A Tradition Reimagined

Winter 2022 marked the celebrated return of the Big Island Holiday Classic, welcoming premier men’s and women’s collegiate basketball programs to the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Competitions are held at the historic Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, offering athletes and fans a unique blend of high-stakes basketball and the spirit of Aloha.

The Legacy: A Modern Successor

The Classic is the modern reiteration of the legendary Big Island Invitational Tournament of the 1990s. That storied era established the Big Island as a premier basketball destination, hosting many of the nation’s top NCAA Division I programs, including:

UConn, Stanford, Purdue, Arkansas, Iowa State, Creighton, Oklahoma and Oregon State

Evolution of the Classic

The tournament’s rich history includes a 2016 revival led by current Hawai‘i Hilo Men’s Basketball Head Coach Kaniela Aiona (then at the helm of Menlo College), which featured games at Kealakehe High School on the island’s west side.

Today, the event is managed by TitleTown Events (formerly Malika Sport Tours) and proudly hosted by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Together, we are committed to maintaining the high standard of competition and hospitality that has defined Big Island basketball for decades.

Experience the Classic

Join us for the next chapter of basketball excellence in the islands.

2026 NOVEMBER D2 WOMENS TEAMS

2026 DECEMBER D2 WOMENS TEAMS

2026 DECEMBER D2 MENS TEAMS

2026 December NAIA WOMENS TEAMS

2026 DECEMBER NAIA MENS TEAMS

2026 AVAILABILITY

NOVEMBER 2026
(11/18 - 11/22)

3 Division II WBB Teams

Committed Teams:
UH-Hilo (W)

NOTES: The D2 men's November Invitational will be done in house by UH-Hilo.

DECEMBER 2026
(12/13 - 12/20)

NAIA Event (12/13 - 12/18)
3 NAIA MBB Teams
3 NAIA WBB Teams

Committed Teams:
Milligan University (M)
Evangel University (W)

D2 Event (12/16 - 12/21)
3 Division II MBB Teams
3 Division II WBB Teams

Committed Teams
UH/Hilo (M/W)

BIHC at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo

2026 TRIP PACKAGE INCLUDES

PRICING IS BASED ON TRAVEL PARTY SIZE, ROOM QUANTITY, AND ACTIVITY OPTIONS

SIGN UP NOW

November 2026 Event (NCAA D2 Only)

Lodging Arrangements at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
- Bayfront lodging
- No resort fee
- No parking fee
- No third or fourth person fees
- Breakfast buffet vouchers available for $25.00 per person (subject to change)
Hilo Activities
- Hilo Ocean Adventures (Snorkel/Kayaking)
- Richardson or Honoli'i Beach Park (Black sand)
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Tour
- Akaka Falls Waterfall Hike
- Kona Day Trip (Beaches, Shops, and Restaurants)
Ground transportation arrangements through KOA Airport or ITO Airport Enterprise
Two NCAA D2 Games and multiple practices
Complimentary post-game meals
Complimentary authentic Hawaiian leis

December 2026 Event (D2 and NAIA Event)

Lodging Arrangements at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort
- Oceanfront lodging
- 8 room minimum
- No third or fourth person fees
- Breakfast buffet vouchers available for $26.18 per person
Kona Activities
- Island Breeze Luau (Dinner provided)
- Big Island Grand Island Circle Tour (All day)
- Morning Snorkel Tour
- Mantaray Sunset Snorkel Tour
- Glass Bottom Boat Reef Tour
Airport ground transportation provided by Polynesian Adventures
All other transportation provided by TitleTown Events, LLC for all practices and games
Two guaranteed games
Complimentary post-game meals
Complimentary authentic Hawaiian leis

BIG ISLAND HOLIDAY CLASSIC