Now is a good time to enjoy some Big Island fun this weekend after settling into our back-to-school routines.
Whether you’re seeking some action or rest and relaxation, there are plenty of events happening on the island this weekend that will bring you some much-needed satisfaction.
Check out the International Va’a Federation World Sprint Championships in Hilo, or head to the Donkey Mill Art Center in Hōlualoa to see the upcoming display of Heʻe Nalu: The Art & Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing. Continue reading to see our complete Top Big Island events happening this week.
And if you have any events you’d like to see on our list, make sure to add them to the official Big Island Pulse calendar.
Keep checking back with us each week for our top Big Island events. A hui hou!
1- IVF World Sprint Championships (Thur., Aug. 15-Aug. 24; times vary, Hilo): The Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association is hosting the 20th IVF Va’a World Sprint Championship in Hilo from Aug. 13-24. The 12-day international event has thousands of paddlers and spectators participating from over 35 countries. On Thursday, there will be Opening Ceremonies at 4 p.m. at Hilo Bayfront. For more information, visit this page.
2– Pet Sounds Live at The Palace Theater (Fri., Aug. 16; 7 p.m., Hilo): Indulge in the creations of the Beach Boy’s iconic album with Pet Sounds Live Friday night at the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo. The cost for the show will be $35 for General Admission and $45 for Priority Orchestra. All tickets will be $5 more the day of the show. Learn more here.
3-Heʻe Nalu: The Art & Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing at The Donkey Mill (Sat., Aug. 17; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Hōlualoa): Heʻe Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing covers 2,000 years of surfing history and Indigenous creative expression, from the earliest stories of surfer deities to contemporary works of art and surfing innovations, through the lens of modern Kānaka Maoli creatives and cultural practitioners. The opening reception is happening this Saturday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at The Donkey Mill Arts Center in Hōlualoa. Learn more here.
4-Big Island Bash at UFC Gym 777 (Sat., Aug. 17; 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Hilo): Listen to live music with Taye Louise, Hoku Aki, and Kyle Strngz in Hilo this Saturday night. There will be a vendor village, beer garden & more! Show will go on rain or shine. Tickets are $30 presale, $40 at the door. Learn more here.
5-Miloli’i Fish Fry & Save the Sea Fundraiser (Sat., Aug. 17; 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Miloli’i): Come support Miloli’i and our ocean during this special fish fry fundraiser Saturday at the Miloli’i Community Center. There will be a silent auction, games for the children, live music and more.
6 -Keith Pedro Live in Hawai’i at the Aloha Theater (Sat., Aug. 17; 7:30 p.m., Kailua-Kona): In need of a good laugh? Keith Pedro, a renowned Canadian comedian known for his captivating live performances, will be entertaining a live audience at the Aloha Theater this weekend. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Learn more here.
7- S0ngwriter’s Workshop at the Kukuau Studio in Hilo (Sat., Aug. 17-Sun., Aug.18; 12 p.m.-9 p.m., Hilo): This workshop is for songwriters, music makers, artists and musicians from ALL levels to share original work, refine their craft while fostering collaboration in a comfortable, creative space. Get connected with people who will help you forge tools that can take your art to the next level. Be immersed in the creative, technical, legal and commercial aspects of making great music for the world to hear at this two-day immersive songwriters workshop. Tickets are $80 presale and $90 day-of sign-ups at the door. Learn more here. Read our recent article from Waffle Gibbs here.
9-Big Island Walk & Roll to Cure ALS at the Old Airport in Kailua-Kona (Sun., Aug. 18; 9:30 a.m., Kailua-Kona): The ALS Network announces the 2nd annual Big Island Walk & Roll to Cure ALS (formerly the Big Island Walk to Defeat ALS) will be taking place at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, at Old Kona Airport in Kailua-Kona. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. Learn more here.
11- John Keawe at the Blue Dragon (Sun., Aug. 18; 6:30 p.m., Kawaihae): Listen to the sounds of multi-Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artist John Keawe this Sunday at the Blue Dragon Tavern in Kawaihae. The acclaimed slack-key (Kiho`alu) guitarist, composer and recording artist is known for his Aloha spirit. He is often joined by his wife Hope dancing hula. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Show runs 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $13 at the door (children 12 and under are free). Purchase tickets at BlueDragonTavern.com
12-Live Hula Show at Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa (Mon., Aug. 19; 6 p.m., Waikōloa): Catch Beamer-Solomon Halau O Po’ohala Hula perform on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa. The free performance happens at the Coronation Pavilion, and features both kahiko (traditional) and modern hula. Learn more here.
13-After Dark in the Park: Kīlauea Visitor Center Renovation Update (Tue., Aug. 20; 7 p.m.-8 p.m., Volcano): Park managers will share details on the temporary relocation of visitor services and share updates about the ongoing 2018 disaster recovery projects. Free, but park entrance fees apply. Learn more here.
14-August AfterHours Networking Event with the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce (Wed., Aug. 21; 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Kailua-Kona): Enjoy an evening of networking, delicious pupus, refreshing drinks with the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. Don’t forget your business card for the drawing that includes a Luana Hospitality Group Gift Certificates and one Southwest Airlines roundtrip ticket. There will be free parking at the St. Michael’s Church and in the underground parking lot. Learn more here.
****This article was updated on Fri., Aug. 16, 2024 at 7:53 a.m. to include information about upcoming events on Big Island.
