Looking to get off the beach and do some exploring on Hawaii Island?
The state's largest island is home to a lineup of recurring events and new activities for many types of travelers. From farm and cultural festivals to tennis and fishing tournaments, Travel Agent breaks down the latest events taking place on the Hawaii Island.
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows is set to host Hawaii's first-ever PowerShares Series tennis tournament. PowerShares' Champions Cup weekend begins May 5 with a charity kids' clinic, a "VIP Hit-with-the-Pros" session and a VIP Player Party.
Play for the cup happens on May 6, with pros John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Mardy Fish and Tommy Haas competing. The Champions Cup tournament is part of the PowerShares Series, a North American tennis circuit for champion players over age 30.
Visit www.powersharesseries.com
The inaugural Hawaii Kuauli Pacific and Asia Cultural Festival, happening May 8-18 at the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, celebrates the island of Hawaii as a cultural melting pot. This three-day event will include food, fashion, cultural arts, a hula competition and cultural workshops.
Visit www.konabeachhotel.com
The 59th annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, set for August 4-20, welcomes anglers from around the world to the waters off of Kailua-Kona for the venerable sport fishing event. Tournament teams partner with island of Hawaii-based charter boats for five days of game fishing, racking up points based on species caught and weight of catch.
Visit www.hibtfishing.com
The third annual Hamakua Harvest Farm Festival is set for May 20, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual harvest festival, which kicks off Honokaa Western Week, brings together the Hamakua district's vibrant farming and ranching communities to celebrate area agriculture and support local farmers.
Guests are invited to enjoy an all-day lineup of live music, Hawaiian cultural performances, educational presentations, a silent auction and a farmers market featuring locally grown products, food, and arts and crafts.
Visit www.hamakuaharvest.org/annual-farm-festival
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is welcoming back its exclusive family and kids' program Camp Manitou, from July 2 through August 24. This year's camp will introduce Family Day Adventures, a full day of private family escapades on Hawaii Island, with itineraries customized to the interests of individual guest families. Adventures may include swimming in a Kiholo Bay lava tube, hiking into Pololu Valley or other experiential activities.
Visit www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/services_and_amenities/family/camp-manitou
Visitors seeking to broaden their knowledge of Hawaiian culture should check out the Hula Arts at Kilauea Programs, presented by the Volcano Art Center. The center's Hula Kahiko program presents performances from halau hula (hula schools) from around the country at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park within view of Halemaumau Crater.
Aloha Friday Cultural Demonstrations are held weekly, featuring storytelling, hands-on activities, hula and chanting. Every first Thursday evening of each month, the center hosts Hula Voices, a "talk-story" session with Hawaii Island kumu hula (hula teachers). The program schedule is subject to change.
Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org
The 14th annual Hawaii Performing Arts Festival will run from June 26 through July 24, bringing together some of the most talented young musicians from Hawaii and around the world to study, grow their craft and perform with professional performers and teachers.
More than 20 concerts and stage performances will be presented as part of the monthlong festival, including Alcina, Little Women, Sweeney Todd, Opera on the Rocks and An Evening of Chamber Music.
Visit www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org and www.gohawaii.com. Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.
Related Stories
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Opening New Club Lounge in July
Pleasant Holidays, Journese Announce Three New Sales Appointments
Jeff Wagoner Named New CEO, President of Outrigger Hotels and Resorts