Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Sept. 26-Oct. 2: Everything from a musical about cruel murderous teens to the World’s Largest Pet Walk and more

You know, there are just times when it’s even easier to be thankful we live in Hawai‘i. Especially on the Big Island. Like this week.

There’s a normal, shall we say, je ne sais quoi to the mix of events and activities happening around this rock we call home on a regular basis.

Today’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island, however, has a kind of special flare.

When you dig into the details, you find a musical theatre production of a dark comedic cult classic that brings to the stage murderous escapades of a fictional “in” crowd of cruel “mean” girls who take a nobody who dreams of being one of them only to find out that there’s a killer catch to becoming one of the popular kids.

Then there’s a new art exhibit opening in Waimea that puts on display sculptures by a renowned Kona artist who is the child of a Holocaust survivor and amputee trying to change the world for the better by using anthropomorphic figures to create provocative scenes as commentary on social issues ranging from reproductive rights to public health.

On the other end of the spectrum, you and your fury 4-legged pal can head to Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and join the World’s Largest Pet Walk to get in your steps or you can help clean up beautiful historic Keauhou Bay with Miss Hawai‘i Island Shyla Victor.

Oh, and don’t forget about having your mind blown by mesmerizing tango on the Kahilu stage in Waimea and learning or getting a refresher on traffic safety during a community event at Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School.

That’s not all, but you probably get the idea.

Read on to check out all the top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Sept. 26-Oct. 2.

No. 1 — “Obiter Dictum” and “In the Beginning …” (Waimea, Sept. 26-Nov. 3)

When: Regular gallery hours or by appointment; opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26

Location: Simperman and Suli T. Go Galleries, Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Sculptures exploring the “Human Condition” by renowned Kona artist Amber Aguirre will exhibited in the Simperman Gallery while aerial photographs by Honolulu-based artist Leslie Gleim, pondering the complex relationships and tensions that exist between the natural, climatic, and human impacts on the Hawaiian ‘āina, will adorn the walls of the Suli T. Go Gallery.

Aguirre — the child of a Holocaust survivor, an amputee and mother navigating her daughter’s illness — uses anthropomorphic bunnies, rats and other figures in provocative scenes to comment on pressing social issues such as reproductive rights, houselessness, violence, public health and political power. She is pulled to try to change the world for the better.

The fine art photographer has been capturing images from the sky over Hawai‘i Island since 2017. Her work has been widely displayed and published around the globe.

Kahilu’s galleries are open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as before and after mainstage performances. Appointments can be made by calling 808-885-6868 or via email.

No. 2 — “Heathers: The Musical” (Hilo, opens Sept. 26)

When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays from Sept. 26 through Oct. 13

Location: East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St.

Popularity is a matter of life or death at Westerberg High, so when Veronica, your typical teen nobody, is unexpectedly adopted by three beautiful — but impossibly cruel — Heathers, her dream of becoming a member of the “in” crowd finally starts to take life. There’s always a catch though, and a mysterious teen rebel soon teaches her it’s murder being a somebody.

The Hilo Education Arts Repertory brings this award-winning dark comedy and classic cult film to a new generation with all the humor and satire along with song and dance you’d expect from musical theatre set in the perilous and risky self-absorbed universe of teenage drama.

Parental guidance is suggested and viewer discretion is advised as there are mature themes including murder, suicide, sexual content and references to eating disorders. Recommended for ages 14 and older.

For more information and to purchase tickets, which start at $20, click here.

No. 3 — World’s Largest Pet Walk (Waimea, Sept. 28)

When: 8 a.m.

Location: Starts across from Pukalani Stables, 67-139 Pukalani Road

Walking is a great way to increase your cardiovascular fitness and reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease. Research has also discovered that people who trot with an animal at their side are even more likely to succeed in getting enough physical activity.

Join Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and its pet therapy teams for this 2-mile walk, rain or shine, as they hoof, paw and foot it with thousands of others around the globe for this event created by Pet Partners, the nation’s leading organization registering therapy animals.

Bring your own pet, which must be well-behaved and leashed, or you can walk with one of the hospital’s therapy pets. Anyone interested in becoming a pet therapy team can visit the hospital website. For more information or any additional questions, call 808-881-4421.

No. 4 — Keauhou Community Cleanup Day (Keauhou, Sept. 28)

When: Begins at 8 a.m.

Location: Check in at Sea Quest Hawai‘i, 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St.

Are you ready to get dirty while cleaning up? What about making a difference to the health of the environment around a special West Hawai‘i bay? Maybe you just want to hang out with friends and/or family and do something good for the island.

Roll up your sleeves, put on some gloves and get into your outside work clothes because you’re invited to celebrate Keauhou’s rich cultural heritage, beauty and community during a day of mālama ‘āina, pilina and aloha ʻāina. Help clean up significant cultural sites with Kamehameha Schools ‘Āina Pauahi group and meet Miss Hawai‘i Island Shyla Victor, who will also be lending a hand.

Check-in starts at 8 a.m., with free parking available at nearby OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. Community Pāʻina featuring food, live music, a jumping castle and keiki crafts is from noon to 2 p.m., with an open house and tour from 1 to 3 p.m. by Kamehameha Schools staff, who will share the Kamehameha Schools vision for Keauhou Bay.

To register or for more information, click here.

No. 5 — Special Stewardship at the Summit volunteer event (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Sept. 28)

When: 8:45 a.m. to noon

Location: Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center

This is a special volunteer opportunity to help restore the native rainforest at the park, and your time and effort will be rewarded with a free pass you can use at any national park.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snack and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have written consent to participate. No advance registration is required, but space is limited to the first 25 participants.

Saturday is also a fee-free day at all national parks in celebration of National Public Lands Day, so entrance is free at all fee-charging national parks. So there’s really no excuse not to get out and go to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to see what’s happening.

NPS Photo/J.Wei

No. 6 — 2nd annual Walk to Prevent Addiction & Overdose (Hilo, Sept. 28)

When: 9 a.m.

Location: Lili‘uokalani Gardens, Banyan Drive

A participant at the inaugural walk last year said she felt a sense of community and hope she hadn’t since before she got addicted and was amazed at how an event like this can bring people together and make that much of a real difference.

That’s why the Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force in collaboration with the Big Island Substance Abuse Council started the walk and that’s why they’re bringing it back for a second year — to show people affected by addiction and overdose they are not alone and there is hope.

This year’s event aims to bring even more awareness and support for people silently battling substance abuse or know someone who is and invites everyone for a morning of unity and positive action. There will be free resources from support organizations, snacks and plenty of keiki activities.

Your presence will make a difference. Those who plan to join the walk for a better tomorrow are asked to register online. For more information, contact the Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force at 808-319-3371 or click here.

No. 7 — St. Augustine’s Church Annual Bazaar (Kapa‘au, Sept. 28)

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 54-3801 ‘Akoni Pule Highway

Everyone is invited to attend this fun fall shopping event that promises a full lineup of delicious baked goods and ethnic food, live music and a boutique section featuring high-end bags and clothing. There will also be plants and flowers for sale.

The church Thrift Store will be open, with special household items and local art up for grabs. You can also bid on items in the silent auction, including a stay at the Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort and Hilton Waikōloa Village or services from a number of local businesses.

All proceeds from the bazaar directly support the church’s North Kohala community service such as its College Award program, Thrift Store and food security programs. For more information, call the church at 808-889-5390.

No. 8 — A Conversation about Civic Education with Dean Cevallos, principal of Kea‘au High School (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Sept. 28)

When: 10 a.m.

Location: Unitarian Universalists of Puna, 15-1791 14th Ave.

The League of Women Voters of Hawai‘i County’s next general meeting will feature this special guest speaker, who will discuss the high school’s experience with the state’s new standards surrounding civic education such as student involvement with programs including Kids Voting Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i History Day.

He will also share his impression about how teenagers view civic and political engagement, opportunities and challenges in the future and how the broader community can support the students at Kea‘au High School.

The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Cevallos has been with the Hawai‘i Department of Education for more than 25 years. He has been principal at Keaʻau High since 2011. For more information or to register, click here.

No. 9 — Iggy Jang’s Tango Extavaganza! (Waimea, Sept. 28)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Get ready to tango, Big Island! Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra concertmaster and violinist Iggy Jang is back by popular demand with this electrifying event featuring 8 award-winning dancers and musicians who will mesmerize audience members.

They’ll show off twirling tangos and seductive milongas while honoring the haunting melodies and inebriating rhythms of legendary tango masters. This is a show you don’t want to miss.

Tickets start at just $24. Click here to purchase yours now.

No. 10 — 2024 Traffic Safety Fair (Laupāhoehoe, Sept. 29)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

Location: Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School, 35-2065 Old Māmalahoa Highway

Driver’s education coordinators and instructors want to drive home safe driving practices and put the brakes on Big Island roadway tragedies during this family-friendly weekend roadrip to raise awareness about traffic safety for all ages.

The free fair is open to the public and will will feature a variety of educational booths and interactive activities, including information about how to enroll in driver’s education, taking a field sobriety test and the jaws of life. You can also practice changing a tire, safely jump-starting a car and managing emotions before driving.

Additional highlights will include safety demonstrations, an impaired driving simulation and a showcase of classic cars from Hāmākua. For more information, contact kumu Momi Nuʻuhiwa at 808-962-2200.

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/