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.
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.