17th annual Big Island Mango Festival, Tanabata Festival offer day packed with fun in Kona

Two events July 18 in Kona invite community members and visitors alike to celebrate different cultures around the island, including Hawaiian, agricultural and Japanese.

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17th annual Big Island Mango Festival

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

Choke mangoes are up for grabs — likely in more than one form — during The 17th annual Big Island Mango Festival, which will also feature tastings, local arts and crafts vendors, live music and more. Hawai‘i Keiki Museum is even bringing its foam cannon, so be sure to bring a towel.

A highlight of this year’s fest will be a presentation by Chef Sam Choy, who will share some of his favorite mango dishes and the recipes that go with them.

Did you know? The Mango Festival is one of the sweetest summer traditions on the Big Island and so much more than just eating mangoes — it’s a celebration of Hawaiʻi’s local farmers, unique mango varieties, Hawaiian culture, live music, chef demonstrations and sustainable agriculture.

Festival organizers say the event is ideal for festival lovers, cultural enthusiasts and anyone looking for a vibrant, immersive community experience.

“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 post about the festival. “With 130+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar — don’t miss out.”

It’s sweet, free fun for the entire family.

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2026 Tanabata Festival

Don’t miss this unique annual celebration of all things Japanese culture and community.

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, located at 75-181 Hualālai Road, in Kailua-Kona.

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

Tanabata is the traditional Japanese Star Festival, when Princess Vega (Orihime) and her lover Altair (Hikoboshi) get to meet once a year.

This year’s festival features unique cuisine, artisan crafts, art, music performances, taiko drumming, and more. Plus, those who attend also get to meet the living center’s residents.

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

There also will be a wishing tree, taiko drumming and bon dance, craft vendors, keiki crafts and arm art, lauhala star weaving as well as the chance to win fun door prizes.

Rising Kona musician drummer, guitarist and singer London will perform live from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., including his original song “Aloha Hollywood” along with some classic songs and another original.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this special celebration of Japanese culture.