Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 1-7: Lei Day, AstroDay, Mother’s Day Orchid Show and more

This upcoming weekend promises 3 days packed full of so much fun for the entire ‘ohana, we had to slightly increase the top 10 to a top 11 things to do — with activities, events and festivals planned spanning from the earth under your feet to the infinite heights of outer space.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i, and two festivals observing the occasion and celebrating everything about Hawai‘i’s iconic natural wardrobe accessories.

The 21st Hilo Lei Day Festival kicks off the weekend on the day itself, Friday, May 1, in Hilo’s original town square of Kalākaua Park. Live music, hula performances, lei-making demonstrations and instruction for making various lei styles, plus a lei contest and much more are part of the free festivities.

Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace at Waikōloa Beach Resort then host their joint Waikōloa Lei Day Festival on Saturday, May 2, featuring cultural performances, hands-on activities and a marketplace manned by local artisans, eateries and vendors — you can immerse yourself in the beauty and significance of the truly Hawai‘i holiday.

Another event this weekend is also rooted in the ground — specifically the flowers that lend their moniker to Hawai‘i Island’s nickname.

Kona Orchid Society hosts its annual Mother’s Day Orchid Show, Plant & Craft Sale on Saturday in Maka‘eo Pavilion at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area in Kailua-Kona, providing Orchid Isle residents and visitors alike the chance to peruse a vast variety of plants, from all kinds of orchids to fruit trees, cultivated by 13 local growers, as well as crafts from another 17 vendors and much more.

If you’re seeking an experience more out of this world, blast off Saturday to Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo for a day full of science, discovery and community fun.

The 24th annual AstroDay is a free celebration of science, where you can explore the marvels of space and technology through demonstrations, games and activities presented by 30-plus participating organizations, featuring astronomy, robotics and much more.

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

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No. 1 — 21st Hilo Lei Day Festival (Hilo, May 1)

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

Location: Kalākaua Park, 136 Kalākaua St.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawai’i! Hilo’s original town square hosts a celebration for the iconic lei and everything about it with live music, kahiko and ‘auana hula performances and much more. Plus, numerous tents will be set up offering lei-making demonstrations and teaching various lei-making styles. It’s a fun, free event for the entire ‘ohana.

More info: Visit the Hilo Lei Day Festival website.

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No. 2 — “Poems, Prayers and Promises: Celebrating Art, Faith and Hope” (Hilo and Kea‘au, May 1-3)

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

Locations: Friday at Church of the Holy Cross, 440 W. Lanikāula St., Hilo; Saturday at First United Protestant Church, 1350 Waiānuenue Ave., Hilo; Sunday at Center for Spiritual Living, 15-1833 Paradise Drive, Kea’au

Big Island Singers presents its spring concert series with a program director Doug Albertson says is for “troubling times: inspirational lyrics, beautifully soul-filled music and uplifting sentiments.” The hourlong concert by the 34-person chorus moves through the three thematic sections — poems, prayers and promises. Concerts are free to attend; however, donations are welcome.

More info: Visit the Big Island Singers website and follow the group on Facebook and Instagram.

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No. 3 — Kona Orchid Society annual Mother’s Day Orchid Show, Plant & Craft Sale (Kailua-Kona, May 2)

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

Location: Maka‘eo Pavilion, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, 75-5500 Kuakini Highway

Find 13 local growers with a vast variety of plants such as all kinds of orchids, air plants, anthuriums, cactus and succulents, bonsai, protea, bedding plants, bamboo and fruit trees as well as 17 craft vendors, plus much more. Admission is $2 cash. Early bird shopping tickets — for admission from 8 to 9 a.m. — are still available for $20, and free growing clinics also will be offered.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kona Orchid Society website.

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No. 4 — Cracked Nut Creatives Morning Concert at Kahuku (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, May 2)

When: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Location: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station (turn into Kahuku near the 70.5mile marker on Highway 11 in Kaʻū)

National Parks Arts Foundation May artists-in-residence Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra cellist Joshua Nakazawa as well as multi-media artists Carlin Ma and Sam Paris present a rare fusion of cello performance and live multi-media art. Nakazawa honors Queen Liliʻuokalani while Ma and Paris layer in other live elements to create an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience.

More info: Call 808-985-6011 or check the online park calendar.

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No. 5 — Keiki Maker Vendor Fair (Kailua-Kona, May 2)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Hale Hālāwai, 75-5760 Ali‘i Drive

Are you a young entrepreneur, crafter or maker? Do you melt your crayons into Lego brick shapes, run a lemonade stand or crochet amazing animals? Participate in the next fair, hosted by Hawai‘i Keiki Museum, during Big Island International Fruit Festival in downtown Kailua-Kona. Vendor tables are free. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow young creators.

More info/table reservations: Email to Dana@HawaiiKeikiMuseum.org.

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No. 6 — Big Island International Fruits Festival (Kailua-Kona, May 2)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Hale Hālāwai Beach Park, 75-5760 Ali‘i Drive

A fun, family-friendly and definitely fruity event in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona featuring local arts and crafts, Dr. Tim’s Medicine Band and fruits galore! The zero-waste event also welcomes Hawai‘i Keiki Museum and includes local fruit tasting, artisans, hula and a plant exchange. Plus, Hawaiian fruit farm tours are available Sunday, May 3.

More info: Click here.

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No. 7 — 24th annual AstroDay (Hilo, May 2)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Prince Kūhiō Plaza, 111 East Pūʻainakō St.

Explore marvels of space and technology during this free, interactive celebration of science, with more than 30 organizations conducting demonstrations, playing games and providing activities highlighting astronomy, robotics and natural sciences. It’s a full day of science, discovery, community fun and much more hosted by Maunakea Observatories. You might even spy roaming “Star Wars” characters.

More info: Visit the Maunakea Obsevatories website.

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No. 8 — Rosie Rainbow Ranch Anniversary Party (Laupāhoehoe, May 2)

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Rosie Rainbow Ranch, 35-349 Kihalani Homestead

This VIP-style celebration promises an unforgettable day with live music by legendary Mark Yamanaka and special guest Sean Naleimaile, a signature mocktail from the ranch bar, access to the petting zoo and variety of activities including games, face painting, activity packs, wood branding and more. Several palate-pleasing delights will also be offered, so come hungry and ready for adventure.

More info: Visit the Rosie Rainbow Ranch website or call Wendy Hickok at 808-300-8322.

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No. 9 — Waikōloa Lei Day Festival (Waikōloa, May 2)

When: 2 to 7 p.m.

Location: Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, Waikōloa Beach Resort

Free, family-friendly celebration of Hawai‘i’s rich lei-making traditions hosted in partnership with Traditions Hawai‘i. The special event unites community members and visitors through captivating cultural performances, hands-on activities including a lei contest and a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisans, eateries and vendors. Come immerse yourself in the beauty and significance of Lei Day.

More info: Visit the Queens’ Marketplace website and Kings’ Shops website.

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No. 10 — DISPOSABLE NATION (Waimea, May 2-3)

When: 6 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

A provocative multi-media dance performance examining the culture of consumption and its environmental consequences through powerful movement, music and striking visual media. Audience members are invited to reflect on how the pursuit of “progress” shaped the world we live in, and challenges us to imagine a different path forward.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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Bonus No. 11 — Sound Healing Experience led by Samantha Shea (Waimea, May 7)

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Immerse yourself in a sonic journey of healing and relaxation while you quiet your mind, soothe your body and nourish your spirit. Lie back. Breathe deeply. Take an adventure into yourself with vibrations of crystal singing bowls, gongs and chimes transporting you to calm and inner peace.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre 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 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/
• Waimea Arts Council, Waimea, https://www.waimeaartscouncil.org