Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 10-16: All Kine Market, Tiger Fun Day, stargazing, candidate ‘speed dating’, plus more
There once again is a unique variety of events and activities coming up during the next week, promising a ton of fun for keiki to kūpuna; check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
6 hours ago
How’s it, Big Island? Looking for something to do? No need to search any further.
There once again is a unique variety of events and activities coming up during the next week promising a ton of fun for keiki to kūpuna.
Anything goes at the summer All Kine Market on Saturday in Nānāwale, where good food, good music and always good vibes are guaranteed during this swap-meet-style event featuring yard sale items, goods and services such as plants, gently-used clothing, books, gifts, jams and more up for grabs.
Don’t miss the birthday bash for beloved Bengal tigers Sriracha and Tzatziki during the annual Tiger Fun Day on Saturday at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens in Hilo — a day of family fun including games, face painting and even more fun at the Activity Center, plus more.
Bring the entire ‘ohana for an evening of stargazing, mo‘olelo and much more at the sacred and historic Moʻokini Heiau, a part of Kohala Historical Sites State Monument in Hāwī. The event will include opening protocol with Hālau Kawehileimamoikawēkiu‘oKōhala, heiau tours and more. Remember to RSVP.
Community members in Waimea and surrounding areas can even find their perfect match in this year’s primary elections during the “Speed Dating” Primary Election Candidate Forum on July 16 in Waimea. Candidates for two Hawai‘i County Council seats, a state House seat and Hawai‘i lieutenant governor will rotate table-to-table directly engaging with voters.
Those are just a sample of what’s happening; there’s even more fun to be had. So keep reading to check out the entire list now!
Here is our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for July 10-16.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 1 — Freaky Tiki live (Hilo, July 10)
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Hilo Town Market, 69 Waiānuenue Ave.
This band returns to rock downtown Hilo with music from the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and more. It’s another Friday night of showcasing talented local musicians offering something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re from the Big Island and looking for a fun night out or a visitor wanting to soak up the lively atmosphere.
More info: Visit the Hilo Town Market website and follow the market on Instagram.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 2 — Dead Night with Althea Later (Hilo, July 10)
When: 6:30 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
The historic Palace Theater and Uila Records present this live concert featuring Hawai‘i’s all-star Grateful Dead tribute band, with Dan Brauer on guitar/vocals, Jason Sherbundy on keyboards/vocals, Jason Smith on bass/vocals and Kristin Bolton on drums, with special guests Jesse Snyder on saxophone/percussion and Luke Clebsch on harmonica. Opening set presented by Huaka‘i.
More info/tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 3 — All Kine Market (Nānāwale, July 11)
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Nānāwale Longhouse, 14-855 Kēhau Road
Get ready for good food, good music and always good vibes! Support the community, talk story with neighbors, make new friends, plus buy and sell all da kine during this summer swap-meet-style market featuring yard sale items, goods and services such as plants, gently-used clothing, books, gifts, jams and more — anything goes!
More info/vending: Contact Geri Tolchin at 808-938-1574 to reserve a table or with any questions.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 4 — Tiger Fun Day (Hilo, July 11)
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens, 800 Stainback Highway
Come celebrate Sriracha and Tzatziki’s birthdays during this annual free day of fun for the entire family. The event features a party for the zoo’s beloved Bengal tigers and includes games, face painting, even more fun at the Activity Center, plus plenty of educational opportunities. Tasty treats from food vendors available, too. Be sure to bring cash.
More info: Visit the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens website.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 5 — Zine Scene Fest 2026 (Hilo, July 11)
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St.
Celebrate zines, representing the intersection of art making, community building and political action to create radical, intentional space. Learn what zines are, their history, why they are important and how they can aid and connect community. Live music and a zine-making station are also part of this family-friendly event.
More info: Visit the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center website, email to yas@ehcc.org or call 808-961-5711.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 6 — “Carousel” (Waimea, July 11-12)
When: 3 p.m. both days
Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road
This cornerstone of American musical theatre is presented by Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival. It follows Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan — two passionate, imperfect lovers whose choices resonate beyond a single lifetime. You also can go behind the scenes with the show’s creative team before the performance.
More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 7 — “Summer Surf’s Up” Paint and Purr (Hilo, July 11)
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: One Gallery, 186 Kamehameha Ave.
Paint a cool cat catching Hawai‘i waves in celebration of summer, all while helping a good cause — helping rescue kitties at Volcano Cat Sanctuary. Participants will enjoy a selection of libations and treats in an inspiring gallery environment during a guided painting session. Limited spots available, so don’t wait! Reserve yours now.
More info/RSVP: Visit the Volcano Cat Sanctuary website.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 8 — ʻOhana Stargazing (Hāwī, July 11)
When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Moʻokini Heiau, Kohala Historical Sites State Monument (near ʻUpolu Airport), Hāwī
Enjoy stargazing and mo‘olelo, star stories and more, including opening protocol with Hālau Kawehileimamoikawēkiu‘oKōhala, heiau tours and hands-on activities hosted by various organizations including Maunakea Observatories. Bring the entire family for this special event at a sacred and historical site near the northern most point on the Big Island. RSVP required.
More info/RSVP: Click here.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 9 — Red Carpet Dance Party (Hilo, July 11)
When: 9 p.m. to midnight
Location: The Airhouse, 108 Kalākaua St.
Aerial Arts Hawai‘i is hosting its first formal-forward dance event, featuring DJ NTU and DJ Debonair. Break out that old gown, tux or slip into your craziest gala-style outfit and come boogie, with drinks catered by The Temple Bar plus aerial gogo sets performed by the Aerial Arts Hawai‘i Collective. Must be 21 years old or older to attend.
More info/tickets: Visit the Aerial Arts Hawai‘i website.
* * * * * * * * *

No. 10 — “Speed Dating” Primary Election Candidate Forum (Waimea, July 16)
When: 5 to 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Parker School SMART Center gym, 65-1224 Lindsey Road
Find your perfect match in the upcoming 2026 Hawai‘i Primary Election at the next Waimea Community Association monthly town hall. Candidates for Hawai‘i County Council Districts 1 and 9 as well as state House of Representatives District 8 and Hawai‘i lieutenant governor will move table-to-table, talking story and answering questions from community members during this unique candidate forum.
More info: Contact Waimea Community Association President Nancy Carr Smith at WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com or visit the association website.
* * * * * * * * *

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 in our entertainment roundup. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover even more events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops.
- 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
- Hale Kanikapila (formerly Hilo Town Tavern), Hilo: https://halekanikapila.com/
- 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: 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
- Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/








