Big Island June Festivals

There is much to celebrate in Hawaii, nothing more so than the gift of sharing cultures.  Gatherings provide opportunities to share cultural skills, dance, food and more with residents and visitors alike.  The Queens Shops will hold their Summer Jam Festival in the Waikoloa Beach Resort, very convenient for our Waikoloa guests.  But there are many more June events that can be found around the island.

June 11th is Kamehameha Day, a state holiday.  All around the state, celebrations, parades and tributes are held in honor of the King Kamehameha the Great, the monarch who established the unified Kingdom of Hawaii.  Vibrantly colored leis are draped on each of the King’s statues (on the Big Island they are located in Hilo and Kapa’au).  The town of Hilo offers a free celebration at Coconut Island featuring top Hawaii recording artists, hula and other cultural presentations.  Kapa’au (North Kohala) will have a parade, and craft fair featuring well known local musicians, local exhibits and food.  Kailua Kona will also have a parade, food booths and crafts, however their celebration will be held a few days later on June 13th, 2009.

Saturday, June 13th, 2009 the Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens will be hosting the “Summer Jam Ohana Kine Fest”.  It’s a summer kick off party featuring  great music, a plant sale, arts and crafts, fitness demostrations.

The Big Island Taiko Festival will be held at the University of Hilo on June 13th and 14th, bringing together the best of Big Island taiko drummers.

June 20th welcomes the Summer Farm Fest & Ukulele Jam to Holualoa with a petting zoo, music and farming products.

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park celebrates their annual cultural festival on June 27th-28th, sharing skills of weaving, hula, carving and storytelling.

When you plan your stay, pop in on one of the many festivals and take in some of the wonderful culture of the Big Island ohana.