From festivals with culinary creations you can try, to festivals with vendors selling their local handcrafted goods, don’t miss these annual events in Hilo.
*Things change, so please check in with the organizers of these events for details.
January
Dress in your best aloha finery for this recently new annual Queen’s Tea at the Hilo Yacht Club, honoring those who have portrayed Hawaiian royalty at the Merrie Monarch Festival, Aloha Week and other events. Enjoy Hawaiian tea, pastries and finger sandwiches while watching hula, listening to live music and bidding on a silent auction at this community benefit, which also includes prizes for best hat or fascinator.
February
The Panaʻewa Stampede rodeo, a two-day event during Presidents’ Day Weekend, highlights the talent, skill, and dedication of local cowboys, cowgirls, and keiki. This annual celebration features a vibrant mix of shows, vendors, and activities. It showcases traditional paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) skills like po’o wai u, as well as popular rodeo events including bull riding, cattle roping and double mugging.
April
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a lively annual hula event that kicks off on Easter Sunday and runs throughout the week, from April 20 to 26 this year. Honoring King David Kalākaua, who reigned over the Hawaiian Nation from 1874 to 1891, the festival includes an internationally acclaimed hula competition, parades, Hawaiian art fairs, and lively performances. This celebration is committed to preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture and traditions.
May
The mission of the Hilo Lei Day Festival is to preserve and promote traditional Hawaiian terminology, culture, craftsmanship, and the ecological aspects of lei-making. The Hilo Lei Day Festival is free and open to the public.
August
The Annual Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival aims to preserve Hawaiian culture and arts by providing a platform for master artists and producers to share their talents and insights. Hana No‘eau, meaning “art,” encompasses a wide range of creativity, including visual, literary, and performing arts that connect past, present, and future. In addition to cultural demonstrations, the event features top Hawaiian artisans and craftspeople.
October
Since 1998, the annual A Taste of Hilo has highlighted the island’s top chefs, restaurants, and beverage artisans. Guests can indulge in a variety of sweet and savory dishes and sample locally crafted beer, wine, and sake. This fundraiser benefits the Hawai’i Community College culinary program.
November
The annual Hawaii International Film Festival also visits several Neighbor Islands to introduce new features, documentaries and shorts highlighting Asia, the Pacific and Hawaii. Purchase individual tickets or buy a $50 pass to watch all six presentations at Hilo’s Palace Theater. (Staying at a Kohala resort? You can also catch the same half-dozen festival selections at Kahilu Theater in Waimea.)
December
Since he’s all booked Dec. 24-25, Santa brings special treats early to the approximately 300 animals at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens with the annual “Christmas at the Zoo” event.
