April is usually the time residents get a little breathing room from the busy tourism season, but it appears the season shows no sign of a slow down for the first part of the month until Easter as people arrive on spring break. The ocean is warming up and the storm waves are dying down, so being in the ocean is fantastic right now. But on to the events of the month!
Afternoon at the Palace Concert/Hula and Village Stroll
WHEN: April 14, 2019 -Stroll starts at 1 pm and concert goes from 4-5 pm
WHERE: On the grounds of Hulihe’e Palace on Alii Drive
Enjoy free Hawaiian music and hula on the grounds of Hulihe’e Palace and bring your own beach mat or chair. Before and after the Palace performance, stroll thru historic Kailua Village (the Stroll starts at 1pm & goes till 6pm), enjoy over 100 vendor booths, plus oceanside restaurants, local musicians & artists. For more info about the Palace event, email [email protected]. For more info about the Stroll, email [email protected] or visit historickailuavillage.com. You can also check out a video of the stroll showing seaside shopping at its best!
The 56th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival
WHEN: April 21 thru 27, 2019
WHERE: Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium in Hilo
A week-long festival of cultural events including Hawaii’s most prestigious hula competition. The festival begins with a Ho’olaule’a at the auditorium behind the Stadium on Easter Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with lots of music, food and fun. On Wednesday Ho’ike Night, there is also a free hula exhibition at the Stadium that begins at 6:30 pm (get there very early to stand in line!); Thursday is the solo Miss Aloha Hula competition; Friday & Saturday are the group Kahiko (ancient) and ‘Auana (modern) hula competitions. A grand parade winds through Hilo-town on Saturday morning. Visit www.merriemonarch.com for more info.
Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair
WHEN: April 24-27, 2019 Times: Wed-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sat 9:00am to 4:00pm
WHERE: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and Butler Building, Hilo
This 4-day, free event features the finest collection of Hawaiian arts and handcrafts by Hawai’i’s master artisans and producers, Hawaiian designer fashions, cultural demonstrations and hands-on workshops in lauhala weaving and Ni’hau shell jewelry. Free Hawaiian entertainment all day by Hawai’i’s Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning entertainers and musicians, along with performances by various hula halau. Official Merrie Monarch Festival t-shirts, programs and posters are also on sale. at. For more information, call (808) 966-4647, email [email protected] or visit http://www.namakua.com/.
Big Island Chocolate Festival
WHEN: Saturday April 26 5:30-9 pm (Gala)
WHERE: Westin Hapuna Prince Resort, Kohala Coast
Chocolate dominates the scene at this 7th annual chocolate lover’s dream come true. Chocolate demonstrations, farm tours, the evening gala featuring a silent auction and a chocolate and tequila pairing are all part of the fun. For more details, visit www.BigIslandChocolateFestival.com or email [email protected].
Ka’u Coffee Festival
WHERE: Pahala in the Ka’u District
WHEN: April 26 and 27, 2019 Time varies per event
The 11th annual Ka’u Coffee Festival celebrates its award-winning brew with a host of events showcasing the people and place that make the coffee so special. Some are free, while others have a fee. Time: Varies per event. To be held at Pahala Community Center and various venues, 1149 Kamani St., Pahala, HI 96777. For more details, visit http://kaucoffeefestival.com
Annual Waikoloa Lions Golf Tournament
WHEN: April 27, 2019 Registration at 7 a.m. and first tee off at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Waikoloa Golf Course
Featuring a two-person scramble, the tournament is a fundraiser for the Waikoloa Lions Club, part of a 100-year-old organization with over 1.4 million members worldwide. Mulligans are optional. Lunch follows play, with prizes for top finishers and an exciting silent auction. Entry fee is $110 per player, including greens fees, cart, lunch and prizes. The Lions have dedicated themselves to a mission of global service in five areas of need: diabetes, vision, hunger, the environment and childhood cancer. For more information, and to register in advance, call Wes Kimura at 808-938-1279 or email [email protected].
LUVA Real Estate agents are also holding weekly Open Houses of all active listings each Friday and Saturday. We invite you to contact our office for a list of the homes. Our team are lifestyle experts in West Hawaii and can discuss all aspects of life on the island with you.