Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Nov. 14-20: Surfboard slasher, cosmic convergence, magical evening and ‘Inspecting Carol’

We’ve said it before and will likely say it again, but when you read the headline on this week’s Top 10 things to do on the Big Island and don’t think diverse, unique or even a little quirky, maybe even a “Huh?”, we’d really like to know where you live.

Two special screenings — one in Honokaʻa and another in Kealakekua — of a movie filmed in Hawaiʻi featuring the horror genre’s first killer surfboard.

A party in Pāhoa promising an interdimensional celebration of life, love and light.

An evening gala in Hilo aimed at raising funds to help advance the mission of a Big Island animal rescue and rehabilitation nonprofit.

A stage production at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center that puts a new twist on a Charles Dickens holiday classic — with plenty of comedic mayhem in the process.

Events this week run the entire gamut of “OK, that’s usual” to “What?”

But that’s what we love about our Hawaiʻi Island home, right?

Plus, those are just 4 out of 10 — imagine what else you’ll find in the Top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Nov. 14-20.

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NO. 1 — 23rd annual ‘Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar Festival (Waimea, Nov. 14-15)

When: Various times

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Kahilu Theatre presents another spectacular showcase celebrating and honoring Waimea’s deep kī hō‘alu (slack key) and paniolo heritage, offering audiences a chance to experience authentic Hawaiian music and listen to the stories of the award-winning musicians performing. The festival includes three full-length concerts, educational workshops and community outreach programs, plus for the first time a Makeke Vendor Market at Kahilu Town Hall. Market hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Workshop reservations are $25.

More info/tickets/workshop reservations: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website. You can also call the Kahilu box office at 808-885-6868 or visit in-person from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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NO. 2 — Special screenings of “Plankenstein: A Killer Surf Movie” (Honokaʻa, Nov. 14; Kealakekua, Nov. 15)

When: 7:15 p.m. Nov. 14 (with pre-show comedy by Jose Dynamite); 7 p.m. Nov. 15

Locations: Honokaʻa People’s Theatre, 45-3574 Māmane St., Honokaʻa; The Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Hawaiʻi Belt Road, Kealakekua

The horror genre’s first killer surfboard stalks its way to the Big Island following a sold-out premiere on Oʻahu. The surfboard slasher film combines sun-soaked surf culture with blood-curdling thrills. Reviews called it “a campy, gore-filled romp” that’s “sure to become a cult classic.” It follows the carnage unleashed by a cursed surfboard protecting a secret Hawaiian royal heir, interweaving ancient Hawaiian curses, local legends and modern surf culture into a tapestry of terror and tradition.

More info/tickets: Visit the Honokaʻa People’s Theatre website and The Aloha Theatre website for each respective screening. Watch the “Plankenstein” trailer here.

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NO. 3 — Alternative Health Fair (Pāhoa, Nov. 15)

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

Location: Pāhoa Lava Zone Museum, 15-2959 Pāhoa Village Road

Come visit Pāhoa Chiropractic and visit with the amazing staff, then stick around for some family-friendly fall fun with a few checkups and healthcare consults to add into the mix. Question-and-answer sessions will be available with the providers present. Free chiropractic consults, acupuncture and mini massage sessions are planned. Don’t miss some great giveaways and keiki games with tons of prizes while you enjoy some free music, too. There will even be $1 street tacos to satisfy your hunger.

More info: Contact Pāhoa Chiropractic at 808-965-6623 or pahoachiropractic@outlook.com.

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NO. 4 — Solaris (Pāhoa, Nov. 15)

When: 3 to 10 p.m.

Location: The Oasis, 15-2951 Pāhoa Village Road

It’s more than a party with a purpose, it’s a cosmic convergence — touted as an intergalactic cosmic reunion and interdimensional celebration of life, love and light. Live music and other performances, including fire dancing, plus vendors offering their wares. A quarter of all proceeds support local food initiatives. Tickets start at just $15 presale on Eventbrite. Come connect, dance, pray and celebrate under the stars, where Earth meets the infinite.

More info/tickets: Visit the event page on Eventbrite.

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NO. 5 — Open House & Holiday Market (Hilo, Nov. 14-15)

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 14; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15

Location: Nā Leo TV, Hilo studio, 91 Mohouli St.

Nā Leo TV invites the community to a free, festive, family-friendly event that offers a unique opportunity to explore the local community media hub while supporting more than 20 local makers and artisans just in time for the holidays. Hands-on lauhala Christmas ornament weaving workshops are also planned from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday and 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Seating is limited; cost is $55 for each workshop. Advance registration is recommended. Come celebrate the spirit of the season in a celebration of community empowerment and creativity.

More info/workshop registration: Call 808-935-8874 or visit the Nā Leo TV website.

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NO. 6 — A Magical Evening (Hilo, Nov. 15)

When: 6 p.m.

Location: Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive

Join the Magical Creatures Sanctuary for its second annual gala, which promises an evening of fun, food and fundraising aimed at engaging the community, boosting local involvement and advancing its mission to to rescue, rehabilitate and offer lifelong sanctuary to animals on the Big Island while offering programs that promote kindness, compassion and stewardship. A cash bar will be available, and don’t miss out on bidding in the silent auction. A gourmet 3-course plant based meal is also on the menu.

More info/tickets: Visit the A Magical Evening website.

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NO. 7 — Puna Beats (Pāhoa, Nov. 15)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Puna Kai Shopping Center, 15-2714 Pāhoa Village Road

Come one, come all for a night of music and fun during the second free teen concert fit for all ages hosted at Puna Kai. Show your support for the kids while you’re thrilled by the talents of three bands. Kalapana’s own Hilo Hobos will bring their bluegrass and country vibe to the stage along with Hāmākua’s Iron Pigz and their classic rock offerings. Plus, Leilani’s Phrogs on a Log will show off their pop and rock chops. No alcohol/drugs. Food by Tacos Jalisco will be available for purchase.

More info: Contact Band Haven at bandhaven24@gmail.com.

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NO. 8 — 2nd annual Hilo Healthcare Career Expo (Hilo, Nov. 18)

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Sangha Hall, 424 Kīlauea Ave.

More than 40 local employers will be available, connecting with job seekers. Come explore a wide range of career opportunities with some of the island’s leading healthcare organizations. These employers will be actively recruiting for positions at all levels during the expo. Whether you’re seeking a career change, new to the workforce or already working in health care, take this opportunity to come speak with healthcare workers and learn about the roles available.

More info: Visit the Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center website.

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NO. 9 — Nobuntu: Voices of Zimbabwe (Waimea, Nov. 19)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

This internationally acclaimed a cappella quartet of women from Zimbabwe is known for radiant harmonies, an Afro-jazz flair and a soul-stirring stage presence. Their performances feature pure voices, authentic dance and traditional instruments, blending traditional Zimbabwean songs, gospel and original arrangements. Come celebrate the power of voice, movement and cultural pride. Tickets start at just $30.

More info: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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NO. 10 — “Inspecting Carol” (Hilo, Nov. 20-23)

When: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Location: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center, 200 W. Kāwili St.

Known for its fast-paced, door-slamming, chaotic humor, this show tells the story of a small theater company desperately trying to impress a potential National Endowment for the Arts inspector to secure grant money. After a seemingly clueless man shows up and is mistakenly assumed to be the inspector, everything that can go wrong does, leading to comedic mayhem and a production that spirals out of control, with the “clueless” man getting a part in the company’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” General admission in advance is $20; tickets are $5 more at the door.

More info/tickets: Visit the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center 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/