The Hilton Head International Piano Competition held its first competition in 1996 and, since that date, has held a competition each year.

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition presents in 2011 the inaugural Hilton Head International Young Artists Piano Competition (HHIYAPC) for pianists ages 13 through 17. It welcomes young pianists of all nationalities to compete in three rounds for $16,000 in cash prizes including an Aspen 2012 Summer Scholarship. In Round III, each of six Finalists performs a movement from the 2011 HHIYAPC List of Pieces for Piano and Orchestra with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. The HHIYAPC will be held every other year in the odd-numbered years (2011, 2013, 2015, etc).

In 2012, the Hilton Head International Piano Competition for pianists ages 18 through 30 returns and will continue to be held every other year in the even-numbered years (2012, 2014, 2016, etc). Twenty Competitors will compete in four rounds for $33,000 in cash prizes plus engagements.