Did you know that the first week of August is one of the busiest times outside of the Christmas holidays and IronMan for Kona? One of the big draws is the annual Hawaiian Billfisher Tournament. Also, the vacation surge comes from parents getting that last week of summer fun in before the kids have to return to school. So if you are coming this month, check out the fishing tournament, the Orchid Show, the Mai Tai Festival, the Canoe Races and even a charity bowling tournament!
LUVA Vacation Rentals also starts booking vacation rentals for the busy holiday season during this time, so if you are planning on coming to the island in December, now is the time to get your rental home or condo booked. Go to our booking site to see what is available.
Now, on to what to do if you are living here or visiting in August!
The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT) Hawaii Bill Fish Tourney
When: August 4-12th in Kailua Kona
The tournament, founded in 1959, is the second oldest big game sports fishing event in the world. HIBT is a five-day tournament built on prestige, trophies and strict International Game Fish Association rules for big game fish world records and does not include cash prizes. Other tournament events include the new Opening Ceremony, the official recognition of teams from around the world; and daily weigh-ins at Kailua Pier attracting hundreds of spectators. More information can be found at http://www.hibtfishing.com
Annual Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club Show and Sale
When: August 12, 2018 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Hanalo at the Daifukuji Soto Mission Hall (Hwy. 11 at mile marker 114, just north of Kainaliu).
The annual show and sale is a free event offering attendees a complimentary orchid boutonniere corsage – while they last. There will be a guided tour through the on-site Orchid Grotto, demonstrating how to beautify a problematic space. Enjoy an elaborate and colorful display of live blooming cattleya, cymbidium, dendrobium, phalaenopsis, Miltonia, vanda orchids and more. Get expert advice on caring for orchids at different Kona elevations, Waimea and South Point. There will be an outdoor sale of high-quality orchid species and hybrids grown by club members and select Big Island commercial growers. The Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club is West Hawai’i’s oldest orchidaceae organization with a mission to learn and foster orchid culture and promote fellowship among orchid collectors.
Volcano Rain Forest Runs
When: August 18, 2018 Time: 7:00am
Where: Cooper Center, Volcano Village.
Run a Half Marathon, 10K or 5K in the heart of Volcano Village. Traverse the quaint village roads through the beautiful native rainforest and ranch lands with stunning views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in the distance. Free keiki run for ages 1-7. Cost: Free- $85. For more information, call (808) 967-8240, email [email protected] or visit
Don The Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival
When: August 18, 2018 Time: 11am – 4 pm
Where: Royal Kona Resort
A full day of fun at Royal Kona Resort, including a Battle of the BBQ, a Marketplace, a Pool Party with live music, and The Mai Tai Mix-off from 4:30-7:30pm, where 20 of the world’s best bartenders will compete for the title of the world’s best mai tai and a $10,000 first prize, a $5000 second prize, and a $2500 third prize. Call 808/930-3255 or visit www.donsmaitaifest.com/ for more info.
Afternoon at the Palace Concert/Hula and Village Stroll
When: August 19, 2018, from 4-5pm.
Where: Grounds of Hulihe’e Palace on Alii Drive
Hawaiian music by Keolanui Serenaders and hula from Kumu Etua Lopes’ halau Hula Na Pua U’i O Hawai’i. Bring your own beach mat or chair. Before and after the Palace performance, stroll thru historic Kailua Village (the Stroll starts at 1 pm & goes till 6 pm), enjoy over 100 vendor booths, plus oceanside restaurants, local musicians & artists. **Hulihe’e Palace will undergo repair work starting July 2018. The concert schedule may be impacted during the repair which may result in cancellations of the concerts. For more info about the Palace event, email [email protected]. For more info about the Stroll, email [email protected] or visit http://www.historickailuavillage.com.
3rd Annual Charity Bowling Tournament to benefit the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii Island (VASH)
When: August 19, 2018 Time: 5:30- 8:30pm
Where: KBXtreme Bowling Alley in Kailua Kona
Get your team together and join VASH to help raise funds and have some fun! All proceeds benefit the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii Island! $185 per team of up to six players. For team registration, visit http://www.vashbigisland.org. Make checks payable to VASH, PO Box 669, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745. For more information, call (808) 756-0392 or email [email protected].
47th Annual Queen Lili’uokalani Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Races
When: August 31-September 4, 2018
The annual canoe races welcome more than 2,500 outrigger canoe paddlers to Kailua-Kona for its signature 18-mile long distance race, the world’s largest long-distance outrigger canoe race. Kai ‘Opua Canoe Club, one of Hawai’i’s oldest outrigger canoe clubs, will host crews from all over the world. Other official race events unfold throughout the holiday weekend. Free to the public. For more information, call 808-938-8577 or visit http://www.kaiopua.org.