Honoka‘a Western Week (HWW) celebrates the community’s paniolo heritage with a roundup of friendly competition, ‘ono food, music, dancing, storytelling, keiki games, and Hāmākua’s special breed of cowboy culture. Most events are FREE (except the rodeo, which has nominal admission of $5). Although not required for admission, collectible HWW buttons are available to purchase for $5 as a show of support…and uh…”insurance”. Those without buttons at the Block Party risk being thrown into the hoosegow by roving sheriffs. (All in good fun). More info: Honokaʻa Western Week – Official home of Hāmākua’s paniolo heritage (honokaawesternweek.org)
Highlights of 2024 Honoka‘a Western Week
- Saturday, May 18. 4-5 p.m. – Western Week Parade.
- Saturday, May 18. 3-10 p.m. – Block Party. Honoka‘a’s favorite hoe down, with food trucks, vendor booths, and dancing in the street to live country western music.
- Saturday, May 18. 6 p.m. – Saloon Girls & Cowboys Got Talent Contest. Contestants vie for cash prizes and bragging rights. All kinds of talents welcome. Entry forms online.
- Monday, May 20. Cowboy Talk Story at Honoka‘a People’s Theatre. Come and meet the paniolo as they share their stories and memories, hosted by Sheriff Larry Ignacio. Then stay to line dance the night away with Honoka`a Line Dancers!
- Tuesday, May 21. Portuguese Bean Soup & Smoke Meat Food Contest. Help choose the winners by tasting some ‘ono food.
- Wednesday, May 22. Keiki Round Up at the Rose Andrade Correia Arena. Fun activities with prizes for the winner of the grand finale boot scramble.
- Thursday, May 23 – 5pm. The Andrade Building (45-3626 Mamane St.) Celebrates it’s 100th Anniversary with: “The Azores: Homeland of Hawaii’s Portuguese Families and Friends Left Behind”. A presentation by Andrade descendants of a child left behind in 1883 as their family boarded the Bell Rock and sailed for Hawaii.
- Friday, May 24. Hootenanny at Honoka‘a Public House. Food, drinks and fun for all ages.
- Saturday, May 25. Saturday Slack, qualifying rodeo event at the Rose Andrade-Correia Stadium. Line Dancing at the Honoka`a People’s Theatre
- Sunday-Monday, May 26-27. Annual Hawai‘i Saddle Club Scholarship Rodeo finals at the Rose Andrade-Correia Stadium, noon till pau. Tickets available from Rodeo Queen contestants or at the gate.
You might also like: Hawaiʻi on the Cheap – affordable living and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)
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