Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 14-20 — weather permitting

There once again is no lack of fun happening during events around the Big Island this weekend and beyond.

There’s everything from expecting the unexpected while taking in the “Portal 3” art exhibit in Waimea and celebrating opening night of the 16th annual “Abstract Only!” art exhibit in Hilo to two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Larry Dupio and his all-star friends paying tribute to rock icon Carolos Santana as well as a fundraising poke contest hosted by members of the Waimea Wahine Koa Flag Football team.

However, it will be extremely prudent to call ahead before you set out for any of the listed events and activities in case there are cancellations caused by the impending possible tropical cyclone forecast to impact the island as early as late Aug. 14.

Several events already were canceled, including the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site 54th annual Hoʻokuʻikahi i Puʻukoholā, its annual Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival, and Hawai‘i Island Agrifood Summit, both of which were originally slated for this weekend.

Others were postponed, such as the Nā Mākua Hana Noʻeau Hawaiian Arts Festival, which is now planned for Aug. 22.

So here is our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for the week of Aug. 14-20, weather permitting.

Stay safe, Big Island!

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No. 1 — “Portal 3” (Waimea, through Sept. 27)

When: Regular hours; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, or when the flags are waving

Location: Waimea Arts Council Firehouse Gallery, intersection of Highways 190 and 19

Curious what’s on the other side? This islandwide juried show brings together 54 remarkable works of art that encourage viewers to expect the unexpected. Some pieces will transport you somewhere physical, others somewhere emotional and some will simply make you stop and look twice.

More info: Visit the Waimea Arts Council website.

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No. 2 — Tribute to the Music of Carlos Santana (Kāʻināliu, Aug. 14; Hilo, Aug. 15)

When: 7 p.m. Aug. 14; 7 p.m. Aug. 15

Location: Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Māmalahoa Highway; Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Larry Dupio returns for 2 historic nights, bringing his electrifying tribute to the rock music icon back to the stage. The setlist features fan favorites such as “Samba Pa Ti,” “Oye Como Va” and more. Dupio and friends bring new life to the Santana classics.

More info/tickets: Visit the Aloha Theatre website and Palace Theater website.

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No. 3 — Always Free live (Kea‘au, Aug. 14)

When: 7 to 10 p.m.

Location: Alibi Tavern, 16-566 Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road, No. 5

There’s no cover for this big dance party in Kea‘au! Especially when its Always Free checking all the boxes. Lively. Fun. Rock. Pop. Dance. All hits spanning the 1960s to present and covered by this East Hawai‘i energetic ensemble.

More info: Call 808-333-1753 or email to gene@4dcreative.com.

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No. 4 — Island Showdown (Hilo, Aug. 15)

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Hilo Drag Strip, 2295 Hoʻolaulima Road

Two events. One epic day. Run what you bring on the drag strip. Show off paradise during the car show sponsored by DARE to keep keiki off drugs. Free and open to everyone. Drag categories and judging classes will be determined based on vehicle types. Food vendors will be available for when hunger calls.

More info/drag race registration: Email to HDRL96720@gmail.com.

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No. 5 — ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Hike (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 15)

When: 9:30 a.m.

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

Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in Hawaiian forests, many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and threat of rapid ‘ōhi‘a death. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku during this program, an easy, 1-mile, 1-hour walk.

More info: Visit the online park calendar.

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No. 6 — Honi ʻŪ I Ka Hinano Hoʻolauleʻa (Pāhoa, Aug. 15)

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

Location: Hale Hālāwai O Puna (former Akebono Theater), 15-2961 Pāhoa Village Road

Celebrate Puna cultural practitioners with cultural demonstrations and experiences, live music and hula during this free community event. Enjoy traditional practices such as lei making and ulana niu (coconut frond weaving); Hawaiian games; moʻolelo (storytelling); lauhala weaving; and more.

More info: Call 808-937-4146 or email to halehalawaiopuna@gmail.com.

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No. 7 — 16th annual “Abstract Only!” (Hilo, Aug. 15-Sept. 17)

When: 5 to 7 p.m. opening reception Aug. 15

Location: Wailoa Center, 200 Piʻopiʻo St.

Calling all art lovers. Come celebrate the opening of a one-of-a-kine art show in which all original artwork is for sale. Meet the artists and juror Codie King to learn more about the process behind the works. Live jazz music and refreshments. “Abstract Only!” is sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Art Alliance.

More info: Visit the Wailoa Center website or call 808-933-0416.

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No. 8 — Fundraiser Poke Contest (Waimea, Aug. 15)

When: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Location: Hawaiian Homes Hall, 64-756 Māmalahoa Highway

Support the Waimea Wāhine Koa Flag Football team as all 15 players battle off in a poke contest. This fundraiser is to help the girls travel to Las Vegas for the international flag football tournament. Craft vendors will be at the hall a few hours prior to doors opening.

More info/tickets: Click here.

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No. 9 — Kahilu Theatre Open House and Season Launch (Waimea, Aug. 16)

When: Noon to 4 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Celebrate the launch of the theatre’s new season during a festive community open house featuring an afternoon of live performances, behind-the-scenes fun, food trucks and connection — and everyone’s invited. No RSVP required for this free event; just come be part of the fun.

More info: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 10 — Coach John Fundraiser (Hāwī, Aug. 18)

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: K.O. Pizza, 55-3406 ʻAkoni Pule Highway

Celebrate and “FUN”-draise for this pillar of the Kona rugby community for more than two decades who now is fighting a battle against Stage 4 pancreatic cancer that spread to his liver. Enjoy Indian food, pizza, live music by Chris Cavoretto and a silent auction all for Coach John.

More info: Call K.O. Pizza at 808-313-0514 or email to kopizzahawaii@gmail.com.

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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/