Pana'ewa Stampede Rodeo, 14-15 February 2026, at the Pana'ewa Equestrian Center-Hilo .
Experience the thrilling Panaʻewa Stampede Rodeo, a celebration of Hawaiʻi's rich paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage. Hosted by the Hawaiʻi Horse Owners organization, this annual event offers a wide range of local vendors and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Join us during this two-day event to see the talent, skill, and work of local cowboys, cowgirls and keiki highlighted.
For more information: Pana’ewa Rodeo - Exciting Rodeo Events in Hawaii
33rd Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival Saturday, 7 February 2026, 9am-3pm. Free Admission.
The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival has a full lineup of hands-on Japanese and multi-cultural activities and performances. Headquartered from Church Row Park, the multi-venue event celebrates the park's annual blooming of historic cherry trees.
The 2026 festival honors Hawai‘i Island natives and long-time Waimea residents Fred and Nancy Nonaka. The festival power couple worked behind the scenes with each of them playing a dominant role — Fred with the planting and care of the many Church Row Park cherry trees, while Nancy served as the spark plug behind the many cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities offered at the Kamuela Hongwanji Mission adjacent to Church Row Park.
In addition to activities at the Kamuela Hongwanji, the festival offers hands-on mochi pounding, sake tasting, bon dancing, traditional tea ceremonies, broke da’ mouth food prepared by local organizations, chef cooking demos, loads of craft vendors and viewing of the blooming cherry trees. Visit bonsai, quilt, local art and Japanese collectible displays while performances can be enjoyed by festival goers at multiple venues.
For more information 2026 Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival - Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
11th Annual South Kona Artists Collective (SOKO) Artists Studio Tour, 21-22 February 2026, 9am-4pm
Visit with 20 local artists in their studios along the scenic Kona coast, on this self-guided tour.
Whether you are an experienced art collector or just love being around art, this is an amazing opportunity to peek into the creative spaces of Kona’s artists, see art demonstrations and purchase local art direct from the artists. Our collective includes painters, potters, photographers, assemblage sculptors, jewelers, printmakers, woodworkers, fiber and mosaic artists.
The tour takes place over two days so you can enjoy talking with artists about their inspiration and techniques and stop at local cafes along the way for coffee and lunch. Fine art pieces along with a wide range of small handcrafted gifts and cards are available for sale.
For more information: HOME
Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami, Every Tuesday 6pm-7pm, Queens Marketplace Coronation Pavillion
Learn how to play the ukulele in this fun and engaging music experience. Classes are instructed by 3x Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artist, Kris Fuchigami. Ukuleles and sheet music will be provided on a first-come, first serve basis to the first 9 persons, or feel free to bring your own ukulele!
For more information: Events from November 1, 2023 – March 11, 2025 – Queens' Marketplace
Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative’s 15th Annual Wiliwili Festival, Saturday, 14 February 9am-3pm. Free admission.
This year’s theme, “Wiliwili LOVE,” celebrates our shared affection for the rare and resilient wiliwili tree with a vibrant celebration of the region’s unique lowland dry forest and its iconic wiliwili tree.
Festival-goers can enjoy a full day of activities across two event locations at both the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve and Waikōloa Stables. Attendees can explore the forest through guided hikes, participate in hands-on workshops, and visit educational booths hosted by local conservation and cultural organizations. The festival will also feature a native plant giveaway, nursery tours, presentations, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities, making it a perfect Valentine’s Day outing for all ages.
Our friends at Hawaii Forest & Trail will offer guided tours of the forest every hour. HFT’s knowledgeable guides have become ambassadors of our forest and helped collect millions of native seeds through their weekly giveback tour visits to the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve. Hiking, exploration, and self-guided tours are encouraged, and docents will be available to help orient guests and answer questions.
Each year, the Wiliwili Festival brings together community members, scientists, educators, and conservation partners to raise awareness about Hawaiʻi’s unique dryland ecosystems and celebrate ongoing restoration efforts. The Wiliwili Love Fest is about more than just our trees; it is also about nurturing the connections between people and place.
About the site: The Wiliwili Festival is held within a natural area with few improvements. Participants will be outside and walking along a gravel road and uneven terrain on hiking trails. Please come prepared with a refillable water bottle, sun protection, and solid footwear.
Parking: Park at the Waikōloa Stables main parking lot and take a complimentary shuttle to the preserve! Limited on-site parking will also be available.
The Wiliwili Festival is made possible through generous community support. Sponsorships and donations help fund this free public event and support ongoing forest restoration throughout the year. To become a festival sponsor or contribute to the cause, visit
https://kokua.waikoloadryforest.org/a/wiliwilifestival2026
Join us this Valentine’s Day to celebrate “Wiliwili LOVE” — a joyful gathering of conservation, culture, and community in the heart of Waikōloa.
For more information: Wiliwili Festival -
