Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 8-14: Charity walk, chocolate fest, spring concert, classic piano and more

There are plenty of activities happening this weekend around the Big Island that have a definite Mother’s Day theme, what with the holiday being Sunday, May 10. But who says you have to take Mom to a “cookie cutter” event seemingly crafted to appeal more to all or most mothers?

Instead, how about treating the woman who gave birth to you with an event that has a more personal touch? When you saw it, Mom was the first person who came to mind.

Maybe she enjoys relatively short scenic strolls while giving back and celebrating local nonprofits complete with festivities such as food stations, live entertainment, wellness activities and more. If that sounds like your mom, check out this weekend’s 47th annual Hawai‘i Island Visitor Industry Charity Walk in Waikōloa.

Does Mom have more of a sweet tooth? Then immerse her in everything cacao and chocolate at this year’s Hilo Chocolate Festival, where she can shop and sample cacao and chocolate grown and produced on the Big Island, enjoy complimentary chocolate farm tours and more this weekend in Hilo.

If your mother would rather relax with some classical music, including Hawaiian and gospel pieces, treat her to the 2026 Kona Choral Society & Orchestra Spring Concert in Kaleiopapa Convention Center this weekend at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou. She’s sure to enjoy the music made by the 100-voice chorus and full orchestra.

The 2022 winner of the Honens International Piano Competition Illia Ovcharenko of Ukraine also makes his Kahilu Theatre debut this weekend. An extraordinary evening of classical piano awaits the music-lover Mom, especially if she’s into more of an intimate setting of breathtaking virtuosity, emotional depth and artistic sensitivity.

Those are just a few more personal options for a day or night out with Mom this year. Just remember: no matter what you do, all she’ll likely want is just to spend time with the most special people in her life.

Here are our top 10 things to do around the Big Island for May 8-14.

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No. 1 — Uila Dead Night (Waimea, May 8)

When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Uila Records, 65-1227 Opelo Road

Celebrate 1 year of the event that birthed Althea Later, featuring Dan Brauer on guitar and vocals, Jason Sherbundy on keys and vocals, Jason Smith on bass and Kristin Bolton on drums. The band brings music from icons and legends The Grateful Dead on the second Fridays of each month at Uila Records. Come for the music, community and good vibes, plus expect a few surprises. Cover is just $15.

More info: Call Uila Records at 808-657-4030, visit the Uila Records website and follow Uila Dead Night on Instagram.

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No. 2 — Illia Ovcharenko Live (Waimea, May 8)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

This will be an extraordinary evening of classical piano with one of the most exciting young talents on the international music scene. Ovcharenko is winner of the 2022 Honens International Piano Competition, known for his breathtaking virtuosity, emotional depth and artistic sensitivity. Don’t miss this rising star of the classical music world as he makes his Kahilu debut.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 3 — 47th annual Hawai‘i Island Visitor Industry Charity Walk (Waikōloa, May 9)

When: 5:30 a.m. onsite registration begins; 6:45 a.m. race starts; 7:30 a.m. walk starts

Location: Waikōloa Beach Resort, Waikōloa Bowl, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive

Walk, give back and celebrate local nonprofits during one of the most anticipated community events on the island. Participants will enjoy a scenic 3.8-mile walk, culminating with lively finish-line festivities — 11 food stations hosted by some of the island’s top restaurants and hotels, live entertainment, keiki-friendly activities, a silent auction and wellness activities.

More info/registration: Visit the Hawai‘i Island Visitor Industry Charity Walk website.

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No. 4 — National Public Garden Day celebration (Hilo, May 9)

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Location: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo botanical garden, 200 W. Kāwili St.

Enjoy three free guided tours of the botanical garden, exploring unique aspects of tropical gardening, learning from experts and discovering what makes this garden a vital part of the local community. Palms, bromeliads and prehistoric plants such as those in the ancient Zamia genus are among discussion topics. Help kick off National Public Gardens Week, too, from May 8-17.

More info: Contact Robert Talbert at talbertr@hawaii.edu.

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No. 5 — Pollinator Project ʻĀina Workday (Mountain View, May 9)

When: 9 a.m. to noon and noon to 3 p.m.

Location: ʻUlumau Farm, 18-3990 S. Laukō Road

This hands-on community workday will include education, ʻāina work and plant adoptions as part of the Hawaiʻi County Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience Lāʻau Love program. Native and food plant giveaways to support growth of pollinator plants in the garden and beyond are also included. Must register for the workday; space is limited.

More info/registration: Contact Hawai‘i County Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience at 808-854-3129 or email to oscer@hawaiicounty.gov. Register at Eventbrite.

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No. 6 — 2026 Hilo Chocolate Festival (Hilo, May 9)

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

Location: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive

Immerse yourself in everything cacao during this free annual event. Shop and sample cacao and chocolate grown and produced on the Big Island; enjoy complimentary chocolate farm tours; learn from demonstrations and displays about cacao growing, processing and chocolate making; and bid for items in the silent auction. Even take home a cacao seed to grow.

More info: Visit the Hilo Chocolate Festival website.

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No. 7 — Book reading with Waikoloa artist and writer Kathy Sprinkle (Waimea, May 9)

When: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library, 67-1209 Māmalahoa Highway

This will be the first public reading of Sprinkle’s upcoming book “The Woman Called Grief.” It is open to the entire community and free to attend. Sprinkle also is founder of the Grief Heart Project. The author following her reading also will lead a short, practical discussion about grief in everyday life.

More info: Call 808-887-6067.

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No.8 — Club Kahilu Dance Night: Disco Fever featuring Rachel Scott (Waimea, May 9)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

This electrifying, high-energy event includes music, rhythm and nonstop grooves. Community members are invited to come dance, mingle and celebrate on the dance floor. No experience necessary — just bring your dancing shoes and good vibes. You can even enhance your experience with a lively disco class from The Dance Studio.

More info/tickets/disco class registration: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 9 — Sunday Jazz Brunch Series (Hilo, May 10)

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Coffee Notes, 116 Keawe St.

Good company, great coffee and live jazz music performed by Big Island artists each week at one of Hilo’s newest coffee spots. This weekend’s session features favorite jazz standards from Lou Ann Gurney on vocals and Matt Spencer on guitar. There’s no cover either. So come enjoy on your own or reserve a table for you and 3 friends.

More info/table reservation: Call Coffee Notes at 808-767-8887 or visit the Coffee Notes website; click here to reserve a table.

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No. 10 — Kona Choral Society & Orchestra 2026 Spring Concert (Keauhou, May 10)

When: 4 to 5:30 p.m.; doors open 3:30 p.m.

Location: Kaleiopapa Convention Center, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 ʻEhukai St.

Come enjoy this classical and joyous concert, and be sure to bring Mom for this special event on Mother’s Day. The annual concert brought to the stage by the 100-voice chorus and a full orchestra will feature Morten Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna,” as well as Hawaiian and gospel music selections.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kona Choral Society & Orchestra website. (Tickets also available at the door.)

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Check for yourself what’s happening around the Big Island

We admit. As hard as we try every week, we still likely didn’t find every event happening around the Big Island. Plus, we can’t fit everything going on each week in our entertainment roundup. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues 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/
• Waimea Arts Council, Waimea, https://www.waimeaartscouncil.org