If you’re on the Big Island April 16th, you definitely won’t want to miss the first-ever Best of Kona Festival. Featuring live entertainment and local vendors in an oceanfront setting, the Best of Kona Festival will give you a warm, Hawaiian welcome to the Kailua-Kona lifestyle.
Live Entertainment
The Best of Kona Festival will feature performances from local musicians playing a wide array of music. What better way to connect with the Kona community than by listening to the sounds of those who call this place home?
Organizers Julie Ziemelis and Aesha Shapiro want collaboration to be at the heart of this festival. That’s why they’ve curated Kona’s first-ever jam session. Throughout the event, musicians will not only perform as individual acts but also together – creating a fun musical flavor that Kona has never before experienced!
And of course, with fresh beats and sunny skies, there’s shore to be dancing. Whether rock, reggae, Jawaiian, or latin gypsy funk, let these local bands help you shake off the stress of the past two years.
Lineup includes: Ms Demeanor and the Felons, Ocean Grown, and more! The entire day is full of exciting performers ready to celebrate the diverse sounds of Kona.
Food, Drink, and Other Things to Enjoy
With food and vendors from the Kona area, the festival will give residents and visitors alike a great opportunity to support local businesses. The festival will even feature a fashion show spotlighting local designers such as KK Art Clothing who use fashion to tell the stories of Hawaiian legends.
Plus, since the festival takes place on the front lawn of Kona Inn Shopping Village, you can check out Kona’s best boutiques, luxury gifts, and artisan galleries if you need a break from the sun (or just an excuse to shop!).
Nonprofit organizations and municipal figures such as County Council Member Rebecca Villegas will be at the festival, making the day a great time to start engaging with your (future??) community.
After a day of dancing and drinking in the sun, you won’t want to miss the festival’s closing event: a special circus and fire show just before sunset. And if you don’t want the party to end, check out the After Party and Dinner at Gertrude's Jazz Bar!
When, Where, and How?
Interested in partying with the Kona community? Here’s everything you need to know about the Best of Kona Festival:
When – April 16, 2022 (11am to 6pm)
Where – The Kona Inn Shopping Village
How Much – $50 online, $60 at the door
Heads up: this event is 21+, so make sure to bring your ID.
You can purchase tickets and find more info on the Best of Kona Festival website. Make sure to book quickly as tickets are in limited supply for this exclusive event.
Ziemelis and Shapiro describe the event as a “highly curated experience where you get the best vendors, the best food, the best entertainers, really the best of Kona.” Why not stop by and experience the Kona lifestyle for yourself?
If it turns out that Kona is indeed your scene, perhaps it’s time to check out some of the properties available on the Big Island. I’d be happy to help you find the perfect tropical getaway to suit your style. Just reach out! Who knows, you might be one of the locals by the time next year’s Best of Kona Festival rolls around.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.