Entertainment

For the first time in the history of the festival, a portion of Ali‘i Drive will remain closed all day for the celebration.

There is plenty to do around the island during the next week. If you’re looking for something else, don’t miss Jeremy Enslow’s “Strength” art show at The Exhibit in Hilo in celebration of Pride Month or the Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club’s 39th annual Show & Sale either. Plus, catch the live performance of Fourever Fab in honor of The Beatles.

Upcoming events and activities on the Big Island include a rodeo, a rubber duckie race, cultural festivals and more.

The Big Island certainly isn’t calming down heading into the summer months. In fact, it looks like the enterainment, festival, music and event scenes are heating up.

For one evening each year, at the end of May, thousands of Big Island community members gather at Reeds Bay Beach Park in Hilo during the annual Hawai‘i Care Choices Celebration of Life to launch lanterns to pay tribute to the lives lived by loved ones who passed away and how they touched the lives of others.

The long Memorial Day Weekend gives you an opportunity to check out all the events happening around the Big Island.

The diversity of events and activities happening around the Big Island during the next week, as always, is as wide as the people who call the island home.

The 14th Ka‘ū Coffee Festival returns in June providing a unique, interactive experience showcasing the diverse and award-winning coffees grown by coffee farmers in the sprawling, southern rural district of Hawai‘i Island.

It shouldn’t be difficult to find something to do with Mom this weekend. The Big Island has plenty of events planned just for Mother’s Day, from brunch to parasailing.

13 of Hawai‘i’s top bartenders showed off their creative energy as they competed head-to-head in three rounds April 28 on the Big Island.

Live music, hands-on educational science activities and demonstrations, Children’s Day celebrations, art displays, crafts and even a party for Cinco De Mayo are on tap this weekend.

The Philharmonic will perform works by Henry Mancini, Frank Sinatra, Morton Gould, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and more.

The 11th Big Island Chocolate Festival continues this weekend, culminating with the “Mystical Chocolate Masquerade” gala on Saturday at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

The Big Island again abounds with events perfect for keiki to kūpuna, including music, dancing, the chance to adopt a new furry friend and more.

Other events during the next week include a journey to the World of Trolls, mocktails and talking story at the Kona library and a festival dedicated to all things cannabis.

The producer/writer of the film said his initial goal was to produce a 20-minute short for classroom use but the story turned out to be bigger than anyone could have imagined.

Several events during the next week also invite island residents and visitors alike to strut their stuff on the dance floor to a variety of music, including swing, funk, Motown and more.

The museum, which operates as a nonprofit, opened its doors in 2022 and has been committed to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and innovation in young keiki through hands-on STEAM experiences.

Kaʻōnohikaumakaakeawe Kananiokeakua Holokai Lopes is the fourth Miss Aloha winner in the past 4 consecutive years for hula hālau Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe and the second daughter of the group’s nā kumu hula.

The Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair continues today through Saturday. The Merrie Monarch Royal Parade is Saturday. Here’s all the details.