Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 7-13: Final Kona Brewers Festival, KS Hawai‘i Hōʻike, YAS Fest, Redeeming Māhū and more

Many of the events and activities around the Big Island during the next week will focus on tradition, talent and taddies.

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi High School in Keaʻau continues its annual Hōʻike tradition of sharing stories from Hawaiian history with two upcoming presentations of “ʻEMALANI: Scenes from the Life of Queen Emma.” The opera highlights many significant events in the life of Queen Emma, wife of King Kamehameha IV, and in Hawaiʻi history.

Kahaka’ioikamālie Ravenscraft will tell tales of Umi-a-Liloa, who was a ruling chief of Hawaiʻi Island in the 15th and 16th centuries, during a special presentation this weekend in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Redeeming Māhū: Deconstructing and Reconstructing Māhū with Hawaiian Mindfulness brings together a panel this weekend at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea to discuss lāhui and māhū as well as their right to determine their identity and define and create their culture without colonial limitations.

Meanwhile, Connections Public Charter School in Hilo is hosting a full day of creativity, innovation and fun, from 3-D printing and coding to art and sustainability, during the Connections Maker Faire this weekend in celebration of the power of imagination and joy of making while sparking your imagination.

The Youth Art Series at East Hawai’i Cultural Center is also bringing together local organizations and others this weekend dedicated to providing arts opportunities for keiki and teens while honoring young artists from the Big Island community ⁣during the inaugural YAS Fest, a vibrant celebration of Hawai’i Island youth arts.

Jazz In The Forest returns to Volcano Art Center this weekend, too, taking a trip down memory lane with music from the great vocal lineage of Dinah Washington and other memorable chanteuses who brought many of the standards people hum and sing every day.

And don’t miss the 30th anniversary — and final — Kona Brewers Festival on the beach overlooking Kailua Bay at Ahu’ena Heiau in Kailua-Kona.

Come taste some — or all, if you can — of the more than 18 craft brews from Hawai’i and beyond along with some tasty culinary creations from local chefs to try out. You’ll also enjoy live music, art, live entertainment and the iconic Trash Fashion Show.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for March 7-13.

No. 1 — 17th annual Run for Hops 5K and 10K Family Fun Run/Walk (Kailua-Kona, March 8)

When: 7:30 a.m.

Location: Old Airport State Recreation Area, 75-5560 Kuakini Highway

Before Mom, Dad, Aunty and Uncle take a few laps around the brew tasting fiesta that is the 30th anniversary and final Kona Brewers Festival, get a running start to the day during this fun run/walk for the whole family presented by People for Active Transportation Hawai’i, or PATH, and BMW of Hawai’i.

PATH is a nonprofit that champions safe, accessible and active transportation in Big Island communities, believing that safe, equitable transportation options promote healthy people, healthy communities, healthy land and a healthy planet. The Run for Hops benefits nonprofits working on behalf of Hawai’i Island youth, culture and environment.

Entry fee is $40 and includes a commemorative T-shirt, award ceremony, beer tasting and nibbles following the race. Registration is limited to the first 600 participants. No race day packet pick up or registration. Packet pickup will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 7 at Big Island Running Co., located at 75-5807 Ali‘i Drive, Suite C8, in Kailua-Kona.

More info: Email to sharetheroad@pathhawaii.org or visit the Run for Hops web page. You can also register online.

No. 2 — Connections Maker Faire (Hilo, March 8)

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Connections Public Charter School, 174 Kamehameha Ave.

Don’t miss an opportunity to explore amazing student projects, get interactive with exhibits and meet the young makers shaping the future of Hawaiʻi during this family-friendly event that celebrates the power of imagination and joy of making while sparking your imagination.

It’s a full day of creativity, innovation and fun, from 3-D printing and coding to art and sustainability. There’s something for everybody. Admission is free.

More info: Call 808-961-3664 or visit the Connections Public Charter School website.

No. 3 — Umi-a-Liloa with Kahakaʻio Ravenscraft (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, March 8)

When: 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Location: Kahuku Unit, located about an hour south of the main park entrance, off Highway 11 in Kaʻū, near mile-marker 70.5

Umi-a-Liloa was a ruling chief of Hawaiʻi Island in the 15th and 16th centuries. He left a mark through his adventures and accomplishments, and in the legacy handed down from generation to generation. Here the stories that have been handed down through the centuries during this special presentation.

Kahaka’ioikamālie Ravenscraft lives in the ahupuaʻa of Onouli in South Kona. His family traces its roots to the area of Napoʻopoʻo, near Kealakekua. He dedicates his work to perpetuating the traditions of his ancestors. Reservations required.

More info or to make reservation: Email to wendy_scott-vance@nps.gov.

No. 4 — YAS Fest 2025 (Hilo, March 8)

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

Location: Kalākaua Park, 136 Kalākaua St.

⁣This inaugural vibrant celebration of Hawai’i Island youth arts as part of the Youth Art Series at East Hawai’i Cultural Center brings together local organizations dedicated to providing arts opportunities for keiki and teens while honoring young artists from the Big Island community.⁣

Nearly 30 informational, merchandise and activity booths featuring a variety of vendors are participating, plus there will also be the Youth Arts Series annual Youth Art Month community art installation featuring The FUZZ Hawai‘i, a special art installation by the Hawai‘i Handweaversʻ Hui and the 37th annual Young At Art awards ceremony and satellite exhibit featuring the winning artwork.

The free, family-friendly event also includes hands-on activities, live performances and more.

More info: Visit the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center website.

No. 5 — Mālama Hawai‘i Makers Market Waimea (Waimea, March 8)

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Town Hall, 67-1182 Lindsey Road

Get ready for the debut of this unforgettable curated pop-up market showcasing the best of Hawaiʻi’s small businesses and artisans. More than 40 talented makers from throughout the Aloha State ae participating, giving you a chance to discover handcrafted treasures, stunning jewelry, island-inspired clothing, local treats and so much more.

Those who attend also will enjoy live music by Big Island musicians Jacob Bernabe and G. Pililani Pua-Kaipo, ono local food and beverages from the Mālama Hawai‘i Makers Market food truck and lots of fun for the whole ‘ohana.

More info: Visit the Mālama Hawai‘i Makers Market website or visit the market on Instagram.

No. 6 — Redeeming Māhū: Deconstructing and Reconstructing Māhū with Hawaiian Mindfulness (Waimea, March 8)

When: 2 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

This panel discussion, moderated by Ākea Kahikina, Hawaiian language instructor and Hana Keaka practitioner, is part of Kahilu Theatreʻs Sharing Manaʻo Series and originally curated by Kanani Daley to enhance community awareness for Hawai’i’s pae māhū.

Daley says that duality and transformation are fundamental to evolution. Lāhui, and especially māhū, have the right to determine their identities themselves, to their own coordinates, of belonging and can define and create their culture without colonial limitations.

This is a pay what you want event.

More info: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

No. 7 — 30th Anniversary and Final Kona Brewers Festival (Kailua-Kona, March 8)

When: 2 to 6 p.m.

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

Don’t miss the this final unmatched food and beverage celebration of craft beer, island cuisine and sustainable community in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona that has become this special three-decade-old fundraiser for local nonprofits focused on Big Island ouths, culture and the environment.

More than 18 craft brews from Hawai’i and beyond will be available be on the beach, overlooking Kailua Bay at Ahu’ena Heiau, for your tasting pleasure, paired with culinary creations from local chefs to try out. Those who participate also will enjoy live music, the iconic Trash Fashion Show, art and live entertainment.

Tickets are $100 and include 10 beer tasting tokets, a commemorative beer mug or glass, unlimited food tastings, live music and entrance to the Trash Fashion Show.

More info or to purchase tickets: Visit the Kona Brewers Festival website.

No. 8 — Jazz In The Forest: Diva Jazz II (Volcano, March 8)

When: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road

Enjoy the costumes and revival of America’s treasured jazz history with the return of this popular series at Volcano Art Center. Take a trip down memory lane with music from the great vocal lineage of Dinah Washington and other memorable chanteuses who brought us so many standards people hum and sing every day.

The evening features vocalist and pianist Leslie Harlib accompanied by JP Thoma and the Jazztones. Dancing is highly encouraged.

Tickets are $25 for Volcano Art Center members or $30 for non-members. Beer, wine and pupus will also be available for purchase.

More info or to purchase tickets: Call 808-967-8222 or visit the Volcano Art Center website.

No. 9 — Lunar eclipse viewing (Hilo, March 13)

When: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Gemini North Observatory base facility, 670 N. Aohoku Place

What’s better than watching a total lunar eclipse on your own? Watching with your friends, family, community members and astronomers.

The Gemini North Observatory invites the community to its base facility in Hilo to watch next week’s lunar event to get a fantastic view of moonrise and total eclipse from the grassy area near the building while enjoying telescope viewing, moongazing and talking story. You can even get a free tour of the facility to learn more about the observatory’s nightly operations.

Those who attend are asked to bring their own chairs and snacks.

More info: Call 808-974-2500.

No. 10 — Hōʻike 2025: ʻEmalani (Kea‘au, March 13-14)

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i, Koaiʻa Gymnasium, 16-716 Volcano Road

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi High School continues its special tradition of sharing stories from Hawaiian history in dynamic and entertaining ways during its annual Hōʻike with two presentations of the opera “ʻEMALANI: Scenes from the Life of Queen Emma,” written by kumu Herb Mahelona and originally performed in 2014 by Hawaiʻi Youth Opera Chorus.

The opera spans the entire life of Queen Emma, the wife of King Kamehameha IV, and highlights many significant events in her life and in the history of Hawaiʻi. It is presented in Hawaiian language and English. It is the school’s sixth original Hawaiian opera performance.

Tickets are just $10 and available now.

More info and to purchase tickets: Visit the Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i 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/