The holidays are upon us and there are several events and activities during the next week on the Big Island in celebration of the season.
Check out the biggest shopping event of the year during the Hilo Christmas Extravaganza craft fair at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multipurpose Stadium and the Grand Naniloa Hotel’s Mākeke Kalikimaka to find unique and locally made gift ideas, good food and more.
If you’re looking for something to do other than just slaving away in the kitchen to celebrate Thanskgiving, why not participate in the sixth annual Turkey Trot 5K fun run/walk at The Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani in Kohala? Lowe’s Home Improvement in Kona is also hosting a workshop for kids to make a Thanksgiving turkey photo holder fit for any family feast.
Heck, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort will even make Thanksgiving dinner for you — dine-in or to-go.
If you already want a break from all the holiday hullabaloo, there are concerts, art sales and more — including the annual Japanese Culture Day, Bunka No HI, in Hilo and Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi fall musical production of the Broadway hit “Mamma Mia!” — to keep you occupied.
Here are our top 20 things to do on the Big Island for the week of Nov. 16-22.
Unwrap the magic during the 34th annual installment of this Christmas craft fair at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multipurpose Stadium, located at 350 Kalanikoa St. The event is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18.
Get ready to shop, eat and be merry as the biggest shopping event of the year returns with more than 100 vendors offering unique, handmade gifts that will make your holiday season unforgettable. There also will be ono food and door prizes.
Entry fee is just $2; keiki 12 and younger are free. For more information, click here.
Hawaiian musicians including Jeff Peterson, Sonny Lim, Brittni Paiva, Nathan Aweau, Sean Parks and others will take the stage at 3 p.m. at Kahilu Theatre, located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, for a Hoʻolauleʻa and Kanikapila concert like no other.
The artists will take turns leading each other in song and story, finding new inspiration in the music they love to share. During the second half of the concert, audience members who bring a guitar or ‘ukulele from home will have an opportunity to join the masters in an all-out jam session. On-stage seating, however, will be limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
No. 3 — Woodturning in Hawaiʻi: A Rich Hawaiian Tradition (Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Nov. 21)
Screenshot of image from the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website
Native Hawaiians have carved wooden bowls for centuries. Originally, these skilled artisans shaped the wood using tools made from coral, lava or pumice stone and they sometimes used shark or stingray skins to finish the surface. The result was the highly prized ʻumeke lāʻau (wooden bowl).
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Today, the tradition is carried on by local woodturners who use modern lathes and metal tools. Their skillful work can be seen in galleries, hotels and museums throughout Hawaiʻi.
Mark Stebbins of the Big Island Woodturners shares his knowledge and examples of ʻumeke during this program at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. The program is part of the park’s ongoing After Dark in the Park series.
Free to attend, but park entrance fees apply.
No. 4 — Third annual Art Event Waimea (Waimea, Nov. 18-19)
Anna Ranch Heritage Center (Photo by Sarah Anderson)
Nine Big Island artists, whose work represents a range of mediums, will be selling their work Nov. 18-19 at the Anna Ranch Heritage Center, located at 65-1480 Kawaihae Road. The group includes six artists whose works are featured in the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts collection.
Twenty percent of all sales will benefit the ranch, which is listed on the National and State Registries of Historic Places.
For more information about Anna Ranch and the heritage center, click here.
No. 5 — Bunka No Hi (Japanese Culture Day) (Hilo, Nov. 18)
Dazzman “Dazz” Toguchi, a fourth-generation Okinawan-American and master of Ryuku Buyo (Okinawan dance) and Nihon Shinbuyo (Japanese dance), is the featured entertainer for this year’s Bunka No Hi (Japanese Culture Day) (Courtesy photo)
Experience the beauty of Japanese culture during this festival, which will include a parade, taiko, dance performances and more from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sangha Hall, located at 424 Kīlauea Ave. This year’s theme is “Genki.”
The event also will honor Japanese Community Association of Hawai’i members who are 90 years old and older. The featured entertainer is Dazzman “Dazz” Toguchi, a fourth-generation Okinawan-American and master of Ryuku Buyo (Okinawan dance) and Nihon Shinbuyo (Japanese dance). There will be demonstrations by Hilo Hongwanji Judo, Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido and zen archery by Russell Ogata, as well. Plus, there will be a tea ceremony, bonsai, ikebana, calligraphy and much more.
Food and a limited number of event T-shirts will also be available for sale. For more information, email to [email protected].
A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!
This ultimate feel-good show that includes the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs will hit the stage Nov. 16-18 at the William Charles Lunalilo Center on the KS Hawaiʻi campus, located at 16-716 Volcano Road.
General admission is $10; a VIP early admission pass is $15. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. to VIP pass-holders and 6:30 p.m. for general admission each night of the show. The musical starts at 7 p.m.
For the cast list, show information and a link to purchase tickets, click here.
This weekend’s concert series by Big Island Singers will feature music from throughout 500 years of choral music and music by Hilo-based musician Michael Springer.
The series kicks off at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Hilo United Methodist Church, located at 374 Waiānuenue Ave. The second concert is at 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at First United Protestant Church, located at 1350 Waiānuenue Ave. The final show is at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostle, located at 1407 Kapiʻolani St.
The concerts are free to attend; however, donations are welcome. For more information, email [email protected].
No. 8 — Mākeke Kalikimaka (Hilo, Nov. 18-19)
Grand Naniloa Hotel (Big Island Now file photo)
The Grand Naniloa Hotel, located at 93 Banyan Drive, invites the public to get a head start on holiday shopping and support Big Island artisans with this first-ever, two-day event showcasing nearly 20 vendors offering handmade and locally produced items from clothing and jewelry to food and accessories.
Mākeke (market) is a traditional island activity meant to bring together family and friends in celebration of Hawaiian-owned businesses. Admission and parking during the event are free.
The market will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, but attendees are encouraged to stay through the evening and enjoy Hawaiian music and hula from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 18 and 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, call 808-969-3333.
No. 9 — “Mermaids’ Lament” (Hilo, Nov. 17)
Image from Facebook
Oee suffered an incredible trauma that left her mute and she might or might not be a mermaid. Her therapist Dr. Nell Jamison battles with anxiety herself and attempts to help Oee overcome her perceived delusions and connect with her reality. Together, they navigate treacherous waters to find a way to break through the surface and into the light.
The 90-minute film, which was made in Hawai’i, stars Dayva Escobar and Justina Mattos. It was written and directed by GB Hajim, who will be in attendance at the historic Palace Theater, located at 38 Haili St., to present the film and for a post-screening discussion.
Doors, box office and concessions open at 6:30 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission or $9 for seniors 55 years old or older, students with a valid ID and veterans.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
No. 10 — Hilo Woman’s Club Fall Rummage Sale (Hilo, Nov. 18)
Image from Facebook
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to score some deals while supporting the club’s mission to promote the educational, social and civic development of its members and the community. The event will be from 7 a.m. to noon at the Hilo Woman’s Club clubhouse, located at 7 Lele St.
Donations of lightly used household items, clothes, toys, books, tools, electronics and linens can be dropped off from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14-16. No furniture donations will be accepted.
The club is also looking for help setting up, pricing, organizing items the days of the sale, cashiering and, most importantly, breaking down. If you can donate or help with the event, call 808-935-9838.
No. 11 — Thursday Night at the Center: “Mauna Kea: A Novel of Hawaiʻi” (Volcano, Nov. 16)
Image from Volcano Art Center website
Join Hawai’i novelist Tom Peek at 6 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus, located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, for a discussion about his novel, the first about the cultural clash over Maunakea telescopes and written by an insider in the movement to protect the mountain for three decades.
The book includes illustrations by renowned nature artist John D. Dawson and evocative cover art by longtime Big Island oil painter Catherine Robbins.
The event is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. It is free to attend, but donations are appreciated.
No. 12 — White Party (Kailua-Kona, Nov. 17)
Image from Facebook
MyBar Kona, located at 74-5606 Luhia St., is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and thanking the community for keeping it the safe space the Big Island needs for the LGBTQ+ community and supporting allies by hosting this bash beginning at 9 p.m.
The bar also thanks all promoters, DJs, entertainers and its staff for being its rock and always creating new fun events that keep the party going. Cheers to 10 years!
All white attire is encouraged. No cover to attend.
This annual shindig of the outrigger canoe club that offers adult and children paddling programs for residents of Kohala, Waimea, Honokaʻa and Waikōloa will feature entertainment by Blayne Asing, the Kalapana Awa Band and fire knife dancer Paʻa Damaso, as well as a luau dinner.
Come trot in your turkey best with The Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani and enjoy complimentary refreshments and cocktails. All participants also will be entered to win a variety of prizes.
Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the 5K walk/run starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Plantation Estates on the resort, located at 1 N. Kaniku Drive. Cost is $55 for adults, $45 for keiki ages 6 to 17 years old and children 1 to 9 years old can participate in the free Keiki Dash.
All registration fees and donations will go to The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s food bank. For more information, click here.
No. 15 — 10th annual Kona Palisades Artists Studio Tour (Kailua-Kona, Nov. 18-19)
Image from Facebook
This year’s studio tour features 14 artists at seven locations in the Kona Palisades neighborhood from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Visitors can meet and tour each artist’s studio and purchase their wares, with unique creations available just in time for the holidays.
The artists are excited to invite friends and neighbors into their studios to share, talk story, learn about their work processes and inspirations and support local artisans.
For more information, including a studio tour map, click here.
No. 16 — Edge of the West with special guest Barry Sless (Hilo, Nov. 18)
Image from Facebook
Presented by Blues Bear Hawaiʻi and B93/B97, this show at the historic Palace Theater, located at 38 Haili St., will feature the music of The New Riders of The Purple Sage, Grateful Dead, The Band, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, great originals and more. Bring the whole family for a night of dancing, ono eats and big fun!
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Children 12 and younger are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $25 for the early bird special (limited), $35 general admission or $50 for VIP. For tickets, videos, music and more information, click here or call 808-896-4845.
A portion of the proceeds and all signed concert poster sales will benefit Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund supporting communities affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui.
(There also is a show at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at Honokaʻa Peoples Theater, located at 45-3574 Māmane St. in Honokaʻa. Ticket prices are the same. Use the same link as above for additional information.)
No. 17 — Kanikapila monthly concert series (Waikōloa, Nov. 18)
Image from Facebook
Discover Hawai‘i Island’s best musical talents every third Saturday of the month in the Coronation Pavilion at Queens’ Marketplace, located at 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive.
From 6 to 8 p.m., Big Island singer/songwriter and performer Kristin Lagasse, who has been likened to Norah Jones, Natalie Merchant and Jewel, will wow audience members with her sweet and soulful voice accompanied by acoustic guitar, ‘ukulele and piano. Her new EP will be released on the day of the concert.
The Thanksgiving table won’t be complete without a festive turkey photo holder, built by your little do-it-yourselfer. Keiki will be provided everything they need to create a memorable table decoration you’ll be thankful to have.
The workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lowe’s Home Improvement, located at 75-5677 Hale Kapili St. For more information and to register, click here.
No. 19 — Pau Hana Pickers live (Kawaihae, Nov. 16)
Image from Facebook
This band brings its special brand of Americana, folk and country to the Blue Dragon Tavern, located at 61-3616 Kawaihae Road, for a good ole foot stompin’ time!
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show is from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $13 at the door. Children 12 and younger are free. Purchase advance tickets online.
No. 20 — Book or order Thanksgiving dinner from King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort (Kailua-Kona, Nov. 23)
Photo by mdburnette/from the WordPress Photo Directory
The resort, located at 75-5660 Palani Road, invites Big Island residents and visitors alike to feast on holiday classics complemented by local flavors and cuisines this Thanksgiving.
The Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 23 at the resort, featuring a menu curated by executive chef Mike Quanan which will include smoked tomato bisque; roasted turkey with gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, Portuguese sausage-Hawaiian sweet bread stuffing, cranberry sauce and steamed sweet potatoes; garlic-herb crusted prime rib with roasted red potatoes, asparagus, au jus and creamy horseradish; roasted kabocha cheesecake with Kona cinnamon ice cream; and home-style apple pie with dulce de leche.
The cost for the four-course sit-down dinner is $65 per person. Call the resort at 808-329-2911 to book your meal.
The resort is also offering a Turkey To-Go package to make your Thanksgiving dinner stress-free by letting its chefs do the cooking for you. The package, which costs $195 and feeds up to 6 people, includes roasted turkey with gravy, fresh cranberry sauce, Portuguese sausage-Hawaiian sweet bread stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.
You must pre-order and pay for the Thanksgiving Turkey To-Go package by Nov. 17. Click here to place your order. The meal will be available for pick up on Thanksgiving Day at the drive-up location.
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