Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Nov. 6-13: Become a dancing storyteller, an adventuring astronaut or a holiday festival vendor and more

The Spooky Season is behind us, Big Island, which means it’s beg … Oh. Nope. Not going there yet.

Did you you think we were going the route of sugar plum fairies, Tinsel Town and that Jolly Old Right Elf in the green and red with those 8 tiny reindeer take up residency in your noggin for almost 2 months, driving you crazy until it all culminates in one night of release — whether it’s binge drinking until 5 a.m. the next morning or eating a year’s worth of lobster — before you can even think about stepping foot into the the New Year?

This week’s top 10 shows neither is the rest of the world.

Yes. There is one early holiday event listed. There was somewhat of an “expectation.”

But there’s also events during which you can dream up a story, bring your characters to life through pantomime and dance and perform with family and friends by the end of the day or another event where you can explore the universe from the comfort of right here at home on Earth through demonstrations, activities and more presented by scientists and really smart people.

This weekend also is when the island community will step out to step up to show its respect and honor of service in all its forms — especially that of the island’s veterans with Veterans Day just a few days away.

So get those bodies up and going, friends and neighbors. Let’s enjoy as much as we can with as many loved ones as possible to make as many special memories our own brains can hold.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Nov. 6-13.

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No. 1 — 17th annual Hawai‘i Nei Art Exhibition Opening Night (Hilo, Nov. 7)

When: 4 to 7 p.m.

Location: Wailoa Center, 200 Piʻopiʻo St.

Enjoy live music by Kaimana Kawaha and Kaniaulono Hāpai, keiki art activities and light refreshments in celebration of the incredible creativity of Hawaiʻi Island’s artists. This cherished community event continues to bring together powerful imagery of Hawaiʻi’s unique species and landscapes, raising awareness and appreciation for the original kamaʻāina that make these islands so extraordinary and reminding us that conservation begins with connection. The exhibit continues through Dec. 11.

More info: Contact the Wailoa Center at 808-933-0416 or via email at DLNR.SP.Wailoacenter@hawaii.gov. You also can visit the Wailoa Center website.

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No. 2 — AstroDay Kona 2024 (Kailua-Kona, Nov. 8)

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

Location: Kona Commons Shopping Center, 74-5450 Makala Boulevard

Maunakea Observatories once again invites the public to this free, interactive day filled with fun, featuring family-friendly activities, free giveaways, science demonstrations, informational booths and educational fun for all ages presented by several of the observatories atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island’s other affiliated organizations.

More info: Visit the AstroDay website.

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No. 3 — 2nd annual Aloha Skate Roller Derby Draft Tournament (Waimea, Nov. 8-9)

When: 10 a.m. Saturday; 9:30 a.m. Sunday

Location: Spencer Kalani Schutte District Park Gym, 67-1315 Ala ʻŌhiʻa Road

Roller skating enthusiasts from throughout the islands and around the world along with a field of similarly diverse competitors will come together for a weekend of thrilling competition, community spirit and island vibes. And it’s all free and open to the public, with food available to purchase. Skaters of all levels — from seasoned pros to rising stars — will converge for this exciting draft-style tournament that promises a diverse and electric atmosphere that celebrates the unity and creativity of the roller skating community.

More info: Contact Aloha Skate Roller Derby via email at Alohaskaterollerderby@gmail.com.

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No. 4 — 3rd annual Puakalehua Celebrate ʻOhana Festival (Waikōloa, Nov. 8)

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

Location: Queens’ Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dive

Come celebrate the community ‘ohana and everything early learning. There will be free unlimited entry to Hawai‘i Keiki Museum and mini golf, free entertainment, free giveaways, free hot dogs (while supplies last), early learning supporters and providers chock full of information to give, fun hands-on activities and a whole lot more.

More info: Visit the Puakalehua website.

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No. 5 — Hawai‘i International Film Festival (Waimea, Nov. 8-9)

When: Movies begin at noon both days

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Enjoy a front row seat to the 2025 Hawai‘i International Film Festival — a celebration of cinematic artistry and storytelling, bridging cultures and communities around Hawai‘i and the Pacific Rim. The festival returns with a powerful lineup of award-winning films, local premieres and thought-provoking stories.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 6 — North Hawai‘i Jr. WNBA Novice Girls Basketball Division (Waimea, begins Nov. 10)

When: Nov. 10 to Dec. 10; coaches/team reps meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 10

Location: Spencer Kalani Schutte District Park Gym, 67-1315 Ala ʻŌhiʻa Road

North Hawai‘i girls in grades 3 through 8 have a chance to shoot some hoops with friends and have some fun with friends outside class. Registration for North Hawai‘i’s Kohala, Hāmākua Novice Girls Basketball begins soon. Practices will start Jan. 3, 2026, with games scheduled Feb. 3-March 12. Participants are split between Elementary girls (grades 3 to 5) and Intermediate girls (grades 6 to 8). Cost is $30 per player; registration includes NBA/WNBA reversible replica jersey. Team registration cost is $60 for Elementary and $75 for Intermediate.

More info/registration: Contact Shelton Kalilikane at 808-217-6074 or via email at shelton.kalilikane@hawaiicounty.gov. You also can visit the Hawai‘i County Parks and Rec website for online registration forms and additional information.

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No. 7 — Story Dancers (Waikōloa, Nov. 11)

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

Location: Hawai‘i Keiki Museum, 69-250 Waikōloa Beach Drive, K104

Keiki ages 8 to 14 years old can join this special Veterans Day holiday drop-in hands-on storytelling and movement workshop to dream up a story, bring their characters to life through pantomime and dance and share their performance with family and friends by the end of the day! Along the way, they’ll explore how stories come alive through movement, music, costume and creativity. It’s a creative experience that celebrates imagination, collaboration and fun!

More info/registration: Visit the Hawai‘i Keiki Museum website.

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No. 8 — 18th annual Hawai‘i Island Veterans Day Parade (Hilo, Nov. 8)

When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown Hilo (from Wailoa State Park Recreation Area to Pauahi Street up to Kilauea Avenue down Waianuenue Avenue and back to the park along Kamehameha Avenue)

The Hawai‘i Island community will once again unite to celebrate and honor service in all its forms during this annual tradition and time-honored event that is not only a tribute to island veterans but also a celebration of the diverse ways everyone contributes to the greater good. By honoring the past and inspiring future generations, the parade serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and unity within the island community. “A Celebration for All,” the parade will feature a rich variety of participants such as military units, local dignitaries, business and community floats as well as talented bands.

More info: Visit the Hawai‘i Island Veterans Day Parade website.

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No. 9 — Hawaiian Paradise Park Neighborhood Watch Swap Meet (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Nov. 8)

When: 7 to 11 a.m

Location: Maku‘u Drive and 16th/17th Avenues

Come check out the unique gifts and fun finds available while meeting the wonderful people who bring them to sell during this event in Puna. You can find general yard sale items, art, crafts, plants and more. The cafe is also open, so you can find all your kitchen favorites such as quiche, muffins, chili, hot dogs, musubi, coffee and cold drinks, too. Want to sell some treasures? Vendors can stop by and get contact info or arrive at 5 a.m. and wait in line. Vendor gates open at 5:30 a.m. Event benefits Hawaiian Paradise Park Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Team, Emergency Radio Team and Hawaiian Paradise Park Food Pantry.

More info: Call Hawaiian Paradise Neighborhood Watch at 808-966-4500 or email to hppneighborhoodwatch@aol.com.

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No. 10 — ‘Ohana Holiday Christmas Festival (Hilo, Nov. 8)

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

Location: Hale Aloha Nazarene School, 595 Kupulau Road

This is one of the first Christmas festivals of the holiday season, which means it’s one of the first chances to check out what local craft vendors have to offer for unique gift options. They will be selling handmade crafts and goodies made with love that will make perfect Chrismast gifts and more. There also will be local food truck vendors; raffle prizes for adults and keiki; information booths; keiki programs such as Keiki ID, InPeace and car seat safety checks; keiki activities including face painting, temporary tattoos and balloon twisting. Don’t miss this holiday cheer!

More info: Call Hale Aloha Nazarene School at 808-959-4949.

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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/