Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 15-21: ‘Pet Sounds’ Live, Pele and Hi‘iaka, Puna Bonsai ‘Ohana, Mauka Makai Drag Show, Tanabata Block Party 2024 and more

If ever there was a more eclectic bunch of activities, events and festivities happening around the Big Island, we’d be hard-pressed to say when.

You can learn how to leverage nature’s power to enhance communication and conflict resolution on Thursday and then go learn about bonsai and even buy and start working on your own on Saturday.

You’ll be done with trimming your tree with enough time to make it to one of the island’s most popular annual drag shows later that night to help raise funds for the Honoka‘a Business Association.

And then on Sunday, grab the kids, your brothers and sisters, your mom and dad, Grandma and Grandpa or whoever you can find — heck, it could just be you — and head to the walk, jog or run to search for effective treatments and cures for ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Learn about what the plans are for Kīlauea Visitor Center as the facility will be closed for renovations and rehabilitation as part of the ongoing 2018 disaster recovery at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

See. Eclectic, for sure. And we didn’t say anything about the immersive songwriter’s workshop, Tanabata Block Party or the other items in this week’s list.

But we’re sure there’s definitely something for everyone.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Aug. 15-21.

No. 1 — Take It Outside: Allowing Nature to Act as Mediator (Online, Aug. 15)

When: Noon to 1 p.m.

Location: Zoom; register online

“Nature is the ultimate mediator. From balancing emotions to offering fresh perspectives, it uniquely supports communication and understanding.”

Those are the words of Shelby K. Morrison, a holistic wellness facilitator and eco-therapeutic guide who found her way back to nature after leaving the separative, fundamentalist religion into which she was born. She is also this month’s speaker for Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center’s free “Finding Solutions, Growing Peace” Brown Bag Lunch Series discussion.

Morrison will guide participants through exploring practical techniques for leveraging nature’s influence in enhancing communication and conflict resolution. Learn how nature empowers mediators, Human Resources professionals, educators and more to foster collaborative and empathetic environments.

Talks are hosted on the third Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center at 808-935-7844, ext. 3; email Morrison at shelby@hawaiimediation.org; or click here.

No. 2 — “Pet Sounds” Live (Hilo, Aug. 16)

When: 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

“Pet Sounds” was a revolutionary and iconic Beach Boys’ album that forever changed how records were made and revolutionized the world of popular music from the inside out, furthering the legitimization of popular music in a way no other record had before.

This show brings the truly intricate and emotional experience of the record and all the feelings and sounds that come with it to life, recreating the in-depth detail of each song with a live band, and takes you inside the studio with well-crafted visuals and multi-media. In addition to the complete album, the show also features many other Beach Boys classics such as “California Girls,” “Don’t Worry, Baby” and the legendary pocket symphony “Good Vibrations.”

This is way more than a tribute. More than a band. More than a homage. This rock and roll story comes to life on stage like no other show before.

Tickets are $35 general admission, $45 priority orchestra. Cost is $5 more the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 808-934-7010.

No. 3 — Pele and Hi‘iaka: Myth or History? (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kahuku Unit, Aug. 17)

When: 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Location: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

The Pele-Hi‘iaka oli (chants) describe metaphorically the two largest volcanic events at Kīlauea since Polynesians came to Hawaiʻi: the massive 15th-century lava flow in Puna and the ensuing formation of the summit caldera in about 1500 CE.

Retired Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist and volcanologist Don Swanson will discuss how these oli depict the agreement between the past and modern understanding of these events during this talk story, which is part of the national park’s ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs. Free to attend.

The Kahuku Unit is located in Kaʻū, near mile-marker 70.5 on Highway 11, about a 1-hour drive from the park’s main entrance.

No. 4 — Puna Bonsai ‘Ohana Workshop and Meeting (Pāhoa, Aug. 17)

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: Arts and Sciences Center, 15-1397 Post Office Road

The word bonsai literally means a tree planted in a pot. But the main goal of practicing the “living art” is not just to pot a tree but to create a miniature version of what is seen in nature — suggesting a mature tree but with an idealized appearance.

Everyone is welcome to come learn more about the art, beauty and practice of bonsai and its Chinese cousin penjing during this upcoming event. Several activities, demonstrations, sales and a raffle and working on bonsai are planned. If you have a bonsai, bring it.

Meetings are hosted the third Saturday of each month. For more information, visit the bonsai ‘ohana’s Facebook group page.

No. 5 — Songwriter’s Immersive Weekend (Hilo, Aug. 17-18)

When: Noon to 9 p.m. both days

Location: KukuAu Studio, 43-D Kukuau St.

This 2-day multi-level intensive and interactive workshop includes classes on music production, music business and law, composition/arranging, performance, co-writing, home recording techniques, marketing and much more. It will also feature an exclusive open mic, networking and concert hosted on both days with performances by special guest artists.

KukuAu Studio’s founder Bub Pratt wants to host a space for songwriters to share original work, refine their craft and foster collaboration in a comfortable and creative space so they can connect with people on the Big Island, share in the studio’s resources and go to the next level of their musical journey.

The workshop is open to music creators of all ages and experience levels. Cost to attend is $80. To register for the event and more information, visit the KukuAu Studio website or head to the Eventbrite page.

No. 6 — Tanabata Block Party 2024 (Hilo, Aug. 17)

When: 4 to 9 p.m.

Location: University of Hawai‘i Science and Technology Park, North A‘ohōkū Place (above ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center)

Commemorate 25 years of discovery at the Subaru and Gemini observatories on the Big Island and celebrate Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival.

Everyone is welcome to this free public block party to enjoy special astronomical activities and crafts, evening stargazing, bon dance lessons and dancing, taiko performances by Taishoji Taiko and the Hilo High School Taiko Club, storytelling by the Hilo High School Japanese Club, ‘ono food and more.

The block party also once again includes Tanabata, which tells the story of the annual reunion of two star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi. only allowed to meet once a year in the night sky. In Japan, the festival is celebrated by writing wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku, which are hung on bamboo trees.

For more information, visit @subaru_telescope and @geminiobservatory on Instagram.

No. 7 — 3rd annual Mauka Makai Drag Show (Honokaʻa, Aug. 17)

When: 7:30 p.m.; meet and greet with the performers from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Location: Honokaʻa People’s Theatre, 45-3574 Māmane St.

“The key to navigating this life — don’t take it too seriously,” said drag superstar RuPaul. “That’s when the party begins.”

The party is certainly beginning in Honoka’a this weekend, sister, as this fabulous fundraiser for the Honoka‘a Business Association hits the stage again for the third time for some serious fun that promises not only a glittering showcase of original costuming but some sickening musical talent and much more.

Mistress of Ceremonies will be Domita Sanchez, former “Miss Gay USofA Newcomer” and full-time drag entertainer at some of the hottest and most popular lounges and theatres in Des Moines, Iowa. Domita will welcome to the stage four artists from the mainland and the Big Island who will be ready to dazzle your socks off, honey — Aaries the Extra, Elise Itried, Palehua and Tora Hamstring.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door, with a limited number of VIP reserved seating available. Click here to get your tickets now.

No. 8 — 2nd annual Big Island Walk & Roll to Cure ALS (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 18)

When: 8:30 a.m. registration; 9:30 a.m. program starts

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

The community is invited to come together in honor or in memory of those impacted by ALS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, for a family-friendly morning of celebration, exercise, education, awareness, music, food and keiki fun.

Since 2023, the annual event has not only brought incredible energy and an outpouring of support for those affected by the fatal, neurodegenerative illness in Hawai‘i, it has been an opportunity for the ALS community to connect and fuel the search for effective treatments and cures.

Proceeds will be used to support Hawai‘i programs and services for Hawai‘i’s ALS community.

For more information including a full schedule of events, to register or make a gift in support, click here. Online registration closes Aug. 17. For questions, contact AnnMarie Ingham, associate director of community outreach at BIwalk@alsnetwork.org or call 808-480-9689.

No. 9 — Community Resilience Fair (Kealakehe, Aug. 19)

When: 4 to 7 p.m.

Location: Kealakehe High School cafeteria, 74-5000 Puohulihuli St.

Hawaiian Electric invites the public to get in the know about how to prepare and plan for emergencies and build resilience when severe weather fueled by climate change happens.

An open house from 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 p.m. will feature booths hosting representatives from Hawaiian Electric, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, Hawai‘i Police Department, Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply, Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Association, Hawai‘i Energy, Vibrant Hawai‘i, Sustainable Energy Hawai‘i and other organizations sharing information, tools and resources to make sure you’re ready if and when you have to be.

A community meeting is planned from 5 to 6 p.m. about Hawaiian Electric’s Wildfire Safety Strategy, which includes enhanced safety procedures, video cameras, weather stations and its new Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Retired news reporter Sherry Bracken will also moderate a panel discussion about resilience and the importance of emergency preparedness. The meeting will be recorded and posted on Hawaiian Electric’s website and aired on Nā Leo TV following the event.

For more information or to request a presentation for your organization, email communityrelations.hawaiiisland@hawaiianelectric.com.

No. 10 — Kīlauea Visitor Center Renovation Update (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 20)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, 1 Crater Rim Drive

Starting this fall, Kīlauea Visitor Center and most adjacent parking will close for construction. After Dark in the Park, Nā Leo Manu and other park programs will temporarily be suspended once the visitor center closes. During the closure, the interior of the visitor center will be rehabilitated, new exhibits will be installed, the restrooms will be rebuilt and the lānai will be replaced by an expanded covered hālau (pavilion).

Park managers will share details about the temporary relocation of visitor services and share updates about the ongoing 2018 disaster recovery projects.

This presentation is part of the national park’s ongoing After Dark in the Park. 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/