Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Sept. 11-19: All-Nations Powwow, Chee Hoo Country Music Festival, Rock the Hafla and more

The next few days are filled with exciting events for all ages across the island, especially this Saturday.

Residents and visitors have a wide range of choices when it comes to weekend fun. From live entertainment, to workshops, to cultural events to social gatherings, there is plenty to do starting today.

No. 1 — 39th Kupuna Hula Festival Craft Fair (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 11)

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday

Location: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai Street 

Guests and community members are invited to browse and shop a curated selection of local vendors offering Hawaiian apparel, handcrafted jewelry, original artworks and island-made goods.

The craft fair celebrates the spirit of kūpuna and the vibrant culture of hula by spotlighting artisans and entrepreneurs from across Hawaiʻi Island. The event is complimentary and open to the public, with free parking available to all attendees.

More info: Visit the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa website.

No. 2 — Hilo Cacao & Chocolate Workshop (Hilo, Sept. 13)

When: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday

Location: Sandalwood Room at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive

Local cacao farmers and chocolate makers will share their knowledge gained from years of experience during a day of workshops. Discussions will include agritourism, starting a cacao farm and an introduction to tasting chocolate.

Network with other farmers, makers and enthusiasts and help us grow our cacao community in East Hawaiʻi.

More info: Visit the East Hawaiʻi Cacao Association website.

No. 3 —  3rd Annual Waiʻono Brewfest (Hilo, Sept. 13)

When: 12. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Location: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono Street 

Laupaʻi is hosting the 3rd Annual Waiʻono Brewfest, inviting anyone 21 and over to enjoy a curated selection of local brews and craft beers.

VIP admission begins at noon, and general admission at 1 p.m. Saturday, but tickets are limited. Discounted passes are available for designated drivers bringing ʻohana and friends.

More info: Purchase tickets online, or visit the social media page.

No. 4 — Hawaiʻi Island All Nations Powwow (Keaʻau, Sept. 13 – 14)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Location: 16-492 Volcano Rd, Keaʻau

The Hawaiʻi Island All Nations Powwow is a community event and gathering that honors indigenous traditions of Native Americans and the Kanaka Maoli host culture through Intertribal dance, singing, exhibitions, arts crafts and special performances.

This is an alcohol and drug free family centered event where all are welcome. Chairs and canopies are allowed.

More info: Email Native Intertribal Council for Heritage and Education at hawaiipowwow@hotmail.com, or visit the Facebook page.

No. 5 — The Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company (Volcano, Sept. 13)

When: 7 p.m., Saturday

Location: Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street 

The Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company takes the historic Palace Theater stage for an engaging evening of music, story telling, dance, and culture. Native American dancers share their authentic stories with traditional songs and dance. 

This performance will feature a combination of traditional, jingle, fancy, hoop, and grass dance styles representing Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Lakota, Menominee, Apache nations, and will feature War Paint Drum group with songs and stories of the Tuscarora People.

Woodland Sky will provide a quality, authentic and respectful Native American dance performance with experienced Native American dancers in order to educate the viewer on traditional Native American stories, culture and values using authentic songs, music and dance.

Artwork from the group will be available in the Palace lobby. This co-production fundraising event benefits both the Woodland Sky as they travel to attend the Hawai’i Island Powwow and the ongoing interior restoration of the historic Palace Theater’s Centennial year.

Tickets are $20  for general admission presale, or $25 the day of the show. All sales are final and tickets are non-refundable or transferable. All seating is open for this performance and seats are selected upon arrival at the theater.

More info: Visit the Palace Theater website for tickets and more information.

No. 6 — Jazz in the Forest: JP Thoma and the Jazztones (Volcano, Sept.13)

When: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Saturday

Location: Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus 19-4074 Old Volcano Road

Volcano Art Center will have an evening of musical enjoyment featuring the music of jazz trumpet virtuoso Miles Davis. Tickets are $25 for Volcano Art Center members, and $30 for non-members.

Ticket holders can purchase beer, wine and pupu. Doors open at 5 p.m.

More info: Visit the Volcano Arts Center website, or call 808-967-8222 to purchase tickets.

No. 7 — Rock the Hafla (Hilo, Sept. 13)

When: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Saturday

Location: 69 Waianuenue Avenue

The Big Island Dance Council began bringing dance events and programs to the youth and the community in the 1970s and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a night of belly dance fusion performances.

More info: To buy tickets for the fundraiser, visit the Big Island Dance Council Facebook.

No. 8 — Cheehoo Country Music Festival (Hilo, Sept. 13) 

When: 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday

Location: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono Street 

Hilo town will come to life during the Chee Hoo Festival, which is a celebration of local talent, culture and music. The legendary TJ and the Maui Country Band will be headlining the event, bringing their signature blend of country-infused island music to the stage.

Joining them are powerhouse performers Taulia Lave, known for smooth Polynesian soul, and Kenny T, whose upbeat style always gets the crowd moving. The event is for all-ages with ticket prices starting at $25. There will be food vendors, custom cowboy hats and two bars for the 21 and over crowd.

More info: Purchase tickets online.

No. 9 — Health and Wellness Community Talk Story (Hilo, Sept. 14)

When: Morning session at 10 a.m., afternoon session at 1 p.m., Sunday

Location: Malia Puka O Kalani Catholic Church, 326 Desha Avenue

Hawaiʻi Wellness Mobility Network Inc. and Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement of Hawaiʻi are hosting a talk story gathering where attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Meet others who share similar experiences in health care and raising keiki;
• Learn about community resources available to families on Hawaiʻi Island;
• Share their own stories, testimonials and needs regarding healthcare affecting children and families;
• Gain insight into Hawaiʻi Wellness Mobility Network Inc. and its growing programs for wellness, mobility and family support. 

More info: Email info@hwmnohanasupport.com, or visit the Hawaiʻi Wellness Mobility Network Inc. website. 

No. 10 — Paniolo Festival Week (Waimea, Sept. 15 –  19)

When: Various times, Monday to Friday

Location: Kuhio Hale and Waimea Nui ʻĀina

The Paniolo Festival celebrates Hawai‘i Island’s cowboy heritage with a full week of community events, including:

• Monday: Country Bingo from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Bingo After Dark from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Kuhio Hale.
• Tuesday: Stampede Line Dance and Competition from 6 to 10 p.m. at Kuhio Hale.
• Wednesday: Bonfire Mele and Moʻolelo from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Waimea Nui ʻĀina. 
• Thursday: Annual Paniolo Cook-off from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kuhio Hale.
• Friday: Horse Lei Making from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kuhio Hale. 

More info: Visit the Paniolo Festival event site.

We admit that 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.

We admit that 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/