – HILO
10 am start time at Wailea State Park and Pauahi St., downtown Hilo. Grand Marshal this year is Gold Star Families and Their Loved Ones. For more information, visit www.hivetparade.org.
November 18, 2023
21st ANNUAL ‘UKULELE & SLACK KEY GUITAR FESTIVAL – WAIMEA
A festival like no other, musicians will take the stage together to talk story, play music, and share their experiences as award-winning Hawaiian music artists. The Festival includes a Ho’olaulea Night, when each of the participating musicians will take the stage individually as well as invite small groups to join them as they showcase their favorite songs and one-of-a-kind musical collaborations, a Kanikapila Concert Day. when the musicians take the stage in a slightly less formal concert setting. After intermission, audience members with tickets and an instrument will be invited to join the guest artists on stage. (Please note there are limited tickets to play on stage with the artists.) The artists take turns leading each other in both song and story, finding new inspiration in the music they love to share. Visit kahilutheatre.org for more info.
November 17-18th, 2023
34th ANNUAL HILO CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA CRAFT FAIR
The Annual Hilo Christmas Extravaganza Craft Fair will be held Friday Nov 17th from 5-9 pm and Saturday from 9 am-3 pm at the Edith Kanaka`ole Multipurpose Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St, Hilo, HI. There is a small entry fee; keiki under 12 free. Shop local with all your favorite artists and crafters! For more information or if you are interested in becoming a vendor, visit malamaponoevents.com.
November 26, 2023
John Cruz “Island Style Holiday” Kick off the Holiday Season with John Cruz and special guests live in concert at the Historic Palace Theater!
“TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW $40 General Admission. $100 VIP Priority Orchestra. VIP tickets include an exclusive meet & greet with the artist, plus signed CD and T-Shirt. All tickets $5 more on Day of Show. All seating is assigned at time of ticket purchase. Tickets are non-refundable, all sales final.Tickets are available now for 2 performances on Sunday November 26th: 3:00pm and 7:00pm. Doors open for seating 1 hour prior to each performance. http://hilopalace.com
November TBA, 2023
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARIES, KONA, BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.) is holding a Book Sale inside the Kailua-Kona Library from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. Book Sales have nice selections and great prices. Cash or check only. Proceeds from book sales help support special programs and the needs of the Kona libraries. As always, volunteers are welcome. Visit www.folkhawaii.com for more details.
West Hawaii and Hawaii Island has some great events coming up! If you know of others that you would like to share or upcoming events for the Fall, email me at Julie@Ziemelis.com. Please share this calendar to support our awesome business owners and events planners!
The event calendar for Big Island Hawaii 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
