seventeenth annual Big Island Mango Festival, Tanabata Festival supply day filled with enjoyable in Kona : Big Island Now

Two occasions July 18 in Kona invite neighborhood members and guests alike to have fun completely different cultures across the island, together with Hawaiian, agricultural and Japanese.

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seventeenth annual Big Island Mango Festival

Celebrate considered one of Earth’s best fruits from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hale Hālāwai, positioned at 75-5760 Ali‘i Drive, in Kailua-Kona.

Choke mangoes are up for grabs — doubtless in a couple of kind — throughout The seventeenth annual Big Island Mango Festival, which can even function tastings, native arts and crafts distributors, dwell music and extra. Hawai‘i Keiki Museum is even bringing its foam cannon, so you should definitely deliver a towel.

A spotlight of this yr’s fest can be a presentation by Chef Sam Choy, who will share a few of his favourite mango dishes and the recipes that go together with them.

Did you already know? The Mango Festival is likely one of the sweetest summer time traditions on the Big Island and a lot extra than simply consuming mangoes — it’s a celebration of Hawaiʻi’s native farmers, distinctive mango varieties, Hawaiian tradition, dwell music, chef demonstrations and sustainable agriculture.

Festival organizers say the occasion is right for pageant lovers, cultural lovers and anybody on the lookout for a vibrant, immersive neighborhood expertise.

“Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Kailua-Kona, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment,” says a social media put up concerning the pageant. “With 130+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar — don’t miss out.”

It’s candy, free enjoyable for the whole household.

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2026 Tanabata Festival

Don’t miss this distinctive annual celebration of all issues Japanese tradition and neighborhood.

Join the Kona Japanese Civic Association for the 2026 Tanabata Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 18 at Regency Hualālai Senior Living Center, positioned at 75-181 Hualālai Road, in Kailua-Kona.

“It’s going to be a jam-packed fun day,” says a put up within the What’s Happening Kona! group on Facebook.

Tanabata is the normal Japanese Star Festival, when Princess Vega (Orihime) and her lover Altair (Hikoboshi) get to fulfill every year.

This yr’s pageant options distinctive delicacies, artisan crafts, artwork, music performances, taiko drumming, and extra. Plus, those that attend additionally get to fulfill the dwelling middle’s residents.

Kagami Biraki — a Japanese ceremony marking a recent begin — begins at 10 a.m. with Islander Sake Brewery, that may function yakitori, beef curry bowls, okonomiyaki, somen salad, soy marinated edamame and poi mochi donuts.

There additionally can be a wishing tree, taiko drumming and bon dance, craft distributors, keiki crafts and arm artwork, lauhala star weaving in addition to the prospect to win enjoyable door prizes.

Rising Kona musician drummer, guitarist and singer London will carry out dwell from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., together with his unique track “Aloha Hollywood” together with some traditional songs and one other unique.

Everyone is invited and inspired to attend this particular celebration of Japanese tradition.