The Mākaha Sons Return to Hilo Palace Theater

It’s been more than two years since the Hilo Palace Theater has hosted a live concert, but that changes this weekend with the return of an iconic act.

The Mākaha Sons will once again grace the historic Palace stage Saturday, April 30. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and will feature new songs and old favorites, including “Take a Walk in the Country.” Ticket prices are $35 for general admission or $45 for priority orchestra seats in advance. The cost for all tickets increases $5 if purchased the day of the concert.

Hilo Palace Theater Executive Director Phillips Payson told Big Island Now in an email that this will be the first live concert with full capacity at the Palace since the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down in 2020. All restrictions have been lifted, and concessions, including beer and wine, also will be available through the Palace Grounds Café.

Payson said the theater is excited to welcome live music back to its stage — and a full audience.

“It’s a surreal feeling welcoming people back into the space,” he said. “There is an elemental satisfaction being among an applauding audience, and we are excited to be heading into a summer jam-packed with a diverse lineup of exciting events.”

Payson added that it’s an honor to have such an iconic group be the first to return to the theater’s stage.

“We are thrilled to have The Mākaha Sons back on our stage,” he said in a press release announcing the concert.

Prior to the pandemic, the Palace hosted The Mākaha Sons for an annual Valentine’s Day concert. The trio played the last live concert at the theater before the shutdown in 2020 and COVID restrictions went into effect.

“It’s an honor to welcome them back to the Palace as the first group to usher in the return of live concerts to the historic theater,” Payson said in the release. “Welcoming the iconic harmonies and joyful banter of The Mākaha Sons back to the Palace stage is an absolute treat.”

With 22 albums, 23 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 and a book of more than 150 songs, The Mākaha Sons have more than earned a place in people’s hearts. And concert-goers Saturday not only will get to enjoy the band’s melodies — many of which fans know just from hearing them — they’ll also have a cool place to listen.

“After 10-plus years of active fundraising and development, the Palace Theater finally has air conditioning, which will be turned on for the concert,” Payson said in his email. “The Mākaha Sons were very supportive of the project by having the proceeds of many of their past shows go towards the Theater Comfort campaign.”

It’s sure to be an evening of good music and fun.

“Hey, Hilo. We’re just so glad that we’re returning back to the Hilo Palace Theater,” said group member Uncle Jerome Koko in a special video message from The Sons on the Palace YouTube channel. “Get out there and get you guys’ tickets before it’s all sold out.”

Tickets for Saturday’s concert can be purchased in advance by clicking here or in person at the Palace box office or by phone at 808-934-7010 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday. They also will be available the day of the show if it’s not sold out.