Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 11-17: Health Care Career Expo, Puamana Farm Fest, Honoka‘a Jazz Band, Larry Hernandez Sr. Stock Car Races and more
Want to spend a couple of days chilling at a music festival in Puna?
Do you enjoy watching cars race around a dirt track?
Interested in seeing some eclectic and unique dance created and performed by people from around the Big Island?
Want to hear about some of the important conservation work being done by students and researchers in the community cultivating resilience in ecosystems and human communities?
Maybe you want to relax with some jazz and blues played by an award-winning Grammy Signature School band from the Big Island?
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Oh! Have you thought about trying to catch the Easter Bunny for a family photo before he gets too busy?
All of those are options of events and activities happening around Hawai‘i Island throughout the next week, and there are others, too.
So you shouldn’t have any problem finding something to keep you occupied — at least for an hour or 2.
Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for April 11-17.
No. 1 — Aligning with ʻĀina: Cultivating Resilient Communities (Hilo, April 10-11)
Portion of image from Facebook
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Location: University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Campus Center 301, 200 W. Kāwili St.
The 15th Annual University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Symposium is highlighting amazing conservation work, showcasing students and researchers in the community cultivating important projects for resilience in ecosystems and human communities. A silent auction is also being conducted.
Image from University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center website
When: 7 p.m.
Location: University of Hawai‘i Performing Arts Center, 200 W. Kāwili St.
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Based on the 2005 British film and mostly inspired by true events, this big-hearted extravaganza of a musical tells the story of Charlie Price, who reluctantly inherits his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Price finds inspiration in the form of Lola, an entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. The unlikely pair discover when you change your mind, you can change your world. Tickets start at $15 in advance for adults. Prices are $5 more the day of the show.
No. 3 — Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center Health Care Career Expo (Kealakehe, April 11)
Portion of screenshot from courtesy information
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Kealakehe High School gym, 74-5000 Pūohulihuli St.
More than 40 employers in the health care industry and those seeking jobs in the sector have an exciting opportunity to help alleviate some of the pain associated with the continued critical staffing shortage the sector faces, connecting to discuss career opportunities available on the Big Island. They include medical roles, support staff positions and administrative positions, plus more, at some of the island’s leading health care organizations.
More than 40 musicians and bands will provide a musical smorgasbord of symphony and sound, this year on three non-stop stages, including a new Goddess Stage featuring 10 woman musicians. You can also chill out around the campfires at night with friends new and old, and there will be food, craft vendors and keiki activities, plus more. Puna is sure to impress with talents of all kinds. Suggested donation of $30 for one day or $50 for both. No dogs and no alcohol allowed.
More info: Call 808-430-5528.
No. 5 — Melodies for Lucy (Hilo, April 11)
Portion of image from Facebook
When: 6 to 9 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Kukuau Studio, 43-D Kukuau St.
Baked Waffles Entertainment presents this reggae and blues benefit concert rockin’ lullabies for Gramma Lucy. Featuring the sounds and vibes of Schaefer, Stephen Henderson, Kalei Webster, Kona Town’s Finest and several special guests. There also will be pizzas and more to munch on. Cost is $8 at the door.
More info: Contact Kukuau Studio at 808-464-3388 or via email at kukuaustudio@gmail.com.
No. 6 — Honoka‘a Jazz Band live in concert (Waimea, April 11)
Portion of image from Kahilu Theatre
When: 7 p.m.
Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road
This award-winning student ensemble is one of just 26 Grammy Signature Schools in the nation. The band has performed throughout Hawai’i and the nation, sharing the stage with artists such as David Benoit and Marcia Ball, offering a dynamic mix of big band jazz, swing and blues. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will directly support the band. Tickets start at just $10.
No. 7 — 4th annual Larry Hernandez Sr. Stock Car Races and Hilo Motor Speedway Association 2025 Season Opener (Hilo, April 12)
Portion of image from Facebook
When: 8 a.m. gates open; 11 a.m. racing begins
Location: Hilo Oval Track, off Pana‘ewa Drag Strip, past the Hilo transfer station and Hawai‘i County Mass Transit
“Get In Da Loop” and come out for some old-school dirt track racing this weekend in memory of Hilo’s own Larry Hernandez Sr., who died April 11, 2022, at the age of 74. Hernandez was a member and supporter of the Hilo Oval Track. He also drove the No. 003 stock car and raced on the track. The memorial races also mark the first day of the 2025 Hilo Motor Speedway Association race season. Gate fee is just $10. Keiki 10 years old and younger are free.
No. 8 — Photos with the Easter Bunny (Keauhou, April 12)
Image from Eventbrite
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Keauhou Shopping Center, No. 232, 78-6831 Ali‘i Drive
Gather up all your good eggs in their holiday best and take a quick jump down to Keauhou this weekend to catch the Easter Bunny before he hops away prepare for his biggest delivery day of the year. Shopping center guests can enjoy a special visit with the Holiday Hare and capture a photo or two at Regal Keauhou in Phase Two. Event is free, but registration is necessary.
More info/registration: Click here. Call 808-322-3000 for questions.
No. 9 — Hawai‘i Island Choreographers Concert (Waimea, April 12)
Portion of image from Kahilu Theatre website
When: 5 p.m.
Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road
Enjoy an eclectic blend of dance forms — including unique creations such as a taiko drumming piece blended with contemporary dance, spoken word with movement interpretation and a mother/daughter contemporary ballet duet with live music — inspired and performed by established professional, emerging, student and youth choreographers from around the Big Island and beyond. Tickets start at $25.
No. 10 — Coffee With a Cop (West Hawai‘i communities, April 14-24)
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When: Various times
Location: Various locations
Hawai‘i Police Department Community Policing officers in West Hawai‘i are excited to get to know their neighbors. Come have a cup and meet the officers who serve your community. Conversations are informal with no agenda; topics can range from personal stories to neighborhood issues. Times, dates and locations of events are:
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 14: King’s View Café, 54-3897 ‘Akoni Pule Highway, Kapaʻau.
8 to 10 a.m. April 16: Kona Heaven Coffee, Coconut Grove Shopping Center, 75-5805 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona.
8 to 10 a.m. April 17: Kona Mountain Coffee Co., 73-4038 Hulikoʻa Drive, Kailua-Kona.
8:30 to 10:30 a.m. April 17: Mauna Lani Coffee Co., Mauna Lani Resort, 68-1330 Mauna Lani Drive, Waimea.
8 to 10 a.m. April 23: Uncle Kimo’s Coffee Shop, 76-5897 Kona Belt Road, Hōlualoa.
8 to 10 a.m. April 24: Kona Coffee & Tea, Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5588 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona.
More info: Contact Hawai‘i Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section at 808-326-4646, exts. 257, 258 or 259, or South Kohala Community Policing Section at 808-887-3080.
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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.
Nathan Christophel Nathan Christophel is a full-time reporter with Pacific Media Group. He has more than 25 years of experience in journalism as a reporter, copy editor and page designer. He previously worked at the Hawaii Tribune-Herald in Hilo. Nathan can be reached at nathan@bigislandnow.com Read Full Bio
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