DISCOVER BIG ISLAND FESTIVITIES
AND TAKE PART IN THE FUN
Big Island Chocolate Festival
Apr 23-25, 2026 – Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
It is expected for the festival to return to it’s normal activities with seminars, demonstrations, a student chef competition, cacao bean taste-off, and a gala fundraiser and silent auction. The event is a benefit for local non-profit beneficiaries. In the past 9 years they have donated over $140,000 to these beneficiaries. Enjoy delicious, Big Island chocolate in all its forms.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Fee-Free Days
Apr 19 2026 – Volcanoes National Park
The park will be free to enter for the 1st day of National Park Week.
Below are annual events that are expected to take place in 2026. Events will be marked as TBA until official 2026 dates are released.
63rd Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
Apr TBA, 2026 – Hilo
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural festival that takes place annually in Hilo, Hawaii during the week after Easter. It honors King David Kalakaua, who was called the “Merrie Monarch” for his patronage of the arts and is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign, including the hula. Many halau hula (hula schools), including some from the U.S. mainland and some international performers, attend the festival each year to participate in exhibitions and competitions. The festival has received worldwide attention and is considered the most prestigious of all hula contests.