Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Sept. 11-17: ‘Spring Awakening,’ ‘SIX,’ World Manta Day and more
Explore every emotion everyone feels while growing up, from exhilaration to heartbreak, during “Spring Awakening: The Musical,” produced by Hilo Community Players.
Don’t miss your chance to experience “SIX” young Big Island performers take the throne in an electrifying pop musical about the wives of Henry VIII produced by Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre.
And enjoy the 5th annual World Manta Day Celebration in Keauhou through science, education and more.
Those are just a few of the events to enjoy around the Big Island during the next week.
You can also find oodles of orchids, celebrate the 35th anniversary of Kings’ Shops and have a guys night during Brews and Birdies.
Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island to find even more upcoming fun.
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No. 1 — “Spring Awakening: The Musical” (Hilo, beginning Sept. 11)
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11-12, 19, 24-26; 2:30 p.m. Sept. 13, 20, 27
Location: Keawe Theater, 280 Keawe St.
This raw, powerful story of youth, discovery and finding your voice is a groundbreaking rock musical that explores the exhilaration, confusion, rebellion and heartbreak of growing up. Set against a repressive society that leaves little room for honest conversation. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
More info/tickets: Visit the Hilo Community Players website.
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No. 2 — Kona Orchid Society Fall Show and Sale (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 12)
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Makaeo Pavilion, Kona Old Airport State Recreational Area, 75-5560 Kuakini Highway
Come find oodles of locally grown orchids and more, along with mom-and-pop growers talking story about proven growing tips and an opportunity to find select orchid-care supplies. There also will be a wide variety ot crafted merchandise for sale. Early bird admission available.
More info/tickets: Visit the Kona Orchid Society website.
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No. 3 — 5th annual World Manta Day Celebration (Keauhou, Sept. 12)
When: Noon to 8 p.m.
Location: OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 ʻEhukai St.
Everyone is invited to this free family-friendly event dedicated to the incredible world of manta rays through marine science, education, conservation and community engagement. Plus, the world premiere of a new educational manta ray segment produced by Polu Kai Media.
More info/reservations: Visit the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa website.
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No. 4 — Storytelling Workshop with Hawaiʻi novelist Alicia Upano (Hilo, Sept. 12)
When: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Location: Pacific Tsunami Museum, 130 Kamehameha Ave.
Upano’s Hilo-based novel “Everything to the Sea,” which was published nationally, follows the aftermath of a fictional tsunami. The book is a literary love story, but also a story about community, grief and rebuilding. Workshop includes a brief lecture, writing prompts and discussion, with reception to follow.
More info/RSVP: Visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum website.
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No. 5 — Kings’ Shops 35th Anniversary Celebration and Concert (Waikōloa, Sept. 12)
When: Celebration begins 4:30 p.m.; concert starts 6 p.m.
Location: Kings’ Shops, 250 Waikōloa Beach Drive
Enjoy a celebration including pre-concert activities such as hula performances, lei making and keiki activities, plus prize giveaways, then stay for the free kanikapila concert featuring Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning musicians Mark Yamanaka, Blayne Asing and Kalaʻe and Kalena. Seating is limited.
More info/RSVP: Visit the Kings’ Shops website.
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No. 6 — “SIX: Teen Edition” (Hilo, Sept. 12-13)
When: 7 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
Location: East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St.
Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived. If you haven’t seen this global phenomenon brought to the Hilo stage featuring “SIX” young Big Island performers who take the throne in an electrifying pop musical about the wives of Henry VIII, don’t miss your chance.
More info/tickets: Visit the Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre website.
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No. 7 — The Mākaha Sons (Waimea, Sept. 12)
When: 7 p.m.
Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road
Celebrate the opening of Kahilu’s 2026-27 season with The Mākaha Sons. This legendary ensemble is celebrating 50 years of defining the sound of contemporary Hawaiian music, inspiring generations through an unwavering commitment to preserving Hawaiʻi’s language, culture and traditions.
More info: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.
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No. 8 — Brews & Birdies Night (Waikōloa, Sept. 15)
When: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Virtual Golf ʻOhana, Suite J-101, Kings’ Shops, 69-250 Waikōloa Beach Drive
Hey, gents. Ready to chase birdies with a brew in hand? Join this fast-paced par 3 challenge night with a sudden death finale. Win a free 1-hour golf session. Birdies. Brews. Competition. Chaos. Let’s play! Adults only (18 years and older). Reservations required. Bring your own beverage and snacks.
More info/reservations: Call 808-229-8191. You can also follow Virtual Golf ʻOhana on social media @virtualgolfohana.
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No. 9 — 34th annual Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Falsetto and Storytelling Contest (Waimea, Sept. 16)
When: 6 p.m.
Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road
Celebrate one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most treasured traditions and honor the legacy of legendary North Kohala musician Clyde “Kindy” Sproat. Talented contestants share the stories behind their chosen mele before performing in the beautiful tradition of Hawaiian falsetto.
More info/sign up: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.
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No. 10 — Experience PTA Day (Saddle region, Sept. 17)
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Pōhakuloa Training Area, off Saddle Road at mile marker 36
Learn about U.S. Army community services and projects, tour facilities, enjoy military presentations and participate in activities during this fun, engaging and information-filled public open house. Must be 18 years old or older and provide a government issued ID.
More info/RSVP: Email to usag.hawaii.comrel@army.mil.
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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/
