3 Best Performing Arts Venues in Big Island, Hawaii

Each summer, on the Saturday nearest to King Kamehameha Day (June 11), at least 100 regal riders on horseback parade through Historic Kailua Village, showing off the colorful flora and aloha spirit of Hawaii. This spectacular free event is one of the highlights of summer. The traditional royal pau riders (women dressed in long skirts) include a queen and princesses representing the major Hawaiian Islands. A cultural festival with live music and a houlaulea (local fundraiser) always follow on the historic grounds of Hulihee Palace, Hawaii Island's only royal palace.

The lively festival held every March showcases island-based brewers and chefs at the popular BREW block in Kona's "Old" Industrial Area. A "trash" fashion show, a 10K fun run, live music, and community fundraisers are all part of the fun. The festival has raised more than $1.5 million for local causes. Save the date and get tickets online starting in January, as this event always sells out.

Held over 10 days in early November, the longest-running food festival in Hawaii celebrates world-renowned Kona coffee. The highly anticipated Kona-side festival includes coffee contests, serious cupping (tasting) competitions, a lecture series, label contests, farm tours, and a colorful community parade featuring the newly crowned Miss Kona Coffee. Throughout locations in town and at many Kona coffee plantations, you can meet growers and sample estate coffees.