The Best Upcoming Big Island Events: March 4 through 16

Welcome to our new, bi-weekly feature where we share our favorite events that are coming up! These events showcase the wide variety of activities that can be found all over the island, and the best part is that they’re all FREE or low cost! That’s right, we’re helping you have fun while saving money. We’ve got events throughout the week and into the weekend, specially chosen to appeal to a wide range of ages and tastes. If you’d like your event to be considered for our weekly roundup, be sure to sign up for an account and submit your event.

Big Island Events on Wednesday, March 4

Nintendo for Teens
From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Hilo Public Library, 300 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo
Come in and try the new Nintendo Super NES classic edition video game console! Two players can play at one time – bring your gaming partner or meet a new one. This program is free and open to ages 11 to 17. All programs are subject to change. For a list of upcoming library events, visit www.librarieshawaii.org/events. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least 7 days prior to the program date. We will make every attempt to fulfill all requests for accommodations.

Big Island Events on Thursday, March 5

Shaping Our Renewable Energy Future Together – Hilo Public Meeting
From 5 to 7:30 p.m. | Hilo High School, 556 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo
Join us at our public meeting in Hilo and learn how Hawaiian Electric uses Integrated Grid Planning (IGP) to shape our renewable energy future together at Hilo High School cafeteria. ***Part 1: Open House 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.*** The open house will feature several stations staffed by Hawaiian Electric representatives to provide information and answer questions on various aspects of IGP and other customer energy options.

***Part 2: Panel Discussion 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.*** A panel discussion with local representatives from various organizations will share different perspectives on getting to 100% renewables. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit or ask questions of the panel members during the facilitated Q&A session. Panelists who will share their perspective on getting to 100 percent renewables are: • Colton Ching – Senior Vice President, Planning and Technology (Hawaiian Electric) • Kevin Waltjen – Director, Hawaii Island (Hawaiian Electric) • Lisa Dangelmaier – Director, System Operations and Planning (Hawaiian Electric) • Riley Saito – Deputy Director, Research and Development (County of Hawaii) • Ron Terry – Principal (Geometrician Associates) • Carol Ignacio – Community

Pupus will be provided! Can’t join us? Visit our virtual open house between March 2 – 20, 2020 at www.hawaiianelectric.com/igp. Questions? Email us at IGP@hawaiianelectric.com. Learn more: www.hawaiianelectric.com/igp

Basic Computer Classes
From 2 to 3 p.m. | Hilo Public Library, 300 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo
Know anyone who needs basic computer help? Tell them to join us at the library for a hands-on basic computer class! We’ll help them sign up for email, create a document, troubleshoot common computer problems, and more! Every other Thursday in the Computer Lab. Registration required. Limited to 6 students per session. Call the library or visit the Reference Desk to register. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least 7 days prior to the program date. We will make every attempt to fulfill all requests for accommodations. All programs are subject to change.

Free PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic
Ocean View Ranchos
Free spay/neuter for your cats and dogs in Ocean View Ranchos. For registration please contact: (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com

Plant Aloha Bananas! with Keoni Bigno
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Hawaiian Sanctuary, 13-3194 Pahoa Kalapana Road, Pahoa
Hawaiian Sanctuary is proud to present: Plant Aloha, a FREE educational series of regenerative farming classes. Every Thursday morning, from 9:00am until 12:00pm, led by local and visiting experts. Visit our website for more information: http://hawaiiansanctuary.com/plantaloha

Keoni, our resident farm-to-table chef and Hawaiian plant expert, will teach all about Bananas -one of the most prolific and useful staple crops for Hawaii. Bananas are not only a sweet fruit, but when cooked green, are also a low-glycemic starch, and banana stumps can be used as a growing medium for plant starts. Come learn how to best propagate and care for bananas, how to deal with the bunchy top virus, other pests, and more. Weather permitting, this class will partly take place in the field, so please come prepared. Bio: Keoni Bigno is a permaculture kumu (teacher) sharing traditional knowledge through contemporary practices of regenerative organic agriculture and bioremediation. Keoni’s mission is to inspire environmental awareness, create sustainable and healthy communities, and restore balance to our ecosystems by teaching and preserving cultural and indigenous practices from his lineage and life experience.

Please give what you can to support the Plant Aloha program -all funding goes to pay the teachers, as the venue is donated and the coordinator volunteers her time: http://hawaiiansanctuary.com/donate

Big Island Battle Rave March
From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Cronies Bar & Grill, 11 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo
Free Casual Fighting games this evening. Street Fighter V, Tekken 7, Dragonball FighterZ, Street Fighter 2, Gran Blue Fantasy Versus etc. No cover, but please support the Venue. Practice for our upcoming SF2 Turbo Hyper Fighting tourney on March 19th! Even if you don’t play, come and down and watch and have some great food and fun with us all!

Big Island Events on Friday, March 6

Big Island Woodturners Show Opening Reception
From 5 to 7 p.m. | Wailoa Arts & Cultural Center, 200 Piopio Street, Hilo
Wonderful wood turnings by our Big Island craftsmen. One of the most popular events with not only gorgeous pieces but also demonstrations every Saturday. Admission is free. Opening reception March 6, 5-7 PM Open daily except Sundays.

Open Decks at Vitality
From 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. | 144 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo
Welcoming Hilo’s new art and music venue with a kickoff event! This epic dancehall situated half a block from the ocean in downtown Hilo will also be offering space for dance, drum, yoga classes as well as much more! Bring your live art set ups, or your hula hoops and aerial silks. Send us a message here if you would like to participate in bringing in this new exciting music venue for our art, dance & music community! Sound by 🍂🌿🌴Lush 🌴🌿🍂

Slots are 1 hour max, sign up at event, XONE 96 digital/analog mixer, Traktor timecode supported, BYON, Yamaha mixer for live input, BYOC.

Big Island Events on Saturday, March 7

20th Annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Kings’ Shops & Queen’s Marketplace, Waikoloa
The 20th Annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival is on Saturday, March 7th. Stop by for ‘ukulele giveaways, a workshop by Hawaii’s ‘ukulele master Roy Sakuma, ‘ukulele lessons, informational booths, and an all-star lineup of ukulele musicians strumming on three stages at Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace. 12 pm – 5 pm: – Educational booth with demonstrations on how to make an ‘ukulele by the Big Island Ukulele Guild (https://www.bigislandukuleleguild.org/) – Free lessons by Uncle Ronnie. The festival is FREE and open to the public! Don’t forget to bring your own ‘ukulele.

Spring Cleaning of Sago
From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Lili‘uokalani Gardens, 49 Banyan Drive, Hilo
Saturday, March 7, from 8 am. to noon, outdoor spring cleaning will take place on the large sago patch. Located on the Lihiwai Street/makai side of Lili`uokalani Gardens, this extensive collection of cycads will be cleaned of old fronds and invasive hare’s foot ferns. Closed toe shoes, gloves, and eye protection are required. Refreshments and lunch for all volunteers. Pups removed from the base will be available to take home.

STEM Exploration Day – Hawaii’s Forest Birds
From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | UH Hilo, 200 Kawili Street, Hilo
Join us for a day of exploration and learn about Hawaii’s forest birds and various tools used to study them. What you can expect: – STEM design challenge – Radar and telemetry demos – Night Vision demos – Spectrogram analysis – LOHE lab tour – Bird conservation science information. The event will be held at Wentworth Hall, UH Hilo. Lunch will be provided. For students in grades 6-9. Space is limited. To register, complete the following form and email to Gail Takaki at gtakaki808@gmail.com or text to 430-5898. REGISTRATION FORM: https://drive.google.com/open?id=10x8MwEWfbcNVNXBlmecaX1PuSkt_FJPj

Lā ʻEhunui 2020
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ke Kula ‘o ‘Ehunuikaimalino, 81-1041 Konawaena School Road, Kealakekua
The public is invited to join us on March 7, 2020 for Lā ʻEhunui; a free celebration including hula and mele. This year, we will be featuring Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning artist, Kamakakehau Fernandez! We look forward to seeing you all there. Don’t forget to bring some kālā for the ʻono meaʻai that various groups will be selling.

Young At Art 2020 Opening Reception
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | East Hawaii Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua Street, Hilo
The 32nd Annual Young at Art 2020 is a juried student art exhibit showing March 7 to 27, 2020 at the East Hawaii Cultural Center/HMOCA in Hilo. The exhibit is sponsored by East Hawaii Cultural Center/HMOCA and the Hawaii District DOE, and staffed by volunteers. Prizes are awarded to students whose works win juried awards. The prizes are provided by generous donations from Hawaii individuals and businesses.

The purpose of Young at Art 2020 is to celebrate “National Youth Art Month” by recognizing excellence, creativity and originality in all public, charter, private and home-schooled students on the Big Island in grades K-12 by their participation in this exhibit. The Young at Art opening ceremonies include music, prizes and an opportunity for families to support their young artists, their teachers, as well as the arts in our community. Official Reception Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10AM.

Reading Tales
From 12 to 1:30 p.m. | Hilo Public Library, 300 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo
Youngsters are encouraged to practice and improve their reading skills by reading to Pierre, a certified therapy dog. Readers choose their own books to read during this special time. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least 7 days prior to the program date. We will make every attempt to fulfill all requests for accommodations. All programs are subject to change.

Rat Lungworm Information Session
From 9:30 to 11 a.m. | Hawaiian Acres Community Association, 16-1325 Moho Road 8, Kurtistown
The Big Island of Hawaiʻi has become the most active hotspot in the world for rat lungworm disease infection. Attend this session to learn how the parasite moves through our environment, the importance of the semi-slug as a vector in RLW transmission, and how to protect you and your family from the disease.

Chaos Tabletop RPG Event
From 3 to 9 p.m. | Gam3Escape, 421 Kalanikoa Street, Hilo
Entry: $3.00. Pre-registration recommended, see below for details. Each player should have TWO hours of DM content. Some space will be available for youth that are unable to DM/people who are unable to DM, about 1 for every 2 to 3 players who are DMing. Note that space is limited for these play only spots and are based on number of DMs. If you are planing on running/DMing a non-Dungeons & Dragons based RPG please supply pre-generated character sheets for at least 7 players. This is a continuous play event so tables will be added as needed. You do not need to be present during the entire event. Stop in when you can and drop when you need to. Generate a L3 character. Use 5ed AL rules to generate stats. If you need help with this stop by before the event and someone can help you get set up. Every two hours a randomization will be done to determine who the DM’s are for each table. (how many DM’s will be dependent on how many players). Table limit will be 7 players per DM, up to 3 tables, max 24 people. Once you have DM’d you will be removed from the DM randomization. The rest of the players will be then randomized to the tables.

Between rotations we will have a 15 to 30 minute break. During that time we will also have random raffle drawings for prizes. Every rotation, character hit points, spell points, deaths, etc… are reset when the DM’s change. Play time is from 3pm to whenever we get done or whenever we run out of DMs.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament
From 1:30 to 6 p.m. | Gam3Escape, 421 Kalanikoa Street, Hilo
Constructed Format. Entry: $5.00 Prize Support: Booster Packs (in stock) plus OTS packs

Henry Kapono Presents – Feat. Mike Love
From 6 to 9 p.m. | Don’s Mai Tai Bar, 75-5852 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona
With 180° views of the Pacific Ocean and Kailua Bay, Don’s Mai Tai Bar in the Royal Kona Resort enjoy some of Henry’s favorite local artists every Saturday! This week will feature Mike Love. Admission is free! Note: Henry will not be at this event but has hand picked this artist for you!

West Hawaii Community Beach Clean & Ocean Health Day
From 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, 62-100 Kaunaoa Drive, Waikoloa
Join us for the annual West Hawaii Community Beach Clean Up Day on March 7th. Cleanup check in is at 7:30, clean up ends around noon. Beach Cleanups will be held at Hapuna State Beach Park, Old A’s Recreation Area and Puako Boat ramp. Hapuna State Beach Park will host a community health and ocean awareness event and a community potluck. Representatives from:

Keep Puako Beautiful, Dolphin Quest, Clean The Pacific, Hawaii State Park, Coral Reef Education Institute, COH Lifeguards, Sierra Club, Alex & Duke De Rego Foundation, USA CEPOH, HPD Community Officer, Hawaii Institute for Public Health, DAR, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Will all be on site to educate and bring awareness to your personal health as well as the health of our oceans. Scuba, snorkel, and land based cleanup supplies will be provided. If you plan to Scuba please RSVP, we can provide scuba tanks to all certified divers. We look forward to seeing you at the Hapuna site! Mahalo for making a difference.

Big Island Events on Sunday, March 8

Miniature Painting
From 1 to 5:30 p.m. | Gam3Escape, 421 Kalanikoa Street, Hilo
Miniature painting led by experienced painters. $5.00 entry includes one Reaper character Miniature in stock. Basic paints and brushes supplied for you. Beginners welcome! Learn how to paint your own miniatures!

Big Island Events on Monday, March 9

Beginning Beekeeping for Adults
From 4 to 7 p.m. | Hilo
Free four-week beginning beekeeping workshop this spring (first class). In-class lectures and in field bee hive demonstration.

Puna Entrepreneur Meetup
From 5:30 to 7 p.m. | Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences, 15-1397 Homestead Road, Pahoa
Learn the differences between the different business entities! Free and open to the public.

Big Island Events on Tuesday, March 10

No events today 🙁

Big Island Events on Wednesday, March 11

Lava Lamp Craft
From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Hilo Public Library, 300 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo
Create your very own lava lamp! Children are invited to join a special program presented by Kyla Edison from PISCES (The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems). We will be using recycled plastic bottles and all necessary supplies will be provided. This program is free and suitable for children ages 7-12.

Kona Entrepreneur Meetup
From 5:30 to 7 p.m. | 75-1006 Henry Street, Kailua Kona
See flyer for more details.

Big Island Events on Thursday, March 12

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament
From 6 to 9 p.m. | Gam3Escape, 421 Kalanikoa Street, Hilo
Constructed Format. Entry: $5.00 Prize Support: Booster Packs (in stock) plus OTS packs

HILO- Free Financial Workshop
At 6 p.m. | Keaukaha Elementary School, 240 Desha Avenue, Hilo
Please RSVP for this event ahead of time by messaging us here or texting (808)757-2282.

Whatever, Heather
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | The Shops at Mauna Lani, 68-1330 Mauna Lani Drive, Puako
Dinner and a Show | Live Performance by Whatever, Heather playing all your favorite 60s, 70s, 80s classic rock and modern pop tunes. Grab dinner “to go” from one of our restaurants and enjoy a musical performance by Whatever, Heather during this week’s installment of our Dinner and a Show series.

Hilo Entrepreneur Meetup
From 5:30 to 7 p.m. | 1055 Kinoole Street, Hilo
See flyer for details.

Hō‘ike 2020 – Keʻelikōlani: Moku Aʻe Ka Pawa
From 6 to 8 p.m. | Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i, Koai‘a Gymnasium
The 17th annual Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Kula Kiʻekiʻe Hōʻike will break new ground as the schools first-ever hula drama, honoring Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa Keʻelikōlani. The show takes place on March 12 and 13 at 6 p.m. in the school’s Koaiʻa Gymnasium. The title of this year’s Hōʻike is “Keʻelikōlani: Moku Aʻe Ka Pawa”. Moku Aʻe Ka Pawa—the pre-dawn darkness is breaking—references the reawakening of Hawaiian consciousness, as we know Keʻelikōlani was never disconnected from her kānaka identity. Through hula, mele, art, and pāleoleo (rap), a vibrant moʻolelo will be shared celebrating the life, lessons, and connections of Keʻelikōlani.

Tickets are now available for purchase. $8 presale general admission (through 3/11), $5 for keiki (ages 12 and under) or a VIP package for $20 that includes early entrance, reserved seating, a special gift, and a souvenir photo. Tickets may be purchased online via pauahi.org through March 2, in-person, after-school starting on 2/24 at the High School office from 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on school days until March 11, or at the door for $10 from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. on the night of the performance. There will also be a special ticket booth at Hoʻolauleʻa from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, 2/22. More information on the show is available at www.ksbe.edu/kshhoike.

Big Island Events on Friday, March 13

Demo Days 2020
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Akamai Art Supply, 73-4976 Kamanu Street
Samples, prizes, and help and advice from factory representatives and product experts. Representatives from Winsor Newton, Liquitex, Strathmore, Crafter’s Workshop, Grumbacher, Chartpak, Faber Castell, Speedball, Princeton Art Brush, Escoda, Jacquard, Jack Richeson and Co, General Pencil, Holbein, Golden, M. Graham, Posca Pens, Royal Brush,and Hahnamule will be joining us.Saturday come help with the big pour! A 4×8 foor acrylic pour. Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14 10-4.

Big Island Events on Saturday, March 14

Moon Caster Demo/Learn How to Play
From 3 to 7 p.m. | Gam3Escape, 421 Kalanikoa Street, Hilo
Many of you already know Cash Anderson, he plays Dungeon’s & Dragons at the shop. Some of you may not know that he also created his very own game, Moon Caster and won the Hawaiicon 2018 Indie Game Jam!. Cash will be in store demonstrating, teaching people how to play, and playing Moon Caster. He will also be play testing for the upcoming Moon Caster expansion. Come meet Cash and check out his game! Moon Caster is a portable card based RPG. Troll toll applies.

Haleolono Community Workday
From 9 to 11 a.m. | Haleolono Fishpond, across from 4 Miles, Hilo
WORKDAY! Haleolono Workday is this Saturday!! We can’t wait to start fresh at our first monthly workday of the year. For this workday, it will be from 9am-11am due to other events that day. Potluck dishes are not needed for this workday. Hope to see you all then!

Dr. Seuss Raps with Mr. Kneel
From 1 to 2 p.m. | Kailua-Kona Public Library, 75-138 Hualalai Road, Kailua-Kona
Did you know that Dr. Seuss was a rapper? Mr. Kneel (Neil McIntyre) uses beatbox and rhyme to bring the works of Theodor Seuss Geisel to life in a whole new way! Mr. Kneel is a professional speaker, hip-hop emcee and beatboxer who creates original hip-hop music to help promote children’s social, emotional and cognitive development. Suitable for ages 3 and up, all children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. This program is proudly sponsored by the Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.).

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least 7 days prior to the program date. We will make every attempt to fulfill all requests for accommodations. All programs are subject to change. For a list of upcoming library events, visit www.librarieshawaii.org/events

Henry Kapono Presents – Feat. Alx Kawakami
From 6 to 8 p.m. | Don’s Mai Tai Bar, 75-5852 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona
With 180° views of the Pacific Ocean and Kailua Bay, Don’s Mai Tai Bar in the Royal Kona Resort enjoy some of Henry’s favorite local artists every Saturday! This week will feature Feat. Alx Kawakami. Admission is free! Note: Henry will not be at this event but has hand picked this artist for you!

Monthly Pohoiki Shoreline Cleanup
From 9 a.m. to1 p.m. | Isaac Hale Beach Park, 13-101 Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road, Pahoa
Join us every 2nd Saturday at Pohoiki Boat Ramp for our monthly cleanup event! Please be sure to bring lots of water, gloves, and sunscreen. Meeting location: Old Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

Big Island Events on Sunday, March 15

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate & Melee Tournament and Casual Play
From 1 to 5:30 p.m. | Gam3Escape, 421 Kalanikoa Street, Hilo
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Melee Tournament Plus Casual Gameplay: Sign-ups are from 12:30pm. Tournament Matches Begin at 1:00pm. $2.00 venue fee + $5.00 entry for Tournament. BYOC: Bring your own controller.

Pololu Valley Hike & Beach Cleanup
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Pololu Valley, 55-514 Hawi Road, Hawi
🌴 Pololu Valley Hike & Beach Cleanup!! 🤙😍Come join us for a beautiful hike down into Pololu Valley and if you wish, help us cleanup the beach!! 🗣We have local businesses who want to reward you 🎟 👈🏽 👀 for your cleanup efforts! Pololu Valley is a beautiful, secluded, majestic, and also very sacred place. Unfortunately it is littered with Ocean debris; from micro plastics that actually make up the sand, to chunks of tar, styrofoam, and large bunches of ropes, nets, plastic grates, and more. Please bring your own reusable water container to stay hydrated and avoid using “single use” plastics.

Big Island Events on Monday, March 16

Beginning Beekeeping for Adults
From 4 to 7 p.m. | Hilo
Free four-week beginning beekeeping workshop this spring (First class is March 9). In-class lectures and in field bee hive demonstration.

3rd Monday Free Buti Yoga
From 5:30 to 6:10 p.m. | Cooper Center of Volcano, 19-4030 Wright Road, Volcano
Curious About Buti Yoga? Join us for a FREE 40 minute class every 3rd Monday at Cooper Center. What is Buti Yoga? Buti Yoga is a powerful blend of tribal dance and primal movements, low impact plyometrics, and vinyasa-style yoga. We utilizes the Spiral Structure Technique to sculpt and tone the deep abdominal muscles that stabilize and strengthen the body. Instead of linear movements, this practice utilizes movements that challenge the body along all planes of motion. You will leave this class with a clear mind, feeling strong and invigorated.

Family Movie Night
From 5 to 7 p.m. | Mountain View Public Library, 18-1235 Volcano Highway, Mountain View
“Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora for her biggest challenge yet – High School. When her parents mysteriously disappear while searching for the Lost City of Gold, Dora must swing into action and lead a group of ill-equipped high schoolers on a wild quest to save them. Hold on for a high stakes mission as Dora and her new friends navigate the jungle, outrun treasure hunters and solve ancient puzzles to unlock the mystery of the fabled city. Grab your friends and family and join Dora on the adventure of a lifetime!” Amazon. Drinks and popcorn are sponsored by the Friends of Mt. View Library.