Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 8-14: SPAM Musubi Day, Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival, Keiki & Dog Fun Day, plus more

This week’s top 10 is a celebration of diversity once again — for events and activities — with everything from observing the fifth annual SPAM Musubi Day to the Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival and a tail-wagging good time for keiki and their furry best friends.

The annual “holiday” of SPAM Musubi Day, created in 2021 by L&L, not only pays homage to Hawai’i, it also shines a tasty spotlight on perhaps the state’s favorite snack and its rich cultural story, in its Japanese onigiri to evolving into a modern staple of island cuisine.

Stop by participating L&L locations Aug. 8 to celebrate the “holiday.”

Nā Mākua Original Hawaiian Designs returns to Hilo Hawaiian Hotel for its Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival this weekend, celebrating Hawaiian culture and arts in the Moku Ola Ballroom.

Cultural demonstrations of Hawaiian weapons, nā ki‘i carving, lei making, pahu drum making and more; Hawaiian arts and crafts made by Hawai‘i artists, designers and producers; ‘ono Hawaiian food; and entertainment featuring Hawaiian music from several local artists are all part of the festivities while you shop and enjoy out for a day of fun and culture.

The festival is Aug. 9 and 10. Admission is free.

Across town at St. Joseph School on Aug. 9, there will be a whole lot of tale wagging going on during Keiki & Dog Fun Day for kids 18 years old and younger with their furry, fuzzy and cuddly canine friends, including a Dog Fun Show, with a chance to win ribbons and prizes; dog training activities; Ask a Vet; and more.

There will even be vendors at the field, including Toasty Dogs and Aunt Sue’s Sugar Shack. Admission is free for participants.

That’s just a sample of what’s happening during the next week around the island.

Keep reading to find out more and checking out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Aug. 8-14.

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No. 1 — “Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan” (Hilo, through Aug. 30)

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday

Location: Hawai‘i Japanese Center, 751 Kanoelehua Ave.

This world-traveling exhibit presents Japan’s yokai culture through Japanese scrolls, woodblock prints, toys and films curated by Koichi Yumoto, regarded as one of Japan’s foremost experts on the subject, tracing the transformation of these supernatural beings from fearsome monsters to less scary — even charming — figures through contemporary media arts. A fascination with yokai traveled from Japan to Hawai’i along with the thousands of Japanese immigrants who traversed the Pacific Ocean to work as laborers on sugarcane plantations in the 1800s to the early 1900s. Taking on a form and identity of their own in Hawai’i, yokai are better known in the islands as “obake.”

More info: Visit the Hawai‘i Japanese Center website, call 808-934-9611 or email to info@hawaiijapanesecenter.com.

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No. 2 — 5th annual SPAM Musubi Day (Islandwide, Aug. 8)

When: Noon to 2 p.m.

Location: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue locations around the island

This annual “holiday” was created in 2021 by L&L and pays homage to Hawai‘i’s 808 area code and the rich cultural story behind the SPAM musubi — from its roots in Japanese onigiri to its evolution into a modern staple of island cuisine. L&L sells more than 6.2 million of the island favorite snacks annually throughout more than 230 locations in the United States and Japan. Stop in at participating locations to get a free SPAM musubi to celebrate the special day, while supplies last.

More info: Contact or stop in at your nearest local L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurant. Click here for a full list of locations.

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No. 3 — Art Fridays with Cash and Ula Anderson (Hilo, Aug. 8)

When: 6 p.m. until pau

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

This is safe and sober art-making evening every second Friday of the month is hosted by Cash and Ula Anderson and aimed at cultivating camaraderie around a shared love of art. Bring your own supplies, art projects already in progress, or start something new. There will be some basic art supplies available, as well as refreshments. Open to adults and keiki ages 12 and older; children must be accompanied by an adult. Entry is by donation, with all proceeds benefiting East Hawai‘i Cultural Center.

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

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No. 4 — Military 4-H Pacific ‘Ohana Day (Hilo, Aug. 9)

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Location: Ho‘ōla Farms, 1261 Country Club Drive

From the buzzing world of bees to miniature donkeys, a day of interactive agricultural and environmental experiences awaits military families and the community at this special event presented by University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Cooperative Extension and Ho‘ōla Farms. It offers a warm, interactive environment, featuring hands-on education about seeds and plants, learning the importance about bees and honey, exploring the world of miniature donkeys and more. Space is limited and registration is required. Admission is free.

More info/registration: Click here.

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No. 5 — Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival (Hilo, Aug. 9-10)

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days

Location: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Moku Ola Ballroom, 71 Banyan Drive

Celebrating the Hawaiian culture and arts, this arts festival features Hawai‘i’s master artists and producers sharing their no‘eau and mana‘o. There will be cultural demonstrations with Hawaiian weapons, Makahiki games, lā‘au lapa‘au, lei hulu, nā ki‘i carving, lei making, pahu drum making; Hawaiian arts and crafts, featuing a wide selection of products made in Hawai‘i by local artists, designers and producers; ‘ono Hawaiian food, highlighting Hilo Hawaiian Chef Jason’s creations, plus libations and refreshments for the event; and Hawaiian entertainment featuring Darlene Ahuna, Christy Lassiter, Gavien Mata, Makaiwa Kanui and Nailima Gaison and friends. Free admission. Presented by Nā Mākua Original Hawaiian Designs and produced by Nelson and Kainoa Makua.

More info: Visit the Nā Mākua website.

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No. 6 — Keiki & Dog Fun Day (Hilo, Aug. 9)

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

Location: St. Jospeh School field, 1000 Ululani St.

Join Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue for a tail-wagging good time and fun-filled day for kids and their furry friends. There’s a Dog Fun Show, wih Orchid Island Dog Fancier Club, where keiki and their pup have a chance to step into the show ring to win ribbons and prizes in several categories such as longest tail, longest ears, best trick, waggiest tail, shortest hair and more; dog training with Hilo Obedience Training Club; Ask a Vet with Dr. Kristina Henricks; free microchipping and dog licensing for a small fee; and several vendors will be available, too, including Toasty Dogs and Aunt Sue’s Sugar Shack. Admission is free for participants.

More info: Contact Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue at 808-960-1704, via email at officeteam@alohailiorescue.com or visit the organization’s website.

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No. 7 — Picnic in the Park (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 9)

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station (Kahuku Unit, turn into Kahuku near the 70.5-mile marker on Highway 11 in Ka‘ū; about an hour from the park’s main entrance)

Pack a picnic or buy some kaukau from a food vendor and enjoy a free day of hula and Hawaiian music. Kumu hula Keala Ching and his hālau Nā Wai Iwi Ola will open the festivities followed by kumu Lori Lei Shirakawa Katahara and Lori Leiʻs Hula Studio at noon. Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning recording artist Kainani Kahaunaele will perform at 1 p.m. with her trio.

More info: Check the park calendar (https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm) for more information.

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No. 8 — Silent Movie Matinee (Hilo, Aug. 10)

When: 3 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 2:30 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Enjoy Buster Keaton’s “Hard Luck” and other silent short films accompanied by a live score performed on the Mighty Palace Pipe Organ by Walter Greenwood. Directed by Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton; starring Buster Keaton, Virginia Fox and Joe Roberts. “Hard Luck” tells the story of strange things ensuing after a young man attempts to take his own life. Tickets are $12 general admission presale or $15 at the door.

More info/tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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No. 9 — “Dancing the Afrofuture: Hula, Hip-Hop and the Dunham Legacy” (Hilo, Aug. 14)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: University of Hawai‘i, University Classroom Building 100 lecture hall, 200 W. Kāwili St.

Dance scholar and author Halifu Osumare of Sacramento, Calif., latest book explores her two-island lifestyle — transitioning from artist to academic scholar. In the process, she danced from stage to page, negotiating Hawaiian hula as an African-American dancer, bringing the Hawaiian and Black communities on the Big Island together. A book-signing and reception will follow a book reading and presentatio by Osumare. This event is part of Big Island Dance Council’s 50th anniversary celebration and free to for the public to attend.

More info: Visit the Big Island Dance Council website and follow the council on Facebook and Instagram.

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No. 10 — Likkle Jordee with special guests Dirty Roots (Hilo, Aug. 14)

When: 7 to 11 p.m.

Location: The Crown Room, Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive

Don’t miss an unforgettable night of reggae vibes all night, with signature sound, positive energy and classic roots at one of Hilo’s favorite venues. Tickets are available for booths, tables and general admission. Don’t miss this special event—spread the love and reggae spirit! General admission tickets start at $35.

More info/tickets: Click here.

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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/