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Big Island Seasonal Expectations

Events Updated for Fall 2021 & 2022

Hawaiʻi Guide updates on seasonal events on the Big Island. Our luxury tours are fun and informative at any season.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, some Big Island of Hawaiʻi events may be delayed, canceled, or rescheduled. We’ve included the dates and months that most Big Island events are typically held below, but please be aware that currently, things are subject to change.

Visiting Big Island in January, February, or March

This is a good time of year to visit if you have your heart set on seeing the majestic Humpback Whales. The weather is also noticeably cooler at this time of year, though there may also be a chance for increased precipitation during these winter months.

Hotel rates are often reasonable this time of year as well. Additionally, even though surfing isn’t as popular on the Big Island as some of the smaller islands, this is still prime season to catch some waves.

Big Island Winter Events:
  • Mitsubishi Electric Championship (January) – Held at Hualalai, this tournament offers fans the chance to see the best players on PGA TOUR Champions with a strong field of qualifiers.
  • Waimea Ocean Film Festival (January) – Festival was paused for 2021, and may be postponed for 2022. A showcase of several films highlighting the ocean and island lifestyle in Hawaiʻi.

Visiting Big Island in April, May, or June

This is one of the best times to visit the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, in our opinion. Rates and demand are usually down at this time of year, though both increase heading into June as more crowds arrive from the mainland for the summer break.

Big Island Spring Events:
  • Merrie Monarch Festival (Easter) – Was moved to the Summer of 2021. A week-long festival featuring an internationally acclaimed hula competition, a Hawaiʻian arts fair, hula shows, and a grand parade through Hilo town.
  • Lei Day (May) – Celebrated on the first of May, a festival takes place in Hilo offering lei making, a lei contest, hula performances, and more.
  • Ka’u Coffee Festival (May) – May potentially be postponed for 2022. This event features a pageant, recipe contests, food, crafts, farm tours, and yes, plenty of coffee.
  • Big Island Chocolate Festival (May) – Cancelled for 2021. 2022 schedule is pending. The Festival includes seminars, demonstrations, a student chef competition, a professionally judged cacao bean taste-off, and much more.
  • King Kamehameha Day (June) – A celebration honoring Hawaiʻi’s first king with events on both sides of the island.

Visiting Big Island in July, August, or September

In our opinion, the later months in this period are another great time to visit the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. While July and August can both be a bit busier as family vacations wind down from the summer break, by late August and early September, the crowds have decreased.

This time of the year can be warmer on the island, though the temperature increase isn’t drastic.

Big Island Summer Events:
  • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival (June) – This free event is held in HVNP with performers, food, drink, and music.

Visiting Big Island in October, November, or December

October can also be an excellent month to visit Hawaiʻi. The weather has cooled and demand and rates have dropped too, with fewer visitors on the island. By mid-to-late November, the wetter weather will be more noticeable, as November and December are some of the wettest months on the island. 

Additionally, as always, crowds and rates skyrocket closer to the end of December for the holidays.

Big Island Fall Events:
  • Ironman Triathlon (October) – Postponed/Relocated for 2021, and early 2022. The next planned Kona event is early October 2022. Over 2,000 athletes will embark on a 140.6-mile journey that presents the ultimate test of body, mind, and spirit to earn the title of IRONMAN.
  • Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November) – During this 10-Day Festival, there are tastings, hands-on cultural events, and stories to help tell the rich history of Kona’s coffee.
  • Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade (December) – Held on the Kona side of the island the second week of December.

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