Top 10 Free Big Island Weekend Events | February 16-19, 2023

Fingers crossed the Kona Low won’t be as bad as expected, because there are some really great, FREE Big Island weekend events this weekend!

The forecast isn’t looking so great for this weekend, making it a great time to cuddle up with your Netflix account, a bowl of corn chowder and some cocoa cracker. If you just have to get out of the house, though, there are always things to do. Keep in mind that some of the outdoor events may get canceled or postponed, so always check the linked event pages for updates before heading out. And no matter what, stay safe out there! 

Click each photo to see the event flyer in a larger format. And remember, if you’re having a great time at these free Big Island events be sure to tag us in your Instagram photos so we can share the fun with everyone! 

Free Big Island Events February 16, 2023

Ku'ikahi Mediation Center's Brown Bag Lunch Series - Hilo/Zoom - February 16

Held monthly on Third Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm via Zoom. Each month an invited speaker presents a different BROWN BAG LUNCH TALK. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session and meet others interested in “Finding Solutions, Growing Peace.” Free and open to the public. To get the Zoom link, register online HERE. For more info, call (808) 935-7844 or email [email protected].

Henry Kapono at Don's Mai Tai Bar - Kona - February 16

With 180° views of the Pacific Ocean and Kailua Bay, Don’s Mai Tai Bar in the Royal Kona Resort 75-5852 Ali’i Dr., Kona) features the Legends of Hawaiian Music concert series. Henry Kapono performs every 3rd Thursday of the month from 5-7 p.m. Be sure to get there early — seats fill up super fast! 

Free Hawai'i Island Events February 17, 2023

Ladies Artisan Market's Kona Coffee Date - Kona - February 17

Aloha Ladies! Join Ladies Artisan Market for their Kona Coffee Date! This is a great way to network and connect with other Fempire Builders! The event is Friday, February 17 from 9:30-11a.m. at Hawai’i Keiki Museum – 74-5533 Luhia Street, Kailua Kona, HI – Building D. They will be providing coffee and tea and a few treats. If you are able and would like to bring something to share as well that would be greatly appreciated. Bring a mug and your business cards and be ready to network! Learn more HERE.

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A Jaggar - Volcano - February 17

Walk back to 1939 and talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. You’ll learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up a free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. This program is subject to cancellation during inclement weather. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

When: Fridays, February 3, 10, 17 & 24 at 10 a.m. and noon. Each performance is about an hour.  

Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center, inside Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Free Hawai'i Island Events February 18, 2023

Mamao Hawaiian Cultural Program by Ku'ialuaopuna - Kea'au - February 18

Mamao is a FREE program open to all interested to learn about Hawaiian culture through the eyes of a warrior. Haumāna (students) will learn:
– Moʻolelo (stories & legends)
– Lua practices, Hawaiian warrior exercises
– Oli (chants) and Haʻa (type of dance)
– Cultural practices unique to Puna
This event will be held on January 28 from 8am to 5pm at 16-1736 34th Ave. in Kea’au. Learn more about the event HERE. Register for spring workshops HERE.

A group of men dressed as Hawaiian warriors stand atop a parade float.

Heiwa I Hawai'i - Kona - February 18-19

Te `E`a o Te Turama and Fun to Jump Kona are proud to present “Heiva I Hawai`i 2023,” February 18 – 19 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for their 10th​ year! They are excited to once again host amazing groups from all over Hawai`i Island and share the Cultural Dance and Music Traditions of their Tupuna. From riveting drum dances to melodic `Ahuroa, from Cultural Artisans to ono kine grinds this is one event you don’t want to miss. This event will be held at Hale Halawai Park in downtown Kona, 75-5760 Ali’i Dr. Learn more HERE.

Kahuku Coffee Talk: Anchialine Pools - Ka'u - February 18

Anchialine pools host one of the rarest ecosystems on earth, yet few people have ever heard of them. Hawai‘i Island is home to approximately 650 of the estimated 700 or so anchialine pools in the state. Join Aquatic Biologist Anne Farahi along with Park Ranger Dean Gallagher on a virtual visit into this hidden realm and meet the charming and endemic ʻōpaeʻula, a tiny shrimp. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’ ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs. Learn more HERE. And keep an eye on the weather on the HVNP Facebook page.

When: Saturday, February 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

 

Big Island VW Car Club Circle Island Cruise - around Big Island - February 18

The Big Island Volks annual memorial cruise is here. The car club will be traveling around Hawai’i Island in memory of all of their friends who have passed. The cruise will begin in Kona at the Lani Hau parking lot, leaving at 7am to head to Waimea. In Waimea the group will leave the Foodland parking lot at 9am, heading to Hilo. In Hilo, they’ll be heading out from the KTA parking lot at 11am, heading to Na’alehu for lunch at Punalu’u Bakery.  VW drivers can join in on the fun, and VW lovers can watch the cars as they enter or leave each parking lot. Stay safe out there! Learn more HERE.
 

Free Big Island Events February 19, 2023

Portuguese Day in the Park - Hilo - February 19

Join the Hawai’i Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce for their annual Portuguese Day in the Park. This year’s event is at Gilbert Carvalho Park at 850 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo from 9am to 1pm. Guests can enjoy live music from Hawai’i County Band and Pure Country, exhibits showcasing Portuguese language, culture, and heritage, and of course FOOD! A variety of Portuguese classics will be available for purchase, and at noon they’ll be giving out free Portuguese bean soup and milk bread that’s been baked on-site in the “forno.”

Open Mic Night at Blue Dragon Tavern - Kawaihae - February 19

Join Blue Dragon Tavern for Open Mic & Karaoke Night at the Blue Dragon hosted by Big Island musician and singer/songwriter Miles Wakefield. Whether youʻre a fan of open mic or karaoke…they’ve got you covered! Share your musical/vocal talents on our stage with a professional sound and lighting system in a beautiful open-air venue! Even if youʻre not musically inclined, enjoy some of the Big Islandʻs many talented musicians and singers…you never know whoʻs going to show up!
 
Miles will be performing his original songs with acoustic guitar, voice and harmonica. Miles has performed almost every venue on the big island as a solo entertainer and has toured extensively in Europe and California…he’s opened for many well known acts and composed over 300 songs.
Doors at 5:30pm…Open Mic & Karaoke from 6pm-10pm. No cover! Learn more HERE.

Looking for something else to do this weekend? Spend some time scrolling through our Home page and catching up on all of the new content we’ve been putting out! We’ve been working hard to bring you the best that Hawai’i Island has to offer and to make it easy to support local businesses. Interested in contributing to our site? Check out our Contributor page. Have a great weekend! 

Oh, and go vote for the best poke in Hawai’i while you’ve still got time!

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