Top 10 Big Island events for Oct. 23-29: Check out the annual East Hawai‘i Jazz and Blues Festival, Halloween activities
With Halloween approaching, get in the holiday spirit with Trick-or-Treating events for keiki, a haunted house in Hilo and “The Rocky Horror Show.”
Not into the spooky events? Check out upcoming artists coming to perform in Kona, as well as the 12th annual East Hawai‘i Jazz and Blues Festival. See some of the other highlighted events below.
No. 1 – “The Rocky Horror Show” (Kainaliu, Oct. 23)
When: 7:30 p.m. The show opens on Oct. 23 and continues Oct. 24, 29-31, and Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m.
Location: The historic Aloha Theatre
Experience the cult classic live on stage. Richard O’Brien’s legendary musical invites you into a world of outrageous characters, unforgettable music, and deliciously decadent fun. There will be six performances over the next two weekends. This is for adults 18 years old and above.
More info: For tickets, visit www.alohatheatre.com.
No. 2 – Hawai‘i Island Festival of Birds (Hilo, Oct. 24)
When: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Dr.
This exciting full-day event at the Grand Naniloa Hotel celebrates the diverse bird species found in the Hawaiian Islands. The celebration in Hilo includes a Bird Fair, presentations exploring different areas of conservation and connection to the birds of Hawai’i, and expert guest speakers. There will also be a Silent Auction and a free Public Hour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Proceeds raised from this festival will support future Hawai’i Island Festival of Birds, plus the conservation work of the Hawai’i Wildlife Center and the Conservation Council for Hawai’i.
More info: birdfesthawaii.org.
No. 3 – Trick-or-Treat (Waimea, Oct. 24)
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Māmalahoa Highway
Calling all little ghosts, goblins and ghouls!
Get those costumes ready and bring the whole ʻohana to Parker Ranch Center for some Halloween fun. Keiki can enjoy trick-or-treating at participating merchants, Halloween-themed crafts and festive treats. Spin the Parker Ranch Center Prize Wheel for a chance to win a prize from one of your favorite merchants. Trick-or-treat goodies, treats, crafts and prizes are available while supplies last. Participating merchants are subject to change.
No. 4 – Community Health Fair (Kealakekua, Oct. 24)
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: University of Washington Kona campus, 81-6350 Māmalahoa Highway
The University of Washington SOM MEDEX Physician Assistant Program will be hosting a community health fair. Along with health checks, the event will provide entertainment and free food while supplies last.
No. 5 – 12th annual East Hawai‘i Jazz and Blues Festival (Hilo, Oct. 25)
When: 1-6 p.m.
Location: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive
This year’s East Hawai‘i Jazz and Blues Festival kicks off on Sunday with an exciting lineup of performances on three stages. The festival spans seven days and will highlight more than 30 performances, workshops and school visits. The festival is the signature fundraising event for Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Memorial, supporting the nonprofit’s mission to provide affordable housing and healthcare-related facilities for local veterans. General admission to the festival is $80 and VIP tickets cost $150.
More info: Visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/12th-annual-east-hawaii-blues-and-jazz-festival to buy a ticket to the event.
No. 6 – Steel Pulse concert (Kona, Oct. 25)
When: 6 p.m.
Location: KB Xtreme, 75-5591 Palani Rd.
Reggae band Steel Pulse will be stopping in Kona as part of its “Reggae Against Racism” World Tour 2026, a global concert series dedicated to unity, justice, peace, and the enduring power of reggae music as a force for social change. The band Seven Suns will also be featured. General admission cost is $55 and VIP tickets cost $90. Tickets can be bought online at https://www.eventim.us/event/Steel-Pulse-KONA/698648.
No. 7 – 14th Annual “Nursery Rhymes” Haunted House (Hilo, Oct. 27-31)
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
Location: KTA Super Stores Puainako, 50 E. Puainako St.
Come visit the haunted house, put on by KTA Super Stores at the Hilo location. Admission is free, and non-perishable food donations will be accepted for the Hawai‘i Island Food Basket. There will be prizes as well as a costume contest on Halloween night.
No. 8 – Free entry to national parks (Volcano, Oct. 27)
When: All day
Location: All national parks
All national parks, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, will have free entry for visitors as part of the official National Park Service fee-free days.
No. 9 – Halloween Carnival (Hilo, Oct. 28)
When: 4 to 8 p.m.
Location: Island of Hawai‘i YMCA, 300 W. Lanikaula St.
Come check out carnival games, win some prizes, and wear a costume while doing it during the Halloween Carnival. Funds raised during the event will support local sporting teams, businesses, nonprofits and clubs.
More info: https://islandofhawaiiymca.org/events/event/halloween-carnival/
No. 10 – Ghosts, Ghouls and Glow (Kona, Oct. 29)
When: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Kona Cliffs climbing gym, 74-5617 Pawai Place Bay H
Get ready for a spooky night of climbing. Hit the gym for a special Halloween blacklight bouldering event featuring a unique atmosphere, music, costumes, and plenty of fun on the wall. Grab your friends, come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume or neon gear, and enjoy a night of climbing with a spooky twist. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or new to bouldering, come hang out, climb, and celebrate Halloween with the crew.
More info: Visit https://www.konacliffs.com/pricing for pricing on day passes and memberships.
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.
- 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
- 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/
