Big Island, Hawaii Events 2009

Champions Tour Tournament of Champions:   January 19-23, 2009
Hualalai Golf Club, Four Seasons Resort, Kaupulehu, Kona National PGA champions compete in a 54-hole-stroke play on the spectacular Jack Nicklaus-designed course.
800-417-2770

Classic Car Show:   January 24, 2009 - 11 a.m.-2 p.m
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. A large variety of customized classic cars will be on display in this annual show sponsored by the Waikoloa Lions Club. 808-886-8822

Chinese New Year Celebration:   January 26, 2009
Kings Shops, Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Watch the big lion weave through the resort shopping centers to the sound of Chinese drums. 808-886-2884

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival:   February 7, 2009
Downtown Waimea. Annual celebration of Japanese culture features cherry blossom displays, music, entertainment, food, and a farmers market. 808-961-8706

Kona History Cruise:   February 8, 2009 - 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Kona Historical. Society narrates tour of Kona Coast historical sites aboard a catamaran. 808-322-2788    www.konahistorical.org

Chinese New Year Festival:   February 14, 2009 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kalakaua Park, Hilo. Annual Chinese parade complete with lion dancers, performances and displays will welcome the year of the ox. 808-933-9772  www.poshfestivals.com

Magic Spectacular:   March 1, 2009
Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua. Annual show of national musicians serves as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society West Hawaii unit. Call to reserve a seat. 808-322-3677

Kona Stampede Rodeo:   March 1, 2009
HI-160 and Hale o Keawe Road, Honaunau. The annual upcountry paniolo show features various cowboy events and shows. 808-323-2388

Ukulele Festival:   March 7, 2009
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. This 9th annual resort event brings together the best Hawaii ukulele artists. 808-886-2884

Kona Brewers Festival:   March 14, 2009 - 2:30-6:30 p.m.
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Variety of brewers from Hawaii and the mainland display their craft and promote recycling. Gourmet food featured.
808-331-3033  www.konabrewersfestival.com

Big Island International Marathon:   March 22, 2009
Hilo Bay to Queen Liliuokalani Gardens. Annual marathon and fitness walk covers challenging terrain. 808-969-7400   www.hilomarathon.org

Lavaman Triathlon and Sports Festival:   March 29, 2009
Waikoloa Beach Resort. Annual fitness congregation open to runners, bikers and swimmers at all levels of ability. An awards party with barbeque follows at Anaehoomalu Bay.   www.lavamantriathlon.com

Kona Chocolate Festival:   April 4, 2009
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, Kona. This festival of treats for connoisseurs celebrates the chocolate industry. Wine and champagne, a buffet and music are included. 808-987-8722    www.konachocolatefestival.com

Easter Bunny Visit:   April 11, 2009
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Rumor has it that Pekelo Cottontail will be accompanied by sidekick Koloa Duck. Bring the keiki and get a free photo taken. 808-886-2884

Merrie Monarch Festival:   April 12-18, 2009
Hilo Civic Center. Legendary celebration of the culture of hula features various competitions, entertainment, arts and crafts. 808-969-9700  www.merriemonarchfestival.org

Kona Earth Festival:   April 18-May 10, 2009
Series of events highlight the natural environment, including Natural Energy Lab tours, a forest restoration project, community tree planting, Malama Aina Cleanup Day, and recycled-art show. 808-329-9220   www.konaearthfestival.org

Earth Day Fair:   April 18, 2009 - 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce presents informational displays and presentations along with live entertainment.    www.konaearthfestival.org

May Day is Lei Day:   May 1, 2009
Waikoloa Beach Resort. Resort-wide cultural event includes hula performances, entertainment, arts and crafts, and a lei making contest. 808-886-8822   www.waikoloabeachresort.com

Cinco de Mayo Splash & Little Cinco Splash:   May 4, 2009
Anaehoomalu Bay, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Join in a family swimming race to benefit the Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation. The Fiesta Awards follow. 808-886-2884

Big Island Film Festival:   May 14-17, 2009
Annual extravaganza for filmmakers and movie buffs features indoor and outdoor movies, various filmmaking and actors events, music, and food. 808-883-0394   www.bigislandfilmfestival.com

Celebration of Hula:   June 6, 2009
Waikoloa Bowl, Queens Gardens, Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. An evening of song, chant and hula to commemorate the arrival of summer through na olelo o ka pu uwai (the language of the heart). 808-886-8822

Dolphin Days:   June 18-21, 2009
Waikoloa Beach Resort. Annual benefit for the Hawaii Shriners Hospital and Pacific Marine Life Foundation presents a variety of events including the Great Waikoloa Food, Wine and Music Festival, golf tournaments, dolphin programs, and more. 808-886-1234 ext 2884   www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com

Puuhonua O Honaunau Annual Cultural Festival:   June 27-28, 2009
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Kona. Celebration includes educational demonstrations and the chance to participate in traditional Hawaiian activities such as weaving and net fishing. 808-328-2326 ext 32    www.nps.gov/puho

Kona Marathon and Family Fun Runs:   June 28, 2009
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel, Keauhou. Open public marathons for all ages at various levels of ability. 808-325-0287   www.konamarathon.com

Rubber Duckie Race & 4th of July Extravaganza:   July 4, 2009
Kings Shops, Waikoloa Beach Resort. The annual parade of rubber ducks makes its way across Kings Lake in this huge resort event which includes live entertainment and food. 808-886-8822

Fireworks Display:   July 4, 2009 – 8:30 p.m.
Waikoloa Bowl, Queens Gardens, Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. 808-886-8822

Turtle Independence Day:   July 4, 2009
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel beachfront, Mauna Lani Resort. Celebrated day for some lucky turtles who will be released into the ocean after being raised to maturity. 808-885-6622

Parker Ranch July 4 Rodeo:   July 4, 2009 – 9 a.m.-noon
Parker Ranch Arena, 17-1304 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea. Popular annual rodeo features exciting paniolo competitions, various activities for children, and food. 808-885-5669, 808-885-2303   www.parkerranch.com

Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival:   July 18-19, 2009 - 12:00-6 p.m
Hilo High School Auditorium. East Hawaii Cultural Center presents the best falsetto singers, ukulele players, and slack key and steel guitar artists of Hawaii. 808-935-9085    www.ehcc.org

Waikoloa Koi Day:   August 1, 2009
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. See a collection of colorful koi fish and learn about their history from koi farmer Gary De Coito. Event includes a Bonsai display and a kite making lesson. 808-886-8822

Hawaii World Heritage Festival:   August 14, 2009 - 3:00-10 p.m
Mooheau Park Bandstand, Hilo Bayfront. International fanfare celebrates 50th anniversary of Hawaii statehood with cultural demonstrations, arts and crafts, music, dancing, and food. 808-933-9772   www.poshfestivals.com

Hawaiian Cultural Weekend:   September 1, 2009
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Celebrate the annual resort Hoolaulea with a variety of cultural festivities including the Ms. Aloha Nui Pageant and the Great Waikoloa Poke Contest. *exact festival dates to be determined

Parker Ranch Round-up Club Rodeo:   Sept. 5-6, 2009 - 12 p.m. Sat. & 1 p.m. Sun.
Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena, Waimea. Annual family fundraiser event provides scholarships to children of Parker Ranch employees. Participate in bull rides, barrel races and roping contests. 808-885-5669   www.parkerranch.com

Ford Ironman World Championship:   October 10, 2009
Kona. Legendary triathlon tests the endurance of top athletic professionals from around the world, followed by various parties and banquets. 808-329-0063 email: kona@ironman.com   ironman.com/worldchampionship

Trick or Treat:   October 31, 2009 - 4:00-8 p.m.
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Trick-or-treat at the stores and enjoy Halloween festivities including live entertainment, a costume contest, and creative pumpkin carving displays. 808-886-8822

Moku O Keawe International Festival:   November 1, 2009
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Annual festival celebrates the art of hula with various competitions and cultural workshops. 808-345-9364 www.mokuokeawe.org *exact festival dates to be determined

Passport to International Cultures:   December 12, 2009
Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Enjoy samplings of the best international culinary treats created by resort chefs, with live entertainment. 808-886-8822

Note: Dates and times are subject to change. Admission fees may be charged for certain events.