Kona Events Seasonal Guide
This page is a quick snapshot of what Kona feels like through the year, plus the key events that tend to shape the calendar. Dates and schedules can change, so we link to official sources whenever we can.
1. Weather at the Farm
Forecasts can be a little hit-or-miss at the house. We’re up around 1,300 feet, and this part of Kona can bounce between sun, clouds, and a quick passing shower. It still feels tropical every day, just with more variation than you’d get right on the shoreline.
What to expect: Generally slightly cooler than the coast, with comfortable evenings that call for a light long sleeve layer.
Drier stretch: September through April usually brings more consistent sunshine.
Wetter stretch: May through August tends to have more frequent passing showers.
Winter note: A few times each winter, a Kona low pattern can bring heavier rain, wind, and bigger surf. Checking surf conditions is especially useful if you’re planning ocean time.
Packing: Light layers (cotton long sleeve shirt and sweat pants) for evenings and a thin rain shell.
2. Signature Events
IRONMAN World Championship
When: October 10, 2026
Why it’s a big deal: Kona turns into a full elite athlete hub for race week. The energy in town is next level.
When: July 4, 2026
Why it’s a big deal: A big run weekend on Aliʻi Drive with a fun holiday vibe in town.
When: March 29, 2026
Why it’s a big deal: Classic west-side tri weekend with a strong community feel.
When: March 14, 2026
Why it’s a big deal: Food + craft beer + local community energy (this one sells out).
When: Typically November (multi-day, dates vary)
Why it’s a big deal: The bigger seasonal coffee story, with events spread across the district.
When: Typically November (dates vary, usually during Coffee Festival time)
Why it’s a big deal: Coffee tastings hosted by galleries and shops in Holualoa. It’s one of the most fun “wander and sample” days in Kona.
Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Races
When: Labor Day weekend (dates vary)
Why it’s a big deal: Big outrigger canoe weekend with teams traveling from far and wide to compete, strong ocean-community energy.
When: April 5–11, 2026
Why it’s a big deal: The iconic hula competition week, plus art, music, and cultural events in Hilo
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
When: Typically early February (for example: Feb 7, 2026)
Why it’s a big deal: A really sweet, community-forward day in Waimea with performances, food, and cultural activities.
When: Dates vary by year
Why it’s a big deal: A high-quality food/chef/cacao scene event that pulls a fun crowd.
When: Typically mid-December (dates vary)
Why it’s a big deal: Small-town holiday stroll energy in Kainaliu, our town.
Hawaiʻi Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival
When: Typically early June (dates vary)
Why it’s a big deal: A more eclectic, arts-and-culture-forward weekend in Kona with performances, workshops, and food. It pulls a fun mix of people and has a “creative crowd with nice taste” vibe without feeling like a mega-event.
3. This Week on the Big Island
For what’s happening right now (concerts, markets, community events):