President & certified Hawaii travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
We may earn a commission when you book or buy through links on this page.
2026 Events and Festivities
June 2026 on the Big Island brings peak tropical fruit season, the start of Obon dance celebrations, and one of the state's most meaningful cultural holidays — King Kamehameha Day. Farmers markets overflow with mangoes and lychee, volcanic landscapes host art workshops, and Buddhist temples prepare for summer bon dances. Here are the key events happening across the Big Island in June 2026:
King Kamehameha Day Celebration
The original King Kamehameha statue stands in Kapaʻau, North Kohala — and the hometown celebration here is one of the most significant in the state. A lei-draping ceremony adorns the statue with massive floral lei, followed by a parade and cultural festivities honoring the king who united the Hawaiian Islands. Established as a state holiday in 1871, this is a rare chance to experience the celebration where it all started.
When: June 11, 2026
Where: Kapaʻau, North Kohala (original Kamehameha statue)
Hilo Farmers Market Summer Season
The Big Island’s largest open-air market hits its stride in June with peak tropical fruit season. Expect 200+ vendors selling ripe mangoes, lychee, rambutan, and other fruits you won’t find on the mainland. The market also carries local honey, handmade crafts, fresh-cut flowers, and prepared foods from a dozen different cuisines.
Kona’s twice-weekly market on Aliʻi Drive draws locals and visitors for Big Island-grown coffee, macadamia nuts, tropical produce, and handmade goods. It’s a solid stop for picking up gifts or grabbing a fresh coconut while exploring Kailua-Kona.
Late June marks the start of Obon season on the Big Island — a Japanese Buddhist memorial tradition that runs through August. Temples including Hilo Hongwanji and Kona Hongwanji host community bon dances with taiko drumming, folk dancing in yukata, and food booths serving andagi, yakitori, and shave ice. These are free, family-friendly events and some of the most atmospheric summer nights on the island.
When: Late June through August 2026
Where: Big Island Buddhist temples (Hilo Hongwanji, Kona Hongwanji, and others)
Volcano Art Center Events
The Volcano Art Center runs rotating Saturday programming throughout June inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Expect printmaking workshops, gallery exhibits featuring local artists, and cultural demonstrations tied to the volcanic landscape. Check their calendar for specific dates and registration — some workshops fill up fast.
June 2026 on the Big Island is built around two rhythms: the cultural weight of King Kamehameha Day and the relaxed pace of farmers markets, temple dances, and art workshops. Whether you time your visit for the lei-draping ceremony in Kapaʻau or just wander into a Wednesday morning market in Hilo, these events connect you to the island beyond the resorts.
Trades are breezy right now with scattered showers on the windward side and mountains; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Tomorrow stays breezy with the same pattern.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is still uncertain. If it comes closer, expect heavier rain over a longer stretch; if it stays farther out, impacts will be shorter and lighter. Winds will increase late this week, with potential gusts over 70 miles per hour on the highest summits.
Plan your leeward beach time and snorkeling for today through Tuesday. Save summit drives and offshore water sports for after Saturday, and check updates daily as this develops.
0:000:53
Voice
Read the transcript
Trade winds are pushing across Maui right now and staying breezy through tomorrow. Windward slopes and peaks will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. Rough seas mean a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain. Late this week, winds will increase across Maui, with summit gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph on Haleakala. The Big Island—especially Hilo and Puna—faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding if the storm tracks close.
Leeward beaches and snorkeling work best today through Tuesday. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday.
0:000:55
Voice
Read the transcript
Trades are kicking today with moderate wind and rough seas. Windward slopes will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain, but the Big Island faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding, especially in the Hilo and Puna areas. Summit winds could exceed 70 mph late in the week. Check forecasts daily as the situation develops.
Leeward snorkeling and beach time work well through Tuesday. Save summit drives and windward hikes for today or tomorrow, and avoid offshore water sports and high elevations Thursday through Saturday.
0:000:58
Voice
Read the transcript
Trades are steady now with scattered showers on the windward side and ridges; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Through Tuesday it stays breezy with rough seas around Maui and the Big Island, where a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is uncertain. Winds will increase across the eastern islands late this week, with potential for summit gusts over 70 mph on Maui and the Big Island if the storm intensifies.
Get your beach and snorkel time in today and tomorrow on the leeward coast. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday as conditions deteriorate. The track could shift significantly—check updates daily.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
Created with AI from this HawaiiGuide page and read by a computer-generated voice. Double-check fees, hours, and reservations on the full page before you head out. Hawaiian pronunciation is tricky for synthesized speech and a few words may land slightly off; mahalo for your patience as we keep refining.
Mele and Kani are computer-generated voice options chosen for clarity and warmth.
Get Your Free Hawaii Visitor Guide
Enter your email and we'll send you instant access to our free 2026 Hawaii Starter Guide + Summary Guidesheets.