Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 29-Sept. 4: Live music, cat videos, lei pāpale, stargazing, sports greats and more

Labor Day Weekend is upon us, Big Island, so get out and celebrate the long weekend — and extra time off work — by attending, participating in or watching one or more of the multitude of events happening around the Big Island.

Streetlight Cadence brings its award-winning punkish energy on acoustic instruments intertwined with intimate storytelling to the Palace Theater stage Friday night as part of the historic downtown Hilo theater’s Centennial Year Concert Series.

Speaking of the Palace, don’t miss CatVideoFest 2025! Tickets are available meow for this compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos. It’s also a fundraiser for Action 4 Animals Hawai’i to help Big Island cats in need.

Maybe you’d rather show off your lei-making skills. Then enter the Parker Ranch Round-Up Club Lei Pāpale Contest.

There are several categories to enter, with entires being judged on craftsmanship, creative use of material, color coordination and expression of theme. First place receives $250. Keiki are encouraged to participate, too!

This year’s Tanabata Block Party also promises an evening of free, family-friendly fun, featuring the beauty of Japanese tradition with the wonder of modern science, including stargazing. It’s all free, so come for the culture and stay for the stars.

You can also help celebrate local sports legends as four athletes are inducted into the Big Island Sports Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to the community. Come honor the best in Big Island sports during the 2025 induction banquet.

We couldn’t fit everything in last week or this week either, so be sure to check out two bonus things to do on the Big Island after the Top 10 — one of which happens today!

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Aug. 29-Sept. 4.

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NO. 1 — Streetlight Cadence live in concert (Hilo, Aug. 29)

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

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

An undying sense of adventure anchored this group since its humble beginnings as street performers in Honolulu. Their punkish energy on acoustic instruments intertwines with intimate storytelling to create a sound that scored numerous placements on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart, two Nã Hōkū Hanohano Awards and an Emmy nomination for their self-produced TV series “Will Play For Food.” This concert is part of the Palace’s Centennial Year Concert Series, with proceeds raised to support ongoing interior restoration of the historic theater. Tickets are $20.

More info: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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NO. 2 — ʻOnipaʻa Ka Paniolo: Parker Ranch Round-Up Club Lei Pāpale Contest (Waimea, Aug. 30)

When: 9 a.m.

Location: Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena, 67-1349 Ala Ohia Road

Community members, especially younger participants, are invited to enter this contest featuring the familar Hawaiian garlands designed specifically to be worn on hats. Categories include Haku, Hili, Humu Papa, Kui and Wili. Lei will be judged on craftsmanship, creative use of material, color coordination and expression of theme. First place receives $250. There also will be a People’s Choice Award and special award for keiki 14 years old and younger. No endangered species or ohia lehua. All lei must be delivered by 9 a.m. Winners will be announced tentatively by noon, with a live auction of the winning lei to follow and silent auction for all remaining entries. Free to enter. Pre-registration is encouraged.

More info/register: Email to prrcleicontest@gmail.com.

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NO. 3 — Pacific Heritage Plants and Community Day (Hilo, Aug. 30)

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Location: Komohana Research and Extension Center, 875 Komohana St.

This is a family-friendly event focused on Compacts of Free Association communities of the Big Island, including Marshallese, Kosraeans, Pohnpeians, Chuukese, Yapese and Palauans. Get free breadfruit and coconut trees, sugar cane cuttings and kava plants, plus information about best gardening and tree-growing practices on the island. There will be interactive resource stations, plant care hands-on workshops, cultural demonstrations and more. Make some community connections while you’re there.

More info/RSVP: Call 808-365-2220 or email to juowolo@gmail.com.

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NO. 4 — Big Island Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet (Hilo, Aug. 30)

When: 11:30 a.m.

Location: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive

Come celebrate the achievements of local sports legends and the induction of 4 more athletes who made significant contributions to the community. This year’s inductees are Max Unger, Sharon Peterson, Joey Estrella and Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto. It will be an event filled with inspiring stories, delicious food and memorable moments. Make sure you don’t miss the chance to honor the best in Big Island sports. Ticket are $75.

More info/tickets: Visit Eventbrite.

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NO. 5 — ʻOhana Paniolo Steel Horses Style (Hilo, Aug. 30)

When: Noon to 6 p.m.

Location: Hilo Bayfront, across from the soccer fields

Round ’em up and ride down for this family day that will include a motorcycle rodeo plus car and motorcycle show. Fun and games are planned for for everyone, including bouncing castles, face painting and tree planting; live music by Vaughn Valentino, Glen Nihipali, Kuʻulei Music; $1 raffles; food booths; local vendors; and more. There will even be “Harley Lasso.” Biker Rodeo sign up is noon to 1:30 p.m.

More info: Follow the Poe Holo Kila Motorcycle Club on Instagram.

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NO. 6 — Tanabata Block Party 2025 (Hilo, Aug. 30)

When: 4 to 9 p.m.

Location: Behind ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, North Aʻohōkū Place

Join the Maunakea Observatories for an evening of free, family-friendly fun during this celebration that blends the beauty of Japanese tradition with the wonder of modern science, including Mauna Kea astronomy discoveries. Enjoy science activity booths, Japanese cultural performances, ʻono food and stargazing after dark (weather permitting). You can also take a look around several of the Mauna Kea observatories’ base facilities. All for free. Come for the culture, stay for the stars.

More info: Visit the Subaru Telescope website.

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NO. 7 — KOA PUNA Motorcyle Club Hoʻolauleʻa (Kalapana, Aug. 30)

When: 5 to 10 p.m.

Location: Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar, 12-5038 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road

Celebrate this Labor Day Weekend with members of KOA PUNA Motorcycle Club, plus help brighten the holidays for keiki in need. Bring your own beverages — and a designated driverif they happen to be spiked — for this event that is also a fundraiser for Toys for Tots. There will be live music and entertainment, food vendors and more. Cost is $10 donation for adults; keiki are free. It’s fun for the whole ‘ohana, so don’t miss out. No drama; good vibes only.

More info: Contact KOA PUNA Motorcycle Club via its website or Instagram.

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NO. 8 — CatVideoFest 2025 (Hilo, Aug. 31)

When: 2:30 and 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open 30 minutes prior to showtime

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Tickets are available meow for this compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos and classic internet powerhouses. This purr-fect festival is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, with 10% of proceeds going directly to Action 4 Animals Hawai‘i to help Big Island cats in need! Be sure to visit the Action for Animals booth in the Palace lobby, too. Cost is $10 in advance or $12 day of the show.

More info: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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NO. 9 — “The End of Summer” concert (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 31)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: Hale Hālāwai, 75-5670 Ali‘i Drive

West Hawaiʻi County Band invites the Big Island community to this free hourlong concert, featuring favorites such as “Summer Nights” and other selections from the musical “Grease.” “The Summer of ’69” will feature the memorable music of Woodstock, while the plaintive melody of “Autumn Leaves” will give a hint of the coming fall. And of course nothing says summer better than the greatest hits of the Beach Boys.

More info: Visit the West Hawaiʻi County Band website.

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NO. 10 — Labor Day Workshop: Recycled 3D Printing Fun (Waikōloa, Sept. 1)

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

Location: Hawai’i Keiki Museum, K104, 69-250 Waikōloa Beach Drive

Keiki ages 8 to 18 years old are invited to learn about 3D printing with recycled filament. They will use plastic water bottles to create 3D printer filament and use the Tinker computer-aided drafting software to print their own favorite designs and toys. Participants also will have a chance to explore the museum’s exhibits. Bring a lunch, water bottle and snacks. Cost is $50.

More info/register: Visit the Hawaiʻi Keiki Museum website.

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BONUS NO. 1 — Beer Dinner Experience with Big Island Brewhaus (Waikōloa, Aug. 28)

When: 6 p.m.

Location: Roy’s Waikōloa Bar & Grill, E-1, 69-250 Waikōloa Beach Drive

Don’t miss this one-night celebration of Big Island flavors paired with Euro–Japanese craft and signature brews. Executive Chef Tyler Olsen and Big Island Brewhaus President and Brewmaster Thomas Kerns present a four-course dinner, highlighting local ingredients paired with four distinctive beers — including the 2025 unveiling of Oktoberfiesta, a Big Island twist on the classic Oktoberfest lager. This event also helps support Hawai‘i Keiki Museum. Seating is limited. Tickets start at $95.

More info/RSVP: Visit OpenTable.

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BONUS NO. 2: Apostles Motorcycle Club presents Bike Night: The Labor Day Kickoff! (Hilo, Aug. 29)

When: 4 to 10 p.m.

Location: Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Big Pavilion, 799 Pi‘ilani St.

It’s going down Friday; kick off the long holiday weekend with some good times, good music and good fun with good people! All kine action is planned, including a killer bike show in the parking lot and exceptional rides in the pavilion. A bike rodeo will include a slow race, balloon toss, ring joust, tire toss and more. Live entertainment will include Dirty Roots and Johnnie Ness. There also will be other prizes and giveaways. Complimentary pupus and drinks provided, but two-choice plate lunches with drink also will be available for $20 to support the club. Direct message @kolohefest or @noahsgarage808 on Instagram for tickets.

More info: Contact club members or check out the Sudden Rush Instagram page.

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Check for yourself to see what’s happening around the Big 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.

• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/
• 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/