Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 7-13 + 5 date ideas ahead of Valentine’s Day Weekend

Love is in the air on the Big Island.

Several of this week’s top 10 things to do already are Valentine’s Day-related, but we’re giving you a few early date ideas in case you want to plan ahead and make reservations to surprise your sweetie.

Be sure to check out the extra five events coming up Valentine’s Day Weekend, including dance parties, opera and a delicious dinner date night option.

Lovers of culture and history, conservation and the environment, community and music have plenty of options, too, this week, whether you’re single or partnered up.

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is celebrating Black History Month and invites the community to join with a couple of events this week.

The 14th annual Wiliwili Festival is this weekend in Waikōloa, honoring community efforts to restore and preserve Hawaiʻi’s native lowland dry forest.

Get transported to two pivotal moments in Hawaiian history and culture during a dynamic living history performance in Hilo or ring in the Year of the Snake with another Lunar New Year celebration this weekend in Waikōloa.

Then there’s BrownChicken BrownCow Stringband bringing their Appalachian jams back to Hilo as part of the historic Palace Theater’s centennial celebration.

So get out there and show these events and more some love.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Feb. 7-13 plus those five extra Valentine’s Day advancers.

No. 1 — Romantic Valentine’s Day photoshoot (Big Island)

When: Reserved times

Location: Islandwide

Make this Valentine’s Day unique and unforgettable. Capture all the love with a photo.

Book a romantic photoshoot, featuring a gorgeous red flying dress and heart-shaped balloons, with Natalia Handrika of Wild Orchid Photography.

She’s available for appointments anywhere on the island. Check out her portfolio on Instagram.

More info and make a reservation: Direct message Handrika on Facebook or Instagram. You can also call 808-480-4321.

No. 2 — University of Hawai‘i at Hilo celebrates Black History Month (Hilo, Feb. 7-8)

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; noon Saturday

Location(s): Friday night event at Campus Center Plaza, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, 200 W. Kāwili St.; Saturday afternoon event at Wailoa River State Recreation Area, 799 Pi‘ilani St.

The public is invited to join the campus in celebration of Black History Month, honoring and highlighting the achievements, contributions and history of Black individuals and communities. There is no admission fee.

A Kick-Off Cultural Event is slated Friday to showcases African-centered art, dance performances, Gospel singing and presentations of Black history, promoting the diversity of African American and African cultures. The ‘Ohana Black Field Games and Potluck event is planned for Saturday.

More info: Contact Celia Bardwell-Jones at 808-932-7200 and celiab@hawaii.edu or Yolisa Duley at 808-932-7963 and hduley@hawaii.edu. You also can visit the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo website.

No. 3 — Junior Country Fair (Hilo, Feb. 8)

When: 7 a.m. to noon

Location: Waiākea High School cafeteria, 155 W Kāwili St.

Come out to show your support for the Waiākea High School junior class during its largest fundraiser. Funds raised during the event help with future activities such as graduation, senior prom and more.

There will be a huge rummage sale, Moloka‘i Hot Bread pickup and sale, silent auction and Catch A Koi activity. Only cash will be accepted. Bidding ends at 11:30 a.m. in the silent auction.

More info: Call Waiākea High School at 808-480-3200.

No. 4 — 14th annual Wiliwili Festival (Waikōloa, Feb. 8)

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve, Quarry Road

“Laulima” means “cooperation.” It’s this year’s festival theme and honors the collective efforts of the community in restoring and preserving Hawai‘i’s native lowland dry forest. The event also reflects on the success of conservation initiatives while highlighting ongoing collaborative efforts to keep up the work.

Exhibitors such as educators, scientists, land managers, historians and cultural practitioners will present activities and educational materials at booths along the preserve access road. Educational and interactive experiences will also engage attendees of all ages. Native planting workshops, guided hikes, a plant giveaway, an art installation and live music will be part of the fun, too.

The festival is free to attend. Its aim is to raise awareness about wiliwili trees, a keystone species in the lowland dry forest, and Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems while providing practical ways for individuals to get involved in local conservation efforts.

More info and workshop registration: Visit the Wiliwili Festival website or email wdfi@waikoloadryforest.org.

No. 5 — Taiko! (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Feb. 8)

When: 10 a.m.

Location: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station (turn into Kahuku near the 70.5-mile marker on Highway 11 in Ka‘ū, about an hour from the park’s main entrance)  

You can learn about a culture through its language, food and traditional dress, but don’t forget about its drumming. Drums are found in nearly every culture arounds the world and they often have ceremonial, sacred and symbolic associations.

Taiko instructor Paul Sakamoto and his students will demonstrate and talk taiko drumming, teaching those who attend about the associated posture and movement, different types of drums, sticks used to strike the drum, traditional clothing and different rhythms and strikes. No reservations required.

More info: Call Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 808-985-6011

No. 6 — E Ho‘okipa: Come Visit Old Hawai‘i (Hilo, Feb. 8)

When: 2:30 p.m.

Location: A.O.F. Building, 280 Keawe St.

Dive into the rich history of Hawai‘i during this dynamic living history performance. Audiences will be transported through time to pivotal moments in Hawaiian history and culture, featuring a compelling portrayal of Hawaiian icons Hannah Pi‘ilani Jones of Kahuku Ranch and Queen Lili‘uokalani at Washington Place in Honolulu.

This immersive performance offers a unique opportunity to connect with stories of resilience, strength and cultural pride designed to educate and inspire current and future generations to honor and protect Hawaiian history and traditions.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $5 more at the door.

More info and tickets: Visit the Hilo Community Players website.

No. 7 — Lunar New Year Celebration (Waikōloa, Feb. 8)

When: 4 to 8 p.m.

Location: Queens’ Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive

Experience and enjoy the music and customs of China, with special Japanese taiko and koto performances adding to the festivities. The highlight of the celebration will be a spectacular lion dance by the Yao Gong Lion Dance Team as it parades door-to-door through the marketplace, interacting with audience members and helping ring in the Year of the Snake.

The Miss Kona Coffee Pageant girls will be passing out the special red lai see envelopes to give the lion for good fortune, in case you forget to bring yours.

This free event includes live entertainment, giveaways, keiki activities and lots more family fun. There also will be nearly 20 vendors to peruse and lawn games at Coronation Pavilion.

More info: Visit the Queens’ Marketplace website.

No. 8 — Vizion 2020: Leather & Lace (Hilo, Feb. 8)

When: 6 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Island of Hawai‘i YMCA, 300 W. Lanikaula St.

Want to get in an early Valentine’s Day date night? Want it to include shaking your booty and a ton of fun? The Island of Hawai‘i YMCA has your back.

Dress to impress in your best leather and lace for this special party featuring a DJ and live band, playing music from the 1970s, 1980s and today, while you and your sweetie dance the night away.

Tickets ae $20 presale through Feb. 7 or $25 at the door. Must be 21 or older. Bring your own beverages and snacks. All proceeds benefit the Island of Hawai‘i YMCA’s Family Visitation Center.

More info: Visit the Island of Hawai‘i YMCA website.

No. 9 — BrownChicken BrownCow Stringband Circus Sideshow (Hilo, Feb. 8)

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

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

BrownChicken BrownCow Stringband, fresh off sold-out performances on Maui and O‘ahu, return to the historic Palace Theater and bringing their Circus Sideshow and Appalachian jams to Hilo as part of the Palace’s centennial celebration.

The energy coming off the strings of this nationwide touring group, with roots in the Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia, is unmatched in the world of bluegrass, jamgrass and mountain music. Band members have spent more than a decade together on and off the stage. They listen and react to subtle nuances in each other’s playing to create spontaneous ripples of creativity, making their sound unique.

Tickets are $45 priority seating and $35 general admission; all tickets are $5 more the day of the show.

More info and tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

No. 10 — Show Your Love for Waimea Bingo (Waimea, Feb. 9)

When: 3 to 5 p.m.

Location: Hale Inana Auditorium, Hawai‘i Prepatatory Academy Lower School campus, 65-1274 Kawaihae Road

Don’t miss this free, family-friendly gathering that celebrates the magic of Waimea, emceed by Chef Ippy Aiona and his father Max Aiona. Come connect with the community and show your support in appreciation of all things Waimea.

Play for your chance to win Waimea-centered prizes from local small businesses. Meet and greet local nonprofits raising awareness about their causes and check out how you can get involved.

Enjoy delicious small bites and refreshments from Waimea’s favorite eateries. Keiki will even enjoy their own fun activity drawing and writing letters to Waimea kūpuna.

More info: Follow @discoveryourkuleana on Instagram and Facebook.

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Date ideas for Valentine’s Day Weekend

Date Idea No. 1 — Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner (Kailua-Kona, Feb. 14)

Rendezvous time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Sweet spot: Honu’s on the Beach, King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, 75-5660 Palani Road

Treat you and your loved ones to a fine dining experience. This prix fixe dinner menu comes with all the fixings to excite your taste buds for an evening to remember.

Menu items include lobster bisque; poached pear salad; your choice of crab-stuffed mahi mahi, 12 oz. garlic-herbed crusted prime rib or lobster tail; and flourless chocolate cake for dessert.

The breathtaking ocean views from the restaurant are an added bonus. Cost is $75 per person.

Get to know them more and make reservations: Visit the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort website.

Date Idea No. 2 — Love and Be Loved (Hilo, Feb. 14)

Rendezvous time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Sweet spot: A.O.F. Building, 280 Keawe St.

This special Valentine’s Day dance party features Jazz Mele, playing vintage jazz standards, swing, blues and Latin grooves that will have you dancing the night away.

Bring a partner or come meet someone new. All are welcome.

Admission is just $15 at the door. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. All funds raised support music and arts programming.

Get to know them more: Visit the Hilo Community Players website.

Date Idea No. 3 — DJ Eden Party (Kailua-Kona, Feb. 14)

Rendezvous time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Sweet spot: Kona Elks Lodge, 75-170 Hualālai Road

Get your sweetheart ready to hit the dance floor to show off your moves while DJ Eden spins all the hits — and requested favorites — to keep you on your feet and shaking your booty.

Grab a drink from the bar, and one for your date, too, as you treat them to a night of dancing, laughing and making memories that will last a lifetime.

It’s just $10 for the Valentine’s Day fun, and drinks are always Happy Hour prices.

Get to know them more: Call 808-329-2616 or email secretary@konaelks.org.

Date Idea No. 4 — OperAloha: With Love (Waimea, Feb. 15)

Rendezvous time: 2 p.m.

Sweet spot: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Get your tickets now for this unforgettable concert experience — with love — that will be a true celebration of the power and beauty of opera as the world-renowned ensemble delights audience members with their voices and performances.

Included on the setlist are beloved Hawaiian standards and popular songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers and Hart and Leonard Bernstein along with opera favorites. Be serenaded with familiar Valentine’s favorites such as “My Funny Valentine,” “Some Enchanted Evening” and “A Boy Like That,” plus several others including “Besame Mucho” and “Songbird.”

Tickets start at just $24.

Get to know them more and make reservations: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

Date Idea No. 5 — Love on the Rocks (Hilo, Feb. 15)

Rendezvous time: 11 p.m.; doors open at 10 p.m.

Sweet spot: Club Eunice, a.k.a. Neecey’s; No. 106, 200 Kanoelehua Ave.

Broken heart around Valentine’s Day? Need a distraction? Or maybe you just didn’t get a chance to take your sweetheart out on Feb. 14? Come spend the night with the Queens as they serve stunning looks, moves and attitude.

Featuring Akeem the Dream and the girls from the House of Starlight — Karmen, Sarina, Melody and Aurora Starlight — with special guest Mea Kali‘a and hostess Sa’nt Ayihra, it will be a great time with fabulous drinks available.

Cost to get in on all of the fun is just $10.

Get to know them more and make reservations: Visit the Love on the Rocks Eventbrite page.

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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/