Top 10-plus things to do on Big Island for Aug. 28-Sept. 3: ‘DUKE,’ ‘SIX The Musical,’ Made for Hawaiʻi Market, Maoli Live and more
After more than 2 weeks of the weather being anything but cooperative, downright devastating at times for some locations, we're crossing our fingers, toes and every other appendage possible that the island will finally get a much needed break; the chances right now look better than promising.
After more than 2 weeks of the weather being anything but cooperative, downright devastating at times for some locations, we’re crossing our fingers, toes and every other appendage possible that the island will finally get a much needed break.
Right now, the chances of that happening look better than promising.
There is an amazing variety of events and activities planned during the next week around the island also offering a chance to relax and recuperate — if you can get away — as well as get back to some kind of normality.
Palace Theater in Hilo is featuring a show Friday that brings to life the story of Hawaiʻi’s first Olympic gold medalist and father of modern surfing Duke Kahanamoku in a powerful and poignant one-person performance by award-winning actor Moses Goods.
The same troupe that wowed audiences with stage productions of “Frozen,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Lion King,” “Cabaret,” “Chicago,” “Beauty and the Beast” and more is doing it again with “SIX The Musical: Teen Edition,” which opens this weekend at East Hawai’i Cultural Center in downtown Hilo.
Experience Hawaiian culture as it was always meant to be shared — alive, practiced and deeply rooted in people and places — during the inaugural Made for Hawaiʻi Market which will bring together Native Hawaiian makers, kumu hula, cultural practitioners and living Hawaiian traditions on Saturday at Hilton Waikōloa Village in Waikōloa.
Grab all of your friends and get ready to soak in the island vibes during an unforgettable night with a incredible and high-energy live concert by Maoli — one of the biggest names right now in island reggae and country-infused music — at Hoʻolulu Complex in Hilo.
That’s just a small sampling of what’s happening. We even included a few bonus items, adding to the variety and providing more to choose from to compensate for the past 2-plus weeks of events and activities being canceled or postponed.
There’s enough to do, so why not enjoy the more normal weather and maybe catch a couple of the events happening? It will definitely do a body — and a brain — good even if it’s just getting out for one that piques your interest the most.
Here are our top 10-plus things to do for Aug. 27-Sept. 3 on the Big Island.
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No. 1 — “DUKE” (Hilo, Aug. 28)
When: 7 p.m.
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
The life of beloved Duke Kahanamoku — Hawaiʻi’s first Olympic gold medalist and father of modern surfing — comes alive in this powerful one-person show. All net proceeds benefit a nonprofit preserving Native Hawaiian stories founded by show star and award-winning actor Moses Goods.
More info/tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.
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No. 2 — Grease Mob (Waimea, Aug. 28)
When: 7 p.m.
Location: Mike Luce Studio, Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road
The cowbell’s about to ring with a master class in original funk, soul, jazz, blues and rock as well as special guest DJ Brian Thomas. Consider this high-energy dance party, where the beat doesn’t quit, required attendance. Hard-groovin’ players, one unforgettable night — extra credit for staying late.
More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.
YouTube link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7C-FpgmH5U&t=66s)
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No. 3 — “SIX The Musical: Teen Edition” (Hilo, opens Aug. 28; runs through Sept. 6)
When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4:30 p.m. Sundays
Location: East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St.
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor queens to pop icons, the 6 wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power. Seating is very limited.
More info/tickets: Visit the Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre website.
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No. 4 — Booch Babes Vol. 2 (Hilo, Aug. 28)
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: The Rainbow Room, The Booch Bar, 110 Keawe St.
Never fear, Hawai‘i. The Booch Babes are Back! It will be a night of booch power and bassy beats for daze, featuring Catnip, Leapin Lygress and introducing Kitty Lee from O‘ahu. Cost based on a sliding scale and those attending are encouraged to give generously.
More info: Contact The Booch Bar at 808-498-4779 or via email at brendan@theboochbarhilo.com.
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No. 5 — Made for Hawaiʻi Market (Waikōloa, Aug. 29)
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Hilton Waikōloa Village Grande Ballrooms, 69-425 Waikōloa Beach Drive
This free inaugural cultural marketplace brings together Native Hawaiian makers, kumu hula, cultural practitioners and living traditions of all six moku of Hawai‘i Island. Experience Hawaiian culture as it was always meant to be shared: alive, practiced and deeply rooted in the people and places of the Big Island.
More info: Contact Hālau Kalaʻakeakauikawēkiu at 808-989-4616 or email to aloha@ktownhula.com.
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No. 6 — Puppy Palooza (Hilo, Aug. 29)
When: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Hilo Petco, Prince Kūhiō Plaza, 111 E. Pūʻainakō St.
Action 4 Animals scooped several litters before Hurricane Lala battered the Big Island, plus Hawai‘i County animal control is working to save another. Resilience is easy with a pup making you laugh, distracting you from hard times. Come check out the Lala pups up for adoption, and donate if you can.
More info: Email to dogs@a4ahawaii.com and follow Action 4 Animals on Instagram @action4animalshi.
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No. 7 — Pāhoa Nikkei Jin Kai Bon Dance (Pāhoa, Aug. 29)
When: 3 to 6 p.m.
Location: Pāhoa YBA Hall, 15-3003 Kauhale St.
Puna Taiko will provide drumming and Shinka Odorikai will lead dances. Concessions will be by Nā Wāhine O Puna girls flag football team, which is raising funds for travel to a tournament in Las Vegas, and likely feature hot dogs, cup noodles, musubi, chili nachos and kalua bowl. All are welcome.
More info: Contact Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple at 808-966-9981 or via email at mpunahongwanji@twc.com.
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No. 8 — Maoli Live (Hilo, Aug. 29)
When: 5 p.m.
Location: Ho‘olulu Complex, 350 Kalanikoa St.
Get ready for an unforgettable night with one of the biggest names in island reggae and country-infused music. It’s one night only of incredible live music, great energy and memorable performances. Gather your friends and come soak in the island vibes because this is a show you don’t want to miss.
More info/tickets: Visit the TMR Events website or email to admin@tmrevents.net.
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No. 9 — Community Garage/Yard Sale (Waimea, Aug. 30)
When: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Pukalani Stables, 67-139 Pukalani Road
Don’t miss this massive community sale packed with deals and featuring more than 25 participants. Fresh produce, collectibles, live music, coffee and pastries are just some of what will be available. Keiki clothing donations also will be accepted.
More info: Contact Paniolo Preservation Society at 808-854-1541 or email to paniolo@paniolopreservation.org.
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No. 10 — Punalu‘u beach cleanup (Punalu‘u, Aug. 30)
When: 10 a.m.
Location: Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, 96-876 Government Road
Big Island community members are invited to volunteer to help clean up this special black sand beach along the southeast coastline of the Big Island in Kaʻū, clearing the beach and park areas of ʻōpala and debris washed up during Hurricane Lala. Bring gloves, rakes and garbage bags, if you have any.
More info: Visit the unofficial Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park page on Facebook.
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As promised, here are those extra 3 bonus items:
No. 11 — Puna Community Talk Story, Imu Opening & Potluck (Pāhoa, Aug. 30)
When: 2 to 5 p.m.
Location: Given upon registration
Gather with the Puna ‘ohana for conversation, connection, community and food. Intergenerational dialogue is the focus, creating space for all ages and generations to meet, listen, share experiences and discover what we can learn from one another. Bring a salad or dessert to share. Registration required.
More info/registration: Click here.
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No. 12 — Stop Scrolling & Sing! (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 3)
When: 5 to 7:45 p.m.
Location: Kona United Methodist Church Pavilion, 74-4960 Palani Road
Kona Choral Society for nearly 40 years has brought neighbors, friends and families together in song. The community is invited to discover the friendships, purpose and aloha that grow from singing together, through traditional Hawaiian, gospel, contemporary and classical music with full orchestra.
More info: Visit the Kona Choral Society website.
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No. 13 — Cat Video Fest 2026 (Hilo, Sept. 3 and 6)
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 3; 3 p.m. Sept. 6
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
Enjoy the latest and best cat videos, including unique submissions, sourced animations, music videos and more. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Big Island cats in need at Action 4 Animals, which also will host a special donation drive both days. Every little bit helps, so join the fun and help fill the Kitty Pantry!
More information/tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.
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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.
- 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
- 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/
