2023 Events and Festivities

Lots of music is coming to the Big Island this September - plenty of enticing food and drinks. Some special events also focus on the unique cultures and traditions, and even some seriously epic outrigger canoe races. 

Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors, a music lover, an outrigger canoe lover, or some combination of all 3 and more - here are the best events and festivals coming to the Island of Hawaii in September 2023.

— article continued below —

2024 Hawaii Visitor Guides

Visiting Hawaii soon? Be sure to grab a copy of one of our updated Hawaii Visitor Guides.

~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~

9th Hawaii Island All Nations Powwow

This impressive outdoor event is a celebration of Native American culture. It is quite a spectacle, with drumming and intertribal dancing galore. You’ll also have the chance to try the delectable Indigenous treat that is frybread.  

When: September 16th, September 17th, 9 AM - 4 PM
Where: 16-492 Old Volcano Rd, Keaau
More Info: Hawaii All Nations Powwow

Big Island Chocolate Festival - Sip, Dip, and Paint Event

Would you like to spend an afternoon with friends and family on an island paradise painting, drinking wine, and enjoying world-famous locally-grown chocolate? What if the chocolate comes from a fountain and the wine is unlimited? 

When: Saturday, September 9th, 1 PM - 3 PM
Where: 75-5801 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona (Island Lava Java)
More Info: Sip, Dip, and Paint Event

Na Palapalai - Live at Hilo Palace Theater 

One of the best things about Hawaii is its distinctive music. Stylistically, it perfectly conveys the beauty and serenity of this place. Na Palapalai is as quintessential a Hawaiian music group as you’re likely to ever find. They return to their hometown of Hilo on September 2nd. 

When: Sunday, September 2nd, 7 PM - 9 PM
Where: 38 Haili St, Hilo (Palace Theater)
More Info: Na Palapalai

Kona, It's a Wrap

Kona's famous Marlin Tournament Series continues into September for those looking to fish, soak up the sunshine, and potentially win big. September's event runs for three days at the scenic small boat harbor in Honokohau. 

When: September 15th-17th
Where: Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona
More Info: Humdinger Sport Fishing 

2023 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? Four main events culminate in the Kapuna classic on Monday, September 4th.

When: August 31st - September 4th, 8 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! 

Recommended Hawaii Tours
Terms of Use & Disclosures

This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Mahalo!