Top 10 things to do on Big Island — and then some — for May 9-15: So much happening, especially for Mother’s Day, this week’s list is actually a Top 16

It shouldn’t be difficult to find something to do with Mom this weekend. The Big Island has plenty of events planned just for Mother’s Day, from brunch to parasailing.

There’s so much happening during the next week around the island that we expanded this week’s guide of things to do to a Top 16 just to get in a few more events.

We found seven events, if you count all of the Mother’s Day brunches as one, celebrating Mom. So we’re going to start there.

Here are the top 16 things to do on the Big Island for the week of May 9-15.

No. 1 — Mother’s Day Cookies for a Cause (Kailua-Kona, May 11)

When: 2 to 4 p.m.

Location: Suite 301, 75-1029 Henry St.

Make Mother’s Day this year extra sweet by decorating a special treat during this cookie class that allows you to sip and sprinkle at the same time. Give love and sweetness while you join instructor Susan Diamanti and the event’s sponsors to decorate gourmet cookies perfect for moms, dog moms and cookie “momsters.” Cost to attend is $50, with 100% of proceeds going to benefit Big Island dog rescue organization Aloha ʻIlio Rescue. For more information or to purchase a ticket, click here.

No. 2 — Mother’s Day Blues Jam (Hilo, May 12)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Kukuau Studio, 43-D Kukuau St.

The community asked and the studio listened. This Mother’s Day, enjoy a classic blues jam with an all-star house band playing on your favorite stage in Hilo. Band members are Dr. Jeff on guitar, Dave Fricke on harmonica, Dan Taylor on drums and percussion, Gary Kort playing the keys, Perry Santoro on bass and Bill Heideman also on drums and percussion. Several special guests will make appearances, and everyone sings. Bring your own guitar and be ready to wail. There is no cover charge.

No. 3 — Mother’s Day Sip ‘N Shop (Kailua-Kona, May 10)

When: 3 to 6 p.m.

Location: Courtyard, Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Aliʻi Drive

You’ll enjoy the free floral bar, light refreshments, retail tenant specials, and more. Best afternoon ever, right? You can also treat yourselves to sweet treats, mocktails and a free gift, while supplies last. A free hula show will follow at 6 p.m. You won’t want to miss this special celebration just for the moms in your life. For more information, visit the Keauhou Shopping Center website and follow the mall on Facebook and Instagram.

No. 4 — Mother’s Day Brunch (Various communities, May 12)

Mom can probably make your favorite food without even looking at a recipe. She’s also likely been known to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to make sure you and your family have something to eat. So this Mother’s Day, why not treat her to not having to cook. Several venues around the island are hosting brunches for Mom:

• 11 a.m. at The Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort, located at 62-100 Kaunaʻoa Drive on the Kohala Coast. The event will include a special live performance by Anuhea. Cost is $115 for adults and $50 for keiki 5-12 years old. Reservations are recommended. Call 808-880-1111.

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Café Ono, located at 19-3834 Old Volcano Road in Volcano. Cost is $30. Call 808-985-8979 for more information and to make reservations.

• 10 a.m. at Honu’s on the Beach inside Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, located at 75-5660 Palani Road in Kailua-Kona. Cost is $85 for adults, $42.50 for children 6-12 years old and free for keiki 5 and younger. Call 808-329-2911 or click here.

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaiʻi, located at 1 N. Kaniku Drive on the Kohala Coast. Cost is $135 for adults, $50 for kids 6-12 years old and free for children 5 and younger. Find more information and make reservations online. Kamaʻāina with a valid ID can enjoy 10% off.

No. 5 — UFO Parasail Special Mother’s Day Event (Kailua-Kona, May 12)

When: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Location: Kailua Pier, off Kaʻahumanu Place

Attention all moms! Treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure in the sky above Kailua Bay with your loved ones to see stunning panoramic views of the Kona coastline and tranquil blue waters below, all while you’re drifting through the clouds. Moms can enjoy the parasailing experience for free. Don’t miss out, book now and make this Mother’s Day truly special. For more information or to make your reservation, visit the UFO Parasail website, call 1-800-359-4836 toll free or text to 808-661-7836.

No. 6 — Mother’s Day Ceremony, Tea and Lei Making (Honalo, May 12)

When: Begins at 9:30 a.m.

Location: Daifukuji Soto Zen Buddhist Temple, 79-7241 Māmalahoa Highway

Gather in homage to the women in your lives — mother, grandmother, women teachers and women predecessors through time and from around the globe. At 9:30 a.m., a simple ceremony will be conducted inside the temple. You may bring photos of significant women in your life that will be displayed on tables in front of the Kannon altar. At about 10 a.m., the festivities will move to the social hall for refreshments. There also will be tables set up for lei making. Those who plan to attend can bring photos, a teacup or mug and, if available, flowers and supplies for making lei. The event is open to all. Contact the Rev. Jiko at 808-322-3524 or via email at [email protected] with any questions.

No. 7 — Kona Orchid Society Mother’s Day Show & Sale (Kailua-Kona, May 11)

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

Location: Makaeo County Pavilion, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, 75-5560 Kuakini Highway

This annual spring event offers plants and blooming flowers such as orchids, cacti, succulents and others from society members and vendors as well as locally crafted treasures including hanging planters, art, crafts, jewelry, food and more. And is all conveniently in time to find your favorite female a beautiful gift. There will also be a variety of educational opportunities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $2 cash and includes a host of educational offerings. New this year is an early bird special, admitting up to 100 beat-the-crowd shoppers starting at 8 a.m. Admission is $20 and includes a cup of coffee. Tickets can be purchased at the Kona Orchid Society website.

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Other events on the island during the next week promise a plethora of experiences for the entire family, including food trucks, dance performances, a Punk Prom, hula, Hawaiian culture and even standup comedy.

No. 8 — Punk Prom 2024 (Hilo, May 11)

When: Begins at 6 p.m.

Location: Hilo Town Market, 69 Waiānuenue Ave.

Get dressed up and ready to rock out with six bands: El Sancho, Nancy Boy, Kauz of Affliction, STD, Hellion and 2 Years Apart. Don’t forget to vote for prom king and queen. Will it be you? The event is presented by Nancy Boy and friends. All ages welcome. There will be a $15 cover charge at the door.

No. 9 — Pāwehi Hō‘ike (Hilo, May 12)

When: Begins at 4:30 p.m.

Location: Crown Room, Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive

Join Island Breeze Productions and Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu for this unique lūʻau experience featuring a tribute to music, hula and Polynesian culture. There will also be a special show, telling stories of Polynesia, Hawai‘i Island and Hilo town. An ono Hawaiian buffet is also on the menu, presented by chefs of the hotel’s new Ka Lihikai Restaurant. Kamaʻāina can get a 10% discount. Find additional information, including ticket prices, and reserve your seat online.

No. 10 — Sixteen Explosive Days at Kīlauea in May 1924 (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, May 14)

When: Begins at 7 p.m.

Location: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, 1 Crater Rim Drive

More than 50 explosions from Halemaʻumaʻu in May 1924 produced volcanic ash that fell from South Hilo to South Kona. Thousands of rocks weighing as much as 12 tons crashed to the ground in Kīlauea caldera. Electrical storms and torrential rain accompanied several of the explosions, earthquakes repeatedly shook the summit and Halemaʻumaʻu doubled in width. Don Swanson, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist emeritus, and Ben Gaddis, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory volunteer, describe the preamble to that eventful month 100 years ago. They also speculate why similar explosions did not occur during the 2018 partial collapse of the caldera. This presentation is part of the park’s ongoing After Dark in the Park programs. Free, but park entrance fees apply.

No. 11 — Hawaiʻi County Outstanding Older American Award Luncheon (Waikōloa, May 10)

When: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Hilton Waikōloa Village Resort, 69-425 Waikōloa Beach Drive

May is Older Americans Month. The Hawaiʻi County Office of Aging is dedicated to serving the Big Island’s kūpuna with the highest standards of care and respect. This luncheon highlights and honors the significant contributions of those older residents to the community and is an integral part of the county’s Older Americans Month celebrations. Contact the Office of Aging for ticket information by calling 808-961-8600. Note: The office will be closed Friday to allow staff members to participate in the event.

No. 12 — “Inside Out Game Show” (Hilo, May 10-11)

When: 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

N2 Dance presents this original musical production that promises a night of fun and excitement hosted by world-renowned emotions expert Dr. Dache Keltner (played by Zaira Hahn). Three lucky audience members will be chosen to compete for the chance to win a million dollars! Come to find out who the winner will be and enjoy spectacular performances in hip-hop, jazz, contemporary and hula dancing, as well as singing and acting. Doors, box office and concessions open 1 hour before each performance. Tickets are $25 general admission, $35 priority orchestra seating and can be purchased in advance online. Tickets are $5 more the day of the show.

No. 13 — Bee Dance (Kaueleau, May 10)

When: 6 to 11 p.m.

Location: Hawaiian Sanctuary, 13-3194 Pāhoa-Kalapana Road

Let’s get down. The baddies are back for this sound healing and creative frequencies experience. Expect booty-shaking bass and slick remixes throughout a range of dance genres with Teaa Rexx and Dazey. Teaa Rexx serves up rhythms to move the soul. She explores tribal sounds with deep trap bass drops mixed with heart-pounding dancing music. Dazey’s sets are sensual and seductive, going deep and keeping it real. She always keeps her cool while keeping the experience cool. For more information, contact the Hawaiian Sanctuary toll free at 1-800-309-8010.

No. 14 — Standup Comedy Show (Kailua-Kona, May 14)

When: Begins at 7 p.m.

Location: Kona Elks Lodge, 75-170 Hualālai Road

Rising standup star Kam Patterson is a comedian from Orlando, Fla., who is quickly gaining recognition for his sharp, high-energy sets and effortless crowd work. His natural charisma and unique, upbeat humor most recently landed him a regular slot on the extremely popular “Kill Tony” show. Patterson will be joined on the Elks Lodge stage by Biniam Bizuneh, a writer for the hit FXX series “Dave.” He also wrote for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” as well as Netflix/A24’s “The G Word” and SyFy’s “Resident Alien.” As a comedian, he’s appeared on Comedy Central’s “Stand-Up Featuring” and Viceland’s “Flophouse.” This show is presented by comedy booking and promotion agency Hawai‘i Top Comics. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.

No. 15 — Learn to Make Hū (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, May 15)

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)

Early Hawaiians devoted time to games, amusement and relaxation. Top-spinning and making hū (kukui nut top) was a favorite activity for people of all ages. Join park rangers and staff from Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association as they share their knowledge and love of one of the popular traditional arts of Hawaiʻi. Part of the park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs. Free, but park entrance fees apply.

No. 16 — Free Outdoor Concert (Puakō, May 9)

When: Begins at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Hōkūloa United Church of Christ, 69-1600 Puakō Beach Drive

The West Hawaiʻi Woodwind Quintet will perform works by Beethoven, Milhaud and Ibert. Everyone is invited to join the quintet, surrounded by beautiful scenery and sitting under the monkeypod tree. Chairs will be provided. The concert is free to attend, but an offering will be taken. For more information about the church or the concert, click here.