Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Sept. 19-25: Punk rock, civic engagement, a reggae icon, orchids, Peace Day
Oh boy, does the Big Island have an interesting mix of events, concerts and other activities happening during the next 7 days.
You’re going to find activities at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo with a focus on civic engagement, hardcore punk rock music at Hilo Town Market with Stalag 13 live in concert, and a performance by reggae icon and legend Sister Nancy at The Crown Room at Hilo’s Naniloa Hotel.
The Peace Out Wipe Out is bringing a 1970s vibe to downtown Honoka‘a for Peace Day this year, and The Electric Beach Ball at O‘oma Beach in Kalaoa promises an all-day beach party celebrating peace, love and music.
Then there’s the Festival in the Field, an end-of-summer celebration of community, culture and the collective effort to support and nurture the youth of Hawai‘i and benefit nonprofits Humanity Hale and Keiki of Da ‘Āina.
And, there’s more, with the Kona Orchid Society Fall Show and Sale in Kailua-Kona, Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Hawai‘i Island in Hilo and Hoʻomaʻa Kalo Sunday Brunch in Kapa‘au to benefit young Native Hawaiian culinary students.
Check out all of the details below in our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Sept. 19-25.
No. 1 — Constitution Day 2024 midday activities (Hilo, Sept. 19)
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Plaza, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, 200 W. Kāwili St.
Join the University of Hawai’i at Hilo Political Science Department and its partners for several midday activities in honor of Constitution Day, which this year was observed on Sept. 17.
You can test your knowledge about the U.S. Constitution and the founding fathers with fun quizzes. You can share what you think is the most important civic obligation and local issue, making a pledge for what you will do about it. And, you can learn about the 2024 election and register to vote.
Free pocket constitutions will be available along with complimentary food and prizes for participants. For more information, click here or email sumilee@hawaii.edu.
No. 2 — Stalag 13 live in concert (Hilo, Sept. 19)
When: 6 to 10 p.m.
Location: Hilo Town Market, 69 Waiānuenue Ave.
Get ready for a night of high-energy and slamming vibes with this hardcore punk band making its Hilo debut, featuring original singer Ron Baird.
The event is presented by Local Punks and Arams Booking and is hosted by Miss Kitty Sunshine, featuring special guests Terminally Ill, Kauz of Affliction and STD. Just added, The Hajj!
Tickets are just $15 in advance online. Price at the door is $20.
No. 3 — Constitution Day 2024 early evening activities (Hilo, Sept. 19)
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: Student Services Center, W201, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, 200 W. Kāwili St.
The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Political Science Department and its partners are back to host additional activities in honor of this year’s Constitution Day. This time, the focus is on civic engagement and obligations.
Learn about the importance of civic engagement and obligations around the world and engage in conversations about promoting public goods in democracy with panelists Ellen Meiser (UH-Hillo), Julie Tulang (Zonta Club of Hilo), Nina Buchanan (League of Women Voters) and Charlene Iboshi (Rotary Club). The panel will be moderated by Amaya Hirata, president of the UH-Hilo Political Science Club.
For more information, click here or email sumilee@hawaii.edu.
No. 4 — Sister Nancy live (Hilo, Sept. 20)
When: 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.
Location: The Crown Room, Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive
Before Tanya Stephens, Lady Saw, Patra, Spice or Shenseea, there was Sister Nancy — the first female dancehall DJ, the first woman dancehall DJ to perform at Reggae Sunsplash and the first lady dancehall DJ to tour the world.
While icon and legend are overused words, they do describe Sister Nancy. Known for her timeless hit “Bam Bam,” she’ll be bringing the classic reggae and dancehall vibes all the way from Kingston, Jamaica, with special guests Kanaka Fyah, The Guidance Band and DJ Empress Neriah.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music, dancing and celebration suitable for all ages that promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with infectious rhythms and uplifting vibes. Advance tickets are $45 and can be purchased online.
No. 5 — The Electric Beach Ball (Kalaoa, Sept. 21)
When: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: O‘oma Beach, west of the Highway 19 and Hulikoa Drive intersection and just north of Kohanaiki Beach Park
Bring your loved ones and get ready to reunite, relax and let loose during this all-day beach party celebrating peace, love and music. A star-studded lineup of your favorite local DJs will serve up a delectable mix of electronic music to keep you dancing from sunrise to sunset.
A global prayer for peace is planned at 1 p.m., uniting attendees in harmony. Sizzling grills and delicious eats will fuel the fun. Thrilling games and activities will be available for all ages, and it’s a beach, so there will be swimming and lounging with breathtaking scenery.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect, celebrate and make unforgettable memories! It also will be in celebration of the 15th anniversary of EarthDance. For more information, contact Off the Grid Productions at offthegridpro@gmail.com.
No. 6 — Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Hawai‘i Island (Hilo, Sept. 21)
When: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Lili‘uokalani Gardens, Banyan Drive
Gather your friends and family for a fun-filled morning to help raise awareness and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with the opening ceremony at 8 a.m., followed by the start of the walk. Coffee, snack items and games will be available along the walk route.
Don’t just sit on the couch this Saturday. Come out, walk together and fight for a different future. All funds raised further the care, support and research efforts of the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association, which is leading the way to ending Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Register for the walk online. For more information, contact Justin George at 808-518-6654 or via email at jmgeorge@alz.org.
No. 7 — Kona Orchid Society Fall Show and Sale (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 21)
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Maka‘eo County Pavilion, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, 75-5560 Kuakini Highway
Celebrate autumn’s arrival with an array of colorful orchids in full bloom on display. You’ll also have the opportunity to talk story with Big Island mom-and-pop nursery folks and master gardeners, get information about invasive species with Plant Pono, and how to deal with little fire ants.
Plus, you can buy potted and mounted orchids and a variety of other plants and flowers from growers hailing from around the island. Cermaic, plant pots and cork mounts also will be available for purchase. Food trucks will be on site.
The new Early Bird special returns, admitting up to 100 beat-the-crowd shoppers at 8 a.m. for $20 each, including a cup of coffee. Tickets can be purchased online while they last.
Regular admission is $2 cash. All shoppers are asked to bring their own boxes and bags. For more information, contact the Kona Orchid Society via email at kos@konaorchidsociety.org.
No. 8 — Peace Out Wipe Out (Honoka‘a, Sept. 21)
When: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Māmane Street, Honoka‘a
This Peace Day Festival and diaper drive hosted by the Peace Committee of Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, Hawai’i Diaper Bank and Honoka’a Business Association is a groovy new event with a truly 1970s vibe.
The makai (oceanside) lane of Māmane Street will be closed from Kika to Lehua streets for the Peace Day Festival that will feature food trucks and craft vendors, a Splash Booth, live music and a to-be-announced Happenings at Honoka’a People’s Theatre. Those who bring a package of diapers, baby wipes or other essential infant needs (or a cash donation) will be entered into a prize giveaway drawing.
Honpa Mission of Hawai‘i also will celebrate Peace Day with the 4th annual Ring Your Bell for Peace Day Zoom event, starting at 8:15 a.m. on Sept. 20.
After a brief program, which includes a musical message from Peace Ambassador Jake Shimabukuro, hundreds of groups and individuals throughout the islands and around the planet join together in ringing bells of all shapes and sizes. Everyone is invited.
No. 9 — Festival in the Field (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 21)
When: Noon to 10 p.m.
Location: Maka‘eo Soccer Field, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, 75-5560 Kuakini Highway
Hosted by nonprofits Humanity Hale and Keiki of Da ‘Āina, this unforgettable epic end-of-summer benefit event is more than just a fun concert with music and food. It also is a celebration of community, culture and the collective effort to support and nurture the youth of Hawai‘i.
The festival features a fantastic lineup of a dozen artists and local bands taking the stage throughout the day, delicious food trucks and local cuisine and artisans selling their creations and crafts. There also will be keiki booth games, a bouncy castle, water activities and fun for the whole family.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating, and there will be a designated area off to the side for anyone wanting to put up pop-up tents outside. Coolers are not allowed.
To purchase tickets, which start at $40, and for additional information, click here. General admission and VIP tickets are broken down by purchase date and with tiered pricing. Keiki 10 and younger are free.
All proceeds directly benefit the crucial life enhancing programs and supportive housing provided by both organizations. Information about their initiatives will be available.
No. 10 — Hoʻomaʻa Kalo Sunday Brunch (Kapa’au, Sept. 22)
When: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: ‘Iole, 53-580, ‘Iole Road
Enjoy a spectacular midday meal and support the fledgling Kānaka Culinary Arts Program of EA Ecoversity, a tuition-free and culture-based Hawaiian higher education and career training program designed for Native Hawaiians ages 15 to 30 years old.
The 2-year culinary program is designed to prepare young Hawaiians to enter Hawaiʻiʻs food industry, with an emphasis on cooking with Hawaiian staples, seafood and other locally sourced ingredients.
The brunch offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to savor more than a dozen delicious, creative, healthy taro-inspired dishes created and prepared with aloha by Kānaka Culinary Arts students as part of their hōʻike, or performance-based assessment
Tickets are $125 and can be purchased online. Children 12 years old and younger and kūpuna 70 and older can attend free.
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Want to check for yourself what’s going on around the island?
We admit. We can’t fit everything going on each week in our top 10. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover other events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops that pique your interest.
- Aloha Theatre, Kealakekua: https://apachawaii.org/
- Blue Dragon Tavern, Kawaihae: https://www.bluedragontavern.com/
- Donkey Mill Art Center, Hōlualoa: https://donkeymillartcenter.org/
- East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Hilo: https://ehcc.org/
- Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
- Hilo Town Market, Hilo: https://hilotownmarket.co/events
- Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo (on Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041333509786
- Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, Honoka‘a: https://www.honokaapeople.com/
- Kahilu Theatre, Waimea: https://kahilu.org/
- Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona: https://keauhoushoppingcenter.com/experience/
- Kona Commons, Kailua-Kona: https://www.konacommons.com/events
- Lava Shack, Pāhoa (on Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/lavashackpahoa/?hl=en
- Lyman Museum, Hilo: https://lymanmuseum.org/
- MyBar Kona, Kailua-Kona: https://www.mybarkona.com/
- Palace Theater, Hilo: https://hilopalace.com/
- University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center, Hilo: https://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/
- Volcano Art Center, Volcano: https://volcanoartcenter.org/
- Wailoa Center, Hilo: https://www.wailoacenter.com/
- Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/
Big Island Now news reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this article.
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