Welp, this is the third soggy weekend we’re leading into, but it looks like there’s some sunshine on the way! Luckily, most of this weekend’s Big Island events are indoors, so we don’t have to worry about cancellations.
This weekend’s events feature THREE grand opening celebrations in Waikoloa (and one in Na’alehu) + TWO music classes + ONE monthly skate party for the whole family.
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 -- Friday, March 3, 2023
Kadota Liquor Sake Tasting - Hilo
Save 10% on all featured Sake! Nagurayama Gekkyu Junmai “Crescent Moon Dewazakura Dewasansan Junmai Ginjo “Green Ridge” Masumi Arabashiri “First Run” Masumi Okuden Junmai “Mirror of Truth” Kokuryu Junmai Ginjo “Black Dragon” Kokuryu Daiginjo “Crystal Dragon”
Gaymer Night - Hilo
Originally scheduled for February 17, but cancelled due to bad weather, Pride Hilo’s Gaymer Night is finally here! This UH Hilo Club invites students out for a night of gaming and a chance to get to know Pride Hilo’s officers at Campus Center’s Lava Landing starting at 5pm.
Kings' Shops Night Market - Waikoloa
Another rescheduled event, the bi-monthly Kings’ Shops Night Market was originally supposed to take place on February 10, then rescheduled to February 17, but both were cancelled due to inclement weather. The good news is that means there is a night market at Kings’ Shops almost every weekend in March! Weather permitting, there will be markets March 3, 10, 17, and 24. Visit the shopping center from 4 to 8pm to enjoy local vendors with artisan goods and #MadeOnBigIsland products, live local music, food vendors and more. Learn more and check out their special offers this month HERE.
Free Hawai'i Island Events -- Saturday, March 5, 2023
Pudgee Panda Grand Opening - Waikoloa
Pudgee Panda in the Waikoloa Plaza (68-1820 Waikoloa Rd., Waikoloa Village) will be opening the first week of March 2023! 🎉
This soft serve and frozen drink cafe will have a soft opening on Friday, March 3 from 4pm-8pm, and then their GRAND OPENING on Saturday, March 4. Doors open at noon, and the first 25 guests will receive a limited edition Pudgee Panda sticker.
In addition, they’ve partnered with Big Island Bimmerz for car meetup — all car clubs are welcome (but burning out and revving are not) from 12 to 8pm.
Goodwill Hawai‘i and Ace Hardware Grand Openings - Waikoloa
The new Waikoloa Plaza is going to be hopping this weekend with THREE grand openings! In addition to Pudgee Panda, Goodwill Hawai‘i and Ace Hardware are opening new stores:
Goodwill Hawaii: For the Grand Opening of Goodwill’s newest store and donation center located at the Waikoloa Plaza they will be hosting a blessing by Waimea’s own Kumu Micah Kamohoali‘i and Halau Na Kipu‘pu‘u, refreshments, and giveaways. The first 100 shoppers in line will receive a free gift card plus Goodwill Hawaii reusable tote bag. The event kicks off at 9:30am. Learn more HERE.
Ace Hardware: Since they had to postpone their original grand opening, they will be hosting their grand opening specials this weekend, from March 3 through 6. They’re also giving away a goodie bucket to the first 100 customers who spend $100 or more on Saturday!
Public Grand Opening of Ke Ola Pu'uhonua - Punalu'u
The public and ‘ohana are invited for a cultural experience adjacent to Punalu’u Bakeshop in Na’alehu this Saturday, March 4. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features a hula performance by Halau Hula O Leionalani at noon, music, hands on teachings by such living treasures as Uncle Chucky Leslie with his fisheries; Kupuna Linda Saffery with her lauhala and makaloa weaving; Kupuna Bully Davies with coconut weaving; and Uncle Waltah Wong with his traditional hale and more.
Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai’i, Inc. will serve free hot dogs and juice from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all guests. The organization is headed by Kawehi Ryder and Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder. Learn more HERE.
Sigh Studio of Music's Intro Music Classes - Kea'au
Create Genki Balls for Bioremediation - Hilo
Local Rotary Clubs invite volunteers to help clean Waihonu Pond with microorganisms by creating genki balls this Saturday from 1 to 4pm at Kua O Ka La Charter School.
Genki balls utilize indigenous micro-organisms to eat accumulated sludge. This technique is being tested at seven sites in Waihonu, the pond at the heart of Lili`uokalani Gardens. Genki balls will be made at Kua O Ka La Charter School (345 Makalika St., Hilo) for use in April.
Soul Skate w/ DJ NTU & DJ UPLFITER - Kona
Soul Skate DJ NTU will be joined by special guest, DJ UPLIFTER from Hilo side. So dress up in your funky attire grab your light up toys, and bring the whole ‘Ohana down to enjoy rollerskating fun!
Free Big Island Events March 5, 2023
Under the Bodhi Tree Grains Master Class - Pahoa
UTBT Chef will review methods of cooking whole grains. This demo will teach methods to produce delicious, healthy, low cost recipes using whole grains. This demo will include
1) How to cook whole grains
2) How to incorporate flavor and seasoning
3) Liquid to grain ratio
4) Cooking on stovetop, pressure cooker, rice cooker
5) Tips and tricks of grain cookery
6) Whole grain recipes
This event will be hosted from 2 to 3:30pm at Under the Bodhi Tree Under the Bodhi Tree Cafe (15-2714 Pahoa Village Rd.). 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!
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