Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 2-8: Celebrating Lei Day, Culivating community, exploring the cosmos and more

Happy Lei Day, Big Island!

That’s right. May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi — a celebration of the beautifully hand-sewn garlands of flowers, seeds, shells, feathers or even words that are an instantly recognizable symbol of Hawaiʻi and, perhaps more importantly, what they represent.

“Indeed, its sole purpose is to engage in random acts of kindness and sharing, and to celebrate the aloha spirit — that intangible, but palpable, essence which is best exemplified by the hospitality and inclusiveness exhibited by the Native Hawaiians, Hawaiʻi’s indigenous peoples, to all people of goodwill,” the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaiʻi, the first Native Hawaiian serve in the chamber, said about Lei Day during a May 1, 2001, address.

They are given to show love, joy, sympathy, congratulations and for a multitude of other reasons, including as greetings and farewells, but always as an expression of aloha.

In fact, Leiday.org says, “poetically, a child is called a lei because the child is the weaving together of the love of his or her parents and ancestors.”

Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace at Waikōloa Beach Resort once again invite the Big Island to celebrate the Hawaiian holiday with them.

They are hosting the free daylong Waikōloa Lei Day Festival this Saturday, featuring cultural performances and hands-on activities plus a marketplace with a variety of local artisans, eateries and vendors — all in the spirit of aloha.

There also will be a Lei Contest, and the two shopping centers are combining efforts for their first Lei Day Scavengers Hunt.

“Join us at Waikōloa Beach Resort to honor the beauty, history and artistry of Hawai‘i’s beloved Lei Day,” said the announcement for the festival.

On the other side of the island, expand your universe and explore the cosmos during AstroDay, the free family-friendly science celebration hosted by Maunakea Observatories, on Saturday at Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo.

There will be a rocket load of science experiments, dazzling demonstrations, interactive games, giveaways and more out-of-this world fun during the day, including a rumble between robots, that you’re not going to want to miss.

Saturday night at the historic Palace Theater in downtown Hilo is all about cultivating community during a screening of Michael Sommer’s documentary “A Dream of the Earth.”

The film follows members of the Rainbow Bridge community on the Hāmākua Coast, who learn as they embraces the challenges of sustainable farming, communal living and ecological stewardship that working the land is about more than just sustenance.

Rainbow Bridge community members will be in attendance for a panel discussion following the screening. Live music and an ecstatic dance set will also be part of the after-movie festivities.

That’s just small sample of what’s happening around the island during the next week. Just because the Merrie Monarch Festival is done doesn’t mean all the fun is, too.

Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for May 2-8 now.

P.S.: We included an extra 11th thing to do this week for our sci-fi geeks and anyone who enjoys space stories from “a long time ago.” Check it out after the “official” top 10.

No. 1 — Ranger-Guided Programs (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park)

When: Almost daily

Location: Kīlauea Summit

Did you know free park rangers give guided programs nearly every day at the national park? You do now. Experience “Life on the Edge” at Uēkahuna and other ranger-guided programs by checking the park calendar for dates, times and descriptions or drop by the Welcome Center at Kīlauea Military Camp while Kīlauea Visitor Center undergoes renovations.  

More info: Visit the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website or call 808-983-7300.

No. 2 — “A Dream of the Earth: Cultivating Community in Hawaiian Soil” (Hilo, May 2)

When: 7 to 10 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St., Hilo

This documentary by Michael Sommer follows the Rainbow Bridge community on Hawai‘i Island’s Hāmākua Coast as it embraces the challenges of sustainable farming, communal living and ecological stewardship. Members learn that working the land is about more than just sustenance — it’s about cultivating bonds, teaching children valuable lessons and creating a sustainable future. A panel discussion with Rainbow Bridge community members, live music and an ecstatic dance set will follow the movie. Cost is just $10.

More info/get tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

No. 3 — 40th anniversary Kona Orchid Society Mother’s Day Orchid Show, Plant & Craft Sale (Kailua-Kona, May 3)

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

Blooming fun abounds with displays of orchids grown by club members and a wide selection of healthy orchids for sale from numerous Hawai‘i Island growers. Other types of plants, growing supplies, crafted merchandise and some food options also will be available for purchase. Up to 100 people will have the privilege of getting exclusive first access from 8 to 9 a.m., and a free cup of coffee, with Early Bird tickets, available now online for $20. Admission to the regular show and sale is $2. The first 300 attendees will get a free plant.

More info: Click here.

No. 4 — “Expedition Dinosaur: INTO THE DEEP” (Hilo, May 3-4)

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

Location: ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, 600 ʻImiloa Place

Don’t miss the last two days of this special event millions of years in the making. You still have time to dive into the mysteries of Earth’s history, exploring the Jurassic period — 201 to 145 million years ago. Embark on a thrilling journey into Earth’s ancient past, encountering marine reptiles, dinosaurs and dynamic ecosystems that shaped the planet. Prices vary between member and non-member. There also is a kamaʻaina discount, with a valid state ID. Children 4 years old and younger are free.

More info/get tickets: Visit the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center website.

No. 5 — Family Fun Day (Waimea, May 3)

When: 9:30 a.m.; check in at 8 a.m.

Location: Parker Ranch Arena, 67-1349 ʻAla ʻŌhiʻa Street, Waimea

Parker Ranch Roundup Club invites the entire Big Island to this free community event that promises a day full of family fun. From 5 thrilling horse events — bareback dollar, musical tires, ribbon race, water race and Jr./Sr. lead time — to 6 exciting non-horse activities — stick horse barrels, stick horse pole bending, goat undecorating, dummy roping, boot race and water balloon toss — there will be something for all ages to enjoy.

More info: Email to p.r.roundup@gmail.com.

No. 6 — AstroDay 2025 (Hilo, May 3)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Prince Kūhiō Plaza, 111 Pūʻainakō St.

Don’t just sit at home, stuck in your own small little world this weekend. The cosmos are waiting to be explored, so get out of the house and blast off to expand your universe with this annual — and free — ʻohana-friendly science celebration hosted by Maunakea Observatories that features hands-on science experiments, dazzling demonstrations, interactive games, giveaways and more out-of-this-world activities and STEM-packed fun than you can fit in a space shuttle cargo bay. That includes the Robot Rumble and announcement of this year’s Maunakea Coin Contest winners.

More info: Visit the Maunakea Observatories website.

No. 7 — Waikōloa Lei Day Festival (Waikōloa, May 3)

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, Waikōloa Beach Resort

This free, family-friendly celebration of Hawai‘i’s rich lei-making traditions presented by Traditions Hawai’i features captivating cultural performances, hands-on activities and a vibrant marketplace with a variety of local artisans, eateries and vendors — all in the spirit of aloha. The Lei Day Lei Contest will also be hosted at Kings’ Shops and there the shopping centers are hosting their first Lei Day Scavenger Hunt. Don’t miss all the fun!

More info: Visit the Waikōloa Beach Resort website.

No. 8 — K.O.A. (Kauz of Affliction) CD/Record Release Show (Kailua-Kona, May 3)

When: 6 to 10 p.m.

Location: Kona Elks Lodge 2616, 75-170 Hualālai Road

This Ocean View punk band is celebrating the release of its new album “Life Tips on Dumpster Diving” and is inviting the Big Island to the party. The all-ages show has a stacked bill of bands, too, including June Machine and STD playing Kona for the first time, and Craiceáilte opening the festivities with some Celtic punk. Cleo Violet will be vending. Plus, get trashy in the Trash Fashion Contest, have a free slice of pizza and have a chance to win some K.O.A. swag, a guitar and more. The night is going to be a blast! Cost is just $10 at the door.

More info: Visit the K.O.A.’s ReverbNation page or email to koabandhawaii@gmail.com.

No. 9 — The POPS! (Waimea, May 4)

When: 2 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra brings this fun-loving show to close out its 2024-25 concert season, featuring an eclectic mix from Broadway blockbusters to silverscreen favorites sure to set the Kahilu stage ablaze. Enjoy the musical fireworks as some of Hawai‘i Island’s finest musical artists join the Philharmonic for a concert that will delight audiences of all ages. Tickets start at $24.

More info/get tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

No. 10 — Can’t Even Comedy with Joey Bragg (Hilo, May 8)

When: 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Hilo Town Market, 69 Waiānuenue Ave.

Bragg, known for his witty humor and charming persona, has a knack for turning everyday mishaps into hilarious tales. He’s all for spilling the beans about one awkward time he mistook a mannequin for a real person! So buckle up and get ready for an evening packed full of laughter during a comedic roller-coaster that might make you snort like your aunty during Thanksgiving! Tickets start at $20. Bring your own beverages and pupus.

More info/get tickets: Click here.

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An extra from a galaxy far, far away

May the 4th be with You at the Palace Theater

When: 2:30 and 7 p.m. May 4

Hyperjump over to the historic Palace Theater, located at 38 Haili St. in downtown Hilo, for a speical May the 4th presentation of the final installment of the original “Star Wars” trilogy: “Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.” Tickets are just $10 and available now. Don’t miss this space opera’s final epic battle on Endor as the Rebels make their last stand against the Empire. Meanwhile, Luke struggles to change his father back to Jedi Anakin Skywalker from Sith Darth Vader without being tempted himself by the evil Emperor Palpatine. Pick your side in the fight for the galaxy and get your tickets now!

More info/get tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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Check for yourself to see what’s happening around the Big 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/