Can't Miss Family Events on Hawaii's Big Island

 

For anyone interested in buying a home or condo in Hawaii, the Big Island is a truly beautiful place filled with stunning scenery, cultural heritage, and fun activities for the whole family. From its peaceful beaches and volcanic landscapes to its rich history and traditions, the island offers something for everyone. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re hoping to move your family to Hawai’i this year, use this guide to get to know all the can’t-miss events on the Big Island.

Bamboo pole fishing is a fun, traditional method of fishing on the Big Island, particularly popular in the coastal communities of Hilo and Kona. All a family needs to enjoy a day of fishing is a simple bamboo pole around 10-12 feet in length with a line and hook attached to the end.

 

Typically, fishermen will wade into the water, often in the early morning or late afternoon, and cast their lines out into the ocean. The bamboo poles are lightweight and flexible, making it easy to feel for bites and to reel in fish. It’s common to catch fish like papio, moana, and ulua, but locals use the poles to try and catch bonefish as well. Bamboo pole fishing is a great pastime for families on the Big Island, not only for recreational enjoyment but to engage in Hawaii’s cultural heritage as well.

 

Bamboo poles have been used for fishing on the islands for centuries and are deeply connected to the island's history and way of life. Many locals view bamboo pole fishing as a way to connect with the ocean and with their ancestors, who also used this traditional method of fishing. It’s considered one of the easier ways to learn to fish, making it a great introduction to the practice for families with children of all ages.

Another renowned event that takes place annually on the Big Island is the Merrie Monarch Festival. Named for King David Kalakaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” because of his love for music and dance, the festival is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian culture, with a particular focus on the art of hula. The event features a week-long program of competitions, exhibitions, and performances, with dancers and musicians from across the island and around the world coming together to showcase their skills and celebrate the rich heritage of Hawaii.

 

One of the highlights of the Merrie Monarch Festival is the hula competition, which attracts some of the best dancers in the world. The competition is divided into different categories based on age and skill level, and the dancers are judged on their technique, choreography, and overall performance. In addition to the hula competition, the festival has a parade and craft fair for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can learn about traditional Hawaiian crafts, sample local food, and attend workshops and demonstrations focused on various aspects of Hawaiian culture.

 

The Merrie Monarch Festival is not only a celebration of Hawaiian culture but also a way to honor the legacy of King Kalakaua and his efforts to preserve the arts and traditions of Hawaii. The festival has become a major draw for visitors and has helped raise awareness and appreciation for Hawaii’s unique culture.

The Peaman Biathlon is a family-friendly sporting event that takes place on the Big Island every summer. The biathlon is the brainchild of Sean "Peaman" Pagett, a local endurance athlete who has gained a reputation for organizing some of the most unconventional and demanding athletic events in Hawaii. The Peaman Biathlon involves a combination of swimming half a mile and running two miles, with participants having to complete both legs of the race to finish. The swimming portion takes place in the ocean, usually at Kailua-Kona, and the running portion weaves through the surrounding neighborhoods.

 

The Peaman Biathlon is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels, and there is no time limit for finishing the race. The emphasis is on participation and enjoying the experience rather than on winning. Living in Kona? Make sure you sign your family up to participate in the Peaman Biathlon.

The Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event that takes place in the small town of Waimea on the Big Island. A celebration of Japanese culture, the festival invites locals to take in the beauty and serenity of the blooming cherry blossoms each spring.

 

Hosted in early February, the Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival hosts a variety of events and activities, from traditional Japanese music and dance performances to taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, and a Japanese tea ceremony. Of course, the main attraction is the cherry blossom tree viewing or "hanami" in Japanese, but guests can also visit local craft vendors and sample traditional Japanese dishes.

Rounding out our list is the annual Humane Society Pet Walk. Organized by the Hawai’i Island Humane Society, the pet walk serves as a fundraiser for the Humane Society and seeks to bring together pet owners and animal lovers to participate in a fun-filled day of activities. The highlight of the event is a walk around the beautiful park, but the event also features pet contests, agility and obedience demonstrations, and vendors selling pet products and services. Visitors can participate in games, raffles, and silent auctions, with all proceeds going to support the important work of the Hawaii Island Humane Society.

The Big Island is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, both of which are put on full display during its many annual events and festivals. If you're interested in buying a home or condo in Hawaii, you can expect countless opportunities to experience the unique culture and traditions of Hawaii all year long. Exploring Kona condos for sale on the market might just lead you to a residence that not only offers a comfortable living space but also provides a front-row seat to the vibrant events and festivities that make Hawaii so special.

To ensure you find the right home for you, work with a Kailua-Kona real estate agent. With nearly 20 years of experience in Kailua Kona, Kristina intentionally keeps her caseload low so she can give each client her undivided attention. So, when you’re ready to learn more about what real estate in Hawaii has to offer, get in touch with Kristina Vaughn Hazard.