Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Oct. 17-23: Imu workshops, youth kickboxing, free pet microchipping, ‘Super Smash Bros Utlimate,’ a fall fest and more

The middle of October brings with it a variety of events and activities around the Big Island.

The Men of Pa‘a kick off their Imu Mea ‘Ai workshop series aimed at connecting participants with the deep traditions of Hawaiian cooking, storytelling and community.

The workshops teach participants to build an imu, the ancient Hawaiian method of underground cooking, from scratch as well as prepare traditional food and celebrate the values of patience, unity and respect for the land.

Toughman Hawai‘i is hosting its Next Generation youth kickboxing finale for 2 days in Hilo, with 15 divisional championships on the line.

It will be history in the making, so you don’t want to miss this battle for the ages that organizers are billing as the biggest youth combat sports event ever to hit Hilo and the islands, featuring more than 100 youth athletes from around the globe.

Hawaiʻi County Animal Control and Prevention is offering Big Island residents another chance to microchip furry family members at no cost and register their dogs for nominal fees.

The event is part of the county’s ongoing effort to support responsible pet ownership and ensure the safety of pets around the island.

The Kohala Ride Wild Club invites the community to its Fall Festival fundraiser full of fun family activities, including a petting zoo, face painting, a caramel apple station, pony rides, a pumpkin picking patch, trunk-or-treat and the haunted train ride.

And the University of Hawai’i at Hilo Super Smash Club is having a “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” double elimination tournament hosted at Gam3Escape in downtown Hilo, which begs the question, does your favorite “Smash Bros” fighter have what it takes to win the title?

That’s just a glance at some of what’s happening around the island for the next 7 days.

Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Oct. 17-23 below.

Be sure to keep an eye out for our listings of Halloween Hauntings starting Friday, too.

No. 1 — Imu Mea ‘Ai (Puna, Oct. 18, Nov. 16 and Dec. 13)

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: RSVP for location details

Discover Hawaiian culture and join nonprofit Men of PA‘A for this free series of hands-on imu building workshops supported by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. These immersive cultural experiences are designed to connect participants with the deep traditions of Hawaiian cooking, storytelling and community.

Imu mea ‘ai is a cultural and regenerative tourism initiative that seeks to deepen the community’s relationship with the ‘āina and one another. At the heart of these workshops is the imu, an ancient Hawaiian method of underground cooking. Participants will learn to build an imu from scratch, prepare traditional foods and celebrate the values of patience, unity and respect for the land.

Whether you’re looking to explore Hawaiian culture for the first time or deepen your connection to it, this event is an unforgettable experience. For more information or to book your experience, click here.

No. 2 — Healing Together: Unpacking Mental Health Stigma with Compassion & Awareness (Hilo, Oct. 18)

When: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Campus Center, Room 301, 200 W. Kāwili St.

The public is invited to a free dynamic workshop to gain insights, challenge biases and take actionable steps toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health.

Learn about the gravity, persistence, origins and outcomes of mental health stigma. Delve into the influence of identities/intersectionality on how mental health is perceived.

Presented by Dr. Stephanie Campbell and Dr. Alexandria King. Register online. Reception with pupus begins at 4:30 p.m.

No. 3 — Toughman Hawai‘i Next Generation 2-Day Kickboxing Season Finale (Hilo, Oct. 18-19)

When: 6 p.m. Oct. 18, doors open at 5 p.m.; 3 p.m. Oct. 19, doors open at 2 p.m.

Location: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St.

Billed by organizers as the biggest 2-day event Hawai‘i has ever seen and the biggest youth combat sports event ever to hit Hilo and the islands, this competition features more than 100 youth athletes from around the globe coming to Hilo to take on Hawai‘i’s finest in a schedule of more than 40 fights.

There are 15 divisional championships on the line, with the best of the best trying to stake their claim and go home with the Next Generation title. This is history in the making, so mark your calendars. You don’t want to miss this battle for the ages.

Purchase tickets at Stunnah HI at Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo. A 2-day general admission pass is $75. Ringside seating is $50, but limited. For more information, call 808-960-4341.

No. 4 — Free Microchipping and Dog Licensing Event (Volcano Village, Oct. 19)

When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Cooper Center, 19-4030 Wright Road

Hawaiʻi County Animal Control and Prevention is once again offering Big Island residents the opportunity to microchip their furry family members at no cost as well as license their dogs for nominal fees of $2.10 if they are spayed or neutered and $6.10 for unaltered canines.

Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue, the Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society, Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance, Aloha Animal Alliance and PetFix will also provide additional services and resources. Petfix will take registrations for its spay and neuter clinic.

Free vaccinations will be offered as well through a collaboration with Aloha Animal Alliance and Petco Love. Distemper and parvo vaccines will be available for dogs, with rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia shots available for felines.

The event is part of the county’s ongoing effort to support responsible pet ownership and ensure the safety of pets around the island. For additional information or to learn about future events, follow Animal Control and Prevention on Facebook.

No. 5 — 2024 Big Island Arts Summit (Kailua-Kona, Oct. 19)

When: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Location: Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai’i Authority, Mauka Research Campus Building, 73-188 Makako Bay Drive

There is a growing movement to grow and strengthen the Big Island’s arts community while building connections throughout the Pacific Islands. This is your invitation to become a part of the ocean of possibilities.

Come and witness live music from Grammy-winning musicians, hula, taiko, aerial arts, theatre and dance performances during the Arts Showcase. Participate in interactive breakout groups from woodworking to art advocacy and everything in between. Hear from local leaders and creatives shaping the future of the arts on the Big Island. Meet and connect with fellow artists, cultural organizations and community members.

By coming together, opportunities will be created, resources shared and future generations inspired. For more information, follow the summit on Facebook.

No. 6 — Vegan in a Nutshell (Volcano Village, Oct. 19)

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Location to be announced with registration

Chef Susie from Sweet Potato Kitchen has prepared vegan comfort food for more than a decade on the Big Island. Now, she’s sharing what she’s learned throughout her 50-plus years of exploring the gentler, simpler and healthier way to nourish yourself and your loved ones.

This plant-based cooking workshop will get participants outside the box, discussing the best ingredients and items to stock in a vegan pantry, myths associated with a vegan diet, where to find plant-based proteins, methods to “veganize” your comfort food favorites and more, all while preparing and enjoying these dishes. Chef says to come hungry and wear your “fat pants.”

The 8-hour classes are open to anyone; however, space is limited to 6 stations to keep the workshop intimate, fun, fast-paced and exciting. Cost to attend is $300, all inclusive. To register for the workshop or for any questions or additional information, message Chef Susie on Facebook.

No. 7 — Fall Festival (Kapa‘au, Oct. 19)

When: Noon to 8 p.m.

Location: ‘Iole Riding Arena, 53-580 ‘Iole Road

The Kohala Ride Wild Club invites the Big Island community to a full fall day of activities for the whole family.

There will be a petting zoo, face painting, a caramel apple station, pony rides and several vendors, including K.O. Pizza, She Apparel County Wear and others. You also don’t want to miss the pumpkin picking patch, trunk-or-treat and the haunted train ride. At 6 p.m., there will be a movie tailgate to close out the night.

The event is a fundraiser for the club, so come out, have fun and support a great local community club at the same time. For more information, call the Kohala Ride Wild Club at 808-756-4192.

No. 8 — “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” Tournament (Hilo, Oct. 19)

When: 1 p.m.

Location: Gam3Escape, 57 Shipman St.

Are you all about Yoshi, swallowing your opponents and turning them into eggs or becoming an egg yourself and charging toward your foe? Maybe it’s the army of Yoshis that stampedes through the stage for his Final Smash that got you hooked.

Or are you more of a Samus player, with her triple threat charge shot, missile and bomb attacks that keep enemies in check from afar and a wide laser beam that moves up and down for her Final Smash?

Whichever of the 80-plus characters you select to smash the players in this Nintendo classic, do you have what it takes to best the rest of the competition? You’re invited to find out in this University of Hawai’i at Hilo Super Smash Club double-elimination event.

Entry is just $10. Bring your own Nintendo Switch joycons. Casual play will be allowed between matches. For more information, call Gam3Escape at 808-498-4095.

No. 9 — Pō & the 4Fathers live (Waimea, Oct. 20)

When: 2 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

This modern maoli (native) band offers a unique and powerful musical experience deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, with a sound that seamlessly blends Polynesian rhythms and Indigenous tones influenced by reggae, soul, the blues, funk and hip-hop.

The talented ensemble of multi-instrumentalists and vocalists Kawai Hoe, Roman Corpuz, Kalei Young, Kiliona Young, August Lopaka, Kalei Yamanoha, Jordan Lopez and Adam Zopel crafts a sound that represents the forward movement of Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) music, honoring the past while looking toward the future and delivering vibrant, dynamic performances that resonate with everyone who attends.

Kahilu is offering its “Pay What You Wish” pricing for this concert, so audience members can pay any amount they choose. Tickets may be purchased online, by calling the box office at 808-885-6868 or visiting the box office in person.

No. 10 — University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy Health and Science Fair (Hilo, Oct. 20)

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: UH-Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, 722 South A‘ohoku Place

The public is invited to this free health and science fair that is sure to have activities and events for everyone, from keiki to kūpuna.

The fair – which is in partnership with the KTA Pharmacy, Hawai‘i Science and Technology Museum with support from Walgreens and Hawai‘i Medical Service Association – will include health screenings; seasonal vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19 for ages 3 and older; routine vaccinations for pneumonia, shingles and tetanus, diptheria and pertussis; robotics and circuit building; kids computing; drug takeback; UH-Hilo health and science programs; medication counseling; Medicare enrollment information; College of Pharmacy building tours; and much more.

For more information, call the College of Pharmacy at 808-932-7710 or email pharmacy@hawaii.edu.

* * * * * * * * * *

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/