Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 14-20: Honoka‘a Western Week, Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll, concerts and more

Whether you’re in Kona, Honoka‘a or Hilo, something is going on to keep you and your keiki entertained this coming week.

Free events range from ukulele classes to a block party for Western Week in Honoka‘a to sampling honey from across Hawai‘i during the Hawaiian Honey Challenge.

There are also a variety of talented musicians who will be performing on the island, including Robert Cazimero and Kalani Pe‘a. Check out the full list below.

No. 1 – Aloha Teen Theatre’s production of Clue (Kainaliu, May 15-17)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Location: 79-7384 Māmalahoa Highway

Aloha Theatre is proud to present this limited run of the Aloha Teen Theatre production. Come support the talented young performers in this hilarious, fast-paced mystery—packed with twists, turns, and plenty of laughs. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for keiki. Purchase in advance at alohatheatre.com or at the door (available up to one hour before showtime).

No. 2 – Western Week Parade and Block Party (Honoka‘a, May 16)

When: 3-10 p.m.

Location: Honoka‘a Main Street

Honoka’a’s main street will be closed for the Block Party, which will take place from 3-10 p.m., with the parade taking place from 4-5 p.m. and will include live music, a Western Week Talent Showdown from 6-7 p.m., beer tents, vendors and more. There will be other events taking place thru the week till May 25. For more information, visit https://honokaawesternweek.org.

No. 3 – Reiki certification with Heather Penfield (May 16, Volcano)

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

Location: Volcano Art Center at Niaulani Campus

Heather Penfield will lead a Reiki 1 Certification Workshop where participants will discover the history of Reiki in Japan and hear about the unique Reiki Hawai‘i connection. Reiki is a complementary holistic healing technique used to relax and balance the nervous system, assisting the body’s natural ability to heal and restore itself on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. After the class, participants will receive a level 1 certification in Reiki. The fee to participate is $155 and $140 for members of the Volcano Art Center.

No. 4 – The 14th Annual People’s Choice Hawaiian Honey Challenge (Hilo, May 16)

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave.

This free community event invites visitors to taste and vote on honeys submitted from across Hawai‘i, with family-friendly booths focused on bees, beekeeping, and local honey. The event is hosted by the Big Island Beekeepers Association & Bird and Bee Hawai‘i during World Bee Day.

No. 5 – Robert Cazimero performing at Kahilu Theatre (Waimea, May 16-17)

When: May 16 at 7 p.m. and May 17 at 2 p.m.

Location: 67-1186 Lindsey Rd.

Hawaiʻi’s revered and beloved kumu hula, singer, songwriter, and entertainer, Robert Cazimero, continues his 40-year tradition of performing live at Kahilu Theatre. As is tradition, Robert offers viewers a memorable evening of music, hula, and storytelling. In between the music and dance numbers, Robert often shares heartfelt stories about growing up on Oahu and fond memories of his grandfather who lived in Kohala. Having family roots on the Big Island, Robert’s concerts often include a special invitation of friends and relatives from near and far to join him on stage. Tickets are priced at either $40 or $70. Click here for details.

No. 6 – Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll featuring spring concert by Kalani Pe‘a (Kailua-Kona, May 17)

When: 1-6 p.m.

Location: Ali‘i Drive from Kailua Pier to Hualālai Road

The monthly Kōkua Village Stroll returns with it bustling pedestrian marketplace, where a portion of Ali‘i Drive is closed off to vehicular traffic, where people can peruse local artisans, crafters, delicious island cuisine, and live entertainment. Featured this month is a free concert at 4 p.m. at Emma’s Square (across from Hulihe’e Palace) by Kalani Pe‘a, who is a four-time Grammy-winning contemporary Hawaiian music artist.

No. 7 – Hāmākua Homestead series (Laupahoehoe, May 18)

When: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Laupahoehoe Public Library, 35-2065 Old Māmalahoa Highway

The Hāmākua Homestead series concludes on May 18. The series occurred throughout May, where it highlighted permaculture design, unlocking the secrets to building a powerful brand, and diving deep into the beautiful art of cacao farming. The last discussion will be about chocolate: “Learn to Process Cacao Tree to Treat at Home,” presented by Raven Hanna. This event is free.

No. 8 – ‘Goodfellas’ screening (May 19, Hilo)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Tickets are available now for the 1990 Martin Scorsese crime film, “Goodfellas.” the R-rated film is based on the true story of Mob associate Henry Hill. It chronicles his rise and fall within the Italian-American mafia over three decades, exploring the allure, paranoia, and betrayal of the criminal lifestyle. A monumental achievement from Scorsese, the film highlights the life of low-level “soldiers” rather than top bosses with fast-paced, stylish and often brutal displays of extreme violence with cinematic flourish. General admission is $10. Tickets for seniors, students and veterans are $9. Click here for more details.

No. 9 – Brain Health Workshop (Kailua-Kona, May 20)

When: 1-3 p.m.

Location: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway

Enjoy a free interactive afternoon of learning and self-exploration at a free seminar. Find out about the latest brain health research. Discover six lifestyle choices that can help promote a healthy brain. Enjoy healthy snacks. Connect with other AARP members and have some fun! This interactive workshop is presented by Heidi Robertson, registered dietitian and AARP volunteer, using material prepared by AARP. Click here for details.

No. 10 – Ukulele classes (Kea‘au, May 21)

When: 5-6 p.m.

Location: 16-571 Kea‘au Pāhoa Rd.

Check out free ukulele classes at the Kea‘au Public School Library, which are designed for all ages. The classes are taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience. Those who attend will learn introductory ukulele chords. Younger keiki will participate in movement activities while older keiki and adults will progress to more challenging ukulele chords. Bring your own ukulele or use one supplied by the library.

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