Drive-In Movie Night Opens in Kona

A movie drive-in is now open to Kona.

Local businesses are partnering with an O‘ahu company to bring the silver screen outdoors. Hosted by Krave Marketing and five West Hawai‘i-based businesses, the drive-in began Thursday, April 22, with the showing of “The Croods 2 – A New Age.”

The drive-in will be open this weekend at Tony Honda Kona and next weekend in Hilo at the Grand Naniloa Hotel golf course from April 29 to May 2.

“There’s been nothing like this before on the Big Island,” said Ben Marumoto, owner of Krave Marketing, which has been hosting the same experience on O‘ahu, where it’s been well received.

Thursday’s inaugural show sold out, but tickets remain for tonight, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $30-$38, depending on popcorn, and can be ordered online at bigislandmovies.com. Other shows include “Moana,” “The Greatest Showman” and “The Goonies.” Hilo shows will take place at the Grand Naniloa Hotel golf course.

“We want this to be the start of something more lasting,” Marumoto said of the drive-ins.

It’s also a chance to connect with local businesses who are partnering to help put it on as a way to thank the community that helped them during tough economic times. Sponsors include Tony Honda, Connect Hawaii, Farmers Insurance Hawaii, Bay Clinic, Altres and The Grand Naniloa.

Minoo Elison, principal broker of the real estate brokerage firm, Connect Hawaii, is a platinum sponsor of the event. Connect Hawaii has been hosting free community homebuyer workshops since 2014 for prospective homebuyers to learn the steps of buying a home.

“Helping bring family entertainment to the community I support — and that supports me — is a perfect fit,” Elison said.