Top 20 things to do on the Big Island June 22-28: KATCHAFIRE, Kona marlin tourney, Hilo Pride Weekend

Aloha Big Island Now readers. Each week on Thursday, we will publish a Top 20 list of things to do around the Big Island for the upcoming week. We also are ramping up our Events Calendar, which features a more comprehensive listing of happenings for the upcoming week and beyond.

The Events Calendar includes concerts, shows, entertainment, community events and outdoor/farmers markets.

Here is the Top 20 list of things to do for June 22-28.

No. 1 — 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival is back (June 24, Hilo)

The 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival is back on Saturday in downtown Hilo, with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. and including a variety of floats, music and individuals celebrating the month’s mission of raising awareness about equality.

But there are also many other events and activities around the island for Pride Weekend, which kicks off at 8 p.m. on June 23 with the Lava Shack in Pāhoa featuring Lava Phish, a monthly drag revue. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there is a $5 cover charge. For a comprehensive story about Pride Weekend, click here.

No. 2 — KATCHAFIRE

Hailing from New Zealand, KATCHAFIRE has become a global roots reggae phenomenon. The all-Maori reggae band has created a universal vibe, crafting their sound from the foundations of classic roots reggae with an R’n’B and funk rub, fusing modern dancehall and with slinky pop, cool grooves and uplifting vibes.

With five successful studio albums, multiple awards, platinum sales, high-selling singles and a massive fanbase selling out shows around the world, the band have been celebrating 20 years of existence as they tour their new “Legacy” album around the world. They will play on June 22 at KBXTREME in the Lanihau Center in Kona. Tickets are available online at www.tmrevents.net.

No. 3 — Honokaʻa Car Show with free showings of “Grease” (June 24, Honokaʻa)

Nothing says summer quite like a car show. On June 24, you can check out awesome trucks, cars, bikes, food and pop up vendors in downtown Honoka’a for the annual Andrade car show. There also will be two free showings of the movie “Grease” at the People’s Theater.

Temporary one-way traffic will be enforced on Māmane Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate participants attending the show. Grab your chair and cooler and sit back and enjoy the ride!

No. 4 — Rock musical “Rent” at Kahilu Theatre (June 24 & 25, Waimea)

The award-winning rock musical “Rent” will be performed on June 24 at 7 p.m. and on June 25 at 3 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.

“Rent” tells the story about a diverse group of friends and struggling artists chasing their dreams under the shadow of drug addictions and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The performance in Waimea is directed by Maikai Nash, choreographed by Angel Prince and has vocal direction by Val Underwood. For tickets – which cost between $25 and $45 – and more information, click here.

No. 5 — Keller Williams one-man jam band to play at People’s Theater (June 23, Honokaʻa)

Keller Williams is a one man jam band who is described as “electro-hippie acoustic downtempo dance looper!”

He is on tour in Hawaiʻi and will be playing on Friday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Honoka’a People’s Theatre, a historic theater in the heart of the east side town. For more information, click here.

No. 6 — Kona Kick Off marlin tournament (June 24 & 25, Kona)

The Kona Kick Off is the Second Event in the 2023 Hawaiʻi Marlin Tournament Series. The largest ahi, ono and mahi each earn 20% of the base purse. The event also includes a “Four Flags” tournament, with the largest marlin earning 40% of the base purse.

Registration begins on June 23, with fishing running from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 24 and 25. Learn more here.

No. 7 — Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park 62nd Anniversary and Annual Cultural Festival (June 24, Hōnaunau)

No. 8 — Greg Shirley’s Big Swing Band at Gertrudesʻs Jazz Bar (June 25, Kona)

Greg Shirley’s Big Swing delivers a snappy,  upbeat, swinging groove from the very first beat. Featuring a three-piece horn section and a full rhythm section, this seven-piece band performs covers by the likes of Big Bad Voodoo Daddies, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and Brian Setzer Orchestra.

The band will play at Gertude’s Jazz Bar & Bistro in the heart of Kona on June 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There is a $10 cover. Reservations can be made at yelp.com. Learn more here.

No. 9 — Creative Ceramics for teenagers with Joey Chiarello (Through 26-29)

Artist Joey Chiarello is teaching young students how to tell stories using figurative sculpture and surface decoration with this class. Students ages 13 to 17 can explore their ‘aumakua or spirit animal using cylinders made from clay slabs and hand building techniques that will inform movement, mood and style to further explore the limitless possibilities in their own work. 

The class runs June 26-29 at the Donkey Mill Art Center in Hōlualoa. It costs $235 for members and $295 for nonmembers, with a $30 supply fee. For more information and to register, click here.

No. 10 — Juneteenth Jam Session at Kukuau Studio (June 23, Hilo)

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Local musicians will be performing in honor of the day of recognition on June 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kukuau Studio at 43 Kukuau Street in Hilo.

Yuma Long & an All-Star band will host the event that will get you on the dance floor with blues, rock, hip-hop performances, jams and cyphers. It costs $10 at the door. Find out more here.

No. 11 — Summer Solstice Sound Healing and Midsummer Dance (June 25, Pāhoa)

A summer solstice festivity with sound healing and an easy midsummer dance will be held complete with Tibetan bowls on June 25 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Maka’i Studio in Leilani Estates in Pāhoa.

The summer solstice is a time to celebrate the sun and marks the first official day of summer as the longest day of the year with the most sunlight. The solstice has been observed for thousands of years by people all over the world, celebrating the sun and the life it gives. It costs $10. To learn more and RSVP, click here.

No. 12 — Community Meal at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church (June 26, Kapa’au)

The St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Kapa’au is hosting a Community Meal on June 26 from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. They will be serving kalua pork and cabbage with rice.

You can also volunteer at this event if you’re looking to do some good in your community.

No. 13 — Super Secret Comedy Show on Taco Tuesday (June 27, Kona)

If taco Tuesday is your thing, make sure to check out the Super Secret Comedy Show at the Kona Elk’s Lodge on June 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy cheap tacos ($10) and a few laughs. Check it out.

No. 14 — Kiwanis Kūpuna Spelling Bee in East Hawaiʻi (June 24, Hilo)

The Kiwanis Club of East Hawaiʻi is hosting the 2nd Annual Kiwanis Kūpuna Spelling Bee preliminary at Hawai’i Island Adult Care, 561 Kupuna Place in Hilo on June 24 at 9 a.m.

The competition is for kūpuna 60 and up. Registration is closed, but you can watch the event. The top three finalists will be flown to Oʻahu, along with a companion, to compete in the state final on July 29.  The winner of the July 29 Bee will receive airfare for two on Alaska Airlines and hotel accommodations at the California Hotel in Las Vegas.

No. 15 — 6th Annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival at Pahala Community Center (June 24, Kaʻū)

The family-friendly 6th annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival will be held at the Pahala Community Center for a variety of games and fun on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is being put on by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi, a nonprofit that focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of Hawai’i Island residents. Learn more here.

No. 16— Live Music with Genesis at SCP Hotel (June 25, Hilo)

In Hilo, the Soul Community Planet Hotel hosts a variety of live music and events during the week. This weekend you can check out  Live Music with Genesis Pua-Kaipo and enjoy the sweet sounds against the backdrop of Hilo’s waters.

Find out more here.

No. 17— Food Truck Friday at Tony Honda (June 23, Kona)

It’s another Food Truck Friday at Tony Honda in Kona. It runs from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and includes a variety of vendors and live music.

Here’s a look at the schedule.

No. 18 — Throwback Thursday features “Paris is Burning” (June 22, Hilo)

For Throwback Thursday, Palace Theater in Hilo is shwoing the classic film “Paris is Burning” at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 general admission, and $9 for seniors, students and veterans.

The 1990 documentary focuses on balls, vouging and the ambitions and dreams of those who gave the era it s warmth and vitality.

No. 19 — Waipiʻo Valley paint party at the Olivia Clare Boutique (June 24, Kona)

The Olivia Claire Boutique is holding a Waipiʻo Valley paint party on June 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Kona Loft at 74-5606 Pawai Place, Bay 5, in Kailua-Kona).

The event is led by artist Tia Starr Whiteaker. Guests will be painting their own versions of an art piece titled “Waipi’o Valley” on a 12″ x 16″ canvas they can keep. It costs $65 and includes all materials. It’s also BYOB. For information and to reserve a spot, click here.

No. 20 — Roll Bounce Skate Night at Old Airport’s Skate Rink (June 26, Kona)

The Pa’apono Volleyball Club is hosting a Roll Bounce Skate Night on June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Old Airport’s Skate Rink. The event includes music, lights, concession and a raffle. It’s $5 in advance or $10 at the door. For tickets, click here.