Events in Big Island
Family Story Time
Bring the kids for Family Story Time with fun stories, dances, and songs every Tuesday morning. The program is for children ages 2 and up, and each child must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. On the first story time of each month until December 2026, child participants will receive a free new book (first come, first served).
Pahoa Public LibraryKanakapila
Join in for Hawaiian music and hula at Kanakapila LIVE every Tuesday evening at The Booch Bar. Music and hula run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a $5 to $20 encouraged pay-what-you-can style. You can drop your payment in the boxes on the wall, use the QR codes, or pay via the $5 to $20 jar or at the register.
The Booch BarFamily Story Time
Bring the little ones and their caregivers to a weekly Family Story Time at the library. Enjoy two or three age-appropriate stories, interactive songs, and a simple craft activity, all designed to support early literacy and social skills in a friendly, welcoming setting.
Laupahoehoe Public & School LibraryLEGO Club
Join LEGO Club for an afternoon of building and creativity. Bricks and build plates are provided, and all skill levels are welcome. This program won’t be held on State holidays.
Mt View Public School/LibraryOpen Mic at Kava Republic
An open mic at Kava Republic in Hilo welcomes both performers and listeners. Take the stage to share your music, or enjoy live sets from local artists. The focus is on showcasing community talent in a supportive setting.
Food Truck Friday Kailua-Kona
Sample a wide range of eats from more than 20 food trucks and vendors at the Makalapua Shopping Center next to Kona Macy’s. There is ample free parking and the gathering runs in all weather. Seating is available, and guests can also bring their own chairs or tailgate. With so many choices, there are options for every taste.
Art Party Fridays
Art Party Fridays welcomes adults and keiki ages 12 and up to a safe, sober, creative community at the EHCC Annex. Formerly known as Art Fridays with Cash and Ula Anderson alongside Monika Mann, this communal art space encourages participants to bring their own supplies and works in progress, or start something new. Basic art materials will be available, and refreshments will be provided. Entry is by donation, with all proceeds benefiting EHCC, and contributions can be made online or with cash at the door. Participants ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
East Hawaiʻi Cultural CenterDa'Temple Basement Thrift Store - Honoka'a
Explore a thrift shop located on the lower level of the Social Hall, filled with surprising finds and plenty of budget-friendly bargains. Treasure seekers can browse a range of items and hunt for deals in a welcoming, basement setting.
Lanikai at Kahaluʻu, Kona - Aug 7
Join Hālau Kaʻeaikahelelani for an immersive Hawaiian culture experience at the sacred shores of Kahaluʻu, Kona. The evening includes a formal welcome with place-based storytelling, cultural expressions through hula, ʻoli (chant), and mele (song), and a specially curated feast prepared by a local chef. Check in starts at 4:45 PM, and the program runs Friday evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Comfortable outdoor clothing and footwear are recommended, and a light jacket is suggested as the evening cools. Specific location details are shared in your confirmation email after ticket purchase.
Lanikai at Kahaluʻu Lūʻau808 Day Block Party
808 Day returns to Hilo with a block party that fills the streets with live music, art, food, drinks, and community pride. The celebration highlights the culture that makes the 808 special and turns the area into a full day of performances and creativity. The lineup features Hirie, Likkle Jordee, Wavvy, and These Guys with Small Axe, Mr. 83, Wehilei, and Koa of Innavision, along with additional special guests. Osnizzle keeps the energy flowing between sets, and winners of the Play 808 Day Contest open the show. On-site experiences include a beer garden hosted by Kona Brewing Hawaii, a kava lounge hosted by Kanaka Kava, a creative workshop with Moon Kine Tingz, live art curated by The Hawai'i Island Art Alliance, and flash tattoos from Oblivion Tattoo Shop. VIP tickets include complimentary pupus and a beverage, private luas, gifts from sponsors, optional seating, indoor and outdoor access, and preferred viewing. Sponsors include Big Island Grown, Kona Brewing Hawai'i, KWXX, Hilo Downtown Improvement Association, and Hawai'i Island Art Alliance.
Hilo Town MarketYouth Arts Saturdays (YAS²)
Youth Arts Saturdays, or YAS², is a free monthly program welcoming keiki of all ages and held on the second Saturday of each month. The series supports youth creativity year round through a variety of engaging art projects, with different months featuring guest artists and participation from local organizations. Activities are hosted on the front lanai outside the EHCC main gallery or at the Annex located behind the main building. Details about each month’s activities and the specific EHCC location are shared on social media.
East Hawaiʻi Cultural CenterResilience Red Carpet Event
Join Cunningham Sisters Production for an in-person Red Carpet event called RESILIENCE at the Regal Theater in Kailua-Kona. Expect a night focused on passion, advocacy, and powerful stories, with performances by The Cunningham Sisters.
Regal KeauhouPunk Rock Throwdown Night
Catch a punk rock show at Kona Elks Lodge in Kailua-Kona. The night features El Sancho, with doors set to open at showtime for an energetic skate punk and punk lineup.
Kona Elks LodgeOcean-Side Morning Yoga
Start your morning with breath, movement, and the calming sounds of the Pacific Ocean during a 1-hour ocean-side yoga session hosted by Kumumea Yoga. This class is open to all levels, whether you’re looking to deepen your practice or just stretch and find your center. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in and secure your spot by the water. Bring water and comfortable, breathable clothing.
Royal Kona ResortBeginners Ukulele
Learn the basics of ukulele in an eight week series designed for first-time players and casual strummers alike. Sessions cover essential chords, strumming techniques, and how to care for and handle your instrument. The full program costs $30 and includes a binder, a tuner, and printed materials with lessons, chord charts, songs marked with chord symbols, and resource information. The series wraps up with two optional performance opportunities, one at Unity of Kona and another at Hale Halawai. Open to all ages, with no prior experience required. To register or request details, email Unityofkona@gmail.com with your name and phone number.
Unity of KonaPahoa Journey Workshop
Bring your little ones (ages 0 to 5) and join Family Hui Hawaii for the Pahoa Journey Workshop. This family-focused workshop includes a take-home guide, children’s books, and activities you can do at home. Registration is required, though walk-ins may be allowed if there’s room. All children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryFamily Story Time
Bring the whole family for Family Story Time with fun stories, dances, and songs. Program is suitable for age 2 and up, and all children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. The first story time of each month includes a free new book for child participants, while supplies last, with this running through December 2026.
Pahoa Public LibraryFamily Story Time
Bring your little ones and their caregivers for Family Story Time at the library. Each week features a couple of age-appropriate stories along with interactive songs and a simple craft activity. It’s a fun, welcoming program that supports early literacy and helps kids build social skills.
Laupahoehoe Public & School LibraryLEGO Club
Join the LEGO Club for an afternoon of building and creativity on Wednesday. Bricks and build plates are provided, and kids and families of all skill levels are welcome. Please note the program will not take place on State holidays.
Mt View Public School/LibraryBuddhi
Join Molly for Buddhi, a 60-minute high-energy class that blends yoga, dance, and movement to help awaken your inner “gem.” The focus is on intellect, awareness, and mindful decision-making, and you can expect shaking it up and feeling free, uplifting, and energized throughout the session.
Yoga LoveOpen Mic
Drop in for an open mic night at The Booch Bar’s Rainbow Room. There are in-person sign-ups starting at 5:30 PM, and the open mic runs through the evening with live music and a food and drink option available.
The Booch BarOpen Mic
Kava Republic in Hilo hosts an open mic offering a chance to perform while listeners enjoy live sets from musicians in the community. Participants share their songs on stage, and audiences can take in performances by local talent.
Kava Republic HiloBabies, Books, and Blankets
Babies, Books, and Blankets is a lap sit for babies ages 2 and under. Bring your baby and a blanket to sit on, and the library will provide the books, songs, and games. There’s also a free new book for child participants on the first story time of every month (first come, first served), through December 2026. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryFood Truck Friday
Food Truck Friday Kailua-Kona brings together more than 20 food trucks and vendors. It takes place at Makalapua Shopping Center next to Kona Macy's, with plenty of free parking. The event goes on rain or shine. Seating is available throughout the area, and attendees may also bring their own chairs or tailgate. With so many choices, there are options to suit a range of tastes.
Makalapua Shopping CenterArt Party Fridays
Art Fridays with Cash and Ula Anderson alongside Monika Mann has grown into Art Party Fridays, a welcoming, substance-free creative gathering at the EHCC Annex behind the main building. It offers a shared space to make art and connect with a supportive community. Adults and keiki ages 12 and up are welcome, and participants ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is donation based, with all proceeds benefiting EHCC, and donations can be made online or in cash at the door. Bring your own supplies or a work in progress, or start something new. Basic materials and refreshments will be available to support a relaxed atmosphere centered on creativity and camaraderie.
East Hawaiʻi Cultural CenterDa'Temple Basement Thrift Store - Honoka'a
Explore surprising finds and plenty of bargains at Da'Temple Basement Thrift Store in Honoka'a. The shop is located on the lower level of the Social Hall.
Fantasy Roleplay Club
Bring your imagination for Fantasy Roleplay Club, a weekly Dungeons & Dragons-style tabletop experience designed for kids ages 6-12. Children will team up in small groups of 4-6 to explore made-up worlds through drawing, improv, and collaborative storytelling, building teamwork and confidence along the way. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryMahjong Players Club
Come join the Mahjong Players Club to learn how to play mahjong, a game with roots in 19th-century China. The program is geared for players of all skill levels. The library will not hold the event on State holidays.
Mt View Public School/LibraryAugust Paint & Purr
At One Gallery, artist Laurie Bauers leads a summer themed guided painting session as part of Paint and Purr. Participants will create a custom artwork designed for this event, featuring a relaxed hammock cat enjoying a tropical mocktail with a warm Hawai‘i sunset in the background. The gallery setting includes beverages and light snacks to enjoy while you paint. Proceeds support cat rescue and sanctuary work on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Attendance is limited, advance purchase is required, and there are no ticket sales at the door. Expect a laid back atmosphere with painting, sipping, and friendly conversation in support of local rescue efforts.
One GalleryHana No'eau Hawaiian Arts Festival
The 4th annual 2026 Hana No'eau Hawaiian Arts Festival celebrates Hawaiian arts and crafts alongside cultural demonstrations. The festival takes place at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in the Moku Ola Ballroom and Lanai. Vendors and demonstrators can inquire with Na Makua Original Hawaiian Designs about participation.
Hilo Hawaiian HotelVibrant Hawaii
Swing by for “Vibrant Hawaii,” a Social Service Navigation drop-in at the Pāhoa Public & School Library. A Social Service Navigator and Certified Kokua Specialist will be on-site for first-come, first-served help and appointment setting. They can connect you with resources including SNAP, MedQuest, the Federal Marketplace, mental health services, domestic violence support, family services, help for kūpuna, home repair loan information, volunteer opportunities, emergency rental aid, and more. It’s an adult-focused program (18+), and any children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryPahoa Journey Workshop with Family Hui Hawaii
Bring your child for the Pahoa Journey Workshop, a family program designed for kids ages 0-5. You’ll get a take-home family guide, children’s books, and activities to do at home. Registration is required, though walk-ins may be accommodated if there’s space. All children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryMuch Love Monday
Much Love Monday returns with live music and Awa, hosted by Mano Ali’i. All ages are welcome, and there will be food and drink available during the event.
The Booch BarFamily Story Time
Bring the whole family for Family Story Time, a weekly program featuring fun stories, dances, and songs. Child participants can also receive a free new book during the first story time of each month, while supplies last. The program is for ages 2 and up, and children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryFamily Story Time
Bring your little ones and their caregivers for Family Story Time at the library. Each Wednesday features a fun mix of stories (two or three depending on the week), interactive songs, and a simple craft activity. It’s a friendly, warm program designed to support early literacy and help kids build social skills.
Laupahoehoe Public & School LibraryLEGO Club!
Join the LEGO Club for Wednesday-afternoon building fun. Bricks and build plates are provided, and kids of all skill levels are welcome. This program won’t be held on State holidays.
Mt View Public School/LibraryOpen Mic
Head to The Booch Bar for an open mic night in the Rainbow Room. Performer sign-ups are available in person starting at 5:30 PM, and the event runs from early evening through the night. Expect a friendly, live music atmosphere with food and drink available.
The Booch BarBabies, Books, and Blankets
Babies, Books, and Blankets is a lapsit for babies age 2 and under. Bring your baby and a blanket to sit on. The program includes books, songs, and games, and a free new book is given to child participants during the first story time of every month (first come, first served). Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryHenry Kapono
Henry Kapono is performing live at Royal Kona Resort in Kailua-Kona. The show starts at 5:00 PM.
Royal Kona ResortKalani Pe’a 10 Year Anniversary Concert
A live, all-ages concert celebrates a decade of music from four-time Grammy winner Kalani Peʻa. The performance lasts approximately 120 minutes with an intermission. Special guests include Nā Kumu Hula Pōlanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima and Noʻeau Kahakalau-Kalima, Hālau Hula Kauluola, and Hālau Nāwehiokaipoaloha Kumu Hula Ipolei Lindsey-Asing. Presented by the Palace Theater, this event is part of the Celebration of Hawaiian Music and Culture made possible with funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Tickets are offered at $50 for General Reserve and $70 for Priority Orchestra, and the $40 Early Bird General Reserve is sold out. Seating is assigned within each ticketed section and specific seats are chosen at the time of purchase. All sales are final and tickets cannot be refunded or transferred.
Palace TheaterChris Berry
Enjoy live music at Chris Berry’s performance at The Booch Bar. The show runs in the evening and includes food and drink while you listen.
The Booch BarVibrant Hawaii
Drop by for Social Service Navigation with a Puna Social Service Navigator and a Certified Kokua Specialist from Kumukahi Health + Wellness. This is a first-come, first-served setup for getting help and setting appointments related to SNAP, MedQuest, the Federal Marketplace, mental health resources, domestic violence support, family services, kūpuna assistance, home repair loans, volunteer opportunities, emergency rental aid, and more. The program is open to adults (18+).
Pahoa Public LibraryMovie Monday
Join a weekly after-school movie time for kids and families. Each week features a thoughtfully chosen, family-friendly movie, with activities designed for kids age 5 and up, and little ones welcome when accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Laupahoehoe Public & School LibraryPahoa Journey Workshop with Family Hui Hawaii
Family Hui Hawaii is inviting families with children ages 0 to 5 to join the Pahoa Journey Workshop. You’ll receive a family guide, children’s books, and take-home activities, and everyone must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Registration is required, with walk-ins accommodated if there’s space. The program is designed for young children, so it’s a great hands-on session to share together.
Pahoa Public LibraryPahoa Book Club
Join the Pāhoa Book Club for a monthly discussion with other readers. This month’s pick is The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom. The program is for ages 16 and up, and children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryFamily Story Time
Bring the kids for Family Story Time, a weekly Tuesday morning program featuring fun stories, dances, and songs. Child participants will receive a free new book on the first story time of each month (while available). The program is for ages 2 and up, and children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryLegos
Stop by Laupāhoehoe Public and School Library for open LEGO building fun. Kids can use the LEGO supplies during this casual, first-come, first-served build time, and they are welcome to create anything they can imagine. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. It’s a great opportunity for creativity, teamwork, and hands-on skill building.
Laupahoehoe Public & School LibraryFamily Story Time
Join us every Wednesday for Family Story Time at the library. This lively program is geared toward little ones and their caregivers, with two or three age-appropriate stories, interactive songs, and a simple craft activity. It is a great way for kids to build early literacy skills and make social connections in a friendly library setting.
Laupahoehoe Public & School LibraryLEGO Club!
Drop in for LEGO Club on Wednesday afternoons, where bricks and build plates are provided. It’s a fun, creative session for all skill levels, and the program is held at the library. Please note it won’t take place on State holidays.
Mt View Public School/LibraryHawaiʻiloa Lūʻau
Enjoy an evening luau at the Fairmont Orchid with a Hawaiian buffet dinner, Polynesian performances, and a keepsake lei. There are also preliminary activities before the show. Check-in and seating begin in the afternoon, with dinner and then the performance later that evening. The schedule and activities can change without prior notice.
Fairmont OrchidBabies, Books, and Blankets
Babies, Books, and Blankets is a lapsit for babies 2 and under. Bring your baby and a blanket to sit on, and enjoy books, songs, and games provided by the library. Children can receive a free new book at the first story time of each month (while supplies last). All kids must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public LibraryEndless Summer Hawaii Classic
The Endless Summer Hawaii Classic is a youth basketball tournament featuring boys and girls teams across multiple age divisions and skill levels, including Elite, Competitive, and Developmental. The entry fee is listed as $250.00. Teams for this event include boys 14U, 12U, and 10U, and girls 12th, 10th, 8th, 6th, and 4th. Location is Panaewa Park.
Pana'ewa ParkIngredients - Featuring Hawaiian Kanpachi & Ahi
At The King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, Ingredients presents an oceanfront dinner guided by Chef George Gomes Jr. and the culinary team. This edition centers on Hawaiian kanpachi and ahi, offered as a multi-course tasting paired with wines and spirits. Throughout the evening, chefs prepare and introduce each course tableside, sharing the techniques, flavor profiles, and local sourcing that shape the menu. Highlights include a tableside poke of Hawaiian kanpachi and ahi with crispy root chips and black truffle, a butter-poached seafood sausage served with carpaccio, a spicy oyster remoulade, baby rocket greens, and browned butter, and sweetbread-crusted Hawaiian kanpachi accompanied by braised baby romaine, tapioca, yuzu butter, and a Bigeye ahi tapenade. The finale features a chocolate truffle with nuts and seasonal local fruit. Each course is matched with wine pairings. Price is $175++.
King Kamehameha Kona Beach ResortFantasy Roleplay Club
Bring your imagination to a weekly, Dungeons & Dragons-style tabletop role-playing club for kids. Children ages 6 to 12 (with an accompanying adult) will team up in small groups to explore creative worlds through drawing, improv, and collaborative storytelling. The focus is on building teamwork, confidence, and communication as each child helps shape the adventure.
Pahoa Public LibraryLanikai
Experience “Lanikai at Kahaluʻu” with an immersive evening journey into Hawaiian culture at the sacred shores of Kahaluʻu, Kona. The night starts with a formal welcome and place-based storytelling, then moves into cultural expressions including hula, ʻoli (chant), and mele (song). You’ll also end with a specially curated meal prepared by a local chef using island-inspired ingredients. The event runs Friday evening with check-in at 4:45 PM, and guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and footwear for outdoors, with a light jacket suggested as it cools down.
Lanikai at Kahaluʻu LūʻauBig Island Breaks 1st Annual Card Show
Check out the Big Island Breaks 1st Annual Card Show at Sangha Hall in Hilo. Bring your cards and collectibles for trades and deals, and enjoy free admission along with prizes, giveaways, and a live DJ.
Sangha HallTeen Book Club: A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson
Teens are invited to join a lively book club discussion of A Language of Dragons by S. F. Williamson, the first book in the series. It’s recommended for ages 13 and up, and participants are encouraged to read ahead. Light refreshments will be provided, and registration isn’t required. Book copies may be requested in available formats, and you’re welcome to bring your copy to reference during the discussion.
Hilo Public LibraryVibrant Hawaii
Social Service Navigation comes to Pāhoa Public & School Library every Monday for a drop-in session with a Puna Social Service Navigator and Certified Kokua Specialist. The navigator provides first-come, first-served help and helps set up appointments for topics like SNAP, MedQuest, the Federal Marketplace, mental health resources, domestic violence support, family services, help for kūpuna, home repair loans, volunteer opportunities, emergency rental aid, and more. Program is for adults 18 and up, and any children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. If you need an auxiliary aid or communication support, contact library staff at least 48 hours in advance.
Pahoa Public LibraryPahoa Journey Workshop with Family Hui Hawaii
Bring your child for the Pahoa Journey Workshop, a family program designed for kids ages 0 to 5. You will receive a Family Hui Hawaii guide called “Embracing Your Journey As Your Child’s First Teacher,” plus children’s books and take-home activities. Registration is required, though walk-ins may be allowed if space is available. All children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Pahoa Public Library20th Annual Peace Day Parade and Festival in Honoka'a Town
The Peace Day Parade and Festival brings a full day of activities to Honokaʻa Town, coordinated by the Peace Committee of Honokaʻa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Community organizations and vendors interested in taking part in the parade or festival can email events@honokaahongwanjibuddhisttemple.org for participation details. Item and in-kind contributions are being accepted for a silent auction. Further information will be shared as planning continues. Cover photo credit: John Arsenault.
Honoka'a Hongwanji Buddhist TempleOktoberfest
Oktoberfest at Sangha Hall is held each year to support the community and the global mission to end polio. Money raised from the event benefits local projects and also aids international eradication efforts.
Sangha HallBig Island Metal Bash - Hilo, Hawaii
Embryonic Autopsy is coming to Hawaii for this year’s bash, hosted inside The Crown at the Hilton Naniloa.
Hilo Naniloa Hotel