Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 23-29: Hōkūleʻa Hoʻolauleʻa, 21st annual Celebration of Life and more

It’s a Memorial Day Weekend full of culture and remembrance on the Big Island.

Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia come to Hilo

Polynesian Voyaging Society announced May 12 the relaunch of its Moananuiākea Voyage — an ambitious circumnavigation of the Pacific Ocean dedicated to uniting Pacific communities and inspiring a global movement of ocean and cultural stewardship — by the end of this month.

But not before its traditional Polynesian voyaging canoes Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia made one more neighbor island port of call.

“We are honored to welcome Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia to Hilo as they embark on the next leg of the Moananuiākea Voyage,” Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in an announcement last week about the impending arrival of the canoes in Hilo.

The double-hulled wa’a and their crews will make final voyage preparations while anchored in Wailoa Small Boat Harbor, waiting for favorable weather conditions to resume their trek on the open seas around the vast Pacific Ocean during the next 3 years.

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia had to postpone their scheduled departure from Sand Island off Oʻahu until Monday, pushing their arrival in Hilo from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday.

The traditional voyaging canoes are tentatively scheduled to depart Hilo on May 30, weather permitting, for French Polynesia.

Until then, there will be opportunities for the public to interact with the canoes and their crews.

Public dockside engagements are scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. today (May 22), weather permitting, at the Grand Naniloa Hotel.

Hōkūleʻa Hoʻolauleʻa is also planned for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Wailoa Boat Harbor, on the makai side of Wailoa Bridge, near Suisan Fish Market. There will be dockside engagement, music, entertainment, food trucks and more.

Lighting up the night in remembrance of loved ones

For the past 2 decades, the Big Island community has gathered on the shores of Reed’s Bay in Hilo for a deeply meaningful afternoon and evening of remembrance and memorial of loved ones who no longer walk this earthly plane.

It has become the Big Island’s largest lantern floating event — a space for healing and unity — and now attracts more than 2,500 people every year.

Hawai‘i Care Choices is honored to host the 21st installment of its annual Celebration of Life from 3 to 7:45 p.m. Sunday at Reed’s Bay Beach Park. The event remains free and open to the public.

The program will begin with a traditional bon dance — the first of the obon season to honor those who have passed away — led by the Hilo Bon Dance Club and Tsukikage Odori Kai.

Event highlights will include:

• Luminary decorating tents.
• Food trucks.
• Special event T-shirts.
• Hula hālau and live music.
• Multi-faith blessings and prayers.
• Sunset lantern floating ceremony.

Personalized luminaries can be purchased online through Friday and will be available during the event Sunday, while supplies last. All proceeds support hospice families and community members receiving bereavement care through Hawai‘i Care Choices.

“We invite the community to come together in this day of remembrance, unity and aloha,” Hawai‘i Care Choices said in its announcement about this year’s celebration.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for the week of May 23-29.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 1 — Kona Comedy: Abby Roberge Headlines (Kailua-Kona, May 23)

When: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Kona Elks Lodge, 75-170 Hualālai Road

Start your Memorial Day Weekend off with some laughs. The hilarious stand-up comedian Abby Roberge is in Kona. Featured on “Modern Family” and starring in the Hulu movie “The Gutter,” his mix of sharp writing and personal insight delivers comedy that’s relatable and unforgettable. This is a show you don’t want to miss. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

More info/purchase tickets: Visit Eventbrite.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 2 — Stewardship at the Summit rain forest restoration (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, May 24)

When: 8:45 a.m.

Location: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center parking lot.

Help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the forests of the national park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Younger than 18 years old? Parental or guardian accompaniment with written consent is required. 

More info: Visit the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 3 — Hōkūleʻa Hoʻolauleʻa (Hilo, May 24)

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Wailoa Boat Harbor, 181 Manono St. (makai side of the Wailoa Bridge, near Suisan Fish Market)

Hilo welcomes and celebrates traditional voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia with dockside engagement, music, entertainment, food trucks and more as they make their final preparations before embarking on the next 3 years of the Pacific Ocean-wide Moananuiākea Voyage. Lihiwai Street, from Kamehameha Avenue to Banyan Drive, will be closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. A one-way traffic pattern will be in place on the portion of Banyan Drive adjacent to Liliʻuokalani Gardens.

More info: Contact the mayor’s office at 808-961-8211.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 4 — Ultimate Guacamole Contest (Kailua-Kona, May 24)

When: Noon to 3 p.m.

Location: Sam’s Hideaway, 75-5729 Ali’i Drive

Whether you’re a guacamole guru or just love tasting delicious creations, this tasty competition is for you! Don’t miss out on the fun, flavor and festivities. Bring your A (avocado) game and your best guac recipe for a chance to win an amazing prize. Winner will be announced at 3 p.m. Even if you don’t enter the contest, come enjoy all the fun!

More info: Call Sam’s Hideaway at 808-326-7267.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 5 — “The Very Hungry Enuhe” (Waimea, May 24-25)

When: 6 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Go on a journey with Prince Dance Institute’s students in this take of the beloved children’s book “A Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Follow along from egg to caterpillar — eating everything in sight and the subsequent impacts — then building a chrysallis and eventually emerging as a beautiful butterfly, a new, version of themselves, having grown from the lessons they learned. It’s sure to be a vibrant, entertaining, and transformative experience! Tickets start at $28.

More info/purchast tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 6 — 21st annual Celebration of Life (Hilo, May 25)

When: 3 to 7:45 p.m.

Location: Reed’s Bay Beach Park, 225 Banyan Drive

Hawai‘i Care Choices once again presents the Big Island’s largest lantern floating event. A deeply meaningful gathering, the celebration — free and open to everyone — provides a space for remembraance and healing, attracting more than 2,500 people each year. The event includes a traditional bon dance, multi-faith tribute to loved ones who have died, hula performances, live music and more, all culminated with the lantern release — with hundreds of lit floating lanterns personalized by the families of the loved ones they honor — at sunset on Reed’s Bay.

More info: Visit the Hawai‘i Care Choices website or follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 7 — West Hawai‘i County Band free monthly concert (Kailua-Kona, May 25)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: Hale Hālāwai Park, 75-5760 Ali‘i Drive

Comprised of local musicians from all walks of life, this civic and community band presents monthly concerts throughout the year, typically on Sunday afternoons, featuring an hour of band music from Hawaiian to film scores to marches. Concerts are free to attend; however, donations are welcome. All donations support the band.

More info: Visit the West Hawai‘i County Band website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 8 — Kūpuna Hip Hop (Hilo, May 29)

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Location: Palace Theater lobby, 38 Haili St.

The Old Dame herself is getting in the groove and invites kūpuna to do the same. This introductory dance class is for those seniors 50 years young and older who want to dance, have fun and look cool while doing it! Every Thursday through July 3, which will be a dedicated showcase day, with a performance in the lobby. No cover. Drop-ins welcome. Participants required to sign liability waiver prior to taking class.

More info/registration: Visit the Palace Theater website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 9 — “The Search for Life: A Story Told by Past, Present, Future NASA Science Missions” (Waimea, May 29)

When: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Gates Performing Arts Center, Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road

This free, ʻohana-friendly public astronomy talk with kamaʻāina and NASA program officer Megan Ansdell will take those who attend on the search for life beyond Earth in a journey through NASA’s groundbreaking space science missions, from the early glimpses of the scorching terrain of Venus to “following the water” on Mars and more. These public astronomy talks at Keck Observatory are sponsored by the Rob and Terry Ryan Foundation.

More info: Contact W. M. Keck Observatory at 808-885-7887 or communications@keck.hawaii.edu.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 10 — Silent Movie Night: “Don Q Son of Zorro” (Hilo, May 29)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Don Cesar, son of Zorro, is framed for murder while visiting Spain, and becomes the whip-wielding outlaw Don Q. This is the film that opened the historic Palace Theater in 1925! Celebrate the Palace’s 100th brithday with this special presentation accompanied by a live score on the Mighty Palace Pipe Organ performed by Walter Greenwood. Tickets are $12 presale, $15 day of the show.

More info/purchase tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

* * * * * * * * *

Check for yourself to see what’s happening around the Big Island

We admit. We can’t fit everything going on each week in our top 10. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover other events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops that pique your interest.

• 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
• Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo (on Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041333509786
• 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 (on Instagram): 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/
• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/