Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 30-June 5: Kaʻū Coffee Festival, A Night of Island Stars, an all-inclusive canoe regatta and more

Who thought all the fun was finished after Memorial Day Weekend?

The Big Island certainly isn’t calming down heading into the summer months. In fact, it looks like the enterainment, festival, music and event scenes are heating up.

The Kaʻū Coffee Festival returns this weekend for its 14th weeklong installment of celebrating the award-winning brew and the district where it’s grown as a premium coffee origin and unique visitor destination. Plus, there’s tons of fun to be had every day of the week.

The second annual A Night of Island Stars is also this weekend at the historic Palace Theater in downtown Hilo. The unique variety show production promises a night of family-friendly fun, music, dance, aerial and more as 16 finalists go head-to-head for the $1,000 grand prize.

Don’t miss the third annual King Kamehameha Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race at Hilo Bay this weekend either.

The Big Island’s first regatta created specifically for disabled athletes to show that there is no such thing as a limitation is shaping up to be the greatest and most inclusive ever, with teams committed to coming from as far away as Lincoln, Neb.

There’s also a special surprise celebrity coming to volunteer.

If it’s a music event nearly three decades in the making you’re after, the 60 members of the Waimea Community Chorus invite you to their 29th annual spring concert, “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

Twenty songs spanning 60 years representing a multitude of musical styles will be presented, including familiar hits such as “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Ain’t no Sunshine” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” among others.

The island is jamming once again during the next week. Be sure to get in on the fun.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for the week of May 30-June 5.

No. 1 — Kaʻū Coffee Festival (Pāhala, June 1-8)

When: Various times

Location: Various venues

Get ready for a week of java-jumping fun with the 14th Kaʻū Coffee Festival. This celebration of the award-winning brew includes a full lineup of activities perking throughout the week and culminating with the popular daylong Ho’olaule’a and tasty Kaʻū Coffee Experience.

The festival is also designed to celebrate Kaʻū as a premium coffee-growing origin and a unique visitor destination. Many events are free, while others require a nominal fee and reservations. All activities feature the exceptional flavor and aroma of Kaʻū coffee and the remarkable people and special place that produces it.

There’s the Kaʻū Coffee Recipe Contest, Pa’ina and Open House at historic Pahala Plantation House, Kaʻū coffee farm tours, Kaʻū mountain hike and lunch, Coffee and Cattle Day, Kaʻū stargazing and much more.

The 2024 festival schedule is subject to change. Check out the festival website for the latest information and full lineup of events.

No. 2 — Digging the Past: The Hawaiian Field Systems of Kaʻū (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, June 4)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, 1 Crater Rim Drive

The agricultural systems of the Hawaiian archipelago were some of the most intensive in the Pacific, especially the large agricultural landscapes in Kaʻū.

Seth Quintus, Ph.D., with the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa anthropology department, takes you through the remarkable Kahuku agricultural field systems established before Western contact. This is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs.

Free, but park entrance fees apply.

No. 3 — “Come Rain or Come Shine” (Waimea, June 2)

When: 2 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

The 60 members of the Waimea Community Chorus are excited to share songs of wind, rain, sunshine and rainbows during their 29th annual spring concert.

Twenty songs spanning 60 years representing a multitude of musical styles will be presented. Some familiar titles include “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Ain’t no Sunshine,” “They Call the Wind Maria” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” among others.

Come for an upbeat afternoon of music. “You’re gonna love it, come rain or come shine.” Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for keiki. Purchase yours in advance online.

No. 4 — A Night of Island Stars (Hilo, June 1)

When: 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

The Palace Theater is proud to present the second annual “A Night of Island Stars” variety show competition, a unique show produced in association with Malama Arts. The night of family-friendly fun, music, dance, aerial and more features 16 finalists competing for a grand prize of $1,000.

All acts also are eligible for the Audience Choice Award, so come ready to vote for your favorite performer.

The 2024 finalists are Meili Aspen, Chloe Dellinger, Zoe Douglas, Lily Faria, Shayna Cohen, Hannah Kaplon, Josh Payne, Diego Gutierrez, Maddox and Maverick Wilder, Caden Muller, Sean O’Phelan, The Breaking Crew, Amelia Titus, Fae, Kiera Mazurik and Anika Valdez/Nahla Severance.

Tickets are $10 for keiki 12 and younger, $25 general admission and $35 priority orchestra seating. For more information or to purchase your tickets, click here.

No. 5 — 3rd annual King Kamehameha Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race (Hilo, June 2)

When: 10 a.m.

Location: Bayfront Beach Park, 1273 Kamehameha Ave.

‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima in partnership with Arc of Hilo and OSMD Hawai‘i is excited for this year’s installment of the inclusive canoe race, which is already shaping up to be the greatest and most inclusive ever, with teams committed to coming from as far away as Lincoln, Neb. There’s also a very special surprise television celebrity coming to volunteer and bring more media attention to these amazing athletes.

This is the Big Island’s first regatta created specifically to show that there are no limitations to what these athletes can do.

Anyone with disabilities who wants to learn more about outrigger canoe paddling is invited to sign up for this free event to kick off the summer. On-shore and pre-event volunteers are also encouraged to register. Click here for more information or to register.

No. 6 — ONE DROP Reggae Saturday (Hilo, June 1)

When: 9 a.m.

Location: Hilo Town Tavern, 168 Keawe St.

Kingstown presents the Big Island’s best reggae party every first Saturday of the month, with Selecta QUALITY and DJ C-ROY bringing all the sounds of the Caribbean to downtown Hilo.

Along with the best in roots, lovers rock, reggae and dance hall, they’ll be spinning all the new Afrobeat and Amapiano hits. Nothing but good vibes, good people and good times.

Must be 21 or older. There is a $5 cover charge.

No. 7 — Free and Happy Concert (Hilo, June 2)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: Waiākea High School, band room, 155 W Kawili St.

Orchid Isle Orchestra presents this concert under the direction of resident conductor David MacKenzie and artistic director Cathy Young. The concert will also highlight violinists Yuma Kamuro and Joanna Coatees in the Bach “Double.”

Dont’ miss the world premier of “Sometimes Leaping, Sometimes Dancing” by MacKenzie.

The concert is free, but donations are welcome.

No. 8 — Gam3Escape’s Youth Summer Gaming Camp (Hilo, June 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 and 24-27; July 1-4, 8-11)

When: 3 to 6 p.m.

Location: Gam3Escape, 57 Shipman St.

It’s back and bigger, bolder and badder than ever! Local businesses have been added to the lineup and there will be yoga, art, dancing, music, cooking and other activities on this year’s roster of events.

Fan favorites such as Pokémon, Pokémon BINGO, UNO, chess, Catan, and Gaslands will be back. Miniature golf will also be added to the weekly lineup, and the snack game will be upped this year. Don’t worry though. There will still be Antics Pizza Day.

Students under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Donors to gift days, weeks or even a whole season for kids are also being sought. Donors will be acknowledged on the shop’s social media. Ask in store for additional details or call 808-498-4095.

No. 9 — Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden’s 40th Anniversary (Pāpaʻikou, June 1)

When: 9 a.m.

Location: Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden, 27-717 Old Māmalahoa Highway

Come down to the 4-mile scenic route for a day filled with giveaways and prizes! Bring your Hawai‘i state-issued ID for a kamaʻāina discount. You can also pack your lunch or have a picnic in the garden.

Book your tickets today at the Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden website (www.HTBG.com).

No. 10 — Tropical Pau Hana Night (Pāhoa, May 31)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Puna Kai Shopping Center, 15-2714 Pāhoa Village Road

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening at Coco Cantina’s Pau Hana Night! Get ready to groove to the sounds of Kona Town’s Finest. Quench your thirst at the beer tent, sip on refreshing drinks and savor ono grinds throughout the event.

Best of all, this Pau Hana Night is open to the public. So invite your friends, family and neighbors for a fantastic night a ton of fun.