Entertainment

There are plenty of activities and events happening around the island during the next week, and not all of them are related to Merrie Monarch Week. Check out the top 10 things to do now!

Captivating performances from kāne celebrate 50 years of history at the Merrie Monarch Hoʻike.

“It’s a place where you can watch a kapa demonstration, see live performances from local hālau and connect with the people behind the art,” said fair co-chairpersons Taylor Escalona and Kegan Miura. “The artisans and volunteers who return year-after-year are truly the heartbeat of this event, and that aloha spirit is something you really can’t replicate anywhere else.”

The exciting work of flying robots underwater takes science, teamwork and flexibility.

Four U.S. golfers and one from Japan shoot out the rest of the 28-golfer field at the Big Island course to advance to final qualifying round at a site to be determined on the mainland.

Be sure to add theses special Hawaiian music performances to your Merrie Monarch Week itinerary, which fit perfectly into a week the celebrates all things Hawaiian.

New weeklong gathering at historic Hilo Palace Theater will feature workshops, live performances, mākeke and community event.

Hilo on the Big Island once again becomes the hula capital of the world this week with the return of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival; the 63rd installment of the weeklong celebration of everything hula and Hawaiian runs from Easter Sunday, April 5, through April 11 this year.

Annual Hoʻolauleʻa kicks off the weeklong celebration of everything Hawaiian at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 5, with competition in the ‘Super Bowl’ of hula beginning Thursday, April 9, with Miss Aloha Hula contest.

The festival, now scheduled for May 9 in Keauhou marks 25 years of honoring Kamehameha III, a visionary leader and his enduring influence on education and Hawaiʻi.

Next week is a big one for the Big Island. It’s Merrie Monarch time, celebrating all things Hawaiian. plus, it’s Easter Weekend. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

Launch window opens at 12:24 p.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time — in less than T-minus 30 minutes now — for the first crewed flight in more than 50 years to blast off on a path toward the moon.

Fourth annual Kea‘au Family Fun Day runs until 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29, and includes the state’s largest Easter egg hunt, with more than 37,000 eggs for keiki — of all abilities — to find; even the adults get to have some egg-finding fun. Plus there’s a ton of other events and activities planned throughout the day.

New trailer and poster for live-action version of beloved animated film, plus behind-the-scenes featurette highlighting film’s craftsmanship and look at making of ‘Moana,’ are available now.

The Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre is calling all performers in Hawaiʻi, ages 8 to 80, to audition for “Frozen: The Musical” at the Hilo Palace Theatre.

The free event — happening now until 3 p.m. — is open to the public and features a Maritime Career Expo and Waʻa Lauleʻa, a canoe festival or celebration; those who attend can explore waʻa and speak with crew members as well as connect with local organizations and community leaders.

Stormy weather isn’t on the guest list for any of this week’s events around the Big Island, so we enthusiastically encourage everyone to get out of the house to have some fun. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

Visitors are advised, however, to continue checking official county and state resources while confirming ahead of time directly with activity providers; officials also offer several updates and resources to find additional information.

The islands remain safe and welcoming, and after two kona lows in a week, weather conditions are expected to improve early next week; Kauaʻi and Oʻahu already are seeing improving conditions.

Martial arts, TV and movie icon Chuck Norris’s sudden passing on Kauaʻi has left the close-knit North Shore community and fans around the world in mourning.