3 Best Performing Arts Venues in Big Island, Hawaii

Each summer on the Saturday nearest to King Kamehameha Day (June 11), at least 100 regal riders on horseback parade through Historic Kailua Village, showing off the colorful flora and aloha spirit of Hawaii. This spectacular free event is one of the highlights of summer. The traditional royal pau riders (women dressed in long skirts) include a queen and princesses representing the major Hawaiian Islands. A cultural festival with live music and a houlaulea (local fundraiser) always follow on the historic grounds of Hulihee Palace, Hawaii Island's only royal palace.

The lively festival showcases island-based brewers and chefs on the luau grounds of the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. A fashion show, live music, and community fundraisers are all part of the fun. Check the date and get tickets early online, as this event always sells out.

Held over 10 days in early November, on the Kona side, the longest-running food festival in Hawaii celebrates world-renowned Kona coffee. The highly anticipated festival includes coffee contests, serious cupping (tasting) competitions, a lecture series, label contests, farm tours, and a colorful community parade featuring the newly crowned Miss Kona Coffee. During the Holualoa Village Coffee and Art Stroll, you can meet artists and sample estate coffees.