Lots of music is coming to the Big Island this September - with it, plenty of enticing food and drinks. Special events are also focused on the fantastic nature here, and even some seriously epic outrigger canoe races.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a music lover, an outrigger canoe lover, or some combination of all three and more - here are the best events and festivals coming to the Island of Hawaii in September.
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Updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides
If you're visiting Hawaii soon, be sure to download a copy of one of our updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides. We've updated the packets with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and for those who've been a time or two as well).
2023 Events and Festivities
Events for the Big Island of Hawaii in September 2023 will be posted in the coming weeks. Typically, we'll update this page about six to eight weeks before the month in question. Below, you can review a summary of what happened within the last 12-18 months, as many of these Hawaii events are held annually.
2022 Events and Festivities
Hoa’aina Stewardship Day
Hoa’aina Stewardship Day features half-day guided journeys to educate and immerse people in the land and the culture of Kohala - one of the more beautiful areas in the entire archipelago. The event is free, but spaces are limited, so don’t wait to register - especially if caring for nature and learning about local culture sound appealing.
When: Saturday, September 17th, 9 AM - 1 PM (registration opens Sept 7th)
Where: Niuli’i Keokea Beach Road, Kapaau
More Info: Kohala Center
Jazz Organ Summit
For music lovers, this event will feature the Jocelyn Michelle Jazz Organ Band and two very respected and accomplished Hammond B3 players: Midori Ono and Tony Monaco. The venue is Gertrude's Jazz Bar and Bistro, one of the loveliest places in Hawaii to experience intimate live music and enjoy killer cocktails and food - right by the ocean in the heart of Kailua-Kona.
When: Friday, September 9th, 7 PM
Where: 75-5699 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona (Gertrude’s Jazz Bar)
More Info: Happening Next - Jazz Organ Summit
25th Annual Hawaiian “Kona Style” Slack Key Guitar Festival
The slack key guitar is essential to Hawaiian music culture, and its preeminent festival is coming to the Big Island this September - “Kona style.” Catch numerous world-class performers all Sunday afternoon at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. This year marks the festival’s silver anniversary, so it’s bound to be a good time.
When: Sunday, September 18th, 1 PM - 5 PM
Where: 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona (Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa) More Info: Call 808-226-2697 or email [email protected]
Kris Fuchigami with special guest Mark Yamanaka
Kris Fuchigami has won multiple awards as a ukelele virtuoso and musical artist. Alongside Mark Yamanaka, another award-winning Hawaiian artist, the show is part of the Hilo Palace’s Artist Spotlight series. As is intended by the series, this is an awesome opportunity to see some of the best of Hawaii’s local community of musicians.
When: Saturday, September 10th, 7 PM - 9 PM
Where: 38 Haili Street, Hilo (Palace Theater)
More Info: Hilo Palace Theater
2022 Queen Liliuokalani Outrigger Canoe Races
This event is proud to be the world’s largest outrigger canoe race series - and what better place than in the shimmering waters of Hawaii’s Big Island? There are 4 main events, culminating in the Kapuna classic on Monday, September 5th.
When: September 1st - September 5th, 9 AM - 5 PM
Where: Kailua Pier, Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona
More Info: Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race
We hope you find this helpful to planning your September on the Big Island. As always, mahalo, and best wishes for your visit!
Updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides
If you're visiting Hawaii soon, be sure to download a copy of one of our updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides. We've updated the packets with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and for those who've been a time or two as well).
