Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 21-27: Plenty to do, but once again the weather could get in the way

You can celebrate the power of women with a special exhibit in Waimea, get psychedelic with Uncle Charlie in Kailua-Kona, enjoy National Park Week with special events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and even Veg Out with a new plant-based market in Kona, among plenty more activities and events during the next week around the Big Island.

It’s a smorgasbord of fun for everyone. But the weather could once again — hopefully not — squash all the festivities ahead.

National Hurricane Center says a tropical disturbance east-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands could develop into something more serious, possibly impacting the islands as early as this weekend.

It’s too early to determine exact location or magnitude of potential impacts associated with the system, but forecasters advise all stakeholders in Hawai‘i to prepare now and closely monitor the potential storm’s progress.

So, it will be a good idea again to reach out to venues and/or organizers about the status of events and activities scheduled before you make plans to go.

Another weekend cooped up, with no power, heavy rain and screaming winds — or worse — doesn’t sound like much fun to us, and another serious storm would only hurt the people and places already impacted the most and suffering as they continue to recover from Hurricane Lala.

So we hope this potential tropical cyclone stays well south of us, only watching all the fun we’re having instead of becoming another unwelcome guest.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Aug. 21-27.

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No. 1 — “Mana Wahine: Celebrating the Power of Women” (Waimea, Aug. 21-Sept. 30)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays

Location: Isaacs Art Center, 65-1268 Kawaihae Road

This exhibit spans more than a century of fine art, highlighting the crucial role and powerful legacy of female cultural producers in Hawaiian art history, celebrating the indigenous “mana wahine” (spiritual energy and powerful essence of women) through various art forms. Free. Open to the public.

More info: Contact Isaacs Art Center by calling 808-885-5884 or via email at isaacsartcenter@hpa.edu.

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No. 2 — Uncle Charlie live (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 21)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Willie’s Hot Chicken, 74-5599 Pāwai Place, Suites 1 and 2

Come rock with this psychedelic band performing the music of the Grateful Dead, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers and more. Known for their mind-bending improvisational jams, every show promises to be a unique experience.

More info: Contact Willie’s Hot Chicket at 808-796-3088 or via email at willieshotchicken808@gmail.com.

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No. 3 — National Park Week (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 22-30)

When: Daily throughout the week

Location: All national parks in the United States, including on the Big Island

“Celebrate America’s Story” in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Explore stunning natural landscapes, reflect on the nation’s history and rich culture as well as enjoy the great outdoors. Entrance fees are waived Aug. 25 for US citizens and residents in observance of the National Park Service’s 110th birthday.

Before your visit: Especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, check the park website “Current Conditions” web page for any alerts or notifications. Check the park calendar for additional information. You can also call 808-985-6011.

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No. 4 — ʻOhana Art Day (Hilo, Aug. 22)

When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.

Location: Wailoa Center, 200 Piʻopiʻo St.

The community is invited for two free Hana Noʻeau: Exploring Abstract Art sessions, featuring Native Hawaiian artists Carl Pao and Kaiʻili Kaulukukui, in conjunction with the 16th annual “Abstract Only!” exhibition. Explore abstract art through Native Hawaiian perspectives. Open to all ages.

More info/registration: Click here.

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No. 5 — “Chegamos: We Arrived” (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 22)

When: 11 a.m.

Location: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station (turn into Kahuku near the 70.5-mile marker on Highway 11 in Kaʻū)

Learn about Portuguese immigration and contributions to Hawaiʻi through this interpretive living history performance. Jackie Pualani Johnson directs the performance that shares the immigration story of those who arrived primarily from the Azores and Madeira.

Before your visit: Especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, check the park website “Current Conditions” web page for any alerts or notifications. Check the park calendar for additional information. You can also call 808-985-6011.

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No. 6 — Big Island Veg Out Fest (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 23)

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

Location: Kona Commons parking lot (near Island Naturals), 74-5450 Makala Boulevard

The Big Island community is invited to celebrate the launch of this new vibrant plant-based market that will bring together 20 local food serving an exciting variety of vegetarian and vegan cuisine, artisans, wellness practitioners and live entertainment by local musicians Loke and Kai Boy. Free; open to all ages.

More info: Email to vegout808@gmail.com.

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No. 7 — Kahilu Theatre Open House and Season Launch (Waimea, Aug. 23)

When: Noon to 4 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Come celebrate the launch of the theatre’s new season during a festive free community open house featuring an afternoon of live performances, behind-the-scenes fun, food trucks and connection — and everyone’s invited. No RSVP required; just come be part of the fun. (Postponed from Aug. 16 because of Hurricane Lala.)

More info: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 8 — CCC: A Walk Through History (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 25)

When: 10 a.m.

Location: Meet Anekelea in front of Volcano Art Center Gallery

Join Cultural Resource Associate Anekelea Hübner with the Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit for a free, easy 1-mile guided hike exploring contributions and legacy of Civilian Conservation Corps in the park. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun and rain protection and water.

Before your visit: Especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, check the park website “Current Conditions” web page for any alerts or notifications. Check the park calendar for additional information. You can also call 808-985-6011.

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No. 9 — “Lava Docs” (Hilo, Aug. 25)

When: 11 a.m.; doors open at 10:45 a.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Oh, my magma! This free weekday program explore the history of the world’s most active volcano: Kīlauea. It is also part of the Palace’s ongoing “Community Connections” series. Donations gratefully accepted to help support keeping the theater’s doors open.

More info/donate: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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No. 10 — Off Da Record Hot Acoustic Classics (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 26)

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Kona Elks Lodge, Pāʻina Lounge, 75-170 Hualālai Road

Looking for a no cover break from the midweek madness, where you can simply relax and let the music do the talking? Kona Elks Lodge invites community members to be its guests for martinis and live music featuring Scott & Jeff for a smooth, soulful night of acoustic classic vibes. Donations welcome.

More info: Call the Kona Elks Lodge at 808-329-2616.

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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 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/