‘Party with a purpose’ during WHAAM! at Wainaku

“Party with a purpose” and help support while bringing awareness about the mission of a nonprofit Big Island art organization during a pop art-inspired curated evening of elevated bites, interactive art and live music this weekend in Hilo.

WHAAM! at Wainaku — presented by Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance in partnership with Ola Brew — is Saturday, May 30, at Ola ‘Ōkolehao Distillery in the historic Wainaku Executive Center overlooking Hilo Bay.

VIP entry begins at 5 p.m., with general admission entry at 6 p.m. The event runs through 9 p.m.

WHAAM! at Wainaku brings together acclaimed chefs, artists, mixologists, musicians and makers for a one-night-only multisensory experience intended to awaken and delight the senses.

Guests can expect an immersive atmosphere featuring culinary artistry by a selection of Hilo’s finest chefs:

• Ernie Gray of Poke Market.
• Brian Hirata of Na‘au Hilo.
• Mark Pomaski of Moon & Turtle.
• Sheldon Simeon of Tin Roof and Tiffany’s.
• Jeremy Van Kralingen of Ola Brew.

Their delicious delicatessen will be paired alongside cocktails and drinks by Soni Pomaski, Tyson Takiue, Ryan Kadota and Brandon Waihe‘e.

WHAAM! at Wainaku transforms the Wainaku Executive Center into a living canvas inspired by the bold energy of the pop art era and underground culture, filled with visual art, music, movement, flavor and surprise.

Guests will experience live art activations by Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides and Danhieux.

Every element of the evening is intentionally designed through an artistic lens — from exclusive event swag and the sonic experience shaping the night.

The Hilo Honeys will set the tone with vintage-inspired flair and energy, while DJ Thunder Bunny and Yellow Streetlights carry the evening into an electrifying dance party with genre-blending soundscapes.

WHAAM! serves as a fundraiser and opportunity to build awareness and support for Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance’s mission to strengthen the island’s arts ecosystem through exhibitions, education, arts and cultural programming, artist opportunities, creative workforce pathways and community activation.

“This event is about creating an unforgettable experience where our community can feel immersed in creativity while also directly supporting the future of arts and culture on Hawai‘i Island,” said Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance Creative Director Miya Tsukazaki in an announcement for the event. “We want people to leave inspired by what’s possible when creatives come together in one space.”

Guests are encouraged to dress creatively in celebration of the pop art era and come prepared for an evening of bold expression and artistic exploration.

Limited tickets are available, with only a handful of VIP tickets remaining for those seeking an even more elevated culinary and beverage experience.

Visit the Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance website for more information and to purchase your tickets today.