Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 1-7: 808 Day, art exhibits, Back to the 80s and more

Hey, Mom and Dad! We know you’ve had them home all summer and are probably looking forward to the beginning of the school year.

But this IS the last weekend before keiki return to class, so why not take them on one more journey or have one final quest?

Huh? Sounds like a good idea, you say? Need some ideas? Well why don’t you look at that. We just so happen to have a few upcoming events to recommend that might be perfect.

The one that comes to mind right away is 808 Day 2025.

It’s open to all ages and also a charitable event, so you and the fam can feel good about giving back by attending this one-of-a-kind community celebration Saturday at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo that highlights island culture, music and the aloha spirit.

This year’s epic music lineup features Ooklah the Moc, who is back on the Big Island for the first time in nearly a decade, as well as Mike Love, Irie Love, Sean Na‘auao, Nuff Sedd, Maka Gallinger & the 808 ‘Ohana plus more.

Not to mention there will be live art, interactive workshops and some of the island’s best local food and craft vendors, too.

Maybe art is more your and the kids’ thing? No worries. We got ya covered.

The 3rd annual Abled Hawai‘i Artist Collaborative Art Exhibit opens Aug. 1 at One Gallery in Hilo, showcasing artwork — that also will be on sale — created by artists with and without disabilities, professional artists, art organizers and educators working together during a 3-day inclusive event earlier this year.

An opening reception is being hosted at the gallery tonight, but their pieces will be on display throughout the month of August.

East Hawai‘i Cultural Center’s latest exhibit at its gallery in downtown Hilo also opens Aug. 1, exploring the humanity behind homelessness through the actions of artists Willie Baronet and Franciszek Orłowski complemented by photos from Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae.

“Displacement. Art of Surviving” includes hundreds of signs asking for help Baronet bought and collected from homeless people, Orłowski swaps personal belonging with homeless people after striking up conversations with them. It’s those exchanged belongings that are the basis for his work displayed in the exhibit, which runs through Sept. 26.

Is it an adult child you’re sending off to school this year?

Well, get out your best 1980s attire — and yes, we mean all of your leg warmers, shoulder pads and anything neon — and tease that hair right or slick it back for one of the coolest events happening on the island this weekend.

Hilo Community Players is hosting a Back to the 80s Party on Aug. 1 at The Keawe Theater in Hilo that would be a great way to send that college-bound keiki off with a retro bang.

There will be great music, including the raddest beats by DJ Self Target and all the gnarliest 1980s hits, plus if you come dressed for success in your best 80s look, you might get picked as a lucky winner.

No matter what you do with the kids this last weekend before school starts though, just be sure to enjoy the time you have. After all, that’s what really matters.

Here’s our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Aug. 1-7.

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No. 1 — 3rd annual Abled Hawai‘i Artist Collaborative Art Exhibit (Hilo, Aug. 1-31)

When: Opening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1

Location: One Gallery, 186 Kamehameha Ave.

Abled Hawai‘i Artists Collaborative creates a nurturing, uplifting environment for artists with and without disabilities, professional artists, art organizers and educators to learn from each other during an annual 3-day inclusive event as they create artwork together. Finished artwork from this year’s collab will be on display and for sale throughout August. It is the collaborative’s vision to teach artists working skills to further their artistic expression and financial independence, while creating a truly inclusive environment that continues into the future and showcases working artists with disabilities in the community.

More info: Email to ahaarts@gmail.com.

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No. 2 — “Displacement. Art of Surviving” (Hilo, Aug. 1-Sept. 26)

When: Opening at 6 p.m. Aug. 1

Location: East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St.

This exhibit shows the humanity behind homelessness through the actions of artists Willie Baronet and Franciszek Orłowski, complemented by photos from Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae, the sanctuary community founded by the late Twinkle “Aunty Twinkle” Borge. Baronet decided to approach homeless people and ask if he could buy their signs asking for help. Hundreds of signs from his collection will be on view at the cultural center. Orłowski, after striking up a conversation with homeless people, would offer to swap personal belongings and clothing with them, stripping down to a vulnerable state in every sense of the word. These exchanged belongings are the basis of his work on view.

More info: Contact East Hawai‘i Cultural Center at 808-961-5711. You can also visit the center website or stop in during gallery hours and office hours.

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No. 3 — Back to the 80s Party (Hilo, Aug. 1)

When: 7 to 10 p.m.

Location: The Keawe Theater, 280 Keawe St.

Hilo Community Players is throwing it back to the gnarliest decade ever, so bust out your leg warmers, tease that hair, put on your biggest shoulder pads and find your brightest neon colors and come out for a totally tubular time during this rad rave featuring beats by DJ Self Target and the biggest hits of the 1980s. Come dressed in your best 80s look for a chance to win prizes for best dressed, too. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Sip, snack and party on, even, dudes! There will be refreshments and snacks (including boozy and booze-free options) available for purchase all night long.

More info/tickets: Visit the Hawai‘i Community Players website.

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No. 4 — 808 Day 2025 (Hilo, Aug. 2)

When: 4 to 10 p.m.

Location: Nani Mau Gardens, 421 Makalika St.

Come enjoy a one-of-a-kind celebration of island culture, community and aloha spirit featuring an epic musical lineup that includes Ooklah the Moc, who is back on the Big Island for the first time in nearly a decade! Also hitting the stage are Mike Love, These Guys featuring Kaikena Scanlan, Irie Love, Sean Na‘auao, Nuff Sedd, Maka Gallinger & the 808 ‘Ohana plus more. This all-ages charitable event also is a vibrant showcase of live art, interactive workshops and some of the island’s best local food and craft vendors. General admission is $45.

More info/tickets: Visit the 808 Day website and follow the event on Instagram.

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No. 5 — Broadway in Hawai‘i Returns (Waimea, Aug. 2-3)

When: 7 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday

Location: Kahilu Theatre, Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Join original members of the Kahilu Youth Troupe, now theatre professionals living and performing around the globe, and current young performers living and studying in Hawai‘i as they come together for a concert featuring highlights from past Youth Troupe productions, staged by Youth Troupe director Beth Bornstein. This exciting Broadway event will include some of your favorites from “Grease,” “West Side Story,” “RENT” and more. Tickets start at $26.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 6 — Fee-free day for the Great American Outdoors Act (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 4)

When: All day

Location: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Aug. 4 marks the fifth anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, landmark legislation that has made a huge difference for the National Park Service and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The act enables parks to make large-scale repairs and improvements, such as critical fence and greenhouse repairs, water treatment system rehabilitation and improvements to Mauna Loa Road at the Big Island national park.

More info: Check the park calendar.

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No. 7 — Queer Youth Circus Club (Hilo, Aug. 6)

When: 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Wednesdays

Location: The Airhouse, 108 Kalākaua St.

Aerial Arts Hawai‘i is thrilled to kick off its new — and free — Queer Youth Circus Club. It’s more than a circus class; this social club offers self-identifying queer youth ages 11 years and older an exciting setting to learn new skills, hang out and have fun with a network of like-minded community peers and instructors. The weekly club is offered and intented to improve emotial and social support systems for LGBTQIA+ youth in East Hawai‘i and aligns with The Airhouse’s mission and values. If a keiki in your life would love this club, be sure to let them know.

More info: Visit the Aerial Arts Hawai‘i website.

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No. 8 — Comedy Night Hilo Hawai‘i (Hilo, Aug. 7)

When: 6:15 to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Hilo Town Market, 69 Waiānuenue Ave.

Get ready to laugh all night during an unforgettable comedy show, featuring the razor-sharp humor of Portland’s Funniest Person 2021 Kelly Ryan, who has appeared on “Just For Laughs,” “Don’t Tell Comedy” and “The Comedy Store,” and crowd-favorite wit of Bruce Gray of Netflix and “Don’t Tell Comedy” fame. They’ll be joined by a local lineup of talented comedians, making this a night of side-splitting laughter you won’t want to miss. Tickets are just $23.88, including fees and taxes.

More info/tickets: Visit PromoTix.

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Don’t miss your chance

Our last two items this week are early bird specials, in advance just because we know if we waited to bring them to you the week of, the chance of getting a seat or spot at the table would be much less than the fighting shot you have now.

Even now is cutting it close if close enough.

So if either of these two events — or both — seem like somthing you’d enjoy, don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Get your tickets or sign up now. There’s no need to negotiate.

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Early Bird No. 9 — Pig Butchering Workshop (Kurtistown, Aug. 9)

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

Location: Eden Farms, address will be sent upon registration

Join this home of more than 1,000 animals to learn how to harvest a pig with respect, explore regenerative animal management and take home freshly butchered free-range pork — all for free and while taking a step closer to local food security in the community. Boots and long pants are required. Bringing a cooler and ice to store and transport your freshly cut meat is encouraged, while a knife and cutting board are optional. You can also bring a personal lunch or snacks. All ages are welcome; however, there is a limit of 17 attendees, so don’t wait. Register today.

More info/register: Click here.

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Early Bird No. 10 — Tumua: Chee Hoo Tour (Hilo, Aug. 9)

When: 9:30 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

This stand-up comedian, podcaster, former collegiate athlete and social media personality who was born and raised on O‘ahu — whose social media sketches and stand-up bits have become well-know in the Polynesian community around the world — has been selling out clubs, theaters and now even arenas throughout the nation, one of them being Honolulu’s 6,500-seat Neal S. Blaisdell Center in November 2022. Tumua performed in 22 cities, 11 states and on 5 islands throughout 2023. He is continuing his sell-out performance trend by packing the historic Palace Theater in downtown Hilo for two out of three shows already next weekend. There’s just one show left to seek him. You also can purchase an exclusive Meet-and-Greet experience with Tumua for a separate cost. Advance tickets for the final show are $50 general admission, $70 priority orchestra seating. Tickets, if there are any left the night of the show, will cost an additional $5 at the door.

More info/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.

• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/
• 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/