Ol’ Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow this morning, but that’s not stopping the cherry blossoms from blooming and ushering in spring! This weekend is full of activities at the 30th Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, as well as more community resource fairs, markets, live music, and more. And the best part is all of these Big Island events are FREE(ish).
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 2, 2023
Kona Elks Hot Dawg Extravaganza & Game Night - February 2
Every first and third Thursday of the month the Kona Elks host game night at the Lodge at 75-170 Hualalai Rd. in Kona. They also happen to host a Hot Dawg Extravaganza on the same night. Both are free to attend, with free parking, hot dogs cost $5. Everything kicks off at 4pm, with game night ending at 7pm.
Free Hawai'i Island Events February 3, 2023
Lunar New Year Celebration - Waikoloa - February 3
The Lunar New Year celebrations keep rolling in, this time at Queens’ Marketplace (69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa). Highlights of the event include nonstop entertainment and a spectacular Lion Dance. A centuries-old tradition, essential to New Year’s festivities in Hawai‘i, the colorful Chinese Lion Dancers perform acrobatic feats and leaps, interacting with the audience and parading through Queens’ Marketplace from door to door. Guests will have the chance to feed the lion to bring good luck.
A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar - Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park - February 3
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. Space is limited; pick up a free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program (park fees apply $$$). Program is subject to cancellation during inclement weather. Supported by Kīlauea DEN.
Program runs approximately one hour at 10am and 12pm. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center, 1 Crate Rim Dr., Volcano.
Trish Nālei Performs at Hilo Town Market - February 3
This weekend’s Hilo Town Market hosts Trish Nālei as their featured performer. Trish, a skilled ukulele player and soulful vocalist known for her time on Hawai’i Idol, will be heading over from Honolulu to serenade East Hawai’i crowds. Her performance serves as the backdrop to the weekly market that features artists, crafts, food vendors, food trucks, and more. The market runs from 5 to 9pm and is located 69 Waianuenue Ave.
Free Big Island Events February 4, 2023
30th Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival - February 4
It’s that time of year when spring is starting to poke its head out and put its full beauty on display. Waimea’s 30th annual celebration of the beautiful cherry blossom and its meaningful history in the Islands is this Saturday, throughout Waimea Town. There are a variety of events, with something for everyone. Take a look at our guide for the festival HERE for detailed info about the events for the day including chef’s demos, bon dances, mochi pounding, and lots more!
Revitalize Puna Activation - Pahoa - February 4
The next Revitalize Puna is set for Saturday, February 4 at Pāhoa District Park Gym. Stop by anytime between 10am and 2pm to connect with Government and community leaders working on eruption recovery and resilience projects in Puna.
County, State, and Federal leaders will be on hand to provide updates on eruption recovery and speak to challenges as well as opportunities for the Puna region. The State Department of Land and Natural Resources will be present to provide a status update on the restoration of Pohoiki Boat Ramp.
Billy Kenoi Gym is located at 15-3003 Kauhale Pl., Pahoa. Register to attend HERE.
Mākeke Maluhale Hawaiian Artisan Marketplace - Hilo - February 4
Volunteer Day: Remove Invasive Seaweed at Liliuokalani Gardens - Hilo - February 4
Thanks to UH-Hilo, DNA testing has identified a fast growing seaweed in Waihonu as invasive. Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens will start removal by hand on Saturday, February 4. If you want seaweed for your home compost heap or to feed coconut palms, bring your own buckets with lids to the gardens and help haul away what is removed from the ponds near the large bamboo patch. Learn more and RSVP HERE. Liliuokalani Gardens is located at 189 Likiwai St., Hilo.
Soul Skate featuring DJ NTU - Kona - February 4
music and lights are provided !
Note: please wear protective gear. Skate at your own risk.
Space Neighbors at Kukuau Studios - Hilo - February 4
From Corvallis Oregon, Space Neighbors wants to be your friend & neighbor, so they decided to set up a show at Kukuau Studio to get to know the people of East Hawaii & have us know them. So if you like making friends as much as the folks at Kukuau Studio do, you’ll love swinging out to 43-D Kukuau St., Hilo on Saturday, February 4 from 6 to 9pm.
Free for all ages.
Featured image via Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Facebook.
About Post Author
