Top 10 things to do on Big Island April 25-May 1: Third World live, ‘The Wizard of Oz Ballet,” CHVRCH, Hilo Lei Day Festival and more

Didn’t get tickets to the competition portion of this year’s 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival? Already been to the official Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair and gotten everything you wanted?

Been to some or most of the other events throughout Hilo showcasing hula and everything Hawaiian? Just looking for something different to do this weekend and after the festival ends Saturday?

The Big Island has you covered.

Third World, one of the longest-lived reggae bands of all time, is coming to Uncle Robert’s in Kalapana this Friday, featuring special guest Kumar Fyah.

Take a trip over the rainbow with West Hawai‘i Dance Theatre as it brings the classic tale of Dorothy and Toto’s journey to life through dance during “The Wizard of Oz Ballet” on Saturday at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.

Get taken to CHVRCH at The Airhouse in Hilo on Saturday night during an electrifying extravaganza that will leave you in awe and keep you dancing all night long.

And don’t forget that May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i, so mark your calendars for the 20th anniversary Hilo Lei Day Festival next Thursday, May 1, in Kalākaua Park.

That’s just the highlights.

Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for April 25-May 1.

No. 1 — Kila Drink & Food Fair (Hilo, April 24-26)

When: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Next to Ali‘i Ice Co., 21 Banyan Drive

Take a Merrie Monarch Festival side quest and get away from the crowds for a little bit to enjoy beautiful Banyan Drive, relax in the shade and take in all the good vibes while supporting some great local vendors.

More info: Call KILA drink at 808-756-5916 or find them on Facebook (Kila Drink) and Instagram (DrinksKila).

No. 2 — Third World live with special guest Kumar Fyah (Kalapana, April 25)

When: 8 p.m. to midnight; doors open at 6 p.m.

Location: Uncle Robert’s, 12-5038 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road

Reggae ambassador Third World is celebrating 51 years as one of the longest-lived reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. The band’s style has been described as “reggae-fusion.” It has been nominated for 9 Grammys and a catalogue of smash hits including “Now That We Found Love,” ”96 Degrees in the Shade” and “Try Jah Love.” Show is suitable for all ages. Tickets are $35.

More info/purchase tickets: Click here. You can also purchase tickets at the Smoothie Shack in Kalapana and Pāhoa.

No. 3 — Big Island EV Cruise and Picnic (Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, April 26)

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: 44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Highway

Join Big Island EV Association for its Earth Month celebration. Groups will start by meeting in Kona, Waimea, Waikōloa Village and Hilo before taking a scenic cruise and then being treated to a potluck picnic and talk story, during which information about the latest electric vehicles and Hawai‘i Island charging stations will be exchanged. If you’re curious about electric vehicles, this is a chance to see the latest models and learn from actual owners. Must register online. Open to the public.

More info: Contact Big Island EV Association via email at hawaiidriveelectric@gmail.com.

No. 4 — “The Wizard of Oz Ballet” (Waimea, Apri 26)

When: 4:30 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

West Hawai‘i Dance Theatre brings this classic tale to life through dance on the Kahilu Theatre stage. With the help of a few friends and her loyal canine companion Toto, Dorothy dances along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City for a visit with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz to get back to Kansas. Tickets start at $25.

More info/purchase tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theate website.

No. 5 — Tyler “Happy-Feet” Weins live (Hilo, April 26)

When: 6 p.m.

Location: Kava Republic, 301 Keawe St.

Tyler “Happy-Feet” Weins will share his beautiful music while kava and local jün flow. Come enjoy community and this amazing artist together. No cover. All are welcome. Bring your friends and family.

More info: Call Kava Republic at 808-751-2795 or follow the kava bar on Instagram.

No. 6 — PunaKat live (Hilo, April 26)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: The Booch Bar, 110 Keawe St.

The Kats are once again headed to the big city, this time for booch and sammys at their fave resturaunt for their last show on the Big Island before their mainland tour. PunaKat is a group that likes to jam. Really jam — exploratory psychedelic rock, reggae, funk with a touch of meow. Free, but tips are encouraged.

More info: Visit PunaKat’s Facebook page.

No. 7 — CHVRCH (Hilo, April 26)

When: 7 p.m. to midnight

Location: The Airhouse, 108 Kalakaua St.

Holy motherfunk! It’s an electrifying extravaganza of live music showcasing the best local talent. Immerse yourself in a dynamic fusion of vocalists, rapper emcees, talented musicians, mesmerizing aerial artists, captivating break dancers and top-notch DJs. This one-of-a-kind event that will leave you in awe and keep you dancing all night long! Tickets start at $25. Don’t wait. Sales end April 25.

More info/purchase tickets: Click here.

No. 8 — West Hawai‘i County Band free monthly concert (Kailua-Kona, April 27)

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. 9 — Dance classes (Kailua-Kona, April 29 and May 1)

When: 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays

Location: Kekuaokalani Gym, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, 75-5560 Kuakini Highway

Need somewhere to practice your grapevine, hitch, triple step or weave where partners are not required? Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation is offering beginner and beginner plus line dance classes Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sign up today.

More info: Email Linda at linedancehawaii@gmail.com.

No. 10 — Hilo Lei Day Festival (Hilo, May 1)

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Kalākaua Park, 136 Kalākaua St.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i, and in 2025, Hilo marks its 20th year of celebrating the occasion with a special festival. The festival’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate the traditional Hawaiian terminology, culture, craftsmanship and ecology of lei. There will be hula performances, a lei contest, a keiki contest and information booths. Festival co-founder Aunty Winona Beamer will also be honored. Free and open to the public.

More info: Email to info@leiday.org or click here.

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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/