Hula drums at sunset, a free uke jam, contact improv by the palms, and late-night open mic in Hilo. Your Monday on Hawaiʻi Island starts here.
Can you hear the pahu yet?

A soft trades breeze, a little mauka mist, and the rhythm of hula rising as the sun slides down. That’s the vibe tonight at Hula ʻOla – Weekly Hula at Hawaiian Sanctuary with Kumu Tia—lei fragrance in the air, bare feet on cool wood, and stories carried by mele.
If you’ve been itching to strum, the island’s friendliest music circle is on this afternoon: Ukulele Lessons & Participatory Jam at the Hawaiian Sanctuary Retreat Center. Lessons first, then the sweet, free-flowing jam where new friends become bandmates.
Today’s don’t-miss
Start your afternoon with that uke glow—lessons are just $10 from 2:00–3:30 PM, and the group jam is free. You’ll walk out humming as if the palms themselves were keeping time at Ukulele Lessons & Participatory Jam.
By golden hour, settle into the heartbeat of Hawaiʻi at Hula ʻOla – Weekly Hula at Hawaiian Sanctuary (4:00–5:30 PM, $10). All levels welcome—come pau hana and move with aloha.
If you’re on the leeward side, the beloved free Weekly Hula show brings classic kahiko and ‘auana to life—think graceful hands, swaying skirts, and slack-key floating on the breeze at Coronation Pavilion or along 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr. Bring your aloha and your camera.
⭐Featured Events
Choose your Monday vibe
Feeling playful and brave? Melt into momentum at Contact Improv – Warm-up into Open Jam near Kapoho, 5:00–7:00 PM (sliding scale; work trade available). Or stay for snacks and community energy at Contact Improv + Snackluck (Mondays)—same time, same flow, plus ono bites.
Craving some circus sparkle? Take your practice off the ground with Intermediate Silks with Ellen at SPACE. It’s a $15 drop-in that’ll leave your shoulders lit and your spirit lighter.

Got keiki who love to dance? Keiki Ballet w/ Rachel | Ages 5+ at SPACE keeps it fun and focused—socks, leggings, and lots of smiles.
Night owls, your stage awaits. Hilo’s Open Mic Night at 168 Keawe Street kicks off at 8 PM—free to listen, brave to share. Expect guitar strums, surprise stand-up, and that cozy, everyone-knows-your-name vibe. If you’re chasing more mele, peek at our live music events.
Local’s notes
- ●Light showers happen—pack a light jacket and a pareo for sitting on the grass.
- ●Cash is king for drop-ins (think $10–$15) and quick snacks post-class.
- ●For hula shows, slippers are fine; just arrive a bit early for the best sightlines.
- ●Bringing your ʻukulele? Toss in a tuner and a water bottle; jam sessions can roll.
- ●New to contact improv? The warm-up is guided—perfect for first-timers. Respect your body’s limits and your partner’s space.
Wherever you land today—culture, movement, music—you’re in for that easy Big Island kind of magic. Ready to build your perfect Monday? Come browse, dream, and plan more good moments with us: explore more events →
🎪Events Mentioned in This Article

Ukulele Lessons & Participatory Jam
📍Hawaiian Sanctuary Retreat Center· Pahoa

Keiki Ballet w/ Rachel | Ages 5+
📍SPACE· Pahoa

Hula ʻOla – Weekly Hula at Hawaiian Sanctuary
📍Hawaiian Sanctuary· Pahoa

Intermediate Silks with Ellen
📍SPACE· Pahoa

Contact Improv – Warm-up into Open Jam

Contact Improv + Snackluck (Mondays)

Weekly Hula
📍Coronation Pavilion· Kona

Weekly Hula
📍69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr· Kona

Open Mic Night
📍168 Keawe Street Hilo Hawaii 96720· Hilo

Yoga on the Beach with Calley O'Neill
📍Lava Lava Beach Club at Anaeho'omalu (A-Bay) Beach· Kohala

Slow Flow 6-0 Yoga with Jared Sam
📍Kalani· Pahoa

Tuesday Morning Yoga: Vinyasa or Yin Flow
📍Grow Room, Hawaiian Sanctuary· Pahoa

Farmers Market
📍250 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa· Kohala

Free Film Loop
📍Hilo Palace Theater· Hilo

He Papa Hula: Beginner Kahiko Hula Class (Tuesdays at Kalani)
📍Kalani· Pahoa
Discover More Events
Browse the full Big Island events calendar for everything happening on the island



