Top 10 things to do on Big Island for June 5-12: King Kamehameha and World Ocean day celebrations, Holy Ghost Feast, HI-larious Improv and more

Next Wednesday is King Kamehameha Day, the holiday celebrated around the Hawaiian Islands to honor Kamehameha the Great, the monarch who first established the unified Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.

And on Sunday, it is World Oceans Day, whose purpose is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans, according to the United Nations.

On the Big Island, both will be celebrated. The 153rd King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade will take place on Saturday in Kailua-Kona and the North Kohala community celebrates the birth of King Kamehameha I on June 11, as the Ali‘i was born in North Kohala.

On World Ocean Day, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa has a talk about how its Aloha Culture Center protects the reef at Kahalu‘u Bay.

There is plenty of other activities to keep a person busy around the Big Island. Check out our Top 10 list for this upcoming week.

No. 1 – 8th annual Taste of the Pacific & Asia (Kailua-Kona, June 6-8)

When: Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Location: Courtyard Marriott’s King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Road

This three-day event will be packed with food, fashion, cultural expressions, hula, cultural workshops, and the islandʻs only fire knife competition. The event begins Friday with the opening celebration, which includes protocol from the various cultures represented and a hula hoike (celebration).

Saturday is filled with a wearable art fashion show, arts & crafts, and a Samoan fire knife competition. Enjoy a delicious culinary experience at the Taste of Pacific & Asia on Sunday.

For in-person ticket information, visit www.HiKuauli.com or attend virtually on www.HiKuauli.com.

More information: http://www.HiKuauli.com

No. 2 – Kamehameha Day Parade (Kailua-Kona, June 7)

When: Saturday at 9 a.m.

Location: Ali‘i Drive

The 153rd King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade is an iconic event that celebrates the pa‘ū princess riders, where a princess, representing each island, is selected to ride a horse in holoku. This year, the Pa‘ū queen is Bonnie J. Lumahiwa Schutte Sanchez.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/p/King-Kamehameha-Day-Celebration-Parade-Kailua-Kona-100066701856312/

Following the parade, attend the annual King Kamehameha Day Ho‘olaule‘a at Hulihe‘e Palace, located on Ali‘i Drive, starting at 11 a.m. Entry into the festival is free.

We are excited to open the doors and welcome kama‘āina and visitors to: tour the Palace, enjoy the grounds, and support local vendors and artisans, while enjoying musical entertainment and ‘ono food. Admission into the Palace Museum for Self-Guided Palace Tours are:

• $8 General
• $3 Youth (5-12 years old)
• $1 Children (4 years and under)
• $5 Kama‘āina (with valid ID)

All proceeds from the Day go towards the historic preservation, maintenance and operations of the Palace and grounds.

More information: https://daughtersofhawaii.org/events/hoolaulea/

No. 3 – Kamehameha Day lei draping (North Kohala, June 11)

When: June 11, starting at 9 a.m.

Location: Kamehameha Park, 54382 Kamehameha Park Rd. in Kapa‘au

The North Kohala community celebrates the birth of King Kamehameha I on June 11, as the Ali‘i was born in North Kohala. The event starts with the traditional Hawaiian sunrise protocol and the traditional lei draping ceremony at Kamehameha’s Statue, located in Kapa‘au. It is followed by the walking in of the royal court and royal societies.

At 9 a.m., Akoni Pule Highway will close for a floral parade. After the parade, head to Kamehameha Park for a Ho’olaule’a filled with Hawaiian music, local foods, arts and crafts.

More information: http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org

No. 4 – World Ocean Day (Kona, June 8)

When: Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m.

Location: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai St.

Learn about World Ocean Day through culture and action. Start the morning at the resort’s Aloha Culture Center and listen to Cindi Punihaole, director of Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center, talk about how the center protects the reef at Kahalu‘u Bay.

The public is also invited to participate in Reef Teach at 12:30 p.m. at the bay. Participate in reef-safe education and restoration. Learn how to protect coral and marine life and connect with community and share aloha with the ocean.

More information: https://event.outrigger.com/outrigger-kona-resort-and-spa/events/kailua-kona/celebrate-world-ocean-day-10072971

No. 5 – Artists Tomiko Jones and Emily Moores opening reception (Kamuela, June 7)

When: Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd.

Kahilu presents two solo exhibitions by accomplished artists living outside of Hawaiʻi: Tomiko Jones and Emily Moores. Tomiko Jones’s Hatsubon will be on view in Kahilu’s Simperman Gallery, while Emily Moores’ installation, Undercurrent, will fill Kahilu’s Suli T. Go Gallery.

Both exhibitions open with a free public reception on Saturday, and will remain on view through July 27.

No. 6 – Holy Ghost Feast (Honoka‘a, June 8)

When: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 45-5028 Plumeria St.

The Holy Ghost Feast is a traditional event that the whole family can enjoy. Come eat food from hot Portuguese malassadas, Filipino plates, BBQ plates and other local food. There will be entertainment, games and Thrift Shop deals. And don’t miss out on the traditional Portuguese Charola auction.

No. 7 – HI-larious Improv (Kailua-Kona, June 6)

When: Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: 74-5606 Pawai Place, Bay 8

HI-larious Improv, a Big Island improv comedy group, will be bringing their unique style of island-inspired humor to Puna Chocolate Company.

If you’ve seen Who’s Line is it Anyway, you’re already familiar with magic of comedy made up on the spot!

Limited tickets are available for this intimate show. Purchase tickets online for $22. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25. Each ticket gives you entrance to the event and one free drink from the Puna Chocolate Bar & Cafe.

Click here to purchase a ticket.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/hilariousimprov/

No. 8 – Beach Cleanup (Kailua-Kona, June 7)

When: Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Location: Old Kona Airport Beach Park, 75-5560 Kuakini Highway

The Chee Pono Foundation is hosting a beach cleanup with a focus on microplastics. Event starts at 8:30 a.m. and volunteers will get entered to win raffle prizes from supporting sponsors, including ukulele made from recycled materials by Kala Ukulele.

No. 9 – Limu: Seaweed Exploration (Hilo, June 9)

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

Location: ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, 600 Imiloa Place

Come bring your keiki to participate in ʻImiloa Astronomy Center’s Hālau ‘Ōkupu Play and Learn program where they will learn about seaweed. From the delicate strands of ‘ōkala to the vibrant hues of manauea, each species of limu is an important part of our coastal ecosystem and has a special story to tell. Come explore with us.

This program is for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Ticket prices range from $20 to $30.

More information: https://imiloahawaii.org/event-calendar/2025/6/9/hlau-kupu-limu-seaweed-exploration

No. 10 – Samba Rio Style class (Hilo, June 12, 19 and 26)

When: From 7 to 8 p.m.

Location: Hilo Elks Lodge, 150 Kino’ole St.

Come learn the Samba with dance instructor Juli Isaza. Cost is $25 per person per class. She will be at the Elk’s Lodge on Jun 19 and 26. Isaza has been performing and teaching Samba for over 20 years. Every year she represents a samba school in The Rio de Janeiro Carnaval as Musa.