Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Sept. 19-25: Kenny Endo 50th anniversary, Hala Festival, Christafari, Farm Fest, Volcano Renaissance Faire and more

There’s several parties going on during the next week right here, so it’s time to come together and have a good time, Big Island.

Come on now. It’s up to you. What’s your pleasure?

Wishing taiko master Kenny Endo a happy 50th anniversary at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea? Maybe you’re all about the versatility of hala and want to make your way to ʻĀinaloa for a festival dedicated to the plant.

How about spending an unforgettable night with Christafari as it spreads the Gospel with reggae music in Kalapana? There’s also Hāmākua Harvest putting on a festival in Honoka‘a highlighting local agriculture.

And hark! Thou shalt not forget about the enchanting fun that awaits at Volcano Village’s first Renaissance Faire, will thee?

Bring your good times and your laughter, too, for those events and more. Come on — let’s celebrate!

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Sept. 19-25.

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NO. 1 — Kenny Endo: 50th Anniversary Celebration (Waimea, Sept. 19)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Don’t miss this milestone performance by one of the most innovative musicians of contemporary percussion. The taiko master returns to Kahilu to celebrate half a century of groundbreaking music and artistry that has inspired generations. His performances are powerful, nuanced and unforgettable — a sonic journey that honors tradition while forging new ground. Tickets start at $30.

More info/purchase tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website or stop at the box office.

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NO. 2 — Highways & Byways Festival (Kalapana, Sept. 19)

When: 7 p.m.

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

Christafari has been on a mission to spread the Gospel through reggae music since 1989. Join Christafari this weekend at Uncle Robert’s for an unforgettable night of music and ministry, joined by local band Just Us, which will open the night. Community booths, local vendors and outreach also are planned all evening. Free and open to everyone. Come as you are. Spread the word and bring your ʻohana.

More info: Call Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar at 808-987-7247.

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NO. 3 — 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Hawaiʻi Island (Hilo, Sept. 20)

When: Registration 7:30 a.m.; opening ceremony 8 a.m.; walk starts 8:30 a.m.

Location: Liliʻuokalani Gardens, 189 Lihiwai St.

This is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, hosted annually in more than 600 communities throughout the nation. New treatments are emerging in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, so now is the time for hope — now is the time for action. The nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association leads the charge. All donations are tax-deductible. There is no registration fee; however, every participant is asked to make a personal donation and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s. People can also donate online.

More info: Visit the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Hawai’i Island website or contact walk coordinator Rosalie Char at 808-518-6652 or via email at rochar@alz.org.

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NO. 4 — Hala Festival 2025 (ʻĀinaloa, Sept. 20)

When: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Makuʻu Market, 15-2131 Keaʻau-Pāhoa Road

Workshops, talk story sessions, live music, keiki activities and ʻono food — all during one festive day in celebration of hala and community. Bring your ʻohana and enjoy this hands-on, family-friendly event during which you can take home your own hala and neneleau to plant in your backyard, learn care tips, plus more.

More info: Contact Pōhaku Pelemaka at aloha@pohakupelemaka.org or the Big Island Invasive Species Committee at biisc@hawaii.edu. You can also visit the Hala Festival website.

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NO. 5 — Plein Air Painters Celebrate the Beauty of Kahuku (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Sept. 20)

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station (turn into Kahuku near the 70.5-mile marker on Highway 11 in Kaʻū, about an hour south of the park’s main entrance)

There is a dedicated cadre of plein air artists who frequent the national park’s Kahuku Unit to capture its multitude of beautiful inspirational landscapes. Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park sponsors this exhibit of paintings and an opening reception to meet those artists. Come experience how different artists approach the same subject as they paint the iconic Puʻu O Lokuana cinder cone — or bring your own equipment and paint with them. The paintings will be on display through Sept. 28.

More info: Visit the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website.

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NO. 6 — Volcano Renaissance Faire (Volcano, Sept. 20-21)

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days

Location: Paʻani Ranch, 17-7850 N. Kulani Road

Hark! Townsfolk and travelers alike are invited to behold a most enchanting union of worlds; a gathering most grand, where history, fantasy and culture entwine amidst the splendor of Hawaiʻi’s highlands. Think the county fair, but with a twist! More than 10 shows throughout each day, games, demonstrations, vendors, food, a beer and mead garden and so many more surprises are planned. Tickets are $15 presale and $20 at the door; keiki 12 years old and younger are free.

More info/purchase tickets: Visit the Volcano Renaissaince Festival website.

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NO. 7 — End of Summer Boxing Classic (Pāhoa, Sept. 20)

When: 1 p.m.; doors open at noon

Location: Billy Kenoi District Park Gym, 15-3080 Kauhale St.

Pāhoa’s VITAL Boxing Gym showcases emerging athletes of the Hawaiian Islands during this special community event. A captivating afternoon of boxing action is planned, including a women’s main event that is certain to impress. As a gesture of appreciation for the community’s continued support, admission is free for those 18 years old and younger. Everyone else is just $20. There is no fighter registration fee. Weigh-ins at 8 a.m.

More info: Follow VITAL Boxing Gym on Instagram.

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NO. 8 — Teen Spirit Live (Pāhoa, Sept. 20)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Puna Kai Shopping Center, 15-2714 Pāhoa Village Road

Three local youth bands — HAAStile, Phrogs on a Log and Two Years Apart — will rock out with audiences for a night they won’t soon forget. Community members are encouraged to come show their support for youth music and these talented young Puna musicians to give them an experience like they’ve never had before. Free. All ages welcome. No alcohol or drugs. Presented by Band Haven. Food will be available for purchase from Tacos Jalisco’s.

More info: Visit the Band Haven website to contact the event organizer or email to bandhaven24@gmail.com.

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NO. 9 — 10th annual Hāmākua Harvest Farm Fest (Honoka‘a, Sept. 21)

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Honoka‘a Farmers Market, 44-2600 Māmalahoa Highway​

This annual festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate local agriculture, connect with community and enjoy a day of fun and learning. Whether you are a foodie, a family with kids or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this festival has something for you. You’ll find a wide range of fresh, locally grown produce and local made artisan products, fun activities for everyone, live music, workshops, Kids’ Zone and much more.

More info: Visit the Hāmākua Harvest website.

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NO. 10 — “Common Ground” with Post-Show Talkback (Waimea, Sept. 21)

When: 2 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

This powerful new documentary explores how farmers are leading the way to restore soil health, grow more nutritious food and help rebalance the climate. Through the voices of farmers, activists and a star-studded cast — including Laura Dern, Rosario Dawson, Jason Momoa, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder and Donald Glover — the film reveals how healing the soil might be key to healing ourselves and the planet. Tickets start at just $13.

More info/purchase tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website or stop at the box office.

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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/