Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau Media Contact:
Sydney Siu, (808) 829-0963, [email protected] 

Island of Hawai‘i (March 3, 2025) — Families seeking adventure, cultural discovery and unforgettable memories this summer can find all of it on the island of Hawai‘i. Offering up newly renovated resorts with enhanced amenities, immersive cultural experiences and thrilling outdoor activities for all levels of adventurer, Hawai‘i Island rewards visitors of all ages with an idyllic balance of excitement and relaxation. Whether exploring the wonders of the universe and the Hawaiian culture’s understanding of it at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, taking in the food and arts of local festivals and events, or savoring island-favorite flavors and cuisine, families choosing Hawai‘i Island this summer are invited to embrace the spirit its communities, people and places while creating treasured moments together.

Read on to plan your summer escape on the island of Hawai‘i.

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Families visiting the island of Hawaiʻi this summer are invited to take a journey back in time at the world debut of Expedition Dinosaur: Into the Deep at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Open now through May 4, the immersive exhibit features lifelike animatronic dinosaurs, hands-on fossil activities and a state-of-the-art theater experience for keiki (children) and adults. Special ‘Imiloa programs include Dinos at Dusk evening events, Paleontology Lab sessions and dinosaur-themed birthday party rentals. For more information and tickets,  visit https://imiloahawaii.org/.

Link to Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EsrYW0HUu-CvBD77eWnl-dyHV9MJ5Tnt
Photo Credit: ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

Imu Mea ‘Ai offers an interactive cultural experience for families to learn about and bond over Hawaiian traditions. Kid and adults alike will get their hands dirty learning about the Hawaiian skill of building and cooking food in an imu (underground oven) and sharing a delicious feast together. The experience aims to offer families an opportunity to connect with Hawaiian culture in a fun and educational setting. Book your experience at https://imumeaai.com/.  

Dive 100 feet below the ocean surface in Atlantis Submarines’ eco-friendly, battery-powered, Coast Guard-approved submarine for a fun, family-friendly adventure in Kona waters. You’ll discover vibrant marine life, including turtles, sharks and tropical fish as you glide past natural coral reefs that have created thriving marine habitats in sunken ships. Atlantis Submarines tours are immersive experiences bringing visitors up close to Hawaiʻi’s precious underwater world. Passengers learn about marine life facts and conservation within the tour operator’s spacious, air-conditioned submarine. For a limited time, kids get free entry on afternoon submarine dives. Book your next adventure at https://www.atlantisadventures.com/kona.

Explore the magnificent Kohala volcano on a tour with Hawaii Forest & Trail. You’ll hike along a private stream past cascading waterfalls and refreshing freshwater pools to swim in, enjoy a picnic lunch at a secluded overlook with breathtaking views above Pololū Valley, or join Kohala Zipline soaring tree-to-tree through the volcano’s lush forest canopy and above its gulches. Give Hawai‘i Forest and Trail a call at (808) 331-8505 to learn more.

Link to Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2upaxnqn1e8wf0xwm90g9/IHVBQ1_Kohala.png?rlkey=3gehqrlz0q12m8bs7vomx2sbr&e=1&st=li0aoido&dl=0
Photo Credit: Andrew Hara

TASTY TIDBITS

Fairmont Orchid resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaiʻi Island recently announced the appointment of Chef Junior Ulep as chef de cuisine at Brown’s Beach House, the resort’s signature restaurant. A proud native of Oʻahu’s North Shore, Chef Ulep brings with him a passion for Hawai‘i culinary traditions and a commitment to using locally sourced ingredients in every dish. For more information, visit https://www.fairmontorchid.com/dine/browns-beach-house/.

Link to Images: https://fairmontorchid.pixieset.com/brownsbeachhouse/
Photo Credit: Fairmont Orchid

Hilton Waikoloa Village recently launched its spring 2025 Winemaker Dinner Series, which pairs wines from across the U.S. with curated menus at the resort’s signature restaurants. The next two dinners in the series will be a Tour of Italy Wine Dinner celebrating Italian flavors at Nui Italian on March 28, followed by the Silver Oak Wines Dinner at Kamuela Provision Company on April 10. Each dinner guides guests through a curated selection of wines paired with a thoughtfully designed food menu for an evening of dining, wine and storytelling. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/koahwhh-hilton-waikoloa-village/

Link to Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qbqcb1zlv0zyntczjkazt/Winemaker-Dinners.jpeg?rlkey=tz6jtpfim8w2qgdxnxavo3508&e=1&st=bzkdpfct&dl=0
Photo Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village

Street Eats is returning to Historic Kailua Village on April 12, May 10 and June 7, transforming the area’s Ali‘i Drive into a lively food marketplace from noon to 6 p.m. Attendees get to savor the flavors of Hawai‘i Island, with local food trucks and vendors serving up everything from fresh-made poke and plate lunches to sweet malasadas and tropical treats. Street Eats is also a showcase for Hawai‘i musicians performing live and hula performances all day long. For more details, visit https://historickailuavillage.com/.

Link to Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ucpp0symm42674r8jvmop/IMG_8284.jpg?rlkey=0p5xtj0e7dqgd2mfd40huvdgz&e=1&st=mm9a26nq&dl=0
Photo Credit: Historic Kailua Village

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the sunny Kohala Coast offers families a wide range of activities, from golf and beach sports to water adventures and award-winning dining. This summer, guests can enjoy the resort’s newly renovated Manta restaurant, with a fresh menu featuring ingredients from the hotel’s new ‘Ulu Garden. Named after the hotel’s original ‘ulu (breadfruit) tree, planted in 1965, the garden is overseen by Executive Chef Peter Abarcar and consulting farmer Ronen Maman. The ‘Ulu Garden introduces flavors of Hawai‘i Island to Manta diners, with fresh, local-sourced ingredients. For more information, visit https://www.maunakearesort.com/stay/mauna-kea-beach-hotel/.

Link to Images: https://murphyobrien.smugmug.com/Travel/Mauna-Kea-Resort
Photo Credit: Mauna Kea Resort

UPCOMING EVENTS

The 30^th annual Kona Brewers Festival, hosted by Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort, is set for March 8. Held outdoors next to Kamakahonu Bay, the festival is a Hawai‘i Island experience for beer and food lovers, spotlighting craft beers from local breweries as well as tasty eats, live entertainment and a trash-themed fashion show featuring haute couture crafted by local designers from recycled materials. For more information, call (808) 329-2911 or visit https://konabrewersfestival.com/.

“Under The New Moon” Talk Story is a special event hosted by OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa bringing guests, residents and ʻohana (families) together for an evening of Hawaiian culture. Attendees will enjoy storytelling from Kumu Keala Ching honoring nā pua Hawaiʻi (flowers of Hawaiʻi) on each Tuesday of the month till July, from 5 to 6 p.m., at Kaʻukulaelae Bayview Lawn. Bring your chairs and mats. For more information, visit https://www.nawaiiwiola.org/.

Celebrating its 62^nd year in 2025, the world-renowned Merrie Monarch Festival will again present the best hālau hula (hula schools) from Hawaiʻi — and a few from the continental U.S. and other countries — in competition honoring Hawai‘i monarch King Kalākaua and his contributions to the revitalization of hula. Happening in  Hilo April 20 through 26, the weeklong festival is highlighted by the popular and prestigious three-night Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition, which is also broadcast live on Hawai‘i television and live-streamed globally at MerrieMonarch.com.

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and knowledge at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center’s Merrie Monarch Enrichment Program, happening April 23 to 25. The special three-day series will offer interactive workshops at 10 a.m. and engaging presentations at 1 p.m. with an aim of engaging deeper connections to Hawaiian language, arts and traditions. Open to visitors and residents, the program hopes to enhance the Merrie Monarch Festival experience with enriching learning opportunities for participants. For more information and tickets, visit www.imiloahawaii.org.

Link to Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VNcs1rlVc1Oeg7xMIFMqNwboJUlRuxFd 
Photo Credit: ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

Happening April 6, the Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon is an annual sports and fitness competition comprised of a 10K run, 40K bike ride and 1.5K swim. Participants swim in the waters of ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay on the Kohala Coast, bike through the lava-field-surrounded Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway and run within Waikoloa Beach Resort to a beach finish line. The triathlon is open to individuals and relay teams of all abilities and concludes with an awards party and beach barbecue at ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay. For more information, visit LavamanTriathalon.com.

The 12^th annual Big Island Chocolate Festival, with a theme of "Cirque de Chocolate," is set for April 10-12 at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Attendees can enjoy farm-to-bar cacao tours, chef demonstrations, and culinary competitions, and VIP tickets offer early access, exclusive tastings and private seating. The festival culminates with an April 12 gala featuring unlimited food tastings from more than 15 chefs, alongside wines, beers and chocolate-infused creations. Guests are encouraged to wear circus-inspired attire for a chance to win tickets to next year’s gala. Proceeds support Hawai‘i’s cacao industry and local charities. Ticket availability is limited. For more information, visit https://bigislandchocolatefestival.com/. 

The IRONMAN 70.3 Hawai‘i Triathlon is a qualifying event for the October 11 IRONMAN World Championship, both of which are happening on the island of Hawai‘i this year. The 70.3-mile IRONMAN Hawai‘i Triathlon race, set for May 31, is comprised of a 1.2-mile swim at beautiful Pauoa Bay, a 56-mile bike ride along the Kohala Coast to the town of Hāwī, and a 13.1-mile run through the scenic landscape of the Mauna Lani Golf Course. For more information, visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-hawaii/course. 

The annual King Kamehameha’s Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race celebrates Hawai‘i’s diverse culture and community with an outrigger wa‘a (canoe) race for youth and adults with disabilities. Warriors of King Kamehameha I from Hawai‘i Island once paddled their canoes across the channel  to conquer the island of Maui. The public is invited to gather at the race’s start and finish to celebrate and cheer race participants. Participation in the race is free and no experience is required. For more information, visit https://hilocanoerace.com/. 

The Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific and Asia Cultural Festival is an annual celebration of the island of Hawai‘i as a multicultural melting pot. Happening at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort, this year’s three-day event, set for June 6 through 8, promises fashion, food, cultural presentations, a hula hō‘ike (show), a fire knife competition, a culinary event and more. For more information, visit https://www.hikuauli.com/. 

Celebrated statewide on June 11, the King Kamehameha Day holiday honors Kamehameha I, the island of Hawai‘i chief who united the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in 1810. One of the largest holiday celebrations of the king on Hawai‘i Island is the North Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration, which includes a draping of Hawai‘i’s original King Kamehameha statue with a 20-foot lei, followed by a protocol (ceremony), hula and music performances, and sharing of history. The parade following the ceremony includes traditional pāʻū riders (skirted women horseback riders) and horses adorned in flowers and colors representing each Hawaiian Island. For more information, visit http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org/.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Fairmont Orchid, a luxury resort on the Kohala Coast, recently announced the completion of a refresh of its guest rooms, Fairmont Gold floor, and meeting and event spaces. The resort’s multimillion-dollar transformation project pays tribute to Hawaiian culture through layouts guided by the movement of the ocean, color palettes informed by Hawai‘i Island’s topography, and textures inspired by traditional Hawaiian craftsmanship. Guests are invited to enjoy the resort’s newly transformed Fairmont Gold lounge and its personalized services, including private check-in, concierge services, daily deluxe breakfast and hors d’oeuvres at sunset. For more information or to book, visit https://www.fairmontorchid.com/.

Link to Images: https://fairmontorchid.pixieset.com/fairmontgold/
Photo Credit: Fairmont Orchid

Pacific 19 Kona transforms family vacations into Hawai‘i adventures, featuring comfortable rooms as a home base and thoughtful amenities aimed to make family travel planning convenient. For guests seeking extra space, the hotel’s new Apartment Suite features a separate living room and kitchenette for easy meal preparation. As a guest, you can explore the island on city urban bikes or head to the beach with included chairs and umbrellas. Pacific 19 Kona’s exclusive partnership with Kona Boys Beach Shack offers discounts on kayaks, surfboards and other ocean gear. To learn more about Pacific 19 Kona, visit https://pacific19.com/.

Link to Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3pu92l7r2dmzhgkmchybd/ADYC0nGQvKHMp41aR0Swvfs?rlkey=kpfg2532r9l270v78tvd6ysys&e=1&st=n7akiun2&dl=0
Photo Credit: Pacific 19 Kona

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa recently debuted reimagined spaces, including its Royal Huaka‘i Suite and enhanced Voyager 47 Club Lounge. Overlooking Keauhou Bay, the 2,500-square-foot Huaka‘i Suite features a private lānai (porch), a spa-inspired master bath and exclusive amenities. Guests reserving the suite enjoy airport transfers, valet parking, nightly turndown service and access to the newly refreshed Voyager 47 Club Lounge, which offers local-inspired breakfast with Kona coffee, evening pūpū with craft beer, curated wines and cocktails. The resort also features new social spaces, a children’s play area and ocean views. Learn more at https://www.outrigger.com/.

Mauna Kea Resort recently reopened its legendary Mauna Kea Golf Course, which first hosted rounds of golf alongside the Kohala Coast in 1964. The course celebrates its 60^th anniversary with a full renovation that includes upgraded fairways, redesigned bunkers and enhanced modern amenities. Set against a Pacific Ocean backdrop, the course is still one of the most iconic golf destinations in the world. Its renovation is part of a $200 million Mauna Kea Beach Hotel revitalization project. Learn more at https://www.maunakearesort.com/golf/course-overview/.

Link to Images: https://murphyobrien.smugmug.com/Travel/Mauna-Kea-Resort
Photo Credit: Mauna Kea Resort