Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 28-March 6: Art is on the menu — fine art, with plenty of live music opportunities and more
Art is on the menu during the next week on the Big Island. Fine art, that is.
There are a variety of live music opportunities and other events that are sure to pique the interest of even the most stalwart non-artsy type, including a Big Island psychedelic rock band putting its own unique spin on music of the Grateful Dead, The Beatles and more during a Friday night show in Honoka‘a.
If you’re more of a traditional music kind of person, don’t miss American pianist Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Finalist Clayton Stephenson live this weekend at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.
Turn out and show up to support Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride and this year’s Pride parade and fesitval while dancing the night away at the Eagles Aerie in Kea’au with a great lineup of Big Island bands during a fundraiser this weekend.
Or be serenaded with jazz standards by Big Island vocalist Lou Ann Gurney and the other members of Jazz Mele this weekend at the Hilo Elk’s Lodge.
Music not your thing? Check out an artist demonstration this weekend at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with Jan Hashi, whose artwork is featured in the gallery’s current exhibit “Ethereal Moods of Nature.”
Eleven finalists also are vying to become the next Island Star and win a grand prize of $1,000 this weekend at the Palace Theater, showing off their dancing, aerial art and other talents during a unique variety show that promises a family-friendly, fun-filled evening.
The highly anticipated Zonta Fashion Frenzy series kicks off next Thursday, too, with the documentary “That’s Sew Hilo” at the Palace.
Here’s our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Feb. 28 through March 6.
No. 1 — Celebrate Black History Month (Hilo, Feb. 28)
When: Various times
Location: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo campus, 200 W. Kāwili St.
The public is invited to celebrate and honor the achievements, contributions and history of Black people and communities as Black History Month comes to a close.
The events are aimed at recognizing the significant role African Americans have played in the development and shaping various aspects of society, including politics, culture, science and the arts. There is no admission fee.
“Kuleana and the Community,” a Black agroforestry talk with Malik Girley and Mago Smith, is planned for noon to 1 p.m. in Mo‘okini Library. The “Know Your Roots Fashion Show” is also from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in University Classroom Building Room 127.
More info: Visit the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo website.
No. 2 — Uncle Charlie live (Honoka‘a, Feb. 28)
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Honoka‘a Public House, 45-3490 Māmane St.
This psychedelic rock band featuring Steve Fundy on guitar, Warren Nelson on keys, Dave Ojeda on bass and Tim Taylor on drums is known for its mind-bending improvisational jams.
This and every one of the group’s shows promises to be a unique experience, as the band breathes new life into the music and puts its own unique spin on songs of the Grateful Dead, The Beatles, The Band and more.
More info: Call Honoka‘a Public House at 808-775-1666.
No. 3 — Artist demonstration with Jan Hashi (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, March 1)
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Volcano Art Center Gallery, 1 Crater Rim Drive
“Ethereal Moods of Nature,” an exhibit by Jan Hashi, is on display through April 6 at the gallery, featuring a collection of stunning impressionistic artworks that bring the serene beauty of the natural world to life.
Hashi conveys an intrinsic belief in the transformative power of creativity through her art, affirming art’s essential role in society as a reflection of and catalyst for the human spirit. The demonstration is free to attend, but park entrance fees apply.
More info: Call Volcano Art Center at 808-967-7565 or email to sales@volcanoartcenter.org.
No. 4 — Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride live music fundraiser (Kea‘au, March 1)
When: 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Big Island Eagles Aerie No. 3642, 16-111 Ōpūkaha‘ia St.
The Eagles Aerie is the place to be this weekend! Show up and show out for some live music — it’s time to dance for a good cause.
Join Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride for this event featuring an amzaing lineup of bands including rocking 1980s tribute band Show Me Dragon; Laura Acevedo, Jasmin Silva, Darlene Christian and Sage Huston as Chimera; and alternative rock band The Screaming Geckos, all from the Big Island.
Donations of $10 to $20 are requested. All proceeds support this year’s Pride parade and festival.
More info: Email Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride at hawaiiislandlgbtqpride@gmail.com.
No. 5 — A Night of Island Stars (Hilo, March 1)
When: 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6 p.m.
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
Eleven finalists will show off their talents during this third annual variety show competition, all in the pursuit of a $1,000 grand prize and the honor of being selected by a panel of 3 judges as the next Island Star. All acts are also eligible for the Audience Choice Award, so come ready to vote for your favorite performer.
This unique variety show promises a family-friendly, fun-filled evening filled with music, dance, aerial arts and more. The evening will be emceed by Ku’ehu Mauga, with a special performance from last year’s winner Diego Gutierrez.
Tickets are $10 for keiki 12 and younger and $25 general admission. Get yours today. They are selling fast.
More info or to purchase tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.
No. 6 — Jazz Mele live (Hilo, March 1)
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: Hilo Elks Lodge, 150 Kino‘ole St.
Big Island vocalist Lou Ann Gurney will serenade those who attend this special night with melodic jazz standards for their listening and dancing enjoyment, backed up by the other fantastic members of Jazz Mele including Jeff Gaeth on saxophone, Mark Panek on bass, Alex Gerny on keyboard and John Robinson on drums.
Cost is just $20 per person for an awesome night out on the town. Parking is available behind the building, off Ululani Street.
More info: Email to gharrial@gmail.com.
No. 7 — Carnaval Sabor do Brasil (Hilo, March 2)
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Gam3Escape, 57 Shipman St.
Join Capoeira Regional Hawai‘i and File de Bahia for this celebration with a Brazilian style.
Play the drums and songs of Capoeira and Maracatú during music classes during the first couple hours of the event and then enjoy a delicious plate of Feijoada, a bean and meat stew made with aloha, plus dance to Samba music.
Each music class is $10 and the food and dance session is $20, purchase all three for a discount of $35. RSVP with Capoeira Regional Hawai’i on Instagram.
More info and to RSVP: Visit the Capoeira Regional Hawai‘i Instagram page.
No. 8 — Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Finalist Clayton Stephenson live (Waimea, March 2)
When: 2 p.m.
Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road
Hailed for “extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts” and interpretations that “Gramophone” called “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive,” Stephenson is committed to making an impact on the world through his music-making.
He is the first Black finalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, garnering the honor in 2022. He was also named a 2022 Gilmore Young Artist. The American pianist’s love for music is immediately apparent in his joyous charisma onstage, expressive power and natural ease at the instrument.
Kahilu Theatre is delighted to have Stephenson perform live in concert. Tickets start at just $24.
More info and to purchase tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.
No. 9 — West Hawai‘i County Band free monthly concert (Kailua-Kona, March 2)
When: 4 p.m.
Location: Hale Hālāwai Park, 75-5760 Ali‘i Drive
Comprised of local musicians from all walks of life, this civic and community band presents monthly concerts throughout the year, typically on Sunday afternoons featuring an hour of band music from Hawaiian to film scores to marches.
The band is sponsored by the Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation and West Hawai‘i County Band Friends. Concerts are free to attend; however, donations are welcome. All donations support the band.
More info: Visit the West Hawai‘i County Band website.
No. 10 — Fashion Frenzy: “That’s Sew Hilo” (Hilo, March 6)
When: 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6 p.m.
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
This documentary delves into Hilo’s rich history as a hub for sewing, tailoring and garment-making, celebrating the artistry and resilience of Hawai‘i Island’s people through the lens of fashion.
The film weaves together stories of the past with insights from contemporary designers, honoring deep-rooted traditions while imagining a bold, creative future.
It also kicks off the return of the highly anticipated Zonta Fashion Frenzy series, celebrating Hawai‘i Island’s fashion and creative industries while raising funds to support local women and girls through service projects and scholarships.Tickets are just $15 general admission.
More info and to purchase tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.
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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/
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