Big Isle: Honokaʻa Western Week celebrates paniolo heritage

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). 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 – Hāmākua’s paniolo heritage (honokaawesternweek.org)

Highlights of 2025 Honoka‘a Western Week

• Saturday, May 17th: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Honokaʻa Western Week Parade and Block Party 
• Sunday, May 18th 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Farmers’ Market at Hāmākua Harvest
• Tuesday, May 20th: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. The Portuguese Bean Soup & Smoke Meat contest 
• Wednesday, May 21st: 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Hawaiʻi Saddle Club’s Keiki Round-Up
• Thursday, May 22nd: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Keiki Story Time
• Friday, May 23rd: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Spaghetti Western Sake Party 
• Saturday, May 24th 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Line Dancing 
• Sunday & Monday, May 25th & 26th 12 noon – til pau. Annual Hawaiʻi Saddle Club Scholarship Rodeo 

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