Top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Aug. 1-7: ‘The Voice of Hiroshima,’ art, an aerial spectacle, 808 Day 2024, comedy and more
Aug. 6 marks the 79th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima in Japan during World War II.
To say the memories of that day are painful for those who survived is perhaps an understatement as monumental as the explosion that instantly killed nearly 80,000 people, wiped a large portion of the city off the map and led to the future deaths of another about 60,000 people because of the radiation it released.
They experienced something only people in one other city — Nagasaki, Japan, 3 days later — ever have, went through trauma they will never forget and suffered heart-wrenching depths of grief.
But many of them overcame, and now they relive that experience to tell others about it to make sure it never happens again.
A special event is planned at Honokaʻa People’s Theatre beginning at 1 p.m. Aug. 6 on the anniversary of the bombing.
A moment of silence will be observed at 1:15 p.m., which is 8:15 a.m. in Japan, the exact time nearly 80 years the “Little Boy” atomic bomb changed Hiroshima — and the entire world — forever.
The event will feature a presentation by University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Japanese Studies professor Masafumi Honda and a paper crane origami workshop, plus more.
It might not be at the top of our list (since we list items by date and time), but we thought it was the most important if for no other reason than to remember the history and honor those who tell their stories so none of us might have to go through what they did.
Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Aug. 1-7.
No. 1 — 2nd annual Abled Hawai‘i Artists Collaborative Art Opening (Hilo, Aug. 2)
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: One Gallery, 186 Kamehameha Ave.
The Abled Hawai‘i Artists Collaborative hosts an annual gathering that brings artists with and without disabilities together in an inclusive, nurturing, uplifting environment with professional artists, art organizers and educators to learn from one another and create artwork together.
This yearʻs 3-day collab was June 13-16, and now you have the opportunity to view and purchase the finished artwork throughout the entire month of August.
The collaborative aims to teach artists working skills that will further their artistic expression and financial independence and showcase working artists with disabilities.
Tax-deductible donations also are accepted, as well as art supplies and materials. For more information about the collaborative, opening or art sale, email to ahaarts@gmail.com.
No. 2 — “Wandering the Borderlands” (Hilo, Aug. 3-Sept. 27)
When: 6 p.m. Aug. 2 opening reception; gallery hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Location: East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St.
Medieval stories and images take new forms in this exhibit that draws on the eclectic life and childhood experiences of artist Pier Fichefeux. His father was a comparative theologian and historian specializing in the early Middle Ages who delighted in telling his children stories.
Fichefeux’s father would ask children to give him random words, which he used as themes for tales that lasted for days. Those stories filled the Parisian child’s early years with supernatural images from the walls of dim churches built atop earlier churches. Fichefeux’s imagination was seeded with pre-flood, demonic crawling and flying creatures — characters and caricatures that came to inhabit and animate his paintings.
He has traveled around the world since graduating from high school. Ficheneux eventually found his way to New York and signed with a noted gallery, where he painted for 6 years. During his travels, he developed a personal relationship with Mauna Loa and subsequently moved to the Big Island with his wife and family, establishing a studio on its slopes.
For more information about the artist and the exhibit, visit the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center website, call 808-961-5711 or stop at the center.
No. 3 — “At Her Feet” premiere (Hilo, Aug. 2)
When: 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
This new feature film by Hawai‘i filmmaker Nadya Wynd is a unique blend of adventure, mystery and drama with the awe-inspiring backdrop of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Matt and Savannah, two adventurous interns on an archeological dig in Hawai‘i, embark on an unexpected journey of survival. On their day off, they explore the national park with Kilo, a seasoned volcano guide. Their tour turns perilous when a sudden volcanic eruption starts. The trio has a harrowing journey that tests their physical endurance, emotional resilience and mental fortitude.
This is not just a film. It’s a cultural experience. Join Wynd, along with cast and crew members for a question-and-answer session following the screening.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $9 for seniors, students and veterans. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, click here. There also will be another Big Island premier of the film at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Regal Keauhou in Kona. Click here for tickets.
No. 4 — Los Habaneros 20th Anniversary Celebration (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 3)
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Keauhou Shopping Center, No. 404, 78-6831 Ali‘i Drive
Since opening its doors in 2004, Los Habaneros has become a beloved Kona staple during the past 2 decades, known for its vibrant atmosphere, exceptional service and mouthwatering authentic, flavorful Mexican cuisine.
Founded by Armando and Cara Altamirano, the restaurant also has a reputation for dedication to quality, using only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods to create an unforgettable dining experience.
To celebrate its 20th birthday, the public is invited to this special event that will feature entertainment, giveaways and food and drink specials, while supplies last. For more information, call the restaurant at 808-324-4688 or email cara@habaneroskona.com.
No. 5 — 808 Day 2024 (Hilo, Aug. 3)
When: 4 to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Nani Mau Restaurant and Tropical Gardens, 421 Makalika St.
The festival returns with a fresh feel this year. You’ll still enjoy everything you know and love about the special event — the music, the vendors, the art, the vibes — but with the natural beauty and laid-back environment the new venue provides.
This year’s spectacular lineup features Three Plus, Kapu System with Kanakamon and Small Axe, The Big Island Mix Plate Band featuring Ikaakamai, Ku‘ulei Music, Damon Williams, Stephen and Pohai Henderson, Drew Daniels and Kamuflauge, Kanaka Fyah, DJ Hapa Boy and more.
Participating vendors are Kanaka Kava, Eat More Veg‘Aīna, Moon Kine Tingz, Shakedown Treats, Toasty Dogs, Kula Shave Ice, Irie Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Budline and more.
General admission is $40. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
No. 6 — “Fleurish” (Hilo, Aug. 3)
When: 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6 p.m.
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting hidden world of flowers during this captivating full-length aerial cirque spectacle.
Brought to you by Cirquelicious Entertainment and Aerial Arts Hawai’i, this poetic homage to flora blooms with 15 dynamic acts featuring aerial fabric, rope, hoop, acrobatics, dance and live musical accompaniment, all locally created and performed with artists from the Big Island and Maui. It promises a joyful and playful experience for all ages — one you won’t soon forget.
There also will be interactive pre-show entertainment.
If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, it might be time to make a move; they’re being plucked fast. Tickets are $27 general admission or $52 for VIP orchestra seating. The VIP package includes an Aerial Arts Hawai‘i tote bag, sticker and discount to aerial classes. All tickets are $5 more on the day of the show. To purchase tickets in advance, click here.
No. 7 — Fee-free Day for the Great American Outdoors Act (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 4)
When: All day
Location: All fee-charging national parks
Join the national park and all other fee-charging national parks on the Big Island and throughout the state for the fourth anniversary of this landmark legislation.
The Great American Outdoors Act provides up to $1.3 billion a year for 5 years and enables parks to make large-scale repairs and improvements. At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, funds appropriated through the act will support upcoming fence and greenhouse repairs, water treatment system rehabilitation and improvements to Mauna Loa Road.
So come out, enjoy the park — for free — and help celebrate the passage of this important legislation that supports all of the nation’s national parks.
No. 8 — “The Voice of Hiroshima” (Honokaʻa, Aug. 4)
When: 1 p.m.
Location: Honokaʻa People’s Theatre, 45-3574 Māmane St.
The memories of Aug. 6, 1945, are extremely painful for survivors of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. However, many have overcome the heart-wrenching grief and trauma to tell others about their experiences because they want to convey to the world their conviction that nuclear weapons must never, under any circumstances, be used again.
This event begins with a moment of silence at 1:15 p.m. (8:15 a.m. Japan time). A showing of the animated 1993 film “On a Paper Crane: Tomoko’s Adventure” is a featured part of the event.
The movie tells the story of Tomoko, a schoolgirl who lives in Hiroshima. She visits the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for a homework project and is shocked by what she learns. While she’s there, Tomoko meets Sadako, who was exposed to radiation from the bomb when she was 2 and died when she was 12 as a result, but comes to life and guides Tomoko on a strange — but eye-opening — journey.
A special presentation by Masafumi Honda, a professor in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Japanese Studies program, and paper crane origami workshop also are part of the event. For more information, email to masafumi@hawaii.edu.
No. 9 — Can’t Even Comedy Show (Pāhoa, Aug. 4)
When: 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.
Location: Lava Shack, 15-2929 Pāhoa Village Road
These funny guys and gals wanted to meet more of the Big Island’s locals. So they’re bringing comedy to places that don’t normally get it — like for the first time ever at the Lava Shack — and are on a tour of live laughs for the masses.
Gabe Davis from Comedy Central and Caitlin Benson from The Improv and Can’t Even Comedy co-founder will be joined by a bunch of local favorite comedians to round out the lineup, including Katie Lynn of Pineapples Comedy along with Kinohi Betts and host Nehemiah, both of Good Times Comedy.
Tickets start at $25 and you must be 18 or older to attend. Also, note that the lineup is subject to change. Click here to purchase tickets.
The Big Island comedy roadshow also takes the jovial jokers to shows today at MyBar in Kona, Aug. 2 at Blue Dragon Tavern in Kawaihae and Aug. 3 at Hilo Town Market in Hilo.
No. 10 — The Forest in the Pit Crater: A Tale of Ancient Hawai‘i (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 6)
When: 7 p.m.
Location: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, 1 Crater Rim Drive
If you missed the first standing-room-only program, you’re in for an encore treat. With nearly 150-foot vertical walls, the Kahuku Pit Crater contains a dense native forest, and from its overlook, you gaze down on treetops preserved from ka wā kahiko (ancient times).
David Benitez, former park ecologist, led surveys into the crater that documented more than 100 plant species, many rare and endangered. Hear about the expeditions of Benitez and multi-agency teams who rappelled into the crater and how collections are being used to restore rare and endangered native plants throughout the park.
This presentation is part of the park’s ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free to attend, but park entrance fees apply.
Want to check for yourself what’s going on around the island?
We admit. We can’t fit everything going on each week in our top 10. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover other events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops that pique your interest.
- 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
- Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo (on Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041333509786
- 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 (on Instagram): 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/
- Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/
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