Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 18-24: Bruddah Kunz Youth Jamm, Springtime Showstoppers, Laupāhoehoe Music Festival and more

There’s a Youth Jamm, springtime musical celebration, tree planting day in observance of Earth Day, music festival and journey to the World of Trolls all happening throughout the next several days on the Big Island.

The YWCA of Hawai‘i Island is also hosting the 13th annual Remarkable People Luncheon, during which community pillars Carol Ignacio and Irene Nagao will be celebrated.

None of those pique your interest? Don’t fret.

Check out some of the other events happening around the Big Island during the next week, including a festival dedicated to all things cannabis and a Kona library event where sipping a mocktail and talking story are all the rave.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for the week of April 18-24.

No. 1 — Bruddah Kunz Youth Jamm (Pāhoa, April 20)

This drug- and alcohol-free event includes live music, food and craft vendors, Makahiki games, cultural exchange, cultural practitioners, educational booths, social services information, sports demonstrations, a social media table and community informational guest speakers.

The purpose of the Youth Jamm, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Billy Kenoi District Park gym, located at 15-3080 Kauhale St., is to reconnect community; empower and create safe spaces for youth to thrive, practice Hawaiian culture and create peer-to-peer mentorship and servant leadership; as well as social and economic development.

For more information or any questions, contact Iopa Maunakea at 808-960-3893 or via email at [email protected] or Hoku Fortunato at 808-961-8173 or via email at [email protected].

No. 2 — Springtime Showstoppers: A Musical Celebration (Keauhou, April 20)

The Kona Aloha Singers 2024 spring concert will feature 30 singers and 10 musicians performing songs by Beyoncé, Katy Perry, The Beach Boys and Earth Wind & Fire. Audience members will also enjoy selections from the musicals “Hair,” “Wicked,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Funny Girl.”

The chorus welcomes special guest soloists multi-Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner and Native Hawaiian country artist Kala‘e Parish and 2023 Nā Hōkū Hanohano finalist for Entertainer of the Year and Most Promising Artist Kenny Tagavilla. Comedian Justine Smith serves as emcee.

The concert begins at 4 p.m. at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, located at 78-128 ‘Ehukai St. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for keiki in advance and available for purchase online. The cost increases to $25 for adults and $7 for keiki at the door. Parking is free.

No. 3 — Hoku: Beneath the Hawaiian Moon (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, April 23)

From Hawaiian constellations and moon phases to the elusive Lyrids meteor showers, this event is all about looking up with wonder into the night sky.

Join astronomer Emily Peavy with the Gemini International Observatory/NOIRLab for a special evening that celebrates the Hoku moon phase with telescopes, presentations, hot cocoa and, weather permitting, spectacular closeup views of the full moon.

The event is part of the park’s After Dark in the Park series and will begin at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. It is free to attend; however, a suggested $2 donation helps support park programs. Park entrance fees also apply. For information, call 808-985-6011.

No. 4 — Protect Our Dry Land Forests: A Tree in the Forest is a Seed in Your Heart (Kailua-Kona, April 20)

In celebration of Lā Honua (Earth Day), the Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui campus, located at 73-4225 Ane Keohokalole Highway, invites the community to come and plant native trees in the adjacent dry land forest from 8 a.m. to noon.

Last year on Earth Day, more than 50 volunteers planted nearly 200 native plants, most of which are still standing strong today. Every tree planted was also a seed planted in their hearts, connecting them back to the ‘āina and Mother Earth. Strong seeds, strong trees and strong connections.

This tree planting day is part of a series of Earth Day activities organized by HCC and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. There are a range of activities planned. Sign up online for any that interest you and your family. If you have any questions, email to [email protected].

No. 5 — 2024 Waimea All Schools Art Exhibition (Waimea, April 18-May 26)

This exhibition, in the Simperman and Hāmākua galleries at Kahilu Theatre, located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, highlights artwork by Waimea students enrolled in kindergarten through high school.

This year’s theme is “ʻO Waimea ka piko, ka pūnana o ka ʻāīna mauna,” loosely translated as “Waimea is the center, the nest of the mountain lands.” Artists were asked to think about how the community is sustained and strengthened by the values and traditions of Waimea and how they can work to contribute to its future.

An opening reception is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. April 18. The galleries are open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays or by appointment, which can be made by calling 808-885-6868 or emailing the gallery. The galleries are also open before and after performances on the theater’s mainstage.

No. 6 — 13th annual Remarkable People Luncheon (Hilo, April 18)

YWCA of Hawai‘i Island is celebrating pillars of the community Carol Ignacio and Irene Nagao, who have each made a positive difference for women and the disadvantaged on the Big Island through various roles. This special event is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, located at 71 Banyan Drive.

Funds raised from the luncheon and a silent auction stay in Hawai‘i County to ensure YWCA of Hawai‘i Island’s vital services are available to those who need them.

For more information, including how to purchase tickets to the event, click here.

No. 7 — Girl Scouts “Trolls” Experience (Hilo, April 21)

Enjoy this fun-filled event from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Prince Kūhiō Plaza, located at 111 E. Puainako St. Get ready to embark on an exciting adventure to see what Girl Scouts do as you explore the World of Trolls.

From crafts to games, the afternoon is sure to be a blast. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to make new friends and create lasting memories. All school-age girls are welcome.

Be sure to register for the event, which you can do online.

No. 8 — Mocktails and Talk Tales (Kailua-Kona, April 23)

Enjoy libations in the library! Come talk books or just talk story from 4:30 to 6 p.m. during this (somewhat) social club for the bookish at Kailua-Kona Public Library, located at 75-138 Hualālai Road.

Bring a friend, or come solo to meet like-minded library lovers for a zero-proof and zero-cost evening out. Light refreshments and literary mocktails inspired by Tim Federle’s “Tequila Mockingbird” and “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margarita” will be provided.

For more information, click here.

No. 9 — 2024 Laupāhoehoe Music Festival (Laupāhoehoe, April 20)

This family-friendly festival, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park, located at 36-1043 Laupāhoehoe Point Road, features plenty to do while enjoying all the music, including a silent auction hosted by Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School students, Hawaiian crafts and games, lei making and a bouncy slide.

Local artists will also sell art, jewelry, shirts and more. Food vendors will offer laulau, adobo, pastele, Kalua plate, ahi poke bowls, nachos, cookies and shave ice, among other tasty treats.

Several bands, individuals and others will take the stage, including the Kalapana Awa Band, John Keawe, Hālau Hula Kauluola, Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E, Ku’ulei Music, Kris Fuchigami and Todd With The Crooked Hat featuring Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School students.

Click here to purchase tickets, which are $15 pre-sale. For more information, click here.

No. 10 — 8th annual All Things Cannabis Hemp Festival (Kalapana, April 20)

If it’s 4-20 on the calendar, that means it’s once again time for this family-friendly and educational festival, featuring live music, food and vendors along with speakers including medical doctors, patients, growers, dispensaries, legislators and others.

The free event from 1 p.m. till pau is presented by nonprofit Laulima Pāhoa, which strives to inspire and empower people to become integral parts of improving the community by strengthening and creating positive elements that enrich the lives of those in the Pāhoa communities in all ways.

Festivalgoers can experience all the action at Uncle Robert’s Awa Club, located at 12-5038 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road. For more information, check out the Laulima Pāhoa Facebook page.