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As the wintertime rainy season is coming to an end, many Kona residents and tourists are looking forward to the brief springtime period before summer finally settles in. As the winter rains start to give way to sunshine and mild temperatures, people will be taking advantage of various outdoor activities such as scuba diving, hiking, and paying a visit to the local Farmer’s Market.
While there are an abundance of outdoor activities to do in Kona in the spring time, we’ve found 5 different events that are free or low-cost, won’t cost a lot of money, and will provide hours of fun, relaxation, and entertainment for the whole family.
The Kona Brewers Festival
The Kona Brewers Festival is returning for its 23rd straight year by serving up lagers and ales from different parts of the nation. Putting a decidedly Kona twist on the traditional beer festival, the Brewers Festival will be serving up island-style cuisine from some of the most popular restaurants on the Big Island.
Attendees will get to see hula dancing, live music, and the Trash Fashion Show. The beer festival began as a means of promoting awareness for the environment by recycling. It is a fund-raising weekend and proceeds will go to local groups that are working to help clean up the environment through intelligent recycling programs.
There will be many community organizations in attendance that will be working together to help make this event a hit. If you want to attend, you should purchase tickets as soon as possible because this event sells out every year.
Event: The Kona Brewers Festival
When: March 10th, 2018 from 12noon to 3:00pm and 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: 74-5617 Pawai Place #207 | Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740
Cost: $85 and this will get you an admission ticket, commemorative even mug, seven four-ounce beer tasting coupons, gourmet cuisine, and entertainment for the whole family.
Big Island International Marathon
No springtime celebration is complete without participating in a marathon. Whether you’re going to attempt to break an island marathon running record, are trying to achieve a life goal of completing a marathon, or just there to cheer on the participants, the Big Island International Marathon is fun for the whole family.
The race follows the coast of the old Hawaii that features spectacular ocean, forest, and sugarcane views. The available events are full marathon, half marathon, 5k, or 2-mile walk. Plenty of locals and people will be there to cheer on the runners!
Event: Big Island International Marathon
When: March 18th, 6am. The fun walk starts at 7am and is not timed.
Where: Bay Front, Hilo, Hawaii (Canoe Beach Area)
Cost: Free
Kokua Kailua Sunday
The Kokua Kailua outdoor market place takes place on one Sunday every month from 1pm to 6pm and features a wide variety of family-friendly activities. The event is now in its 8th year and is located in the historic Kailua Village area.
The event is massive – with over 100 vendor booths and have everything from food, to arts and crafts, to musicians playing their instruments. The event offers great shopping and dining experiences. There will also be local entertainment that honors Hawaii’s royalty at 4pm.
Event: Kokua Kailua Sunday
When: March 18th from 1pm – 6pm
Where: Historic Kailua Village
Cost: Free
Spring at Queens’ MarketPlace
A special spring celebration takes place every year at the Queens’ MarketPlace located in the Coronation Pavilion. Pualani Cottontail and Koloa the Duck will be on hand to take pictures with you, your children, or family and friends. This annual event is held for only 2 hours every year and is very popular with the locals – so be sure to get there early for the best parking spots!
If you happen to miss this event, the Queens’ MarketPlace has a calendar of spring time events that offers something for everyone. From quilting classes to Hula Halau, to feeding the Koi fish, each day is packed with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Event: Spring at Queens’ MarketPlace
When: March 31st from 10am – 12:00pm
Where: Queens’ MarketPlace in the Coronation Pavilion
Cost: Free
Carta Coffee Farm Tours
One of the most popular things to do in Kona in the springtime is to visit a coffee farm. While there are many coffee farms that you can tour, Carta Coffee offers a guided farm tour that gives you a look into how they are able to produce some of the finest Kona coffee beans on the market.
You will learn how coffee plants are grown and cultivated as well as get a first-hand look at how the beans are harvested and processed before being packed and shipped to all parts of the world. The tour will provide an experience the entire family will enjoy.
Event: Carta Coffee Tours
When: Email for details (info@cartacoffee.com)
Where: 79-961 Kealaola, HI 96750
Conclusion
Whether you’re participating in a marathon, checking out the local farmer’s market, or taking a guided tour of an actual Kona coffee farm, there’s something to do for everyone in Kona in the spring time. Just be sure to bring a light rain jacket and/or umbrella. The seasonal rains tend to pop up when least expected. Come out, have fun, and enjoy the Aloha that the community has to offer!
