Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Experiences on Hawaiʻi Island
Ironman World Championship 2025-Women’s Race
The Ironman World Championship 2025 will take place in Kona, Hawaii on October 11, 2025, featuring the women's race.
The Ironman World Championship is considered the pinnacle of triathlons, attracting elite athletes from around the globe. The race in Kona is particularly renowned for its challenging course, which includes swimming in the clear waters of Kailua Bay, cycling along the Kohala Coast, and running through Kona’s rugged terrain.
For info: IRONMAN World Championship | IRONMAN
Hawaii Island Festival of Birds holds their annual event on October 4th at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, Hawaii. 9:00am-5:30pm
The 2025 event theme is, “Celebrating Success” – to highlight conservation success stories. The event features guest presentations, Hālau, free birding opportunities, and lots of shopping and learning opportunities at the Bird Fair. Some of the new features are soundscapes, an expanded bird fair, and a free learning lounge.
For more information: Hawaiʻi Island Festival of Birds –
Taiko Festival 2025 at the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7pm and Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 2pm.
This exhilarating weekend of vibrant drumming and physical choreography will bring together the best of Big Island Taiko. Taishoji Taiko, under the direction of Chad Nakagawa was founded under the direction of Yoshihumi Ono at Taishoji Soto Mission in Hilo. With drummers of all ages and experience, striving to perpetuate taiko as a cultural and recreational activity. Tickets can be purchased here. UH Hilo Performing Arts Center Tickets
For more information: October 11-12 - Taiko Festival 2025
Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival on October 4th, 2025
Celebrate community, culture, and connection at the Hāmākua Sugar Days Fair in Honoka‘a. The day begins with a lively parade through town and continues at the Honoka‘a Sports Complex with activities for the whole ʻohana. Enjoy live music and evening performances, a special appearance by the Honoka‘a Jazz Band, cultural and educational booths, agriculture exhibits, keiki activities, bounce houses, food trucks, a beer garden, scavenger hunts, pog games, and the ever-popular Mutt Contest. This free event is part of the year-long Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival organized by the Honoka‘a Heritage Center. All are welcome to join in celebrating the stories and people who make the Hāmākua community strong.
For more information: Hamakua Sugar Days
18th Annual Run for the Dry Forest October 18, 6:45am-12:00pm at Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve.
The RDF is a 10km run, 5km run/walk and 1/4-mile keiki fun run. You can choose to run or walk a 5km course (suitable for most people) or do a 10km run (an "extreme trail running experience" featuring a 1200 ft elevation gain in the first 3 miles). There is also a free, non-competitive 1/4-mile keiki fun run on flat surfaces (parents are welcome to join the kids). There will be environmental educational booths to explore and interpretive trails to stroll along. Registration is required and there will be no race-day registration. Sign up early, as prices will increase as race day approaches. Register Online
For more information: 2025 Run For The Dry Forest
Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival October 18, 6:00pm-9:00pm at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Cucina: From Mauka to Makai at the breathtaking Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to embark on a culinary journey from Italy to the Pacific. Watch as more than a dozen chefs and culinary masters come together to honor the rustic elegance of Italian cooking, infusing it with Hawaii’s vibrant bounty from land to sea. From Lombardy to Sicily, savor ten exquisite dishes inspired by the warmth of nonna’s table—blending age-old Italian techniques and Mediterranean flavors with the finest Hawaii-grown ingredients. As with any great Italian meal, no dish is complete without the perfect pairing. Sip exquisite wines from Italy’s most celebrated vineyards and enjoy handcrafted aperitivo inspired by the timeless cocktails of the Italian coast. Experience the warmth, flavor, and heritage of Italy—right here in Hawaii!
For more information: Cucina: From Mauka to Makai - Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
