Top 10 things to do on Big Island for June 12-18: Zappa comes to Kawaihae, Angry Samoans, Keiki Quest, Obon season and more

What’s happening, Big Island? Looking for something fun to do? Boy, do we have some nifty events on the agenda this week that will get your toes tapping, bodies moving and spirits heightened.

Hilo Jazz Orchestra on Friday, June 12, brings Zappa to Blue Dragon Tavern & Cosmic Musiquarium in Kawaihae for a live, high-voltage, highly entertaining tribute to the music of icon Frank Zappa. Legendary 1980s punk rock band Angry Samoans are also live Friday at Kona Elks Lodge in Kailua-Kona.

The 2026 Obon season officially kicks off Saturday, June 13, with two festivals — one in Honomū and another in Kona — on the Big Island, and a new generation of heroes is being summoned each Monday in June to Crafty Raccoon Art House in Pāhoa with a goal of saving the realm from a legendary shapeshifting lizard. After they’ve had the chance to learn how to play “Dungeons & Dragons,” anyway.

Those events and a lot more are in store during the next several days. Here’s our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for June 12-18.

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No. 1 — Hilo Jazz Orchestra Zappa All-Stars (Kawaihae, June 12)

When: Doors open 5 p.m.; show 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Blue Dragon Tavern & Cosmic Musiquarium, 61-3616 Kawaihae Road

Hilo Jazz Orchestra has a global reputation for its high-voltage, highly entertaining tributes to the music of icon Frank Zappa. It is bringing Zappa to Kawaihae this weekend, live, for audience members of all ages. Guest chef for this show is Dat Frickin’ Chicken food truck.

More info/tickets: Visit the Blue Dragon website.

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No. 2 — Angry Samoans live (Kailua-Kona, June 12)

When: 6 to 10 p.m.

Location: Kona Elks Lodge, 75-170 Hualālai Road

This legendary 1980s revolutionary punk rock band comes to Kona for the first time. Generic from O‘ahu, plus local favs Kauz of Affliction, Teeth Puller and Big Eye Band will open the show. Selector Kaihewalu will spin tunes between sets.

More info/tickets: Visit Eventbrite.

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No. 3 — Youth Career Fair (Pāhoa, June 13)

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

Location: Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Sciences, 15-1397 Post Office Road

The most interesting career paths tend to be those mixing creativity, purpose and real-world impact, and it’s keiki ages 15 to 19 years old who will produce non-traditional products and services with creativity and innovation. This week’s Puna Rising Youth Career Development Hub program focuses on top careers and basic requirements needed to be job ready.

More info: Visit the Puna Rising website or email to sylviadolena@gmail.com.

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No. 4 — Waikōloa Reads! (Waikōloa, June 13)

When: 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Location: Kaiāulu O Waikōloa Community Room, 68-1850 Pua Melia St.

Unplug and recharge during this free drop-everything-and-read gathering on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Join a reading community without the book club commitment; bring whatever you want from home to read or borrow a book. No RSVP needed.

More info: Click here or email to BigIslandReads@gmail.com.

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No. 5 — Obon Season 2026 kickoff (Honomū and Kailua-Kona, June 13)

When: 4 to 8 p.m. in Honomū; 4 to 9 p.m. in Kailua-Kona

Location: Honomū Henjoji, 28-1668 Old Māmalahoa Highway; Maka‘eo County Pavilion, Old Kona Airport Beach Park, 75-5500 Kuakini Highway (hosted by Kona Hongwanji)

These two events officially kickoff the 2026 Obon season on the Big Island, which runs through Sept. 19 this year. Obon is a Buddhist celebration honoring family ancestors, whose spirits are believed to temporarily return to this world to visit their loved ones.

More info: Contact the temple or location where each festival is hosted.

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No. 6 — Kona Kai Fest (Kailua-Kona, June 14)

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Kona Salt Farm, 73-907 Makako Bay Drive

Symbrosia has been on a journey for the past several years to build a more regenerative future for Hawaiʻi and beyond. Incredible scientists, farmers, artists, cultural practitioners, chefs, educators and others have traveled along. All of these worlds come together in a celebration of World Ocean Month.

More info: Check out the Kona Kai Fest page on Luma or visit the festival on Instagram @konakaifestival.

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No. 7 — “Chapters: A Decade of Dance” (Waimea, June 14)

When: Noon and 3 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Kona Dance and Performing Arts hosts its 10th annual spring dance concert. Performers will share their stories, such as the meaning of home, love stories, childhood imagination and more, all told through dance genres including tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and musical theater and more.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 8 — Pā‘ina & Open House at Historic Pāhala Plantation Manager’s House (Pāhala, June 14)

When: 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Historic Pāhala Plantation Manager’s House, 1 Mill Camp Road

Step into the history of Pāhala and early days of Kaʻū coffee while you enjoy an evening of live music, hula, house tours and a chance to meet Kaʻū coffee growers and hear their stories. Free admission; part of the 2026 Kaʻū Coffee Festival, which runs June 14-20.

More info: Visit the Kaʻū Coffee Festival website.

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No. 9 — Breaking Basics (Waikōloa, June 15-19)

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

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

Back by popular demand, this summer breakdancing camp will teach children ages 7 to 18 years old some seriously cool moves. No experience needed; just bring your energy and get ready to spin, step and freeze while expressing yourself and shining on the dance floor.

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

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No. 10 — Keiki Quest (Pāhoa, June 15)

When: 3 to 6 p.m.

Location: Crafty Raccoon Art House, 15-2959 Pāhoa Village Road

A new generation of heroes ages 10 to 18 years old is called each Monday in June to dive into a “Dungeons & Dragons” introduction workshop to save the day from a giant shapeshifting lizard spirit. Build your own hero, learn basic game rules and more. All materials provided. Only 6 seats available each week.

More info/registration: Visit the Crafty Raccoon Art House website or stop by and sign up in person.

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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 in our entertainment roundup. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover even more events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops.

• 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
• Hale Kanikapila (formerly Hilo Town Tavern), Hilo: https://halekanikapila.com/
• 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: 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
• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/