Top 10 things to do on Big Island for June 6-12: 7th annual Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival, Street Eats, lei hulu demonstration and more

King Kamehameha Day is June 11, and while they might not be specifically tied to the celebration of the king, some cultural events are coming up that highlight the Native Hawaiian culture and heritage he helped cultivate.

The 7th annual Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival kicks off Friday in Kailua-Kona with an opening celebration and Ho‘ike featuring cultural groups and hula hālau from around the Big Island. The festival continues through the weekend with multiple events.

The 4th annual Le Kaua Ailao Fireknife Competition is one of them. The “Battle of the Blades” was designed to give warriors from around the world an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills.

This weekend’s Street Eats in Kailua-Kona also will feature Hawaiian music by 12-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Kainani Kahaunaele.

Renowned lei hulu artist Kilohana Domingo will also demonstrate his mastery of the intricate and traditional feather lei art during a presentation at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

There’s all that and more happening around the island.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for the week of June 6-12.

No. 1 — 7th annual Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival (Kailua-Kona, June 7-9)

When: Various times

Location: King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, 75-5660 Palani Road

Hula, fashion, food, shopping and more! Celebrate King Kamehameha weekend by attending this annual festival.

Opening celebration and Ho’ike start at 5:30 p.m. June 7 on the resort’s lūʻau grounds, featuring cultural groups and hālau from around the Big Island. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 keiki ages 5 to 12 years old and free for children 4 and younger.

Other events throughout the weekend include the Hawai‘i Kuauli Marketplace, Wearable Arts Fashion Show and Taste of Pacific & Asia. Visit the festival website for additional information and ticket prices.

No. 2 — “Strength” Opening Reception (Hilo, June 7)

When: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: The Exhibit, Gallery of Art and Events, 168 Keawe St. (Inside Hilo Town Tavern)

In celebration of Pride Month, Equality HI is proud to sponsor this art show by Jeremy Enslow. One of two unique Equality Hi sponsored art shows, “Strength” reflects the diversity of Enslow’s tranquil life in Puna. Identifying as a queer artist, this is Enslow’s first solo “coming out” show.

His art is wide ranging from traditional landscape paintings and sunsets to cartoon characters and animals created with spray paint. He also loves creating abstract psychedelic mixed-media pieces.

To RSVP for the opening reception, click here.

No. 3 — Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club’s 39th annual Show & Sale (Honalo, June 9)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

Location: Daifukuji Soto Mission Hall, 79-7241 Māmalahoa Highway (next to Teshima’s)

If you’re just looking to do some “Hanging Around With Orchids,” this event is right up your alley.

Not only can you buy locally grown orchids and peruse displays of blooming orchids, but there will also be demonstrations beginning at 9:30 a.m., including how to mount orchids on cork. Kona Daifukuji Taiko will perform at 10 a.m.

Admission is free and everyone is invited.

No. 4 — 4th annual Le Kaua Ailao Fireknife Competition (Kailua-Kona, June 8)

When: 5 p.m.

Location: King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, 75-5660 Palani Road

Watch the skill and mastery of our champion fire knife dancers as they battle to be named the Le Kaua Ailao Champion! Also known as “Battle of the Blades,” this competition was designed to serve our growing fireknife community by giving warriors from around the world an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in hopes of receiving a world title.

This is a qualifying competition for the World Fireknife Competition. There are two age categories, males 11 to 17 years old and males 18 and older.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for keiki 5 to 12 years old. This is part of the Hawaiʻi Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival. For more information, click here.

No. 5 — Fourever Fab (Hilo, June 6)

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

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

This live concert is a tribute to The Beatles, in celebration of the 60th year of the iconic band’s U.S. invasion.

Fourever Fab and its founding members have been performing the hits of the world’s most-loved lads for more than 20 years. From the Asia-Pacific region to the East Coast of the U.S., audiences have fallen in love all over with the magic that is recreated by this band produced by Sixtiesmania Productions.

Tickets are $35 general admission or $45 priority orchestra seating in advance; all tickets are $5 more the day of the show. Click here or call 808-934-7010 to get yours today.

No. 6 — Inspired by Prince (Kailua-Kona, June 7)

When: 9 p.m. to close

Location: MyBar Kona, 74-5606 Luhia St.

Ladies and gentlemen, music lovers and dedicated fans of the legendary Prince are invited to this unforgettable night that promises to be the highlight of the year.

Gather to celebrate the unparalleled legacy of Prince on what would have been his birthday. This spectacular evening will pay tribute to the Purple One’s 20-year legacy with a musical experience brought to life by phenomenal DJs Pleeze and Aftah Parti.

Dress up in your finest purple attire and paint MyBar in shades of violet to honor Prince’s iconic style and influence during this evening where music, memories, and magic converge.

No. 7 — 3rd annual World Oceans Day event (Hilo, June 8)

When: 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

Location: Kalākaua Park, 136 Waiānuenue Ave.

Join the Downtown Hilo Museum Square (East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Hawai‘i Science and Technology Museum, Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Pacific Tsunami Museum) for a free family-friendly event aimed at highlighting our kuleana, our responsibility, in caring for our oceans.

World Ocean Day is a day of awareness aimed at encouraging people to come together toward restoring and protecting the oceans and ultimately the planet. The Museum Square event will feature free keiki activities, entertainment, informational booths and more.

You also will have a chance to win an awesome prize bag, filled with goodies from each of the four Museum Square hosts. Pick up a stamp card, visit the participating organizations to complete your card and enter the raffle for a chance to win. Also, be sure to visit the Museum Square businesses for specials during the event.

No. 8 — Street Eats (Kailua-Kona, June 8)

When: Noon to 6 p.m.

Location: Along Ali‘i Drive

Created and managed by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, this one-of-a-kind food truck festival takes over Ali‘i Drive as part of this year’s King Kamehameha Day festivities, with wafting aromas of savory goodness from food trucks, food carts and local restaurant pop-ups from around the Big Island, offering multiple ono lunchtime and early dinner options to satisfy the cravings of community residents and visitors.

Enjoy live entertainment and hula performances throughout the day, too, at Emma’s Square.

Starting at 1:30 p.m., kumu hula Chrissy Henriques and Hālau e Hulalai Mai I Ka La will perform center stage. Twelve-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Kainani Kahaunaele takes the stage at 4 p.m. to perform her collection of Hawaiian songs.

No. 9 — Mālama Moana (Kailua-Kona, June 8)

When: 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: Kona Wine Market, 73-5613 Olowalu St.

Ocean Defenders Alliance is working for a debris-free sea, sponsoring underwater cleanups in Kona, from Kohala to Miloli‘i. The organization will have its first fundraiser hosted by Kona Wine Market on World Oceans Day.

There will be a three-course food and wine pairing and beer garden available. Local vendors, a silent auction, live music, food trucks and a raffle are also part of the fun.

Tickets for the food and wine pairing are $120 per guest prepaid. The beer garden is $35 per guest prepaid. Call Kona Wine Market at 808-329-9400 for tickets or to donate toward the silent auction. All proceeds benefit Ocean Defenders Alliance.

No. 10 — Lei Hulu (Feather Lei) Demonstration (Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, June 12)

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)

To Native Hawaiians, lei hulu were like gemstones — difficult to obtain, precious and often priceless. They were bestowed upon aliʻi (chiefs) after lengthy preparation that sometimes spanned generations.

Join renowned lei hulu artist Kilohana Domingo as he demonstrates his mastery of this intricate and traditional art. Part of the national park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs.

Free, but park entrance fees apply.