Hawai’i musician Drew Daniels said for the past four years local artists such as himself have graced the stage at the annual 808 Day event to share their sounds with Big Island music lovers.
Daniels, who performed Saturday evening, along with artists such as Kapu System, Three Plus, Kanaka Fyah and more, said the annual event, sponsored by Big Island Grown and hosted by Big Dreams Foundation, holds space for all creatives throughout the island to showcase their work and spread Aloha.
“Even though the work culminates into a one day event, the ripple it creates for all the vendors and artists is crucial to a healthy creative community,” he said.
This year’s 808 Day was held at the Nani Mau in Hilo, and featured around a dozen vendors, live art, a special VIP section, dancing, and a silent auction to raise money for victims of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire.
Naehalani Breeland, Co-founder and President of Ola Brew, said it was the opportunity to collaborate with the community for a good cause that attracted the Big Island-based brewery to join in as a title beer sponsor for the event.
“We loved it. We had a really great time and it was really incredible to see the Hilo community come out, even with sprinkles going on. There was a great lineup for a good cause and we were happy to come out and support,” she said.
Past 808 Day events have raised thousands of dollars for local charities, including Hugs Hawai’i, Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation, Hawai’i Food Basket, Hawai’i Coffee Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, Hawai’i Children’s Cancer Foundation, Hawaiian Reforestation Program, Kapiolani Children’s Hospital, and other organizations and individuals in need.
Along with fundraising, 808 Day also provides a platform for rising artists to have a chance on the big stage through a public voting competition where supporters can vote for their favorite local acts to perform on the 808 Day.
This year’s winner of the Play 808 Day contest was Faithful to Hawai’i.
And this year’s ensemble did not disappoint.
Tiare Claire Mataoa, a resident on Big Island, said she enjoyed Saturday’s festivities.
“Great venue, great vibes, and conscious music,” she said.
Kalani Green, 20, said he had just moved to the island a year ago and this was his first time experiencing 808 Day.
“I believe the event went well, everyone was synchronized and harmonious in such a loving and community way. It was beautiful…” he said.
“My favorite part of the event was moving around and talking to people, entertaining their way of life and really just expressing my shared love I have of life,” he added.
Daniels said having community buy-in is one of the best parts of 808 Day.
“It was really beautiful to see the community come together and celebrate the 808 with local music, food, drinks and art. I’m really grateful for all the support that we got for this year’s event,” he said.
Learn more about 808 Day here.
Victims of the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire are encouraged to apply for assistance by Aug. 12 here.
