Big Island’s Weekend: Taste of Hilo, Pumpkins and More
The next couple of days offer Big Islanders an opportunity to coo at cute babies, pick out a favorite pumpkin, and gorge on delectable creations from chefs from around the island.
Milk and Babies
Meadow Gold is holding their 24th annual Healthy Baby Contest on Saturday October 20.
This wholesome family friendly event takes place at the Prince Kuhio Plaza at 10 a.m. Watch as cutie-pie babies and their proud parents, vie for healthiest baby bragging rights.
Five winners will receive trophies, toys, books and an assortment of milk, POG nectar and ice cream cups. The Prince Kuhio Plaza is located at 111 Puainako Street in Hilo.
Coconut Festival
The 1st Annual Coconut Festival takes place on Saturday October 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Moku Ola, otherwise known as Coconut Island will be the site of this day long devotion to the delicious coconut.
There will be live music, food, crafts, activities, face-painting, coconut bowling, coconut toss, lauhala weaving, rope and drum making and more.
This free event is located in Hilo on Banyan Drive, adjacent to Liliuokalani Gardens.
Star Light, Star Bright
“Jets and Young Stars,” will be up for discussion at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center Saturday evening from 7 p.m.
Dr. Tae-Soo Pyo from the Subaru Telescope will talk about star formation, jets and his observations from working as a watcher of the night sky.
Dr. Pyo’s research is in young stellar objects. He is active in development of infrared instruments to facilitate his work.
Cost is $5 general, $3 for Patron Members and free for Silver, Gold and Corporate Members. The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in Hilo.
Love and Peas
On Saturday and Sunday the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel will be buzzing with balls and a benefit for the West Hawai’i Food Basket.
Arts, crafts, food and music will be available all day on each day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be fun-houses, face painting, a petting zoo and more.
For more information visit www.loveandpeasfoundation.com. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is located at 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive on the Kohala Coast.
For those that love to eat, it’s time for the annual Taste of Hilo at Sangha Hall in Hilo on Sunday, October 21.
Delicious appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages will be available from over 30 participating restaurants. Chefs, pastry chefs, bakers and beverage suppliers will sample their goodies to each lucky ticket-holding participant from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sangha Hall is located at 398 Kilauea Avenue in Hilo. Tickets are $60 at the door and $40 pre-sale. Call 934-0177 for ticket and event information.
Pumpkin Patch
Over 500 pumpkins, live entertainment, silent auction, chili cook-off, activities, food booths, games and prizes will fill the Hawai’i Preparatory Academy’s Upper Campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry and parking is free.
Donations of non-perishable food items will be taken to the local food bank. Hawai’i Preparatory Academy is located at 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road in Kamuela.