Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 30-Feb. 5: Ancient site restoration, multi-universe journey, regal tea party and more

Get ready for a week that invites you to events from helping restore an ancient Hawaiian village site in the Valley of the Kings to expressing your opinions during a town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda.

Nonprofit Pōhāhā I Ka Lani is hosting Mālama ʻĀina Day: Nāpoʻopoʻo and invites people to assist with restoring loʻi kalo and rock walls in the ancient village site of Nāpoʻopoʻo — the largest ancient village in Waipiʻo valley located below the famous Hiʻilawe Waterfall.

Take a journey through quantum space to answer the question: in how many universes would you love the same person? Hilo Community Players invite audiences to watch Roland and Marianne’s relationship develop from what ifs to what is across a series of parallel moments in “Constellations.”

Dress up in your finest attire for an unforgettable midday fundraiser presented by nonprofit Ke ‘Olu Makani, full of “Fashion fit for a Queen.” Attend a regal oceanside tea party experience — and bring a friend — for laughter, scrumptious treats and endless cups of local Hawaiian tea.

Voice your concerns and let your voice be heard during the first in a series of statewide town halls hosted by U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, a Hawai‘i Democrat, that kicks off in Waimea. She will also discuss policies affecting the islands and answer questions from community members.

Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Jan. 30-Feb. 5 now!

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No. 1 — “Rental Family” (Hilo, Jan. 30-Feb. 1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday; doors open 30 minutes prior to each showing

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

An American actor in Tokyo struggling to find purpose lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. He rediscovers purpose, belonging and the beauty of human connection. Starring Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira and Mari Yamamoto. Drama/comedy. Rated: PG-13.

More info/tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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No. 2 — “Constellations” (Hilo, beginning Jan. 30)

When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30-31, Feb. 6-7; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1 and 8; doors open 30 minutes prior to each show

Location: Keawe Theater, 280 Keawe St.

In how many universes would you love the same person? The relationship between beekeeper Roland and quantum physicist Marianne unfolds across a series of parallel moments — each shaped by tiny shifts in choice, timing and circumstance. What ifs gradually become what is, examining free will, friendship, love and loss with humor and profound tenderness.

More info/tickets: Visit the Hilo Community Players website.

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No. 3 — Puʻu o Lokuana Walk (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Jan. 31)

When: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Kahuku Unit, near the 70.5-mile marker on Highway 11 in Kaʻū, south of the park’s main entrance

Join park staff on an easy 0.4-mile, 45-minute guided interpretative program at Puʻu o Lokuana cinder cone. Learn how the cinder cone was formed and its various uses through time. Enjoy breathtaking views of Kaʻū from its peak and learn why Puʻu o Lokuana is considered kumu waiwai, a source of wealth.  

More info: Check the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park calendar.

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No. 4 — Mālama ʻĀina Day: Nāpoʻopoʻo (Waipiʻo Valley, Jan. 31)

When: Meet at 10 a.m. at the gardens before the end of Honoka‘a-Waipi‘o Road

Location: Nāpoʻopoʻo Ancient Village Site

Help restore ancient loʻi kalo and rock walls in the ancient village site. Nāpoʻopoʻo is the largest ancient village in the valley, located below the famous Hiʻilawe Waterfall and still lined with the kuʻauna (rock walls surrounding taro patches) that date back to 800 to 1200 AD. There are more than 400 taro patches and 43 platforms where homes once stood. Limited space is available for 4×4 transportation; bring your own 4×4 if possible (Hawai’i residents only). Participants should bring water, lunch, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, outdoor work clothes and footwear, gloves and aloha and respect.

More info/RSVP: Visit the Pōhāhā I Ka Lani website, click here, call 808-746-8554 or email to waipio@pohahaikalani.org.

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No. 5 — Waimea Town Hall (Waimea, Jan. 31)

When: 10 to 11 a.m.

Location: Parker School gymnasium, 65-1167 Kapiʻolani Road

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, a Hawai‘i Democrat, begins a series of statewide town hall meetings starting in Hawai‘i County. The lawmaker will discuss policies affecting Hawaiʻi, address concerns about President Donald Trump’s administration and answer questions from community members.

More info/RSVP: Click here, visit Tokuda’s website or call her Hawai‘i office at 808-746-6220.

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No. 6 — Two shows this weekend at Coffee Notes (Hilo, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1)

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days

Location: Coffee Notes, 116 Keawe St.

Come enjoy your favorite cup of brew or drink for a midday musical treat this weekend in Downtown Hilo. A Tree Within, playing original songs rooted in folk and world traditions, is slated for Saturday, and you can catch Sunday Jazz Brunch with Paul Lindbergh on saxophone and Jason Sherbundy on piano. Both are free to attend.

More info: Visit the Coffee Notes website.

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No. 7 — 3rd annual Queen’s Tea (Hilo, Jan. 31)

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

Location: Hilo Yacht Club, 77 Laehala St.

Get ready for a regal oceanside tea party experience filled with laughter, scrumptious treats and endless cups of local Hawaiian tea. Indulge in an array of delectable finger sandwiches and pastries as Hawai‘iʻs monarchs are honored. This year’s theme is “Fashion fit for a Queen,” so dress up in your finest attire and bring your friends along for this unforgettable event and fundraiser presented by nonprofit Ke ‘Olu Makani.

More info/tickets: Click here.

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No. 8 — “Activities of Daily Living” (Waimea, Jan. 31)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

This one-woman show written and performed by Joanna Lipari features a series of fast-paced, engaging vignettes on deeply personal journey exploring the joys and challenges of aging. The show blends storytelling, humor and stunning animated visuals, shedding light on becoming “invisible” as we age while inspiring use to reclaim visibility, vitality and connection every step of the way.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 9 — Flow Fest Music Challenge Final Round (Kalapana, Feb. 1)

When: 4 to 9 p.m.

Location: Black Rock Amphitheater, 12-4901 Kaimū-Chain of Craters Road

Bands and solo artists compete to win a paid spot to play at Flow Fest. Artists include Iyawa Dun Dun Dance, Rob Taylor, Alohi, Christian Dyer Ricks, Deva Nanda, I-Trinity and Tiger LoveHeart. Suggested donation of just $10 to attend. Bring your own light, water, lava-friendly footwear, chair and/or blanket.

More info: Visit the Black Rock Amphitheater website.

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No. 10 — 22nd Journey Through the Universe (Hilo, Feb. 2-6)

When: Various times

Location: Various locations

Hawai‘i Island’s largest astronomy education program returns for another week of classroom visits, career panels and community events. Volunteer educators will share stellar hands-on experiences at local schools and inspire students to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math in classrooms from grades 2-12. Community events include the annual Journey Welcome Reception on Feb. 2 and a special screening of “Messengers of Time and Space,” followed by a panel of astronomers, Feb. 4 at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.

More info: Visit the Journey Through the Universe website.

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Check for yourself what’s happening around the Big Island

We admit. As hard as we try every week, we still likely didn’t find every event happening around the Big Island. Plus, we can’t fit everything going on each week in our entertainment roundup. 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/